Myanmar's Suu Kyi says campaign will continue despite "irregularities"
Reuters
2012-03-30
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Elections season draws to a close in Myanmar.
Despite what she calls "irregular" and "illegal" aspects to the election, Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi says her party will continue their election campaign.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY LEADER AUNG SAN SUU KYI SAYING:
"I have been saddened by the fact that the government and the election commission have not been as firm as they might have been with regards to the irregular, and at times illegal, activities that have been taking place."
The long-time standard-bearer for democracy in Myanmar, is taking a leap of faith in running for parliament on Sunday, representing the National League for democracy or NLD.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY LEADER AUNG SAN SUU KYI SAYING:
"While we recognize that even in well-established democracies there are irregularities and misdemeanors when elections take place, what has been happening in this country is really beyond what is acceptable for democratic elections. Still, we are determined to go forward because we think this is what our people want."
Her party's participation in this weekend's by-elections marks a change of heart for the Nobel Peace Prize winner who repeatedly rebuffed the military's attempts to bring her into a political apparatus in which it dictated the terms.
On the streets of Yangon there is an air of excitement over the elections.
15. (SOUNDBITE) (Burmese) NLD SUPPORTER DAW SAN SAN MYINT SAYING:
"I am really happy to have this opportunity because we had to wait so long to get here and we pray that the NLD will win."
For Sunday's by-elections, the government has invited a small number of election observers including five from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. International news organizations are also welcome to cover the process.
If the by-elections are deemed free and fair, it could persuade the West to start to lift economic sanctions imposed under the junta.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
Despite what she calls "irregular" and "illegal" aspects to the election, Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi says her party will continue their election campaign.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY LEADER AUNG SAN SUU KYI SAYING:
"I have been saddened by the fact that the government and the election commission have not been as firm as they might have been with regards to the irregular, and at times illegal, activities that have been taking place."
The long-time standard-bearer for democracy in Myanmar, is taking a leap of faith in running for parliament on Sunday, representing the National League for democracy or NLD.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY LEADER AUNG SAN SUU KYI SAYING:
"While we recognize that even in well-established democracies there are irregularities and misdemeanors when elections take place, what has been happening in this country is really beyond what is acceptable for democratic elections. Still, we are determined to go forward because we think this is what our people want."
Her party's participation in this weekend's by-elections marks a change of heart for the Nobel Peace Prize winner who repeatedly rebuffed the military's attempts to bring her into a political apparatus in which it dictated the terms.
On the streets of Yangon there is an air of excitement over the elections.
15. (SOUNDBITE) (Burmese) NLD SUPPORTER DAW SAN SAN MYINT SAYING:
"I am really happy to have this opportunity because we had to wait so long to get here and we pray that the NLD will win."
For Sunday's by-elections, the government has invited a small number of election observers including five from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. International news organizations are also welcome to cover the process.
If the by-elections are deemed free and fair, it could persuade the West to start to lift economic sanctions imposed under the junta.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
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