Aung San Suu Kyi campaigns for parliamentary by-elections

Chairwoman of Myanmar’s National League for Democracy (NLD), Aung San Suu Kyi, waves to supporters during her tour of canvassing for vote in Kawhmu township, constituency of Yangon region, Myanmar, Feb. 11, 2012. (Photo: Xinhua)

Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Myanmar ‘s opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), on Saturday started parliamentary by-election campaign in her constituency.

Suu Kyi is to contest in Kawhmu township in Yangon region as a candidate of her party with Dr. U Soe Min, candidate of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), for a seat of the House of Representatives in the April 1 by-elections.

There are 48 vacant seats put up for contest in 10 regions or states including 40 seats of the House of Representatives, 6 seats of the House of Nationalities and 2 seats of region or state parliament.

Both NLD and USDP have fielded candidates to run for all vacant seats, while other 15 political parties will contest for a part of seats.

The NLD boycotted the November 2010 general election, the first multi-party poll since 1990, by refusing to register under the party registration law enacted by then military junta.

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