Opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has said her party would contest the national election on November 8, ending months of uncertainty about the participation of National League for Democracy (NLD) in the crucial poll.
The decision was made following a party meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw on July 11. Daw Suu will run in the constituency of Kawhmu, a town outside of Yangon.
Myanmar announced November 8 as the date for the historic general election, now set to be the first national poll contested by the NLD in 25 years.
Daw Suu told a press conference said that although her opposition party does not believe the upcoming would be free and fair, her party’s candidates will contest for most of the parliamentary seats.
“Our intention to enter elections is to continue the unfinished democratic reform process of the country,” she said.
The NLD’s Central Committee will decide which members will run as parliamentary candidates.
“Capability, here, means the ability to serve the people and the country. It does not only define their education,” said Daw Suu, adding that a detailed plan will be publicized in NLD’s media outlet D-Wave weekly journal.
The NLD will have to consider who to appoint at president, should her party win the majority, as the 2008 Constitution bans her from the presidency, and attempts to amend it in parliament have failed.
Daw Suu told Mizzima that NLD’s parliamentarians will continue their main tasks of charter amendment, pursuing the rule of law and bringing about a national ceasefire.
NLD to contest November elections
12 July 2015
NLD to contest November elections