Burma: Suu Kyi's Party Can Run

Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy will officially return to mainstream politics in Burma after a two-decade absence, as the government today approved the NLD to run in upcoming elections. And, though Suu Kyi would not confirm it, a party rep says the opposition leader is herself planning to run in by-elections set for April 1. Candidate lists must be submitted by Jan. 31.

The NLD has been out of mainstream politics since the then-ruling military junta refused to accept the party's victory in the 1991 elections. The NLD then boycotted last year's general elections over restrictions, including one that kept Suu Kyi from running. But a nominally civilian government was voted in during those elections; it has since loosened restrictions and begun working with Suu Kyi, the AP notes.