MYANMAR: Pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi campaigns in Mon state, emphasising the importance of national reconciliation and the amendment of unnecessary laws in parliament

Record ID: 346516

  • Title: MYANMAR: Pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi campaigns in Mon state, emphasising the importance of national reconciliation and the amendment of unnecessary laws in parliament
  • Date: 12th March 2012
  • Summary: TWY TAUK VILLAGE, NEAR MAWLAMYAING, MON STATE, MYANMAR (MARCH 11, 2012) (REUTERS) PEOPLE GATHERING TO SEE PRO-DEMOCRACY LEADER AUNG SAN SUU KYI AND DANCING AT TWAY TAUK VILLAGE 6 MILES AWAY FROM MYAWLAMYAING TOWNSHIP
  • Embargoed: 27th March 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Myanmar, Myanmar
  • Country: Myanmar
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAXECIZAWT62U24LYU56343VZH
  • Story Text: Myanmar pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi drew a large crowd during an election campaign stop at Tway Tauk village near Mawlamyaing township, Mon state on Sunday (March 11).
    Her National League for Democracy boycotted the 2010 national election but is contesting a number of by-elections now.
    Speaking about the issue of national reconciliation she told supporters: "National reconciliation of a country will not happen through legislation. It can only be with the participation of the people. So, I would like to tell the people here in Mon state to try to get national reconciliation by regarding it as a citizen's responsibility, because you all can live together regardless of religion and nationality."
    She appealed to supporters to back her party so it can try to make a start on reform.
    "The NLD party needs as many seats as we can in parliament so we can try to abolish unnecessary laws which are pressing down on the people. We can make laws which can help the development of the people and we have to amend the constitution. The most important thing is we will try to listen to the peoples' voice," she said.
    But Suu Kyi said Myanmar has a long way to go before it becomes a genuine democracy and she warned the former military junta could return. "Actually, we don't have a real democracy in this country and also it is not sure if the military junta would come back or not," added Suu Kyi.
    Thousands of supporters have turned to see Suu Kyi on the campaign trail around the country.
    At the Tway Tauk rally 63-year-old Daw Ladu said: "I support her because I think she can do good things for our country."
    Another supporter, 26-year-old Lin Htike San said: "As a youth, I think she can do good for education and economy with international standards."
    Despite Suu Kyi's popularity the NLD has limited funds and campaign experience. Suu Kyi is almost certain to win in her constituency but it is unclear how the NLD will fare elsewhere.
    The NLD must compete with the Union of Solidarity and Development Party which enjoys big spending power, a parliamentary majority, and close connections with the former ruling military junta, remnants of which dominate the civilian government.
    The by-elections due to take place on April 1 will decide the fate of 48 vacant seats, most of them in the lower house.
    The polls could be the last hurdle to lifting most European Union sanctions provided they are free and fair, European Union lawmakers said in February.
    Myanmar's rulers have been told in recent months that transparent elections in April would strengthen their case for such a move.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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