News

• May 09, 2012: Myanmar poll rigging charge 'groundless': State media, The Straits Times (2012). This article discusses the investigation on claims of ballot tampering in the recent by-election. The Myanmar state media stated that the Union Election Commission (UEC) investigation team had found no evidence of ballot tampering.
• Apr 09, 2012: Myanmar by-election riven with irregularities, ruling party complains, Today Online (2012). This article discusses the complaints by Myanmar's ruling party, The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), on voting irregularities in the by-elections. It has stated that it will lodge an official complaint about a number of infringements.
• Apr 09, 2012: US Eases Some Burma Sanctions Following By-Elections, VOA News (2012). This article discusses the easing of some U.S. sanctions against Burma following by-elections in which National League for Democracy (NLD) party won 40 of the 45 seats.
• Apr 02, 2012: Burma's Opposition Party Wins By-Election in Landslide, VOA (2012). This article discusses the April 1st by-election in Myanmar. The official result is not yet released however the National League for Democracy stated that it has won at least 43 of the 44 seats it had contested.
• Mar 27, 2012: Myanmar's NLD party appeals against by-election delay in constituencies, Xinhua (2012). This article discusses the National League for Democracy (NLD)’s appeal to the government and the Union Election Commission that it would negotiate with the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) to make possible the by-elections to be held as scheduled. Myanmar's union commission announced putting off April 1 by-elections in three constituencies in Kachin state due to security concerns.
• Mar 26, 2012: Myanmar president calls for cooperation to make by-elections free, fair, Xinhua (2012). This article discusses the public speech by Myanmar’s President which called out to the government, political parties, media and voters to cooperate for a free and fair by- elections.
• Mar 26, 2012: Burma: Community Groups Form Election Monitoring Network, The Irrawaddy (2012). This article discusses the formation of a monitoring network for the April 1 by-elections by 3 Burmese civil society groups.
• Mar 26, 2012: Authorities postpone voting in three of Myanmar's constituencies, Today Online (2012). This article discusses the postponement of voting in 3 of 48 constituencies in the April 1 by-election due to security concerns.
• Mar 26, 2012: Myanmar invites international election observers, Bangkok Post (2012). This article discusses the invitation to observe by-Elections to the United States, the European Union and the United Nations. Election observers are also being sent by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
• Mar 21, 2012: Burma invites Asean observers for April elections, BBC (2012). This article discusses Burma’s invitation to foreign observers from ASEAN for the April 1 elections. The officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations stated that it had been asked to send a total of 23 delegates.
• Mar 15, 2012: Aung San Suu Kyi starts campaign over Myanmar radio, TV, Xinhua (2012). This article discusses the campaign conducted by Aung San Su Kyi through the state media. She had a 15-minute speech to present the NLD's platforms to the public over state radio and television.
• Mar 12, 2012: Burmese Democracy Leader Warns of Potential Vote Fraud, VOA News (2012). This article discusses the voters list for the by-electionsin Burma. Aung San Suu Kyi warns of possible fraud as many irregularities is found on the voter lists.
• Mar 01, 2012: Myanmar election body rejects challenge to Suu Kyi, Today Online (2012). This article discusses the rejection of a challenge to the parliamentary candidacy of Aung San Suu Kyi. The Myanmar's election commission rejected the complaint and confirmed Aung San Suu Kyi’s place on the ballot.
• Feb 27, 2012: Burma Eases By-Election Restrictions, VOA News (2012). This article discusses the statement by spokesmen from National League for Democracy that Burma has lifted of restrictions on political organizing.
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• Feb 27, 2012: UN Envoy Says Burma May Allow Election Observers, The Irrwaddy (2012). This article discusses a statement by UN human rights envoy that Burma may let foreign observers to monitor the April by-elections. International observers were rejected in 2010 and 1990 elections.
• Feb 08, 2012: Myanmar abolishes two new political parties, Xinhua (2012). This article discusses the announcement by Myanmar's Union Election Commission that two political parties have been abolished for their failure to run for at least three vacant seats in the April 1 by-elections. The political parties are Democratic Alliance Party and 88-Forces of People's Party.
• Feb 08, 2012: Suu Kyi campaigns for Burma polls as US eases sanctions, BBC (2012). This article discusses Aung San Su Kyi’s campaign for the April 1st by-election in Irrwaddy Delta. On February 6th, her candidacy was formally accepted.
• Feb 03, 2012: Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi Postpones Political Rally, VOA News (2012). This article discusses the postponement of Aung San Suu Kyi campaign rally in the central city of Mandalay.
• Jan 30, 2012: Aung San Suu Kyi draws crowds on Burma election campaign trail, BBC (2012). This article discusses Aung San Suu Kyi’s campaign ahead the April 1st by-election. The candidate visited coastal town of Dawei.
• Jan 30, 2012: Myanmar's Suu Kyi calls for changes to constitution, The Straits Times (2012). This article discusses Aung San Suu Kyi’s statement on the constitution amendment on her political trip outside Yangon.
• Jan 24, 2012: US Urges Burma to Ensure Free By-Elections, VOA News (2012). This article discusses U.S. senator’s meeting with President Thein Sein and separately with Aung San Suu Kyi. Senator John McCain stated Burma must ensure "free and fair" by-elections in April.
• Jan 24, 2012: US Calls for International Observers at Burma By-elections, The Irrwaddy (2012). This article discusses the US delegation’s request for Burmese government to allow international observers to oversee the by-elections in April.
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• Jan 18, 2012: Aung San Suu Kyi registers for Burma election run, BBC (2012). This article discusses Aung San Suu Kyi’s registration to run in by-election on April 1st. She will run in Kawhmu, southwest of Rangoon.
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• Dec 27, 2011: Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi Registers Party, Visits Parliament, VOA News (2011). This article discusses the formal registration of National League for Democracy as a political party. Party official has stated that they will contest a series of coming by-elections after the registration is formally approved.
• Dec 19, 2011: Burma’s Election Chief Vows By-Election Will Be Free and Fair, The Irrawaddy (2011). This article discusses the press conference on upcoming by-election held by the Election Commission. The chief of Burma’s Election Commission stated that the by-election is expected to be held in March 2012 and it will be free and fair.
• Dec 13, 2011: Suu Kyi's party unveils logo in Myanmar politics bid, The Straits Times (2011). This article discusses the official logo of the National League for Democracy (NLD). The image is of a fighting peacock gazing at a white star.
• Dec 13, 2011: Myanmar opposition granted as legal political party, Xinhua News (2011). This article discusses the legal political party re-registration of the National League for Democracy. NLD registered with 21 members.
• Dec 07, 2011: Myanmar: Suu Kyi seeks MP seat in Yangon, The Brunei Times (2011). This article discusses the possibility for Aung San Suu Kyi to participate in a by-elections in southern Yangon.
• Nov 28, 2011: Myanmar: Mon Parties Form Coalition, The Irrawaddy (2011). This article discusses the formation of coalition by All Mon Regions Democracy Party (AMDP) and the Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF) to prepare for future elections in Mon State.
• Nov 22, 2011: Aung San Suu Kyi to Run for Burma Parliament, VOA News (2011). This article discusses a statement from member of the National League for Democracy's executive committee that Aung San Suu Kyi will run for one of the 48 seats available in Myanmar's new Senate.
• Nov 17, 2011: Asean summit to spotlight Myanmar, maritime dispute, The Straits Times (2011). This article discusses the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Bali, Indonesia which will spotlight the South China Sea territorial dispute and reform review in Myanmar.
• Nov 15, 2011: Myanmar moving in right direction, freed democracy activist says, CNN (2011). This article discusses the statement from Aung San Suu Kyi on Myanmar’s progress toward political reforms and the possibility for the National League for Democracy to register the party with election officials and stand candidates for election.
• Nov 14, 2011: Myanmar needs to reform more, says Clinton, Asean Affairs (2011). This article discusses the statement from U.S. Secretary of State on the the APEC summit on the support of reform in Myanmar and the hope to see the people able to participate fully in the political life.
• Nov 14, 2011: Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi 'Likely’ to Run in Burma By-Election, VOA News (2011). This article discusses the possibility of Aung San Suu Kyi to be a candidate in the by-election. The participation is possible following the change to party registration laws.
• Nov 07, 2011: Myanmar parliament enacts party registration law, Xinhua (2011). This article discusses the enactment of the Party Registration Law amendment. The amended law deletes the clause which prevent convict from being a party member.
• Nov 01, 2011: Myanmar: NLD and Allies Discuss Party Registration, The Irrawaddy (2011). This article discusses the meeting on political party registration between the National League for Democracy (NLD) and its pro-democracy allies. Aung San Suu Kyi stated that the registration decision can be made after the law is approved and enacted. According to the new law, a political party have to contest three constituencies in by-elections or general elections in order to be recognized as a legitimate party.
• Oct 31, 2011: Myanmar: Suu Kyi could seek Parliament seat, Today Online (2011). This article discusses the possibility of Aung San Suu Kyi to be a candidate in the Parliament by-election.
• Oct 31, 2011: Myanmar: Amendments to Political Party Law Approved, The Irrawaddy (2011). This article discusses the approval of political party law amendments by Myanmar’s Lower House of Parliament. In the amendment clause titled “Preservation of the Constitution” will be replaced by “Respect and Obedience of the Constitution”, the clause which prohibits “anyone convicted by a court of law from joining a political party” will be removed, and the amendment for a political party to be recognized as long as it has contested at least three constituencies in by-elections.
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• Oct 18, 2011: Myanmar: Ethnic Parties Back Suu Kyi to Contest Election, The Irrawaddy (2011). This article discusses a joint statement issued by The Nationalities Brotherhood which represents five ethnic parties to urge Aung San Suu Kyi to form legitimate political party to contest 2015 general election. The statement also call out the government to form a peace committee which includes representatives from ethnic parties to resolve conflicts in eastern and northern of Myanmar.
• Oct 13, 2011: Myanmar: Political Party Bill Goes to Parliament, The Irrawaddy (2011). This article discusses the submission of proposal to discuss the Bill Amending Political Parties Registration Law. The proposal suggests three changes; to replace the clause titled “Preservation of the Constitution" with "Respect and Obedience of the Constitution”, the removal of clause “anyone convicted by a court of law from joining a political party”, and to amend clause that “each political party must have contested a minimum of three seats in the previous general election” with “that a political party must have contested at least three constituencies in by-elections”.
• Oct 13, 2011: Burma frees dozens of political prisoners, BBC (2011). This article discusses the freeing of about 200 political prisoners by the Myanmar government. The political prisoners consist of journalists, pro-democracy activists, government critics, monks and members of Burma's ethnic groups.
• Sep 08, 2011: UN chief Ban Ki Moon urges Myanmar to fulfil reform pledges , The Straits Times (2011). This article discusses report released by the United Nations office in Yangon dated 5 August. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon welcomed pledges of reform by Myanmar's government, but the detention of political prisoners undermines confidence in the regime.
• Aug 23, 2011: Burma's Democracy Leader Encouraged by Meeting With President, VOA (2011). This article discusses the meeting conducted by Aung San Suu Kyi with Myanmar’s President Thein Sein on August 19, 2011.
• Aug 01, 2011: Myanmar sets Aug. 22 as 2nd parliamentary sessions date, Xinhua (2011). This article reports the second regular sessions of the Union Parliament, Parliament House of Representatives (Lower House) and Parliament House of Nationalities (Upper House) that will be held on August 22. Post-election period gathering between Myanmar's Union Election Commission and political parties leaders were held on July 27 in which the commission addressed observance of state constitution, regulations, and orders.
• Jun 30, 2011: Myanmar tells Suu Kyi to stay out of politics, Channel News Asia (2011). This article discusses reports from Myanmar state media regarding Myanmar’s home affairs ministry which has stated that Aung San Suu Kyi’s party’s activities had broken the law.
• Jun 21, 2011: Myanmar's Suu Kyi to deliver message to US Congress, Channel News Asia (2011). This article discusses Myanmar's Suu Kyi to deliver remarks to US congressional committee to raise awareness of human rights and to discuss 2010 Myanmar election.
• Feb 18, 2011: Myanmar junta figure to chair election body, Today Online (2011). This article discusses the appointment of the new Myanmar Election Commission head.
• Feb 16, 2011: Myanmar parliament to touch on setting up of new union election commission, Xinhua News (2011). This article discusses the set up of new union election commission to function on the future general elections, while a proposal of seven members of the commission was submitted to the union parliament session.
• Feb 14, 2011: Myanmar top leader stresses building of new democracy system, Xinhua News (2011). This article discusses statement by Myanmar leader Than Shwe on the democracy system adopted in Myanmar on 64th Union Day.
• Feb 14, 2011: Myanmar: Investigations into Election Irregularities Put on Hold, The Irrawaddy (2011). This article discusses the suspension of all legal cases submitted by political parties by the Burma Election Commission.
• Feb 07, 2011: Myanmar PM Thein Sein is new president, CNN (2011). This article discusses the election of Myanmar new Preseident General Thein Sein by the parliament.
• Feb 07, 2011: Burma to elect first 'civilian' president in decades, BBC (2011). This article discusses the presidential election in the Myanmar parliament among three candidates from USDP party which won majority in November elections.
• Feb 02, 2011: Myanmar Parliament begins choosing President, Vice-Presidents, Today Online (2011). This article discusses candidates nominees for the presidential elections in the Myanmar parliament.
• Feb 01, 2011: Myanmar: 'A step towards democratic change' , Today Online (2011). This article discusses the composition of the Lower House and Upper House of Myanmar parliament and the election of legislative officers.
• Jan 31, 2011: Myanmar's Suu Kyi launches party website, Channel News Asia (2011). This article discusses the launch website of National League for Democracy (NLD) party in Myanmar.
• Jan 31, 2011: Burma's parliament opens new session, BBC (2011). This article discusses the opening of new parliament in Myanmar after the 2010 November elections.
• Jan 26, 2011: Burma's Half-baked Presidential Election, The Irrawaddy (2011). This article discusses the Presidential and Vice-presidential Electoral Law and Bylaw which detailed process to elect and select three vice-presidents, and to elect a president.
• Jan 24, 2011: Burma's Disciplined Democracy, The Irrawaddy (2011). This article discusses the public distribution of of 17 books outlining laws and bylaws which includes rules for electing president, vice-presidents, the national and regional parliaments, and Union and regional governments.
• Jan 21, 2011: Myanmar announces nomination of parliament representatives from military, Xinhua News (2011). This article discusses announcement by Myanmar Election Commission on lists for nomination of parliamentary representatives from the military.
• Jan 19, 2011: Myanmar court to consider Suu Kyi party appeal, Channel News Asia (2011). This article discusses Aung San Suu Kyi's appeal against the dissolution of her political party on January 24 at the Supreme Court.
• Jan 18, 2011: Asean says Burma sanctions should be dropped, BBC (2011). This article discusses the call from Asean foreign ministers to drop sanctions against Myanmar and statement that the 2010 elections had warranted positive international response despite critics from analysts.
• Jan 13, 2011: Myanmar: Freed Burmese Democracy Icon Seeks to Revive Party, The Jakarta Globe (2011). This article discusses Aung San Suu Kyi’s appeal to the Myanmar Supreme Court to revive National League for Democracy party which lost its legal status in 2010.
• Dec 08, 2010: Myanmar voter turnout 77%: state media, Channel News Asia (2010). This article discusses report of voter turnout of 77% in Myanmar November 7 election as stated by Myanmar State Media.
• Nov 29, 2010: UN Special Envoy Visits Myanmar, ASEAN Affairs (2010). This article discusses United Nations envoy to visit Myanmar to monitor political situation following the November 7 general election, in which in the visit meeting will be scheduled with Myanmar government officials and Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Nov 24, 2010: Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi's lawsuit against junta rejected, Australia News Network (2010). This article discusses Myanmar’s Supreme Court rejection for Aung San Suu Kyi's lawsuit on dissolving National League for Democracy party.
• Nov 22, 2010: UN condemns Myanmar poll, human rights abuses, The Brunei Times (2010). This article discusses the UN General Assembly Committee’s resolution which condemned the Myanmar elections and regret there were no step to ensure free, fair, transparent and inclusive electoral process.
• Nov 16, 2010: Aung San Suu Kyi vows to probe Burmese election rots, The Australian (2010) This news article is about the freed Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Ms Suu Kyi has risked the ire of the Burmese military regime and raised questions about Burma's recent elections, and vowed to investigate and report any rorts.
• Nov 16, 2010: Burma's evolving opposition, BBC (2010). This article discusses the political landscape in Myanmar after the November 7 elections and release of Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Nov 15, 2010: Generals’ election in Myanmar won’t change anything, The Jakarta Post (2010) This article discusses the integrity of the parliamentary elections in Burma (Myanmar). The author criticizes the "theatrical nature" of these past elections, and consider them more a "marketing" campaign than a real step towards democracy.
• Nov 15, 2010: Myanmar announces more series of election results, Xinhua (2010) This article reports on the vote counting operations in Myanmar. The Myanmar Union Election Commission is gradually announcing the results of the parliamentary elections. So far, of the 137 seats announced, the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party won 111. On November 7, 29 million people across the country were declared eligible voters.
• Nov 10, 2010: Pro-military party 'wins' Burmese election, BBC (2010). This article discusses the statement of the result of Myanmar elections with A Union Solidarity and Development Party wins 80% of votes although announcement of official result is still unclear.
• Nov 08, 2010: Border unrest reported after Burma poll, Australia Network News (2010). This article discusses conflict between Myanmar Karen rebels and the Myanmar military on the town of Myawaddy after the November 7 elections.
• Nov 08, 2010: Burma under post-election state of emergency, Australia Network News (2010). This article discusses post-election situation in which Myanmar is placed under state of emergency which ban political gathering and soldiers to leave military for three months.
• Nov 08, 2010: Myanmar counts votes in poll marred by fraud fears, Channel News Asia (2010). This article discusses the vote counting process in Myanmar November 7 elections.
• Nov 08, 2010: Western states dismiss Burma's election, BBC (2010). This article discusses Western states statement on Myanmar election which is described not free and not fair.
• Nov 08, 2010: Polls open in Myanmar for first election in 20 years, CNN (2010). This article discusses the security and participation situation on polling day on Myanmar elections.
• Nov 05, 2010: Myanmar opposition accuses pro-junta party of election fraud, Channel News Asia (2010). This article discusses accusation by two Myanmar opposition parties to Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) of cheating and threatening voters.
• Nov 05, 2010: Burma hit by massive net attack ahead of election, BBC (2010). This article discusses internet attack that have been happening in Myanmar since October 25 ahead of the November 7 elections.
• Nov 05, 2010: Burma prepares for elections, Australia Network News (2010), This article discusses situation of voters and candidates in Myanmar as the country prepares for the November 7 elections.
• Nov 05, 2010: Myanmar heads toward controversial elections, CNN (2010) This article discusses the possible outcomes of the Sunday elections in Myanmar. The preparations of the first elections in two decades have been marred by controversies. The military junta, for example, refused to invite international monitors to observe the elections and changed the constitution to reserve 100 seats of the parliament to military candidates.
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• Nov 02, 2010: Burma warns against poll boycott, BBC (2010). This article discusses the urged to vote in Myanmar November 7 elections as stated in Myanmar state run media in response to the growing calls for boycott.
• Nov 02, 2010: Myanmar: No voting for minorities, The Straits Times (2010). This article discusses the cancellation of voting for the November 7 elections in village tracts in several townships in Myanmar.
• Nov 02, 2010: Myanmar's polls a headache for ASEAN, Asia Times (2010). This article discusses ASEAN countries divisions on response to Myanmar’s November 7 elections.
• Oct 29, 2010: Myanmar: Election Commission Video Misstates the Law, The Irrawaddy (2010). This article discusses voter education videos on advance voting featured by Myanmar Election Commission.
• Oct 29, 2010: Burma minorities protest over vote blacklist, Australia Network News (2010). This article discusses villagers from Shan, Karen and Mon minority groups who called out to boycott the November 7 Myanmar elections.
• Oct 29, 2010: Myanmar may free Suu Kyi after polls, Channel News Asia (2010). This article discusses comments during the ASEAN meeting on the possibility of Aung San Suu Kyi’s release after November 7 elections.
• Oct 27, 2010: Myanmar: Free and fair ? Australia Network News (2010). This article discusses the conditions and outcomes of the November 7 Myanmar elections.
• Oct 27, 2010: Myanmar: Election Boycott Leaflets Distributed, The Irrawaddy (2010). This article discusses distribution of leaflets for the right not to vote by young members of National League for Democracy (NLD).
• Oct 27, 2010: Myanmar: Election Postponement Demanded in Cyclone-hit Region, The Irrawaddy (2010). This article discusses the call to postponed the November 7 elections in region hit cyclone in Myanmar.
• Oct 27, 2010: Myanmar: Still Time to Make Election Inclusive, Says Ban, The Irrawaddy (2010). This article discusses statement by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for an inclusive Myanmar elections in joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajjiva.
• Oct 27, 2010: RI maintains struggle against defiant Myanmar, The Jakarta Post (2010). This article discusses Indonesia to continue to call out for a more transparent process in the November 7 Myanmar elections.
• Oct 25, 2010: UN casts doubt over Burma election, BBC (2010). This article discusses report from United Nations human rights envoy to Myanmar regarding legitimacy of the elections.
• Oct 21, 2010: Myanmar: ASEAN to call for vote, The Straits Times (2010). This article discusses the call for free, fair, and inclusive elections for Myanmar as stated in the draft statement of the East Asia Summit (EAS).
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