Real progress towards peace and political stability must be nurtured through dialogue and participation by all interested parties. The bid by Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, for a seat in the country's Parliament in a by-election to be held on April 1, is a boost to the credibility of the government's reform initiatives.
It comes at a time when the military-backed administration is tentatively trying to increase democratic participation in the government and restore its international relations. They have released political prisoners and struck peace deals with rebels, among other initiatives that have been welcomed by the international community.
It is also important that Suu Kyi is taking part in an election that can provide a more formal measurement of her support. Even the most popular and principled must be tested in substantially free and fair elections to ensure the legitimacy of their voice and their credibility as leaders.
