Burma's National League for Democracy should consider the facts and the long term perspective when deciding whether to contest this year's election.

Snr-Gen Than Shwe's election forces him to make important choices about his own future.

While individual voices within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are heard criticizing Burma's election laws, the bloc needs to be united in calling for a free and fair poll.

AUNG NAING OO asks if Burma's new Constitution has finally succeeded in justifying the armed forces' claim to a dual role as defenders and rulers of the nation.

The regime's election law offers further evidence that the poll planned for this year will be far from free, fair and inclusive.

All is farce when it comes to Burma’s newly released election laws. However, it wasn't  unexpected. If the laws had been even a little fair, it would have been like a fantasy dream come true.

Time is running out for a genuine dialogue before the election, and the regime is moving ahead despite all appeals by democratic groups and ethnic nationalities.

If the Burmese military believes that it deserves the privilege to govern, then it should be brave enough to compete with politicians and political parties within an open and fair parliamentary framework.

 

Before Burma’s 1990 general elections, detractors of the Burmese military regime cried foul against the repressive and restrictive conditions of the polls.

 

Before Burma’s 1990 general elections, detractors of the Burmese military regime cried foul against the repressive and restrictive conditions of the polls.