The Irrawaddy recently interviewed Dr. Than Nyein, a former leader of the now-defunct NLD who will lead a small group of other former NLD leaders to found a new political party and contest the election.

The Irrawaddy recently interviewed the vice-chairman of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Tin Oo, who was formerly the chief of staff of Burma's armed forces.

Dr. Manan Tuja, the former KIO vice chairman, discusses the policies and goals of the newly formed Kachine State Progressive Party.

The National Unity Party, a spin-off of the former Burmese Socialist Programme Party, is interviewed by The Irrawaddy on the upcoming national election.

Though Aung San Suu Kyi has publicly said she is against her party registering, the party leadership remains divided.

The Irrawaddy editor Aung Zaw recently interviewed US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell.

South African Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu sends a message to Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying he looks forward “to join you in your celebrations when you, my sister, are inaugurated as the true, freely elected leader of Burma.”

Thu Wai, one of the founders of the new Democratic Party, looks at the upcoming election and his party's plan to engage the regime in the new parliament.

The chairman of the newly formed Democratic Party gives his views on the proposed election, the military government's role and the party's activities.

“At this point, if we turn our back on the 1990 election results and talk about taking part in the 2010 election, the NLD will be shamed,” U Win Tin tells The Irrawaddy.