These are clear signals that the Nobel laureate will be able to return to active politics and that the government of former military junta leaders will not place any obstacles on her way to electoral politics. While whether she would be able to hold an elected office should remain confined to the realm of speculation as of now, there can be no doubt that her voice will be heard and respected in the corridors of power henceforth.  

Since August, when Suu Kyi – Thein Sin meeting took place, the government has freed some high profile political prisoners, eased restrictions on the media, and ended curbs on trade union activity. It has also dropped plans for a controversial hydroelectric power project on the Irrawaddy which the Chinese were to build. Aung San Suu Kyi backed villagers, who opposed the project, and this was some thing that could not be imagined some months earlier for a leader who was held behind bars for15-long years and denied the fruits of a popular election. Only one year back, the National League for Democracy was legally disbanded under the new constitution. And on its part the party invited the ban by boycotting the general elections after Suu Kyi was not allowed to stand for election. All this now is history.

As Shwe Mann rightly said, both sides have ‘to work together as unity is strength’. NLD spokesman Nyan Win said the party would contest all vacant seats in an upcoming by-election; Suu Kyi would soon zero in on the constituency of her choice.

Though no dates have yet been set for the by-elections, Election Commission chairman Tin Aye is quoted as saying last week that there would be a three-month window for campaigning in the by-election. Ninety-days are a fairly sufficient time for electioneering even in Myanmar.