Myanmar is to hold by-elections on April 1, state media announced, which

Myanmar is to hold by-elections on April 1, state media announced, which could propel democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi into the army-dominated parliament.

“The by-election will take place on Sunday April 1, 2012,” said an announcement by the Union Election Commission, read out on state radio and television.

Suu Kyi, who officially registered her opposition party earlier this month, has already said she intends to stand in the polls.

Her National League for Democracy (NLD) was given the green light by authorities to rejoin mainstream politics earlier this month, but is waiting for official approval of its application.

Suu Kyi, 66, spent much of the past two decades in detention and was released from house arrest a few days after a controversial November 2010 general election.

The upcoming vote will offer her an opportunity to seek to enter a parliament that remains dominated by allies of the former military government.

Those who wish to take part will need to register between January 16 and 31, according to the Union Election Commission announcement.

Source AFP