Myanmar election: Suu Kyi returns to her district for campaign rally

Myanmar election: Suu Kyi returns to her district for campaign rally

YANGON — Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi held a rally in the township of Kawhmu Monday, marking her first visit to her electoral district since the campaign season kicked off Sept. 8.

     A new government is crucial for real change, said Suu Kyi, head of the National League for Democracy. In a campaign speech, she argued that Myanmar as it is now is not a true democracy. While she acknowledged the NLD candidates’ relative obscurity, she called on voters to choose candidates based on party affiliation.

     The Nov. 8 election will be the first involving both chambers of Myanmar’s legislature since the country’s transition to democracy began in spring 2011. It is expected to be a hard-fought battle between the NLD and the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party.

     Suu Kyi won a spring 2012 by-election for the seat of Kawhmu in the lower house.

Myanmar election: Suu Kyi returns to her district for campaign rally