Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will re-enter Burmese politics and run for parliament in a by-election, raising hopes among pro-democracy supporters that Burma is progressing toward substantial political reforms after years of tight-gripped rule.

There is speculation that the Burmese government wants to reach out to Suu Kyi and establish a consensus with her in order to use her influence to persuade the West to lift sanctions on Burma. The government also likely hopes to improve its image abroad while consolidating its power at home.