Aung San Suu Kyi's bid for a seat in parliament in April 1 by-elections is the latest dramatic development in Burma which is undergoing sweeping reforms following decades of repression.
The following are key events in the nation, formerly known as Burma, since the end of almost half a century of military rule last year, following a controversial November 2010 election won by the junta's allies.
2011
March 30: Outgoing premier Thein Sein, a former general, is sworn in as president. The junta is dissolved and Senior General Than Shwe retires after almost two decades in power. The West slams the changes as purely cosmetic.
July 6: Crowds of supporters greet Suu Kyi on her first trip outside Yangon since her release from house arrest.
July 25: Suu Kyi meets with a minister of the new nominally civilian government for the first time.
August 15: The United States says it is "encouraged" by signs of a thaw between the opposition leader and the new government.
August 19: President Thein Sein meets with Suu Kyi for the first time.
September 6: Burma forms a National Human Rights Commission following a UN request to probe alleged abuses.
September 9: Derek Mitchell, the first US coordinator for policy on Burma, visits the capital Naypyidaw.
September 18: Suu Kyi tells AFP in an interview that she sees "positive" developments in Burma but there is still a long way to go.
September 30: Burma suspends a controversial Chinese-backed dam project in northern Kachin state in a rare concession to public opinion.
October 12: One of the country's most famous dissidents, comedian Zarganar, is among 200 political prisoners released as part of a mass amnesty.
November 17: Southeast Asian leaders agree to allow Burma's military-backed government to chair the ASEAN regional bloc in 2014.
November 18: The NLD decides to officially re-register as a political party and participate in upcoming by-elections.
November 19: Talks are organised between the government and several ethnic groups fighting a long-running struggle for autonomy and rights.
November 30: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in Burma on the first top-level US visit for half a century.
Suu Kyi says she hopes to run for parliament in the by-elections.
December 1: Clinton tells President Thein Sein the US is "encouraged" by reform steps in historic talks with the new leadership.
December 2: Burma authorities agree a ceasefire with a major ethnic guerrilla group, the Shan State Army South. Thein Sein signs a bill allowing citizens to protest peacefully if they have permission.
2012
January 5: Suu Kyi's party receives formal approval to contest the April 1 by-elections. The European Union says it will open an office in Burma to manage aid programmes and play a "political role".
January 6: British Foreign Secretary William Hague says Burma may be "on the cusp of a new era" and calls for further reforms during historic visit.
January 12: Burma's government signs a ceasefire with a major ethnic Karen rebel group mired in one of the world's longest-running civil conflicts.
January 13: The regime releases more than 300 political prisoners in a move hailed by the international community. The United States announces it will restore full diplomatic ties.
January 23: The European Union agrees to ease some sanctions
January 29: Suu Kyi is greeted by huge crowds in Dawei, southern Burma, in her first political trip outside Yangon since declaring she would stand for office in April 1 by-elections.
February 23: Suu Kyi campaigns in the conflict-riven far north in a bid to bolster support among ethnic minorities.
March 8: Suu Kyi says dead people are appearing on voter rolls.
March 14, 2012: Suu Kyi calls for "freedom from fear" and further moves towards democracy in her first televised campaign speech.
March 21: Burma invites overseas election observers.
March 25: A frail Suu Kyi cancels further campaign travel following a gruelling schedule. Her party says she is recovering but needs rest.
Share
