Burma's president Thein Sein 'wants Aung San Suu Kyi's party to do well' in elections But last week, in her first appearance after suspending her campaigning because of exhaustion and sickness, she indicated government officials and members of the ruling party were behind irregularities in the voter registration and other acts of sabotage to minimise the NLD vote. Nevertheless she said that however few NLD MPs were returned, they would still be able to challenge the government and work to strengthen the foundations of the country's emerging democracy. Her claims appeared to be contradicted by the president's adviser Nay Zin Latt who last night told the Telegraph the elections were vital for the country's development and Aung San Suu Kyi's role in parliament important for Burma to improve its relations with the West. This by election is the very first experience for this new government. So it is significant. Although it is for small number of seats, it will be an achievement for the process of democratisation," he said. It will mark a turning point in the country's international relations, in particular with the "Western community," he added. Her presence in the parliament will provide for the first time a "strong opposition" and stir it to be more "active." The talks between President Thein Sein and Aung San Suu Kyi - which were followed by a series of reforms which surprised Western leaders, including prisoner releases and new media freedoms - had been sought to help heal the wounds of the past. "Because of national reconciliation, this is one of the big issues on the national agenda," he said. The president's reforms had not been launched to lift economic sanctions, but the country's development would be accelerated if they are lifted, he said. The Government has its own national agenda, it is moving not because of sanctions but just for the sake of its people. Development will be faster if there are no sanctions. If they really want our people to be developed, they should start lifting sanctions," he said.