Myanmar democracy activists thought they had a chance at the Nobel Peace prize this year, given the importance of their struggle against the Myanmar coup-makers. But it is now been suggested that the issue of the high-profile Ukraine crisis could interfere in the selection.

The Norwegian Nobel Institute said this week it had received 343 nominations for this year's peace prize and while nominations were cut off in January, the Ukraine conflict could still influence the list of candidates.

The nominations, which are still short of the record 376 submitted in 2016, are divided between 251 individuals and 92 organisations, the institute said.

The institute never comments on nominations, which are kept secret for at least 50 years, but sponsors are free to announce their picks to the world.

This year's nominees include the Myanmar democracy activists under the banner of the National Unity Government (NUG), Pope Francis, Belarusian opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and climate warriors Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough, according to sponsors.

Supporters of the NUG were excited when the NUG was put forward as a contender.

The last date for nominations by the thousands of people eligible to do so, including parliamentarians and ministers from all countries, former laureates and some university professors, was January 31.

While Russia's invasion of Ukraine started on February 24, the conflict may still have influenced the list of candidates.

The five members of the Nobel Committee are also allowed to put their own proposals on the table at their first meeting, which took place on Monday.

A member of the Norwegian populist right also announced on Saturday -- too late for this year -- that he wanted to nominate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the honour.

Myanmar has a chance through the NUG to win this year, but it would appear the all-enveloping crisis of Ukraine may possible push aside all contenders this year.

Source: AFP, Mizzima