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mid outrage and also frustration over Myanmar's decision to extend the house detention of the frail democracy icon, Aung San Suu Kyi, the International Crisis Group (ICG) warned world leaders against squandering an "opportunity for change" in the military-ruled country when it holds elections next year.

In a report titled "Myanmar: Towards the Elections", released Thursday, the ICG admitted the elections will not be free and fair without Suu Kyi and other detained political dissidents, but "the constitution and elections together will fundamentally change the political landscape in a way the government may not be able to control".

"Senior Generals Than Shwe and Maung Aye may soon step down or move to ceremonial roles, making way for a younger military generation. All stakeholders should be aware of opportunities that may arise to push the new government toward reform and reconciliation," the report said.

The elections, it says, are significant because the controversial constitution, approved in 2008, which serves as a basis for the electoral process, involves a complete change in the political structure.

This, it argues, includes establishing a presidential system of government with a bicameral legislature as well as fourteen regional governments and assemblies.

"The military presumably wants to use the elections to ensure its continued dominance, but this is the most wide-ranging shake-up in a generation," the group's Southeast Asia project director, Jim Della-Giacoma said in a statement.

The ICG warned members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Suu Kyi's party, of missing the chance for reform should it finally boycott the elections since it would not cancel the elections and would only deprive non-governmental candidates of votes, thus narrowing the range of voices in future legislatures.

The group's Asia program director, Robert Templer, said the international community should not let the outrage about the treatment of Suu Kyi and the suppression of democracy prevent it from looking for opportunities to change Myanmar.

"Ultimately, it is Myanmar's people who have paid the biggest price for the political deadlock. As Myanmar prepares for this transition, all sides should be aware of the new opportunities as well as risks that may be present."

Developed countries have renewed sanctions against Myanmar following its much-decried decision to try Suu Kyi for what are widely seen as dubious charges and extended the period of her house arrests, which bars the Nobel Laureate from participating in the elections, the first in 20 years.