Delicious
Digg
Facebook
Twitter
Yahoo!
TechnoratiForeign observers barred from Myanmar election
International media and foreign election observers will not be allowed into Myanmar to cover next month’s election. Election Commission chairman Thein Soe said only foreign diplomats and representatives from UN organisations based in the country will be allowed to observe the vote.
In a briefing to diplomats and media in the capital, Thein Soe said there is no need for observers from overseas.
“Our country has a lot of experience in elections," he said.
"We are holding the election for this country," he added. "It's not for other countries... We will have credibility after holding the election in front of all the people."
He said that in order for voters to “cast their votes freely,” no photography or filming will be allowed inside polling stations. He said ballots would be counted "in front of voters".
More than 29 million people will be eligible to vote on 7 November for 3,071 candidates from 37 parties.
But western governments say the poll will just give power to the military, which has ruled the country since 1962.
Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will remain under house arrest until after the election, and one quarter the seats in parliament are reserved for the military.
The Supreme Court on Monday heard Suu Kyi’s latest appeal against her detention, but said it could not make a decision right away.
"We have to wait about two weeks for the judgement," said Suu Kyi's lawyer Nyan Win.
But even if she is released, observers say she will not likely be allowed to campaign freely. Her lawyer said she wants to start using Twitter if she is released.
Comments
React to this article