Voters in the secretive military-ruled nation of Burma cast their first ballots in 20 years today, as slim hopes for democratic reform faced an electoral system engineered to ensure that most power will remain in the hands of the junta and its political proxies.

People in Burma are voting in the country’s first election in 20 years, although the military regime has cancelled polling in many districts.

BURMA’S state TV has announced that the country’s first election in two decades will be held on November 7.

A top US official will make a second visit to Burma on Sunday to pursue Washington's new policy of engagement, a diplomat said, ahead of controversial elections being prepared by the country's military regime.