Burma's ruling junta will appoint the commission that will have the final say over the country's first elections in two decades, state-run newspapers announced today as the country's military rulers began unveiling the laws that will govern this year's balloting.

Burma's military ruler said today that long-awaited elections planned for sometime this year will take place "soon" but shed no light on exactly when.

Burma’s ruling junta chief said general elections will be held this year but gave no date.