Burma excludes foreign journalists from poll coverage

FOREIGN journalists will not be allowed into Burma to cover the military-ruled country’s first election in 20 years, election officials said yesterday, issuing the latest restriction for an election widely criticised as a sham.

The Election Commission said there was no need to grant visas for foreign reporters because there are local reporters in the country who work for foreign media. The commission also reiterated it was “not necessary” for foreign observers to monitor the elections.

The ruling military junta has billed the election as a key step toward democracy after five decades of military rule. Critics say oppressive rules governing campaigning, the repression of the main opposition party, and other elements ensure that the army will continue its commanding influence.