Burmese voters go to polls

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

About 40,000 polling stations across the south east Asian country opened at 6am.

The regime left everyone guessing as to when results would be announced.

In the largest city, Rangoon, streets were unusually quiet and early voter attendance appeared light in many polling stations.

Riot police were stationed at some road junctions.

Voters variously expressed fear and defiance.

The USDP is fielding 1,112 candidates for the 1,159 seats in the two-house national parliament and 14 regional parliaments.

The largest opposition party, the National Democratic Force, is contesting just 164 spots.