13 Aug 2010

Myanmar sets date for parliamentary elections

7:12 pm on 13 August 2010

Myanmar will hold its first parliamentary elections in two decades on 7 November, state media reported on Friday.

The announcement ends months of speculation in the country ruled by the military about the timing for the poll.

So far, 40 parties have registered with the military-appointed Election Commission to stand for Myanmar's first civilian government in almost 50 years, Reuters reports.

Human rights groups say the poll is a sham, intended to entrench military power under the guise of civilian rule.