Stallholders who lost their businesses when Rangoon's Mingalar Market was destroyed by fire last month have been invited to apply for loans from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), according to sources.

The official seal of the National Democratic Force (NDF), the party founded by former leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD), has been stirring controversy among many Burmese because it is so similar to the NLD’s well-known logo, the kha mauk, which is a traditional Burmese farmer's hat.

Several ethnic party leaders who will participate in Burma's election this year say they will fight for freedom even if the 2008 Constitution is flawed and undemocratic.

Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) members are  offering low-income workers and farmers in Rangoon small “loans,” which are seen as support for government-backed political candidates, according to local residents.

In Yankin, Kawmu and Kungyangone townships, USDA members, accompanied by township leaders, made the offers to selected residents.

Burma's Election Commission (EC) appears to be approving only ethnic parties with close ties to the ruling junta to run in this year's election, while barring other parties linked to anti-regime groups, according to observers.

The Burmese military junta has been interrogating political prisoners since early June about their opinions of the upcoming election and their intentions for future political activity, according to the families of political prisoners.

Officials at some registered political parties say they know the election will be unfair, but they will participate to help educate the public about the political process.

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) said on Thursday that the directive released by Burma's election commission (EC) which prohibits political parties from marching in procession to designated gathering points or venues while displaying party flags is a violation of human rights.

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) said on Thursday that the directive released by Burma's election commission (EC) which prohibits political parties from marching in procession to designated gathering points or venues while displaying party flags is a violation of human rights.

Political parties in Burma must apply to the Election Commission (EC) for permission to hold political gatherings and to give speeches at least seven days prior to the event, according to a state-run newspaper.