The chairman of the newly formed All Mon Regions Democratic Party (AMRDP), Nai Ngwe Thein, has predicted that the ethnic Mon party will win a majority of votes in Mon State in the Nov. 7 general election.

Rangoon Mayor, Ex Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, 58, a leading member of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), is facing a challenge from independent candidate Kaung Myint Htut, 35, who was one of the youngest political prisoners in Burma.

Several leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Burma's recently dissolved main opposition party, are traveling in Kachin State with a prominent ethnic leader to meet with local party members and lobby for a boycott of next month's election.

The junta-backed party is concerned about security in Shan State after one of its campaigners is gunned down in Nang Lan Township.

The USDP plans to secure the election by taking advance votes from civic organizations connected to the authorities.

The junta's proxy, the Union Solidarity and Development Party, has started buying votes and intimidating voters in collaboration with government authorities in several parts of the country.

A mix of moods prevails in Burma ahead of a vote that some say will just legitimize military rule, but others believe offers some chance to get a degree of political change.

The pro-junta Union Solidarity and Development Party puts up candidates' campaign posters  in respective constituencies across Burma.

Detained Burmese pro-democracy leader has decided not to vote in upcoming elections, even though authorities have told her she is on the electoral roll.

Funding by a close business associate of the military has brought disarray to the six-party pro-democracy alliance.