Several prominent Karen figures are reportedly busy forming political parties to contest this year's general election, while others are preparing to stand individually.

Some members of the National league for Democracy want to re-register as a party to contest this year's election, but others remain opposed.

More than 12 Burmese junta ministers are reportedly preparing to resign and to contest in the 2010 election.

Since the release of the Burmese election laws, political campaigns have begun in Karen State.

Philippines urges Southeast Asian countries to push the Burmese junta to rescind a slate of new elections laws.

Burma's opposition party will decide on March 29 whether or not to register as a political party and participate in the election planned for this year.

Pro-junta political groups prepare to campaign after Armed Forces Day on March 27.

Asean countries have mostly remained quiet after the Burmese government announced its non-inclusive election law.

In the latest sign that this year's vote will be neither free nor fair, Burma's ruling junta has ordered censors to ban reports on new election laws and other controversial election-related issues, according to Rangoon-based journalists.

At least seven political groups, including one established pro-government party, are preparing to register to take part in the upcoming election, according to the leaders of the groups.