Myanmar allows European observers to November poll
Yangon (dpa) - European observers will monitor general elections in Myanmar scheduled for November, the government said Friday.
The EU and Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding on sending a mission to the elections scheduled for November 8, according to an official press release.
The elections will see the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party face a challenge from Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), which boycotted the last general election in 2010.
The international team will comprise more than 100 short- and long-term observers from many of the EU member states as well as observers from Switzerland, Norway, Canada and other diplomats.
"Our enhanced cooperation is aimed at underpinning the country's political transition and reform process," said EU ambassador to Myanmar, Roland Kobia.
Myanmar also invited the US-based Carter Center to monitor the elections.
Myanmar did not allow foreign observers to the 2010 general elections that ushered in Myanmar's first semi-civilian government after almost half a century of military rule.
However, observers from South-East Asian nations were invited to the2012 by-elections that were won by the NLD.
In total, 6,189 candidates from 93 parties were registered for November's poll, electoral authorities said Friday.
