Foreign media barred from covering Myanmar polls

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar — Myanmar election officials said foreign media will not be allowed into the military ruled country to cover its first election in 20 years on Nov. 7. The Election Commission told diplomats and Myanmar-based media Monday that "no foreign journalists will be allowed" entry to the country and there will be no foreign observers for the elections. The ruling junta says the elections are intended to usher democracy into the country, which has been ruled by the military for 50 years. Critics call the polls a sham to cement military rule. — AP