Burma’s military junta has suspended visas on arrival for tourists from September.

The suspension is being seen as a move by the junta to prevent outside reporters and monitors from entering the country ahead of the November 7 elections.

Many foreign journalists traveled to the country on tourist visas during a monk-led political protest in 2007 and when Cyclone Nargis hit in 2008.

Journalists and observers granted official visas are accompanied by minders, thus restricting movement and observation.

Burma has yet to respond to the regional group ASEAN’s offer to send observers during the elections.

The elections, the first since 1991 are widely seen as an elaborate charade aimed at cementing the army’s grip on power and attracting investment.

http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201008/2991324.htm?=