The European Union has agreed to send observers to the historic upcoming Myanmar elections in an effort to "strengthen democracy" in the former military-run nation. The EU said it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Myanmar to send observers to monitor the polls. "Election observation is an expression of the EU's wish to support inclusive, transparent and credible elections as part of our policy to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and human rights," said the EU's Myanmar ambassador Roland Kobia.

A number of important steps have been taken in Myanmar’s election process since March 2015, according to a Carter Center monitoring mission report. Observer accreditation procedures have been finalized, a large number of political parties have announced intentions to compete and most parties have signed a code of conduct. The report also includes recommendations for the Union Election Commission, government and political parties to undertake as the elections approach. Read the full report here.

Myanmar's powerful commander-in-chief has reiterated that the military will respect the outcome of the country's November 8 election, seen as a crucial test of Myanmar's reform process. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that the main concern of the armed forces, known as the Tatmadaw, is that the vote is carried out fairly and that the result is respected by everyone. "The Tatmadaw's desire is to see the upcoming elections be held free and fair. We will approve and support the results announced by the Union Election Commission," he said.

Myanmar's Union Election Commission (UEC) will make its voters’ list available to the public at UEC township offices from September 14 through 27, allowing eligible voters to confirm their names and contact details. UEC Chairman U Tin Aye said that these and other measures are being taken to maximize the number of people who turn out to vote on November 8. He also said that the commission is committed to holding a peaceful and fair election and will not interfere in the electoral process.

In reality, renowned artist Khin Zaw Latt’s acrylic painting of a girl selling sea shells at Chaung Tha beach sells for $5,200. He offers it at a 30 percent discount, not because it’s unsalable, but because he wants the price to be affordable. But Khin Zaw Latt is not a modern-day Robin Hood – he’s raising money for Myanmar’s flood victims, affected by severe flooding as shown above, courtesy of Sputnik News.

Myanmar, which is moving fast in its economic reforms, is geared up to bridge the development gap with more developed Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, said Myanmar Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Dr. Kan Zaw. Myanmar is consistently working to match ASEAN's and international standards in expanding and deepening market integration within the region and beyond, he said.

17 local firms have applied to join a consortium that would operate Myanmar's fourth mobile phone network, said Chit Wai, deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. He specified that only companies which have operated for at least three months and have at least 3 billion kyat ($2.4 million) in registered capital will be considered. A list of the winning firms would be announced in September, he said, and there is no limit on the number of local firms that can join the consortium, which will also include a foreign partner.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts extended its global reach last month after signing a franchisee agreement for 10 shops that will open in Myanmar. “With a growing economy and a population eager to welcome global brands, the time is right for Krispy Kreme to bring its sweet treats to Myanmar,” said Dan Beem, Krispy Kreme’s international division president.

For a select few, Myanmar’s treasures lie underground – not in the form of buried historical artefacts or yet-to-be-mined metals and gems, but in a vast, uncharted network of caves. For the past six years, a team of international explorers has been mapping a stunning geology unknown to those above, unlocking its secrets while also ensuring it remains in a pristine state.

After historic democratic elections in 2010 sparked reforms, the time-warped country that was under military rule for almost five decades is now a magnet for curious travelers. As international visitors flock (numbers soared from 790,000 in 2010 to more than 3 million last year), Myanmar is changing rapidly. Explore Inle Lake, cycle through Bagan or see the Kuthodaw Inscription Shrines, above, when you travel to Myanmar.