He was speaking after a meeting of a group of nations, established to back the UN's efforts to promote democracy in Burma.
The group is calling on the military government to free political prisoners, especially the detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Burma's new laws effectively ban Ms Suu Kyi's participation in the vote, but Mr Ban says this year's election will not be credible unless she is allowed to run.
"Without the full participation of all the people including political prisoners, in particular Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, may not be regarded as credible and inclusive."
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