Statement by a Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson on the dissolution of the National League for Democracy, the party of Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar
” The dissolution of the National League for Democracy (NLD), the party of Aung San Suu Kyi, and 39 other parties by the military junta in Myanmar is a further blatant example of its contempt for its own people and their quest for democracy and freedom. We condemn the conduct of the junta, which is acting without any basis in democracy and the rule of law. The dissolution of the parties is further evidence that the elections announced by the military regime would be a farce and would not be safe, free or fair under the current conditions. The dissolution of the parties now threatens a further escalation of violence in Myanmar and a more rapid destabilisation of the country.”
” We call on the military in Myanmar to put a stop to the violence, especially the attacks on civilians and the brutal repression against the opposition, without delay and to release all political prisoners. The junta must, at long last, initiate an inclusive dialogue process with all political and social stakeholders that will allow the country to return to a democratic process founded on the rule of law.”
Background information:
Two years after the military coup in Myanmar on 1 February 2021, the country’s political, humanitarian and human rights situation is bleak. According to reports, more than 3100 civilians have been killed by military forces since the coup while over 17,000 people have been detained on political grounds. There have been repeated massacres and air strikes on villages and civilian targets in recent months. Following the junta’s extension in February 2023 of the state of emergency for another six months and possible sham elections, there are signs of further political and military mobilisation.
Aung San Suu Kyi, like other members of the democratically elected government, is in detention having been sentenced to a total of 33 years in prison in various trials. Her party, the National League for Democracy, is refusing to register under the election law promulgated by the junta in early 2023. The deadline for registration passed yesterday (28 March). Numerous other parties have also refused to register, citing, among other things, the military’s lack of democratic legitimacy. According to an official statement by the military, a total of 40 parties have been dissolved.
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