NLD denounces military-planned election in Myanmar as attempt to legitimize dictatorship

Mizzima

The National League for Democracy (NLD) has identified five major weaknesses in the election planned by the Myanmar junta, according to a statement issued on 28 October.

The NLD said the planned election completely lacks freedom of expression, association, and political activity. It is being organized amid widespread conflict across the country and can only take place in about one-third of Myanmar’s territory.

The party states that the voting process will not occur simultaneously nationwide but will instead take place at different times and locations.

It added that the parliament formed from the first phase of the election would not be representative of the people, as more than half of its members would be unelected military representatives.

The NLD described the planned election as an attempt to disguise military rule as a civilian government, warning that accepting such a process would only legitimize the junta’s dictatorship.

Citing Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), United Nations treaty, the NLD emphasized that the election clearly violates international principles guaranteeing freedom of assembly, movement, and political participation without fear or punishment.

The party also pointed out that the military has enacted the “Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic General Elections from Obstruction, Disruption, and Destruction,” allowing it to arrest and prosecute anyone opposing the planned election.

The NLD urged the international community not to recognize or cooperate with the junta’s election, warning that doing so would amount to rejecting the will of the Myanmar people. It called on foreign governments not to send election observers, to issue a joint statement of non-recognition, and to refuse acknowledgment of the election results.