The United States has “strongly” condemned the Myanmar military’s decision to abolish 40 political parties, including the National League for Democracy, the US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Wednesday (local time). While addressing a press briefing on Wednesday (local time), Vedant Patel said that the elections will not be considered “free or fair” without the participation of all the stakeholders in Myanmar. He made the remarks in response to a question regarding the Myanmar military’s decision to dissolve political parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy (NLD). “We strongly condemn the Burma military regime’s decision to abolish 40 political parties, including, as you so noted, the National League for Democracy. Any election without the participation of all stakeholders in Burma would not be and cannot be considered free or fair,” Vedant Patel said.
“And given the widespread opposition to military rule, the regime’s unilateral push towards elections likely will escalate instability. We continue to support efforts by all of those working to establish genuine and inclusive democracy in Burma,” he added.