CALD Statement No. 1, S. 2023

CALD Statement No. 1, S. 2023

CALD Statement Condemning the Dissolution of
Opposition Political Parties in Myanmar

CALD condemns the Myanmar military government’s decision to dissolve the National League for Democracy (NLD) and 39 other political parties – a move which could further escalate political tension in the country.

The immediate dissolution happened after parties refused to re-register for the elections under a new restrictive law imposed by Myanmar’s military junta. The new law on registration of political parties, which repeals the 2010 legislation, reflects provisions that fail to meet international standards on political participation, and prevents political parties and membership in parties to “play a significant role in the conduct of public affairs and the election process.”

CALD expresses concern on the following provisions in the new law that appears to dislodge the opposition from participating:

• Parties are not allowed to lodge an appeal regarding the election commission decisions on registration.
• Any political group declared as an “unlawful association or terrorist organization under any existing law” is disqualified from participating in elections. The military junta already declared the National Unity Government (NUG) and its parliamentary body as “terrorist organizations.”
• National political parties are required to have funds of at least 100 million kyat or US$45,500 to qualify for registration. The amount is more than what most smaller parties can afford.
• Political groups seeking to put forward electoral candidates must have at least 100,000 members within three months of registering. This is a huge increase from 1,000 in the previous law.

These prohibitions even contradict the military-drafted 2008 Constitution, where as part of its Basic Principles, the Union has to practice “genuine, disciplined multi-party democratic system.”

The decision to suppress the operation of opposition parties is a tactic common to all authoritarian regimes which want to give a semblance of democracy but severely restricts political competition. It should be seen for what it really is – a ludicrous attempt to gain legitimacy while perpetuating power.

CALD reiterates its call for the military junta to immediately and unconditionally release all NLD members and other political prisoners and to genuinely forge a path towards peaceful resolution of conflict and genuine democracy.

In a country currently marred by violence and repression, establishing peace and building a consensus, must be top priorities. CALD believes that these could commence when every citizen has the right to participate in a free and fair elections which meets international standards and societal expectations.

CALD urges the military junta to closely work with other sectors of society to facilitate the return to democracy by establishing an electoral framework that is credible, inclusive, and conducive to the conduct of free and fair elections.

The people of Myanmar have the right to make a genuine and informed choice in an electoral process. Anything less makes elections nothing but an exercise in futility.

For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats:

Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan

Chairperson

3 April 2023