Bujumbura - Burundi's main opposition parties said on Wednesday that the holding of free and fair elections next week was "impossible" and that the result would not be recognised if they take place.
"The country has sunk into a political and security mess which in no way can allow for peaceful, transparent, free or credible elections. Having an election campaign or holding a vote is impossible. We cannot have an electoral hold-up," Burundi's main opposition parties said in a joint statement.