Myanmar Extends State of Emergency Amidst Ongoing Turmoil and Election Delays
- Myanmar’s military government has extended the state of emergency by six months.
- The delay aims to prepare for elections in 2025 and complete a population census.
- Critics doubt the fairness of the upcoming elections.
Myanmar’s military government has announced a six-month extension of the state of emergency, which has been in place since the military seized power in February 2021. The extension was decided unanimously by the National Defence and Security Council on Wednesday, following claims of “terrorist acts” by government opponents. The move aims to prepare accurate ballots for the 2025 elections and complete a national census, according to state broadcaster MRTV.
Army chief and Acting President Min Aung Hlaing, who took over the presidency from Myint Swe last week due to the latter’s medical leave, has pledged to hold multiparty elections in 2025. However, critics argue that the elections will not be free or fair. The military has repeatedly extended the emergency rule while facing ongoing resistance from ethnic minority armed groups and pro-democracy forces.
Since the 2021 takeover, Myanmar has experienced widespread unrest, including significant battlefield losses to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and other groups. The MNDAA recently claimed control of the northern town of Lashio, a key trade hub, though the government has denied the claim. The ongoing conflict has displaced 2.7 million people and resulted in over 5,400 deaths and 27,000 arrests.
The military government’s extension of emergency rule and its recent electoral challenges reflect the deepening crisis in Myanmar, with severe repercussions for its political future and civilian population.