Myanmar’s military government has decided to extend the state of emergency in the country for an additional six months, further postponing elections promised after the coup in February 2021. The National Defence and Security Council made this decision just ahead of the previous term’s expiration, delaying the return to civilian rule. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup, marked by protests and a severe crackdown on dissent.
The military government, which took power in February 2021, justified the extension, stating that the state of emergency could not be lifted as they continue to combat armed opposition across the country. The acting president, Myint Swe, announced the extension, citing the abnormal situation and the need to continue the fight against what they term as terrorists.
The military-led council discussed preparations for holding multi-party elections and a national census during its meeting in Naypyidaw, the capital built by the military. However, specific details about these preparations were not provided in the statement.
Emergency rule has been continuously extended since the military coup that ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The 2008 constitution, which the current government claims is still in force, mandates fresh elections within six months of lifting a state of emergency. The government, struggling to suppress widespread armed opposition, has faced setbacks in its attempts to assert control over the country.
The prolonged unrest has resulted in more than 4,400 casualties, according to a local monitoring group, and has displaced over two million people. The United Nations and human rights groups have accused the military of rights abuses and crimes against humanity in their crackdown on opposition.
Myanmar has faced extensive international sanctions since 2021, causing significant economic regression. The economy is now reportedly 10 percent smaller than it was in 2019. On Wednesday, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called on the international community to cut off the military’s access to jet fuel, aiming to increase pressure on the ruling generals.
The military, facing economic challenges due to international sanctions, has turned to illicit revenue sources such as gem mining and logging. Anti-coup forces, including the National Unity Government (NUG), an alliance of ethnic armed groups and resistance fighters, claim they are moving closer to victory against the military. Duwa Lashi La, the acting president of the NUG, expressed confidence in the ongoing Spring Revolution, stating that they are steadily approaching success despite the military’s oppressive measures.