Myanmar’s military regime has announced the extension of the state of emergency, which was imposed when the army took control of the government two-and-a-half years ago. The National Defense and Security Council, controlled by the military, met in Naypyitaw and decided to prolong the state of emergency for another six months in order to prepare for the upcoming elections. This move reveals the army’s acknowledgment that it lacks the necessary control to hold the elections as promised and that opposition to military rule continues to persist. Despite having a significant advantage in terms of manpower and weaponry, the military has been met with armed resistance, nonviolent protests, and civil disobedience.
The state of emergency was initially declared in February 2021 when Aung San Suu Kyi and other officials from her government were arrested. This undid the progress made towards democracy after five decades of military rule. The military claimed the seizure of power was due to fraud in the previous general election, despite independent election observers finding no major irregularities.
The army’s takeover led to widespread peaceful protests, which were brutally suppressed by security forces, ultimately sparking armed resistance that has been referred to by U.N. experts as a civil war. The security forces have since killed thousands of people, according to reports. Under the military-enacted 2008 constitution, the military can govern under a state of emergency for one year, with two possible six-month extensions if preparations for new elections are not yet complete. The previous time limit expired on January 31, 2023, but was extended for another six months in February, with Monday’s announcement marking the fourth extension.
The state of emergency grants the military full control over the government, empowering Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the ruling military council, with legislative, judicial, and executive powers. The National Unity Government, an underground opposition group claiming legitimacy as the country’s government, expected the extension of emergency rule, citing the military’s relentless pursuit of power. Meanwhile, the military government labels the National Unity Government and its armed wing, the People’s Defense Forces, as “terrorists.”
The report does not specify when the elections will take place, only stating that they will occur after the goals of the state of emergency are accomplished. As per the constitution, the military must transfer government functions to the president, who leads the National Defense and Security Council, six months before the elections. Currently, Acting President Myint Swe, a retired general, would assume this role. The military initially announced that the elections would take place one year after the takeover, then changed the date to August 2023. However, the extension of the state of emergency in February made that timeline impossible.
Critics argue that the upcoming polls will not be free or fair under the military-controlled government. The independent media has been shut down, and most leaders of Suu Kyi’s party have been arrested. Suu Kyi herself is currently serving prison sentences totaling 33 years, convicted in politically motivated cases brought by the military government.
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