Myanmar junta ends state of emergency in election run-up

Myanmar’s military junta has officially ended the state of emergency that had been in place since its February 2021 coup, setting the stage for a controversial national election planned for December. 

The announcement, made on Thursday, signals the regime’s efforts to transition toward what it calls a “multi-party democracy.” However, opposition groups and international observers remain deeply skeptical of the military’s intentions.
The state of emergency was initially imposed after the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering widespread protests and a civil war that continues to this day. The emergency order had granted junta leader Min Aung Hlaing sweeping powers over all branches of government — legislative, executive, and judicial.
Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun stated, “The state of emergency is abolished today in order for the country to hold elections on the path to a multi-party democracy.” He added that elections will be held “within six months.”
Despite these claims, many believe the election is a strategy to legitimize continued military rule. UN experts and various rights groups have called the upcoming polls a “fraud,” citing the exclusion of key opposition figures and a lack of political freedom across the country.
Opposition parties, including lawmakers who were removed during the coup, have already announced plans to boycott the vote. These groups argue that holding elections under military control will only further entrench authoritarian rule and ignore the ongoing civil unrest.
Meanwhile, Min Aung Hlaing has created a new “Union Government” and a “National Security and Peace Commission,” both of which he will lead. He also remains the acting president, according to official orders signed by himself. Analysts predict that even if an election is held, Min Aung Hlaing will likely retain power in some form — either as president or military chief — allowing him to remain the country’s de facto ruler.
In a speech published in the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing said, “We have already passed the first chapter. Now, we are starting the second chapter.” He assured that efforts would be made to allow all eligible voters to participate in the upcoming election.
However, with thousands killed and millions displaced since the coup, observers fear that the political and security environment is far from conducive to free and fair elections.
The international community continues to urge Myanmar to return to true democracy, but as things stand, the December election appears set to deepen the military's grip on power rather than end it.