Myanmar Military Ends State Of Emergency After Four Years, Sets Sights On December Elections

Myanmar’s ruling military has formally ended the state of emergency in place since its 2021 coup, marking a step toward holding national elections later this year, the Indian Express reported.

The military administration has also constituted an 11-member electoral body to oversee the polls, which are expected in December.

Although a specific election date has not been announced, military leader Min Aung Hlaing confirmed the plan in a recent address.

“The state of emergency is abolished today in order for the country to hold elections on the path to a multiparty democracy,” junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said, as cited by The Guardian.

Min Aung Hlaing, who continues to serve as both acting president and army chief, is expected to remain in charge during and possibly after the election.

Speaking in Naypyidaw, he said, “We have already passed the first chapter… Now, we are starting the second chapter… The upcoming election will be held this December, and efforts will be made to enable all eligible voters to cast their ballots,” according to Global New Light of Myanmar.

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However, the move has drawn sharp criticism. Opposition parties, especially those ousted in the 2021 coup, have rejected the elections, with a UN expert describing the process as “a fraud” aimed at legitimising continued military rule.

A recent census also left out nearly 19 million people due to “significant security constraints,” The Indian Express reported, citing The Guardian.

Despite the junta’s reassurances, concerns remain over fairness, especially as new laws impose prison terms of up to 10 years for those disrupting the election process. Authorities are also offering cash incentives to rebels who lay down arms.

China responded positively to the development, encouraging political resolution through dialogue. “We are willing to continue to actively carry out efforts to promote peace talks in accordance with the needs of all parties in Myanmar,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, according to Reuters.

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