Myanmar lifts state of emergency, plans elections in December

The move comes amid skepticism from international observers and fierce opposition from pro-democracy forces who view the polls as a tool to legitimise continued military rule.

Despite the lifting of emergency powers, Min Aung Hlaing will remain both interim president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces as the country prepares for its first national vote since the coup.

Critics slam election plans as ‘fraud’

Opposition groups, including lawmakers ousted in the 2021 coup, have vowed to boycott the vote. A United Nations expert last month dismissed the proposed elections as “a fraud” intended to legitimize the junta’s grip on power.

Analysts believe, as per The Guardian, that Min Aung Hlaing will use the election to consolidate his position, possibly continuing in a leading role after the vote, either as president or armed forces chief. “We have already passed the first chapter,” he said during a speech in Naypyidaw, as reported by the Global New Light of Myanmar. “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,” the state-run newspaper reported.

However, a census held last year indicated that about 19 million people, as reported by The Guardian, were not counted due to “significant security constraints.”

China welcomes move

China has welcomed Myanmar’s decision to end the state of emergency and called for political differences to be resolved peacefully. “We are willing to continue to actively carry out efforts to promote peace talks in accordance with the needs of all parties in Myanmar,” foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing, as reported by Reuters.

In a separate statement, China’s foreign ministry said it “welcomes adoption of the constitution and laws by all parties and factions in Myanmar to properly handle differences through political means.”

Since seizing power from Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in February 2021, the military regime has faced sustained resistance from pro-democracy fighters, ethnic armed groups, and civilian militias. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.

Amid these tensions, the junta has introduced harsh laws, including prison terms of up to 10 years for speech or protests aimed at disrupting the election process. In a bid to quell rebellion ahead of the vote, it has also offered cash rewards to militants who surrender.

(With inputs from The Guardian, Reuters)