Myanmar lifts long-running state of emergency ahead of December elections

Myanmar’s junta ended the country’s state of emergency on Thursday, ramping up preparations for a December election that has been criticised by international monitors and boycotted by opposition groups.

“The state of emergency is abolished today in order for the country to hold elections on the path to a multi-party democracy,” junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said in a voice message shared with reporters. “Elections will be held within six months,” he added.

The military declared a state of emergency in February 2021 as it deposed the civilian government of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking a many-sided civil war which has claimed thousands of lives.

The 2021 state of emergency declaration gave military chief Min Aung Hlaing supreme power over the legislature, executive and judiciary – but he has recently touted elections as an off-ramp to the conflict.

The military junta announced the formation of a 11-member commission led by Min Aung Hlaing to hold an election, state media reported on Thursday.

Min Aung Hlaing will continue to effectively remain in charge of the country, in his capacity as the interim president who will oversee the vote, MRTV reported.