Myanmar Junta Ends Emergency Rule, Sets Stage for Controversial Polls

Myanmar’s military junta has on Thursday, July 31, ended its four-year state of emergency while the top general still holds control over the war-torn country.

On Thursday, the junta said it had handed power to a civilian-led interim government.

Yet, General Min Aung Hlaing remains both acting president and commander of the armed forces.

A state media announcement revealed that the 2021 coup decree was officially canceled.

A caretaker government and an election commission have now been established.

Despite the shift, nothing changes in practice. Min Aung Hlaing still controls all major institutions.

Government spokesperson Zaw Min Tun confirmed the development.

“This upcoming six months are the time to prepare and host the election,” he told state media.

The emergency rule, extended seven times since 2021, officially expired Thursday.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup that removed Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government. That power grab triggered a nationwide civil war.

While the military claims it’s fighting insurgents, it has faced allegations of mass killings and atrocities. The junta denies these accusations.

Western governments have dismissed the upcoming election as a military ploy. Many expect it to be dominated by military-backed parties.

Most opposition groups have either been banned or are boycotting the process.

Analyst David Mathieson said the power change is meaningless. “They’re just rearranging the same pieces and calling it a new regime,” he stated.

Preparations for the vote are shaky. A recent census covered only 145 of Myanmar’s 330 townships, reflecting the military’s weak control.

Min Aung Hlaing told officials the election would be held between December and January. Security concerns will limit voting to certain areas.

More than 60 townships, especially in conflict zones, will remain under martial law.

China has voiced support for Myanmar’s “domestic political agenda,” according to its foreign ministry.

Since the coup, more than 6,000 people have died. Over 20,000 others have been arbitrarily detained, says Amnesty International.

More than 3.5 million people have been displaced within the country.

The military insists it took power due to alleged voter fraud in 2020. However, independent monitors found no signs of widespread fraud.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook