Myanmar military Extends Emergency for 6 More Months
Myanmar's junta has declared its decision to extend the existing state of emergency in the country for an additional six months, running until January 31, as confirmed by officials on Monday.
This marks the fourth extension of the state of emergency since the military seized power in February 2021, overthrowing the democratically-elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and detaining the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. This coup resulted in a severe political, economic, and social crisis within the nation.
Despite previous promises by the junta to hold a general election this summer, the ongoing state of emergency prevents any such electoral event. According to Myanmar's constitution, elections can only occur six months after the conclusion of a state of emergency.
The National Security and Defense Council convened a meeting, and a 33-page document was released, outlining the junta's rationale for extending the state of emergency. The document cited ongoing threats from 'violent forces' attempting to 'seize state power' as the primary justification for the extension. The military leadership claimed that additional time was required to adequately prepare for the upcoming elections.
Furthermore, the military accused the pro-democracy People's Defense Forces (PDF), the armed wing of the National Unity Government (NUG), a government-in-exile comprising elected leaders who were poised to assume office before the coup, of engaging in 'acts of terror.'
Ever since the coup took place on February 1, 2021, Myanmar has been trapped in a spiral of violence and semi-anarchy, contributing to a precarious and challenging situation for the country and its people.
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