Global (Commonwealth Union) _ Myanmar’s military government has ended its state of emergency and transitioned to a new administrative structure ahead of long-delayed elections expected to begin in December. Announced on Thursday, the move comes more than three years after the military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in February 2021.
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 coup, has relinquished the title of prime minister yet remains fundamental to Myanmar’s political system as acting president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. His advisor, Gen. Nyo Saw, has taken over as the head of the caretaker government. However, the military still holds the majority of the power.
According to official announcements, the State Administration Council, which had overseen the country during emergency rule, has been dissolved, and the National Defense and Security Council is set to manage all state functions in its place, with Min Aung Hlaing continuing to exert substantial influence as its key member. Furthermore, a new body called the State Security and Peace Commission has been formed to monitor the upcoming election, also under his leadership.
Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, the military’s spokesperson, stated that the general election would be held “within six months after the emergency period is lifted.” The election, originally slated for August 2023, had been postponed multiple times. He also confirmed that martial law or emergency rule would now apply in 63 townships across nine regions, mostly areas affected by insurgent activity.
Since the coup, Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil conflict involving opposition forces and ethnic armed groups, many of which have declared they will not recognize or participate in the upcoming vote. Analysts estimate the military currently controls less than half of the country.
Independent analyst David Mathieson remarked that the reshuffling “is part of preparations for an election that we don’t know much about,” adding that the core power dynamics remain unchanged.
Despite the administrative changes, international observers and domestic opposition continue to question the legitimacy of the upcoming polls, citing the absence of free media and the imprisonment of political leaders, as well as the ongoing armed resistance.
China’s foreign ministry has expressed support for Myanmar’s political process and the “steady advancement” of its internal agenda.
