Myanmar military ruler promises new elections in 2023 | Abroad

Min Aung Hlaing spoke in a televised speech six months after the military took power and overthrew a civilian government after contested elections won by the ruling party of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Immediately after the coup, the military declared that they would organize new elections within a year.

Declared invalid

Last Monday, the regime officially declared the election results invalid, alleging that the polls had not been ‘free and fair’. The government of Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown by the army at the beginning of this year for the same reason. According to the regime, more than 11 million cases of ballot fraud were identified in the elections.

ASEAN foreign ministers will meet on Monday to appoint a special envoy to Myanmar. The envoy’s mission is to end violence in the country and promote dialogue between the junta and its opponents, diplomats said. “Myanmar is ready to work on cooperation with ASEAN within the ASEAN framework, including dialogue with the ASEAN Special Envoy in Myanmar,” said Min Aung Hlaing.

Opponents of the junta commemorated the coup in several cities on Sunday by demonstrating in small groups.

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