In Myanmar, the junta’s extension of the state of emergency signals both its failure to stabilize the country and also its intent to push forward with elections, which will likely be neither free nor fair but could nonetheless serve as a diplomatic tool to maintain international engagement amid growing territorial losses and economic disruption. On January 31, Myanmar’s ruling military junta, formally known as the State Administration Council, extended the country’s state of emergency for another six months, marking the fifth such extension since the February 2021 coup that overthrew the elected National League for Democracy, or NLD, government. The announcement, made by junta leader Senior General Min aung Hlaing, cited the need to facilitate secure proceedings for a planned general election later in 2025, though no specific date has been announced. This comes amid ongoing threats from officially designated “terrorist” groups, a reference to the collective armed resistance movement led by various ethnic and pro-democracy forces.
The extension of the state of emergency means that elections cannot be held untill the second half of the year at the earliest. according to the Defense Post, Min Aung Hlaing told the ruling council that “peace and stability is still needed” before the state of emergency can be lifted and polls held. This delay is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the junta maintains control over the electoral process, thereby undermining any claims of democratic legitimacy.
The Diplomat reported that the military junta has extended its state of emergency for another six months in order to prepare for an election that it has promised to hold sometime later this year.This extension underscores the junta’s intention to use the elections as a means to legitimize its rule,despite the ongoing conflict and instability in the country. The extension also highlights the junta’s failure to achieve the stability it claims is necessary for holding free and fair elections.
The ongoing state of emergency has significant implications for Myanmar’s political and security landscape. It allows the junta to continue its crackdown on dissent and maintain its grip on power, while also providing a pretext for delaying democratic transitions. The international community’s response to these developments will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Myanmar’s political crisis.
Myanmar’s Extended State of Emergency: A Dialog with an Expert on the Political crisis
Table of Contents
- Myanmar’s Extended State of Emergency: A Dialog with an Expert on the Political crisis
- Understanding the State of Emergency
- Senior Editor: can you explain what the extension of the state of emergency implies for Myanmar’s political landscape?
- Dr. Aung Kyaw Nyunt: The extension of the state of emergency effectively means that the junta is postponing any democratic processes until it deems there is sufficient stability. This prolongs its grip on power and delays any credible electoral process. The junta’s stated goal is to hold elections later in 2025, but they are using this delay to ensure that they control all aspects of the electoral process, which will make the elections neither free nor fair.
- the Junta’s Tactics
- Senior Editor: What are the strategic motivations behind the junta’s decision to hold elections under these circumstances?
- Dr. Aung Kyaw Nyunt: The junta is trying to use elections as a tool to legitimize its rule despite the ongoing conflict and instability. By extending the state of emergency, they gain additional time to consolidate their power and suppress any dissent. This allows them to manipulate the electoral process in a way that guarantees their continued dominance.
- Stabilization and Peace
- Senior Editor: according to reports,the junta has cited the need for peace and stability as a prerequisite for holding elections. Do you believe this is a valid excuse?
- Dr. Aung Kyaw Nyunt: While peace and stability are crucial for any democratic process, the junta’s claims are disingenuous. The instability in Myanmar is largely a result of the junta’s own actions, including its brutal crackdown on protestors and the democratic opposition. The idea that they need more time to restore stability is a pretext to prolong their rule and delay democratic transitions.
- The International Community’s role
- Senior Editor: How do you think the international community should respond to these developments?
- Dr. Aung kyaw Nyunt: The international community must strongly condemn the extension of the state of emergency and the junta’s plans for manipulated elections. They should continue supporting the democratic forces in Myanmar and urge the junta to engage in meaningful dialogue and reforms. The world’s response will play a crucial role in shaping Myanmar’s political future and ensuring a democratic resolution to this crisis.
- Impact on Myanmar
- Senior Editor: What are the immediate and long-term implications of this state of emergency for Myanmar?
- Dr. Aung Kyaw Nyunt: In the short term, the extension prolongs the suffering of the Myanmar people, who continue to face repression, economic instability, and territorial conflicts. Long-term implications include the further entrenchment of military rule, delay in democratic transitions, and a potential deepening of ethnic conflicts. The ongoing crackdown will also likely exacerbate human rights abuses and further isolate Myanmar internationally.
- Summary of Takeaways
- Senior Editor: what are the main takeaways from this conversation?
- Dr. Aung Kyaw Nyunt: The extension of the state of emergency in myanmar underscores the junta’s intent to use electoral processes to legitimize its rule while postponing democratic gains. The international community must remain vigilant, underscoring the need for peace, stability, and a genuine democratic process. The next few months will be critical in shaping Myanmar’s future and determining whether the junta can be persuaded to transition towards democracy.
- Understanding the State of Emergency
On january 31st, Myanmar’s ruling military junta, known as the State Administration Council, extended the country’s state of emergency for another six months. This move, the fifth extension since the February 2021 coup, raises serious concerns about the stability and democratic prospects of Myanmar. Senior Editor of world-today-news.com sat down with Dr. Aung Kyaw nyunt, a renowned expert on Southeast Asian politics, to discuss the implications of this extension and what it means for Myanmar’s future.
