Myanmar’s military government has extended the country’s state of emergency for another six months, state media reported on Friday, just one day before the fourth anniversary of the coup that ended a decade of democratic progress.
The military has ruled Myanmar since February 1, 2021, when it ousted the elected civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking widespread unrest and a protracted civil war. Despite announcing plans to hold elections this year, the junta has faced criticism, with opponents dismissing the proposed vote as a ploy to maintain military control through political proxies.
“There are still more tasks to be done to hold the general election successfully. Especially for a free and fair election, stability and peace are still needed,” state-run Myanmar Digital News reported on its Telegram channel while announcing the emergency extension.
Since the coup, Myanmar has descended into conflict, with resistance forces—including ethnic militias and anti-junta groups—mounting an armed struggle against the military government. The junta has responded with widespread crackdowns, mass arrests, and airstrikes on opposition strongholds.
While the military insists elections will restore order, analysts and rights groups argue that any vote under military rule would lack legitimacy, given the ongoing violence, suppression of opposition voices, and detention of political leaders.
The extension of emergency rule signals continued instability, raising doubts about whether a credible election can be held in the near future.
Melissa Enoch
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