14-7-2023 (YANGON) Myanmar’s junta leader has suggested that the military might further extend the state of emergency and postpone the promised elections, citing the need for greater efforts to quell the ongoing unrest in the country.
Since Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing orchestrated the coup that ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi over two years ago, Myanmar has been engulfed in deadly violence. The military crackdown on dissent has resulted in a staggering toll, with nearly 3,800 civilians killed and 24,000 injured. The junta has been grappling with resistance from various rebel groups, both new and long-standing, who vehemently oppose military rule.
Recognizing that the unrest persists, Min Aung Hlaing’s administration has repeatedly extended the state of emergency that was initially imposed during the coup. During a meeting with senior officials on Thursday, he acknowledged that while “terrorism events declined, they continued to occur” in Myanmar, alluding to the ongoing attacks carried out by anti-coup resistance forces. He emphasized the need for enhanced security, peace, stability, and the rule of law.
Furthermore, Min Aung Hlaing stated that over 782 people had been killed in various “terror acts” since the beginning of the year. However, he did not provide further details regarding these incidents.
According to the military-drafted 2008 constitution, which the junta claims is still in effect, authorities are required to hold fresh elections within six months after lifting a state of emergency. While the junta initially pledged to hold elections in August of this year, they extended the emergency ordinance in February, citing the country’s failure to return to normalcy.
Since her government was ousted, 78-year-old Aung San Suu Kyi has faced a series of trials that human rights groups have criticized as being illegitimate. She was convicted and sentenced to 33 years in prison. However, she is currently appealing her convictions and sentencing at the Supreme Court, with the hearings scheduled for this month.
Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai recently met with Aung San Suu Kyi during a visit to Nay Pyi Taw. Following the meeting, he reported that the Nobel peace laureate is in good health and encouraged all parties involved in the conflict to engage in dialogue.
The situation in Myanmar remains tense as the junta’s proposed election timeline becomes increasingly uncertain, while the ongoing violence continues to claim lives and stifle the country’s path towards stability and democracy.
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