Myanmar Junta Extends State of Emergency Amidst Ongoing Crisis

Myanmar's military government has extended the state of emergency for another six months as it grapples with widespread unrest and economic turmoil. The junta aims to prepare voter lists for future elections amidst ongoing violence and resistance. Promised elections have been delayed repeatedly, with current plans set for 2025.

Myanmar's embattled military government extended a state of emergency on Wednesday for another six months, state media reported. The extension comes as the junta struggles to maintain its grip on power amidst widespread fighting and economic crisis.

The military-controlled National Defence and Security Council extended emergency rule to allow more time to compile population data for voter lists, according to army-run Myawaddy media. Initially implemented after a February 2021 coup, the emergency rule has been extended every six months as protest movements have morphed into an armed rebellion.

Last week, responsibilities of Myanmar's figurehead president were handed over to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who has promised a multi-party election in 2025. Previous election dates have been postponed due to ongoing violence. The military originally seized power citing fraud in a November 2020 election won by Suu Kyi's party, claims that were dismissed by election monitors.

(With inputs from agencies.)