On Thursday, Myanmar’s military announced a nominal transfer of authority to a civilian-led interim government, while retaining its grip on power through military leader Min Aung Hlaing, who now also serves as acting president.
The state media decree marked the official cancellation of the 2021 post-coup military power order, with the formation of a caretaker administration and an election commission. Despite this formal reconfiguration, the power dynamics remain unchanged, with the junta leader continuing to wield control over both the military and political machinery.
Symbolic Rebranding Masks Military Control Ahead of Disputed and Widely Dismissed Elections
The military also lifted the nationwide state of emergency, which had been extended seven times since the 2021 coup, claiming it is now a transitional period aimed at organizing elections. According to a government spokesperson, the next six months will be used for election preparation.
However, this development has not signaled any substantive shift in governance, as the interim administration remains under the military’s dominance. Critics argue that the rebranding is largely symbolic and designed to lend legitimacy to the regime.
The upcoming election, tentatively planned for December and January, is widely seen by Western governments and analysts as a façade intended to entrench military rule. Many opposition parties are either banned or have refused to participate.
Analysts like David Mathieson have dismissed the transition as purely cosmetic, suggesting that it is a repackaging of the existing authoritarian system. International observers are doubtful of any genuine democratic process, given the junta’s control and repression.
Escalating Conflict, Displacement, and Doubts Undermine Credibility of Myanmar’s Upcoming Election
Myanmar’s internal conflict, ignited by the 2021 coup, continues to cast doubt on the feasibility of the election. A military-led census failed to reach over half of the country’s townships, underlining the junta’s weak territorial control.
The government has declared martial law in over 60 townships across nine regions, especially near borders where insurgent groups are active. These areas, besieged by violence and rebellion, are unlikely to participate in any credible electoral process, further undermining the legitimacy of the vote.
The international community, including human rights organizations like Amnesty International, has condemned the junta for widespread human rights violations. Since the coup, over 6,000 civilians have been killed and more than 20,000 detained, with 3.5 million people displaced. Despite these grim statistics, the military dismisses allegations of abuse as Western propaganda.
Meanwhile, China has expressed support for Myanmar’s “national conditions,” emphasizing political stability over human rights. The military’s justification for the coup, alleged election fraud, remains unproven, as independent monitors found no credible evidence to support such claims.
