Naypyidaw: Myanmar's military junta has announced the formation of an interim civilian-led government and the end of a prolonged state of emergency, signaling preparations for a national election expected in December. However, critics say the move is largely symbolic, as Senior General Min Aung Hlaing continues to wield consolidated control over the country.
The State Administration Council (SAC), which had ruled since the military’s February 2021 coup, has been formally replaced by a new interim structure, including the constitutionally mandated National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) and a newly created State Security and Peace Commission. General Min Aung Hlaing remains head of all key institutions and now serves as interim president, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and chair of the newly established election oversight commission.
The junta's restructuring follows the formal lifting of the state of emergency on July 31, after more than four years and seven extensions. State media reported the formation of an 11-member commission to organize the upcoming polls, with Min Aung Hlaing himself at the helm.
General Nyo Saw, a long-time advisor to the junta, was named as the new prime minister while also retaining the post of minister of national planning and finance. Though the military claims these changes mark a return to constitutional governance, observers note the continued absence of meaningful political pluralism or civilian autonomy.
A controversial new election law was also enacted, imposing harsh penalties—including life imprisonment or even the death penalty—for individuals found guilty of obstructing the election process. This has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights groups and opposition parties, who argue the law is designed to silence dissent.
The opposition National Unity Government (NUG), ethnic armed organizations, and pro-democracy forces have dismissed the upcoming vote as a "sham," asserting that the military’s tight grip on power and suppression of dissent undermine any hopes for a free and fair election. Many political parties, including the previously dominant National League for Democracy (NLD), are banned or in exile.
Myanmar remains engulfed in a civil conflict, with armed resistance movements gaining control of significant territory. Analysts suggest that without genuine dialogue and democratic guarantees, the December election could deepen instability rather than resolve it.
While the junta frames the transition as a step toward normalization, critics argue it is a calculated move to legitimize military dominance under the facade of civilian governance. The international community continues to watch developments closely, though coordinated pressure on the regime remains limited.