Myanmar’s military announced the formation of a civilian-led interim government on Thursday, formally ending the state of emergency imposed after its 2021 coup, Reuters reported. However, the move is widely seen as symbolic, with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing maintaining his grip on power by assuming the role of acting president while continuing to head the armed forces.
The announcement, made via state media, stated that the decree granting emergency powers to the military has been rescinded. In its place, a caretaker administration has been established alongside a special commission tasked with overseeing national elections, tentatively scheduled for December.
Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for the military government, confirmed that the six-month transition period is intended to prepare for the polls. “The interim president and commander in chief said this upcoming six months are the time to prepare and host the election,” he said.
Despite the nominal transfer of authority, analysts and observers say the military's dominance remains unshaken. General Min Aung Hlaing, who led the February 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government, continues to hold all key levers of power.
Myanmar has been mired in conflict since the coup, which triggered a nationwide civil war between military forces and a broad coalition of anti-junta ethnic and pro-democracy armed groups. The military has faced accusations of widespread atrocities and human rights violations — allegations it denies.
International observers and Western governments have dismissed the planned elections as illegitimate and engineered to cement military rule. Most opposition parties have been outlawed or are refusing to participate, citing systemic repression and lack of credibility.
“This is political theatre,” said David Mathieson, an independent analyst focused on Myanmar. “They are just rearranging the same pieces and calling the regime a new name. Nothing will change in the near term.”
The junta’s latest move appears to be aimed at deflecting international criticism while pushing ahead with elections that critics fear will only entrench authoritarian rule. With opposition voices largely silenced and military proxies expected to dominate the polls, the prospect for a meaningful democratic transition remains bleak.
