Myanmar ends state of emergency in some parts before planned elections

An order signed by General Min Aung Hlaing cancelled the emergency rule imposed on the day he seized power in a coup on February 1, 2021. The order returns power to the head of state, a role that he also holds [File: Nyein Chang Naing/EPA]

Myanmar’s military government has declared the end of a state of emergency in parts of the country as it ramps up plans for elections, which opposition groups have pledged to boycott, and monitors warn will be used to consolidate the military’s hold on power under leader Min Aung Hlaing.

Military government spokesperson Zaw Min Tun made the announcement on Thursday, four and a half years after the military deposed the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup, sparking a multisided civil war that has killed thousands of people.