31 July 2025
Military leader Min Aung Hlaing has declared that the four and a half years since the military takeover marked the “first chapter,” and the regime is now moving into what he described as the “second chapter.”
The announcement comes as the current six-month extension of the state of emergency reaches its end on July 31. In response, the National Defense and Security Council is expected to convene to address the next steps, since the state of emergency can no longer be extended under the constitution.
At a ceremony held yesterday in Naypyitaw, the junta leader said a general election will be held in December. He expressed gratitude to allies and supporters for their efforts in navigating the challenges of the past four and a half years and bringing the country to its current state.
Min Aung Hlaing also stated that the country still has “a long way to go” and that he is confident the second chapter can be carried out successfully.
Armed resistance groups have rejected the planned election as illegitimate, while ASEAN has warned that if the vote is not inclusive of all parties, it could further escalate the conflict.
Photo: MOI
