Myanmar's Military Junta Extends State of Emergency, Postpones Election

Myanmar's military-led government has extended the state of emergency it imposed when it seized power from an elected government, further delaying the promised elections. The National Defense and Security Council, controlled by the military, extended the state of emergency for another six months due to the need for more time to prepare for the polls. The extension reflects the military's failure to subdue widespread opposition to its rule, including armed resistance and nonviolent protests. The military government labels the opposition National Unity Government and its armed wing as "terrorists." Critics argue that the upcoming elections will not be free or fair under the military-controlled government, which has shut down independent media and arrested leaders of the pro-democracy movement.