Maung Sar Ga, Narinjara News, 1 August 2024
The military junta's decision to extend the state of
emergency for another six months may worsen and complicate the country’s
military situation, opined eminent political analyst U Than Soe Naing.
The junta leader senior general Min Aung Hlaing's
decision to prolong the state of emergency, while failing to implement
political reforms that the people expected, may lead to the increased tensions,
he apprehended.
"I believe Min Aung Hlaing is determined to claim
the presidency and continue ruling alone. The civilian government led by Thein
Sein or the coalition entity which the people are expecting will not
materialize very soon. Min Aung Hlaing has shown a strong military resolve to
keep attacking revolutionary forces and continue the violence. If it continues,
the Myanmar military situation will become more complicated,” added U Than Soe
Naing.
On 31 July, the national defense and security council
(NDSC), under the chairmanship of Min Aung Hlaing as the acting President in
Nay Pyi Taw, decided to extend the state of emergency for another six months.
U Than Soe Naing, while talking to Narinjara News over
the issue, noted that Min Aung Hlaing may use the extension to advance his
plans for holding the elections and convening the Hluttaw (Parliament) with an
aim to elect himself as the new President of Myanmar. However, U Than Soe Naing
expressed apprehension if a broad and democratic election is possible under
this situation.
Arakanese political analyst U Pe Than argued that
holding the elections under the escalating military conflicts will not be
feasible.
"It is impossible to hold a free & fair
nationwide election at this moment,” said the former member of Pyithu Hluttaw
representing Myebon township, adding that it is only possible ‘to conduct a
sham election with ballot boxes set up in specific office buildings’.
On 18 March, the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing during
an interview with the Russian media in Yangon said that the general
elections would be conducted in areas where it’s feasible within six
months after the state of emergency was lifted.
But today, he replaced acting President U Myint Swe,
who was on a medical leave, and chaired himself the NDSC meeting.