Military council’s extension of the state of emergency criticized by analysts as an attempt to maintain power

Mawlamyine, February (3)

According to Article 425 of the 2008 Constitution, the National Defense and Security Council meeting of the military council extended the period of state of emergency for another six months, which is a usurpation of power by interpreting the provisions of the law as necessary, said veteran advocate U Gyi Myint.

At a meeting held on January 31, the 2^nd anniversary of the coup, after military leader Min Aung Hlaing stated that the country was not in a normal state and that it was not yet ready to hold elections, the military council announced that the state of emergency had been extended.

The military leader General Min Aung Hlaing’s presentation was agreed to by all who attended the National Defense and Security Council meeting, so the military council was granted an extension of the state of emergency from February 1, 2023, for another six months.

It is said that the Constitutional Court of the Military Council agreed to hand over power to the military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing.

Veteran lawyer U Gyi Myint criticizes the extension of the state of emergency, saying that it is not in accordance with the law and that the claim that the Constitutional Court agreed to the extension is a lie.

He added, “The Constitutional Court was not formed with the authorization of the president elected by the people and the approval of the parliament. The extension of the state of emergency by the tribunal established by Min Aung Hlaing is not in line with the law. Section 425 is not written in that sense. It stated that normally, the emergency term can be extended twice every six months”.

U Gyi Myint said that the military council will never be able to act according to the law because they have repeatedly violated the 2008 constitution they drafted and are only working to maintain power.

In addition, U Gyi Myint said that since the Constitutional Court could not issue a notice agreeing to the extension of the emergency period at the National Defense and Security Council meeting, it was a fraudulent attempt to take power.

The military leader stated at this meeting that in order to hold the election, security must be provided in 132 townships across the country, amidst the activities of the CRPH, NUG, and PDF.

Political analysts are predicting that the junta will continue to retain power by adhering to the 2008 Constitution.

News-Than Lwin Times