Myanmar Junta Ends Emergency Rule, But Democracy Remains a Distant Illusion

After more than three years of brutal military rule since the February 2021 coup, Myanmar’s junta has officially ended the state of emergency it imposed to seize power. Yet, far from signaling a return to democracy, this announcement is a calculated maneuver to entrench authoritarian control under the guise of legitimacy. The regime led by General Min Aung Hlaing has dissolved the State Administration Council — the official name for the military junta — replacing it with a new transitional body still firmly anchored in military leadership. While promising elections within six months, these polls are widely condemned as a...