Myanmar’s military State Administration Council has announced the end of emergency rule, which was put in place after the military's coup in 2021. But while the generals may be taking off their uniforms, the faces in charge are unlikely to change.

Naypyidaw

Myanmar has officially ended its state of emergency, a move that theoretically opens the door for a return to civilian government and the holding of elections. The military, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, remains in control, with the precise date and process for the election yet to be announced.

Observers and critics express skepticism about the legitimacy of the planned elections, noting that opposition leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, remain imprisoned and that much of the country is controlled by ethnic armies and pro-democracy groups who are unlikely to participate. The military currently controls only a fraction of the territory, and many believe the electoral process will be tightly managed, leaving much of the electorate disenfranchised.

Myanmar ends emergency rule, but critics question upcoming election

Dark clouds hang over the Sulei Pagoda in downtown Yangon. At first glance, Myanmar's most populated city is like many others, busy, bustling and chaotic. But look a little closer. Since 2021's coup, this country has been under military rule. Now the state of emergency is over, clearing the path for civilian government. Frequently promised elections are also on the horizon, probably at the end of the year. But will those elections bring substantial change? We all know that it's all rehearsed. And who will win? And who will form the next government? We all know that. There's no mystery in that. But what he's obviously hoping for is that this election would really legitimise the next government. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing now sits over the new government as chairman of the National Peace and Security Commission and acting president. The precise election date and process has not yet been announced, and many people expect the result will be carefully stage-managed. Nonetheless, an electoral process, however flawed, will give some members of the international community the chance to re-engage with Myanmar. China is just looking for anything, and they will take that and they will spin it. But whether that election is free or fair or legitimate, and especially if all the opposition leaders are still in jail. First amongst those is Aung San Suu Kyi. Aside from court appearances, she's been kept in solitary confinement since the 2021 coup. But Myanmar is also in the grip of a full-blown civil war. Today, the military control as little as 21% of the country, the rest controlled by ethnic armies and pro-democracy groups. They will not participate in the election process, leaving much more of the electorate disenfranchised. And while this might look like a step back onto the democratic path, it'll just be more of the same. Tony Chang, Al Jazeera.

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