In his speech, Min Anglai reiterated his commitment to restoring democracy, stating that “we will complete the state of emergency regulations by August 2023.”

He added: “I pledge to establish a union based on democracy and federalism.”

Soon after the coup, the leaders of the military government promised to hold new elections within two years. Some local media interpreted the reference from Sunday to August 2023 as an extension of the time frame for six months.

Min Aung Lai also stated that his government will cooperate with any special envoys appointed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The ASEAN foreign ministers will meet on Monday, and diplomats said their goal is to finalize a special envoy whose mission is to end violence and promote dialogue between the military government and its opponents.
After Aung San Suu Kyi’s ruling party won the elections, the army seized power, and the military believed that these elections were affected by fraud. It has stated that its acquisition is constitutional. The country’s election commission dismissed the fraud allegations.

After the coup, Aung San Suu Kyi, 75, was charged with multiple crimes. Her trial for illegal possession of a walkie-talkie radio and violation of the coronavirus agreement is scheduled to resume on Monday.

Months of protest

The military authorities face months of protests, strikes paralyzing the public and private sectors, and the resurgence of armed conflict in border areas.

The authorities refer to their opponents as terrorists.

Min Anglai said in his speech: “At present, with the exception of some terrorist attacks, the entire country is very stable.”

The Political Prisoners militant organization Aid Association accused the armed forces of killing 939 people in suppressing dissidents since the coup, and stated that at least 6,990 military opposition groups have been arrested.

The military stated that much fewer protesters were killed, and members of the armed forces also died of violence. It stated that in the face of threats to national security, its response was in line with international norms.