In a televised address, the army announced that the commander-in-chief of the armed forces had been empowered, and that they were announcing a national emergency situation for one year.
The de facto leader Suu Kyi and several ministers of state are being held in the capital Naypyidaw, according to a ruling for the ruling National League of Democracy (NLD).
The two groups have tried to share power since the 2015 elections, Myanmar’s first open vote since military rule came to an end. That power-sharing relationship now appears to be over after Monday’s coup.
Here are the things you need to know about the situation.
Who is Suu Kyi? What is Myanmar’s political system?
However, despite the start of some democratic reforms and the introduction of a semi-civilian government under General Thein Sein in 2011, Myanmar’s military was unwilling to relinquish power. passed. The ruling junta drafted a constitution in 2008 that ensured that the military maintained a major political and economic influence, regardless of future administrations.
Under this constitution, the armed forces gain a quarter of seats in parliament and control key ministries such as home affairs and defense. The military also has veto power on any attempts to change the base.
It is within this framework that Suu Kyi and the NLD first formed a government in 2015. She was elected to the post of state adviser – created as a defense vacancy, as the constitution a draft of arms prevented her from being president.
Allegations of genocide against the Rohingya
After its victory in 2015, Suu Kyi’s tenure was swiftly assassinated with difficulties in making real progress with the peace process aimed at ending many of the country’s ethical civil wars.
What prompted the coup?
Monday’s crackdown is based on the November parliamentary election.
The military was also debating the outcome of the election again. He claims, without giving evidence, that there are more than 10.5 million cases of “potential fraud, such as non-existent voters” and called on the election commission to publicly release final voting data.
The Electoral Commission has denied widespread voting fraud.
By Monday, it became clear that the military had seized power in a coup.
What is the position on the ground? What now?
Myanmar’s first Vice President and former general Myint Swe were installed as acting president on Monday. The whereabouts of Suu Kyi and other detained officials and ministers are unknown.
In their televised address, the army said it had arrested Suu Kyi and other political leaders for failing to act on an unfounded election ball and imposed a state of emergency for one year. Power has been transferred to Chief Min Aung Hlaing, who will investigate voting irregularities, according to the announcement.
In a statement later Monday, Min Aung Hlaing’s office said elections would take place only after the electoral commission had been “re-appointed” and the voter lists examined.
“A free and fair multiple general election will be held and then, the winning party will be given state responsibilities meeting the norms and standards of democracy,” the statement said.
It is difficult to say what will happen now, especially as there has been widespread controversy over internet access and news across the country – which could affect people ‘s ability to receive or respond to information. be organized through social media.
Netblocks, which monitors internet blackouts around the world, said real-time network data showed a sharp drop in connectivity in the early hours of Monday morning. At one time, the only operational TV channel was the Myanmar television network owned by Myawaddy TV.
Banks across the country have also been temporarily closed, and operations will cease until the internet connection improves, according to a statement from the Myanmar Banking Association.
What have world leaders said?
World leaders and international organizations expressed fear and anxiety.
U.S. President Joe Biden has been notified of the situation, the White House said in a statement. The statement said the U.S. “opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or block Myanmar’s democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these measures are not taken. turn it back on. “
Other countries, including India, Japan, the UK, New Zealand and Australia, have also released statements calling for the detention and release of detainees.
Australia on Monday called for the immediate release of Suu Kyi and other senior leaders arrested by the army.
In a statement, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said, “The Australian Government is deeply concerned about reports that Myanmar militants are once again trying to take control of Myanmar.”
“We urge the military to respect the rule of law, resolve disputes through legal mechanisms, and immediately release all civilian and other illegally detained leaders,” the statement said.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry also expressed concern, saying in a statement that it urged “all parties in Myanmar to impose self-censorship and to launch talks in search of solutions. challenges so as not to exacerbate the situation. “
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said they were “learning more about the situation” and that China is “a friendly neighbor in Myanmar, and we hope the parties will handle it.” all in Myanmar their differences under the constitutional and legal framework and to maintain political and social stability. “
“The actions of the military show great contempt for the democratic elections held in November and the right of the people of Myanmar to choose their own government,” Brad Adams, Asia’s director of the international NGO Human Rights Guard, said in “We urge concerned governments to speak out strongly against military action and to consider targeted sanctions against those responsible.”