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Myanmar military-owned Myawaddy TV said on Monday that the military was taking control of the country for one year, while reports said many of the country’s senior politicians including Aung San Suu Kyi had been detained
A soldier stands guard on a blockaded road to parliament in Naypyidaw after the military took control of the country on Monday. PIC/AFP
At dawn, on February 1, the Myanmar military launched a coup, detaining leaders and announcing a one-year state of emergency. After decades of ruling the country, the military had finally handed over the power to the elected government in 2011.
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Myanmar military-owned Myawaddy TV said on Monday that the military was taking control of the country for one year, while reports said many of the country’s senior politicians including Aung San Suu Kyi had been detained. Here are some possible reasons why the military has taken over now:
The Constitution
The announcement on Myawaddy TV cited Article 417 of the country’s constitution, which allows the military to take over in times of emergency. The announcer said the coronavirus crisis and the government’s failure to postpone November elections were reasons for the emergency.
The military drafted the constitution in 2008 and retains power under the charter at the expense of democratic, civilian rule. Human Rights Watch has described the clause as a “coup mechanism in waiting.”
The elections
In November elections, Suu Kyi’s party captured 396 out of 476 seats in the combined lower and upper houses of Parliament. The state Union Election Commission confirmed that result. But the military since shortly after the elections has claimed there were millions of irregularities in voter lists in 314 townships that could have let voters cast multiple ballots or commit other “voting malpractice.” “But they haven’t really shown any proof of that,” said Kim Jolliffe, a researcher on Myanmar civilian and military relations. The election commission rejected the claims last week, stating there was no evidence to support them.
The military takeover came on what was to be the first day of the new Parliament following the elections. Instead, Suu Kyi and other lawmakers who would have been sworn into office were reported detained. A later announcement on Myawaddy TV said the military would hold an election after the one-year emergency ends and would turn over power to the winner.
What’s happening now
Telecommunications came to a near halt in the morning and early afternoon. In the capital, internet and phone access appeared to be blocked. Residents flocked to ATMs and food vendors, while some shops and homes removed the symbols of Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy.
What happens next
Governments and international organisations condemned the takeover. Watchdogs fear a further crackdown on human rights defenders, journalists, and others critical of the military. Even before the current takeover, journalists, free speech advocates and critics of the military often faced legal action for publicly criticising it. A US senator raised the possibility the country could again impose economic sanctions, which was lifted when Myanmar was transitioning to civilian rule.
US warns of action
Jen Psaki, Spokesperson, White House
‘The US opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed’
Marise Payne, Foreign minister, Australia
‘We call on the military to respect the rule of law... and to release immediately all civilian leaders and others detained unlawfully. This is a direct attack on Myanmar’s ongoing democratic transition’
Brad Adams, Asia director, Human Rights Watch
‘The military’s actions show utter disdain for the democratic elections held in November and the right of Myanmar’s people to choose their own government’
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