Burma’s Military Leader Declares Himself Prime Minister, Extends Emergency, Promises Election in 2 Years

Commander-in-Chief of Burma's armed forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivers his speech at the IX Moscow conference on international security in Moscow, Russia, on June 23, 2021. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via AP

BANGKOK—Six months after seizing power from the elected government, Burma’s military leader on Sunday declared himself prime minister and said he would lead the country under the extended state of emergency until elections are held in about two years.

“We must create conditions to hold a free and fair multiparty general election,“ Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said during a recorded televised address. ”We have to make preparations. I pledge to hold the multiparty general election without fail.”