Myanmar army announces new elections

Myanmar army announces new elections
Myanmar’s military has announced new elections after seizing power.

In a statement, military officials said the party that won the election would hand over power after a year of emergency.

Earlier in the day, the military arrested political leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and declared a one-year state of emergency. According to the foreign news agency, the internet and communication connections in Myanmar started to be disrupted from 3 pm last night. In Yangon city, the army has taken control of the city hall and several military trucks were seen in the city hall.

In a video message broadcast on Army-administered television, the senior general said that powers had been handed over to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces while a one-year state of emergency had been declared in the country.

A spokesman for Aung San Suu Kyi’s party claimed that key leaders of the ruling party, including the president, had been arrested and that a “military coup and seizure of power” was taking place.

On the other hand, the United States, Canada and Australia have demanded the immediate release of the elected leaders and the United States has warned Myanmar of possible retaliation.

A White House spokesman said the United States would take action against those responsible if steps were not taken.