Myanmar junta forms new government ahead of elections

The military junta that controls Myanmar nominally transferred power to an interim government on Thursday ahead of a planned election in December and January.

The military junta that controls Myanmar nominally transferred power to an interim government on Thursday ahead of a planned election in December and January.

A state of emergency that was due to expire Thursday after seven extensions was lifted, Zaw Min Tun, a government spokesman, told state media. The decree had given legislative, judicial, and executive powers to Min Aung Hlaing as head of the ruling military council.

But state media reported late Thursday that martial law and a state of emergency would be imposed in more than 60 townships across nine regions and states due to the threat of violence and insurgency.