The National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) of the Union of Myanmar held a meeting in the hall of the State Administration Council (SAC) office in Naypyidaw this morning and extended the term of the State of Emergency for another six months.

The duration of the State of Emergency is extended a further six months starting 1 August 2023 based on the decisions made by the members of the NDSC and under Section 425 of the Constitution and the State responsibilities are also assigned to the SAC Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services again under Section 419 of the Constitution.

The junta's official propaganda channels announced that the NDSC met in Naypyidaw, announcing the extension of the State of Emergency at 4 pm.

The initial State of Emergency was announced on the day the military staged the coup on 1 February 2021, and it has been extended every six months since then.

In accordance with the military-written 2008 Constitution under Section 425 states that if the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services is still unable to complete the duties assigned to him, so he may extend State of Emergency period usually up to six months, if he presents a reason for the extension.

On 1 February, 2023, the Military Council extended the State of Emergency for six months, citing "unusual circumstances”.

Acting President Myint Swe under the Military Council chaired today's NDSC meeting, and Vice President Henry Van Thio also attended the meeting for the first time.

Myanmar watchers are keeping a close eye on the actions of the junta as rumours circulate of the possibility the generals may bring in an interim government, and attention is focused on incarcerated civilian leader Aung Suu Kyi who was reported to have been moved from prison to house arrest.