Myanmar’s military leader appoints himself PM but promises to hold elections

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has promised that elections will be held in Myanmar in two years (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool)

Six months after seizing power from the elected government, Myanmar’s military leader has 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 General Min Aung Hlaing said during a recorded televised address. “We have to make preparations. I pledge to hold the multiparty general election without fail.”