Myanmar’s military government has ended a four-year-long state of emergency. The emergency was lifted on Thursday in preparation for holding general elections in December.

The military announced that elections will be held within six months to establish a multi-party democratic system. Military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun stated, “The state of emergency has been lifted on Thursday to pave the way for the country to hold elections under a multi-party democracy. Elections will be conducted within six months.” However, the military has not yet set an exact election date, though the process of registering political parties is underway.

The military seized power in February 2021 by overthrowing the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Following the coup, the military declared a nationwide state of emergency. Since then, thousands have died in the ongoing civil conflict.

Military chief Min Aung Hlaing, who has taken control of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers, has pledged to hold elections within six months.