JAKARTA – Myanmar's military has taken control of the country under a one-year state of emergency and reports say State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other government leaders have been detained.
Here are some possible reasons why the military has taken over now: THE CONSTITUTION The announcement on military-owned Myawaddy TV cited Article 417 of the country's constitution, which allows the military to take over in times of emergency.
The announcer said the coronavirus crisis and the government's failure to postpone November elections were reasons for the emergency.
The military drafted the constitution in 2008 and retains power under the charter at the expense of democratic, civilian rule.