Myanmar's military says it has decided to extend a state of emergency for another six months. This will be the sixth extension of the rule that was declared when the junta seized power in a coup in 2021.

The announcement came in a news bulletin on Wednesday. The report by the country's state-run media said the National Defense and Security Council made the decision in a meeting in the capital, Naypyitaw.

About the reason for the extension, the report said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who leads the military, explained that it is necessary to maintain regional peace and stability to proceed with preparations for a general election toward a transfer to civilian rule.

The junta says it plans to hold a general election next year. It says it will start in October a population and household census that is needed to make voter lists.

Meanwhile, ethnic minority armed forces and pro-democracy fighters have been stepping up their offensive against the junta since last fall.

They have so far seized areas near the borders with Bangladesh and China. There is no prospect in sight for an end to the conflict.