General Min Aung Hlaing has declared himself as the new prime minister of Myanmar. The junta leader made the announcement on Sunday, stating that he also plans to hold an election in 2023.

Min Aung Hlaing said he plans to be in charge of running the country for the next two years through his "caretaker government." He said he plans to extend the state of emergency before holding elections.

"We must create conditions to hold a free and fair multiparty general election. We have to make preparations. I pledge to hold the multiparty general election without fail," Min Aung Hlaing said.

Min Aung Hlaing decided to legitimize his administration by forming an interim government.  Min Aung Hlaing also named his deputy military chief, Soe Win, as the country's new deputy prime minister.

Min Aung Hlaing said the state of emergency, which was declared after the military moved against the elected government, would not be lifted. He said the objectives of the declaration would only be completed at the conclusion of the next elections.

The military initially announced that it would only remain in power until new officials are elected. However, the new announcement would place Myanmar under the military's control for the next two years.  

Myanmar's military overthrew the nation's democratically elected government through a coup more than six months ago. Military officials alleged that officials were elected through fraud. The military arrested Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party had won the elections.

The military coup sparked months of continued protests. According to international media, more than 1,000 demonstrators and political opponents have been killed by security forces since the coup.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said the Junta government has arrested for more than 7,000 people. Around 5,000 of those arrested have been sentenced.

Apart from dealing with civil unrest, Myanmar is also struggling with a new surge in Covid-19 cases. The increase in infections has overwhelmed its already crippled healthcare system. There have also been reports of the military targeting some medical workers who are still cooperating with the ousted government. The military has been publicly criticized for its failure to control the outbreak - accusations which the military claims are nothing more than "fake news" and "misinformation."