Myanmar’s military government has announced another six-month extension of its mandate to rule in preparation for elections it has said will be held this year, as the country enters its fifth year of crisis.

Myanmar's ruling military has extended a state of emergency for another six months, state media reported on Friday, a day ahead of the four-year anniversary of a coup that plunged the country into chaos after a decade of tentative democracy.

The National Defence and Security Council extended a state of emergency for another six months until July 31, according to a government statement on Friday. The move allows junta chief Min Aung Hlaing to retain control over the Southeast Asian country grappling with an economy battered by the civilian conflict and United States sanctions.

Current situation in Southeast Asian nation ‘requires stability to hold elections,’ says military chief - Anadolu Ajansı

Myanmar has been locked in a civil war triggered by the military's overthrow of the elected civilian government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta plans this year to hold an election,