Junta pushes for December elections

Man of the hour: Hlaing arriving to deliver a speech during a ceremony to mark the country’s Armed Forces Day in Naypyidaw. — AFP

The chief of the country’s ruling junta vowed to hold a free and fair election in December, as he urged armed opponents in a wi­dening civil war to renounce violence and pursue dialogue.

Min Aung Hlaing during a speech at the country’s annual armed forces day parade on Thursday said the military was seeking to hold a “dignified” election and promised to transfer power to the winning party.