Myanmar’s military government granted amnesty to more than 6,100 prisoners on Sunday to mark the 78th anniversary of the country’s independence from Britain. State-run MRTV reported that junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing pardoned 6,134 inmates, while a separate statement said 52 foreign prisoners would be released and deported. Authorities did not clarify whether the freed detainees included political prisoners jailed for opposing military rule.

The move comes as the military advances a monthlong, three-stage election process that critics say is meant to legitimize its continued grip on power. Some prisoners also received reduced sentences, excluding those convicted of serious crimes or security-related offenses. Releases, common during national holidays, began Sunday and are expected to take several days.

Former information minister Ye Htut was among those freed, but there was no indication that ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, serving a 27-year sentence, would be released.