After several extensions, the State Administration Council, controlled by the military (Tatmadaw), lifted the state of emergency on July 31, creating a State Security and Peace Commission and a caretaker cabinet led by Prime Minister Nyo Saw, a military-aligned figure, while Senior General Min Aung Hlaing remains the commander-in-chief and acting president.
On the same day, the Union Election Commission — provisioned under 2008 Constitution and set up under UEC Law of 2010 — was reconstituted to set this election process in motion. The plan now is to complete general elections by January 25, 2026, to form a civilian government before completing four years of military rule and, once again, start Myanmar’s piecemeal process of democratization.
But, given that ASEAN has refused to send observers for these elections, their credibility already stands undermined. By official admission, these elections will not take place in 15% of constituencies.
But, given that ASEAN has refused to send observers for these elections, their credibility already stands undermined. By official admission, these elections will not take place in 15% of constituencies.
