CNI News
2 July 2025
Myanmar-style democracy could mean a democracy that is based on traditional cultures and that is appropriate for the country's circumstances, the Karen People's Party Chairperson Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo told CNI News.
In Myanmar, Myanmar style democracy must be implemented because it must be consistent with the Myanmar condition, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the Peace Forum held on June 25, 2025.
During the era of U Ne Win's rule, socialism was pursued in a Myanmar way, called the Burma Socialist Programme Party, and now, democracy might be considered to implement in a way that goes well with traditional cultures within the country, said the Karen People's Party Chairperson Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo.
“The Myanmar style has socialism and democracy, but socialism also has some forms of democracy, and then there are capitalism and communism. Democratic governments use democracy to the full. The socialist programme that suits the country's conditions is to take the example of neighboring countries and imitate them. Own style democracy is the one that goes well with the country's situation, characteristics, and culture. That democracy will be used in the Myanmar style means that there are ethnic groups and traditional cultures in Myanmar. We will go for democracy based on those things. Myanmar will stand on its own. If others want to help, let them help. So, Myanmar style is not bad, it is good,” she said.
While the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was delivering a speech at the Peace Forum
Some people hate to hear the term “Myanmar style” and according to Myanmar’s history, it must be overcome like that, Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News.
"We need to learn lessons from history. The Bamar were ruled by the monarchy, and some of the ethnic people had their own kings and queens. There are different interpretations of history. How was Myanmar born and how will it continue to unite and become a prosperous nation? How can we resolve and overcome the current conflict crisis? Is it possible without using the Myanmar style? Is the Myanmar conflict similar to the conflicts in other countries that have been resolved? There are many things to consider. So, what kind of system will Myanmar have going forward? How will we build a new nation that is stable and prosperous? We need to take the time to discuss these issues with everyone. Some people will hate to hear the phrase "Myanmar style." Because Ne Win's Burma Socialist Programme Party was also used as a form of socialism in the Myanmar style and it did not succeed. Therefore, they will make fun of the Myanmar style. We also believe that the Myanmar problem must be overcome in the Myanmar way in accordance with the history of Myanmar," he said.
The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing
Myanmar was governed by Myanmar-style socialism from 1962 to 1988, when U Ne Win ruled the country.
Then, after winning the 2010 general election, when U Thein Sein came to power, peace talks between the government, parliament, military, and ethnic armed groups continued, and the solution to the system that would govern Myanmar is still being sought today.
Currently, there are divided groups, some calling for the establishment of a federal democratic union and others calling for the establishment of a democratic federal union.
However, the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) has agreed to establish a union system based on democracy and federalism.
