CNI News

26 September 2025

The relaxation of candidate requirements—allowing Union-level parties in Myanmar to submit candidate lists for only one-fourth of constituencies instead of half—is a good measure, said Sai Aik Pao, chair of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP).

On September 21, 2025, under an order by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the rule was amended so that political parties contesting nationwide are required to field candidates in only one-fourth of the total constituencies.

“Reducing the number of candidates required is a good step. Why? Because now all the other parties can compete. Previously, only six parties remained eligible to contest nationwide. That’s good. Our party planned to field over 600 candidates in 418 constituencies. But with this relaxation, everyone can participate. That’s a good thing,” he told CNI News.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing casting his vote

Union-level political parties will therefore no longer need to submit 417 candidates—half of the total 833 constituencies across 330 townships. Instead, if they can field candidates in one-fourth of the constituencies, they will be allowed to contest the election and will also be spared from the risk of deregistration.

Previously, the law stipulated that if a union-level party could not field 417 candidates or contest in at least 417 constituencies, it would be deregistered.

Sai Aik Pao with political party leaders

The easing of candidate requirements will have a significant impact on political parties, said SNDP chair Sai Aik Pao.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that Phase (1) of the election in Myanmar will be held on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships.

In the upcoming general election beginning December 28, elections will be held in a total of 712 constituencies across the three legislatures.