CNI News
5 December 2025
Political analysts point out that Myanmar’s political environment has become tarnished because of people who exploit politics for personal gain.
The public has not lost trust in politicians, they say. Rather, people have become fearful, and politics itself has gained a bad name because of those who manipulate it for selfish purposes. Daw Sanda Min, an independent candidate from Latha Township, told CNI News:
“It’s not that people don’t trust politicians. They are fearful—there are many things that have caused fear. After what happened post-2021—the incidents, the political figures, and those calling themselves revolutionaries—their ways of operating have frightened the public, frightened them away from politics. People have faced terrifying situations that would scare anyone. So, I see it more as fear rather than distrust.It’s not that there is no trust. Every country has politicians. Among them, there are good people and bad people, and there are those who exploit politics. So, it’s not that people have lost trust in politicians—they are afraid. Because of those who exploit politics, the political sphere has become tainted.”
On February 1, 2021, Myanmar’s military (Tatmadaw) removed the NLD government, declared a state of emergency, and has ruled the country since.
Analysts note that in this situation, political parties, politicians, and armed groups have taken advantage of the people's lives and resources for their own benefit, while failing to solve or protect the public from their hardships. They only come close to the public during election periods when they need votes, speaking of “the people” without sincerity.
Daw Sanda Min and U Htet Aung Kyaw
Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that the desire to engage in politics—whether with good intentions or bad—should be allowed as long as it does not violate the law:
“This is the real situation. People who have founded parties have to attend national events. Once they do, they build connections with those in power and take advantage of those relationships.It’s not that they genuinely want to represent the public or have ideas for how to improve the country.So it’s understandable when people say politics is full of those who exploit it. Ultimately, the public will decide who is who.According to a citizen’s political rights, anyone may establish a political party or enter politics—whether their intentions are good or bad—as long as they do not break the law.Banning a person from forming a political party just because they are a businessperson is not something that can be done easily.”
U Shwe Mann has previously said that in order to prevent opportunists from infiltrating politics, the public must be politically knowledgeable.
Analysts also note that since political changes took place over the past four years, Myanmar has again ranked among the world’s worst countries in corruption indicators—an alarming situation.
USDP campaigning
Dr. Aung Myo, an independent candidate running in Zabuthiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, said that once people gain political positions and authority, many cannot restrain themselves and begin to betray principles:
“People who exploit politics exist in every country. Human beings have ego. If they have political interest, they pursue politics.
Politics is not as ruined as people say—there is nothing irreparably damaged. Those who exploit politics simply continue what they have always done.
But yes, when people enter politics without the right intentions, that part is true.
Everyone works for themselves. When they begin gaining positions and authority, they cannot control themselves and end up betraying principles.
It’s not always about exploiting politics—it’s because, generation after generation, we Burmese lacked good administrative systems, our rights were restricted, and we were not allowed proper governance.
Dissolved parties and the parties preparing to contest the election
If the system were good, such exploitation would not happen. When the military seized power, there was no one to restrain them. That is simply their nature.”
Political analysts say Myanmar has an excessive number of political parties, many of which have never won an election. Yet they attend party-founding meetings, build connections with authorities, and pursue personal interests.
Despite founding parties and attending political discussions, many still lack proper understanding of federalism and democratic principles.
