CNI News
22 January 2026
Military and political analysts are offering various perspectives on how leadership changes might unfold within the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw), alongside the new political landscape following the upcoming election.
There are domestic and international assumptions that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing could potentially become the official President in the post-election government.
Questions have been raised about how the military might change if Senior General Min Aung Hlaing assumes the presidency, as he would have to step down from the position of Commander-in-Chief and transfer the role to a trusted successor.
Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News that recent reshuffles within the military indicate that young new-generation officers are being appointed to highly critical positions.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Vice Senior General Soe Win seen together.
"There is a section in the Constitution regarding consultants. I heard during the first parliamentary term that Senior General Than Shwe and Vice Senior General Maung Aye would sit at Office No. 27 under that section during the first transition period, though that later faded away. There is an entry point in the Constitution. I believe it is from the 1953 [Army Act]. Because of that law, there is no age limit for the Senior General and Vice Senior General. In the coming period, the existence of the military is vital as the country is facing many armed conflicts. That is why we see many new generations being given very important roles—for example, the Adjutant General, Quartermaster General, Chief of Staff (Army), and the Chief of the General Staff," he said.
Dr. Aye Maung further noted that there are various ways to analyze whether Senior General Min Aung Hlaing will transition into the Presidency to lead both politics and the military, or whether he will remain in his current role during this period of political and military crisis.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and General Kyaw Swar Lin seen together.
He continued, "If we analyze the military's direction: if the Senior General takes the Presidency as many suggest, he would have to relinquish the post of Commander-in-Chief according to the Constitution. So, will he transition to President? If they want to change those important sections [to hold both roles], it would be difficult as the Constitution requires a referendum. Therefore, in this current crisis, will U Min Aung Hlaing remain as Senior General, or will he create a situation to lead both politics and the military as President? In another sense, will one of the two current top leaders stay above the Commander-in-Chief? Will Senior General Min Aung Hlaing become President while the Vice Senior General stays at a place like Office No. 27? Will a new Commander-in-Chief emerge? I think the military itself has already analyzed and decided how to navigate this based on the current political and military situation."
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has previously stated that state power will be transferred to the government that emerges after the election and that the military will then focus solely on national defense duties.
Individuals currently drawing public interest as potential future Commanders-in-Chief of the Myanmar military include Vice Senior General Soe Win and General Kyaw Swar Lin.
