CNI News

January 29, 2026

Military and political observers are analyzing which ethnic figure might step into the role of Vice President (2) in the government expected to form following the 2025 multi-party democratic general election.

Since the administration of U Thein Sein, a tradition has been established where the presidential candidate nominated by the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) is a non-Bamar ethnic person, who then serves as Vice President (2).

Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), told CNI News that the role might be given to a Rakhine ethnic person this time, with Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), being a top contender.

"Most people estimate that the VP (2) slot is for a Rakhine ethnic person. Currently, Dr. Aye Maung is a popular guess. Even though he was not elected as an MP, a President or VP doesn't necessarily have to be an elected MP. The key is for the Amyotha Hluttaw to nominate them. If we follow tradition, the Shan and Chin have already held this position, so it's likely to rotate."

Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party, seen

Colonel Khun Okkar added that if there is a need to appease Kachin State due to ongoing conflicts, Daw Dwe Bu could be a candidate. She won a seat in the Amyotha Hluttaw representing the USDP in the 2025 election after leaving the Kachin State People's Party (KSPP). 
The Selection Process Based on Section 63 of the 2008 Constitution, if a President or Vice President is an elected MP or a civil servant, they must resign from those positions upon being elected.

This confirms that even those who did not win or contest in the recent elections can still be nominated for the presidency.

U Mahn Aung Pyi Soe, Chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party (KNDP), expressed skepticism that appointing an ethnic Vice President would significantly change the dynamics between the military and the ethnic armed groups.

Daw Dwe Bu seen

U Thein Sein Era: Sai Mauk Kham (Shan) NLD Era: Henry Van Thio (Chin) and Mahn Win Khaing Than (Karen - Speaker) Remaining Groups: Mon and Rakhine are among the major ethnicities yet to hold the VP position.

Domestic and international observers speculate that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing may become the President after the election. Analysts further suggest that the incoming government will likely be one dominated and led by the Military (Tatmadaw).