CNI News
30 January 2026
Political observers and political parties are pointing out that Election Commissions, which are a vital pillar of Myanmar’s electoral process, should be selected and appointed by the Parliament (Hluttaw).
Political parties emphasize that it is crucial for the Election Commission to be an independent body composed of independent individuals. They argue that only through such independence can the commission resolve disputes impartially and conduct free and fair elections.
U Saw Than Myint, Joint Secretary of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), told CNI News that there are 43 points some of which are related to the Election Commission that have been negotiated and agreed upon between the NSPNC (National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee) and the political party groups.
"The NSPNC and the political party groups have reached an agreement regarding the Commission. We assume this will be approved in the upcoming Parliament. These are facts already discussed within the NSPNC. For example, the political party groups and the Tatmadaw's NSPNC have already agreed upon those 43 points in principle. If these are approved in the upcoming Parliament, the format for appointing the Election Commission will change. Those 43 points will be reviewed and approved in accordance with parliamentary bylaws. Whether it actually happens depends a lot on the upcoming Parliament, but I think it will. Even now, the agreement includes the USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party) within the political party group, as well as ourselves. Since the USDP is among the top winners and they are involved, and the Tatmadaw also supports and agrees with it, I believe these 43 points will be re-negotiated and approved by the MPs in accordance with the law and bylaws," he said.
A meeting between the Election Commission and political parties.
In Myanmar, the 2025 General Election was successfully held in three phases from December 28, 2025, to January 25, 2026. Following this, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has stated that the Parliament will be convened in March, and a new government will be formed in April.
However, political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that the Election Commission should not even be chosen by the Parliament, but rather should be directly elected by the people.
"The Parliament shouldn't choose the Election Commission either. If the Parliament chooses, there is a risk it will just be whoever the ruling party selects by majority vote. Ideally, the Parliament shouldn't have the right to choose them; the Parliament should stick to law-making. The best way is for the public to elect the Election Commission directly. During the general election, township commission chairmen should be elected at the same time. This would result in over 300 chairmen nationwide. Then, those chairmen should hold a convention to elect the Union Election Commission and the Regional Commissions. Some township chairmen would move up to the regional or central levels. Members must be part of this commission structure only—they must never have been a member of any political party or political organization," he said.
An election awareness notice.
In the recently concluded 2025 General Election in Myanmar, a total of 57 political parties (6 Union-level parties and 51 parties competing within a single Region or State) and 4,863 independent candidates participated.
However, political parties have raised criticisms regarding the election, particularly concerning advance voting issues and the compilation and announcement of voter lists.
