CNI News
31 January 2026
As elections held in Myanmar are extremely important, there are ongoing discussions between political parties and civil society organizations on how the Election Commission should be formed in order to avoid disputes.
According to U Man Aung Pyay Soe, Chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party (KNDP), the Election Commission should not be composed only of legal officials, but should also include representatives of political parties, officially recognized ethnic armed organizations, and government representatives. He made these remarks to CNI News.
He said:
“This is something that has been demanded for a long time. What usually happens is that the governments that come to power appoint the election commissions themselves. What we want to suggest is, if possible, to include election experts—people who are knowledgeable and experienced—along with party representatives, and if possible, religious representatives, government representatives, and representatives of armed organizations.
Among the armed organizations, even if representatives from groups designated as unlawful associations are excluded, including representatives from other ethnic armed organizations would make the commission more appropriate and acceptable. However, we are not saying that the current election commission appointments are wrong or invalid.
What we want is for the commission to be formed in a way that ensures equality and broad consensus. If it is composed of the types of individuals I mentioned, it would be suitable and proper. That is how I see it.”
Meanwhile, U Li Paw Reh, Chairman of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party), told CNI News that although it is natural for the government to form the Election Commission, the commission must not operate under the influence or shadow of any single government or political party.
He added that, based on realities observed on the ground, while the commission chair mainly makes decisions, the actual work is carried out by lower-level staff, so there must be clear ethical standards for election commission personnel.
While an election is being held
U Li Paw Reh said:
“The most important thing is that the commission must be made up of individuals whom the public trusts and respects. As an independent body, they should have full autonomy in managing their work. They should not owe loyalty to any political party or government.
In reality, however, it is the commission’s staff organization that does most of the work. Therefore, the integrity and independence of the staff leadership is crucial. No matter what, the head of the staff must not be under the influence of any organization.
What we see is that commission members are generally respected and independent individuals. But since most of the operational work is carried out by staff, there must be strict codes of conduct for election commission staff. Whether or not they favor a political party largely depends on the leadership of the staff.
The commission members mainly make decisions, while the staff organization takes the lead in conducting the election.”
In addition, Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI News that under the new government, the law governing the appointment of the Election Commission should be carefully amended and enacted, and that this should be carried out as a historic reform.
She said:
“The Election Commission should be an independent and impartial institution. But in Myanmar’s political culture, this has not truly been the case. As a result, the rule of law is affected to some extent.
Especially in matters like elections, controversies arise. Even if administrative authorities do not intend to interfere, simple communication with the Election Commission can be perceived as giving orders.
Union Election Commission office
Historically, election commissions have remained under administrative mechanisms. This should not be the case. However, this pattern has continued in Myanmar.
We hope this will change under the new government. We want election commissions to become truly independent mechanisms. Therefore, the law on the appointment of the Election Commission should be thoroughly revised and enacted, and the new government should carry this out as a matter that will go down in history.”
According to the Union Election Commission Law, in order to conduct parliamentary elections and supervise political parties, the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar shall form the Union Election Commission.
In forming the commission, the President may appoint at least five members, including the Chairperson.
The Chairperson and members must be individuals who meet one of the following qualifications:
Have served as Chief Justice of the Union, Justice of the Supreme Court, or as a Region/State High Court judge for at least five years; or
Have served as a judicial or legal officer at a level no lower than Region/State level for at least ten years; or
Have practiced as a lawyer for at least twenty years; or
Be a person of outstanding reputation and integrity, as determined by the President.
