CNI News
11 February 2026
Domestic and international observers are closely watching what role Senior General Min Aung Hlaing might assume under the new government set to emerge in Myanmar this coming April.
Currently, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing holds the positions of Acting President, Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services, and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission.
Following the completion of the 2025 General Election and the enactment of the Union Consultative Council Law on February 3, 2026—just before the formation of the new government in April—questions have arisen: Will he serve as President? Will he remain Commander-in-Chief and Chairman of the Council? Or will he take on both the Presidency and the Council Chairmanship?
Political analyst U Kyaw Htet told CNI News that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing could lead the government by assuming the Chairmanship of the Council without needing to relinquish his current post as Commander-in-Chief.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing
"He can take the Chairman position of the Union Consultative Council without giving up his role as Commander-in-Chief. This could be a political 'exit strategy' given the current situation. Since the military's role remains vital and 63 townships are still declared unstable, the military’s duties are not yet complete. We anticipate that he might continue as Commander-in-Chief while also serving as Council Chairman to work alongside the new government. For the Presidency, he might appoint someone he trusts—perhaps the current Prime Minister, U Nyo Saw, as President."
The law stipulates that the Union Consultative Council: Shall consist of at least five members. Is formed by the President.
Will be supported by the Office of the President for administrative needs.
Some analysts suggest a different configuration: Senior General Min Aung Hlaing may become the President in the new government, appointing Vice Senior General Soe Win as Chairman of the Consultative Council and General Ye Win Oo as Secretary, while appointing a new Commander-in-Chief.
Observers have drawn comparisons to the 2015 post-election period when the NLD enacted the State Counsellor Law for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to hold a leadership role. They point out that Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing could similarly use the Council Chairmanship alongside his military rank to govern the administration from a position of influence.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing
Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI that there is a high probability of the Senior General becoming the President.
"To achieve stability in the coming five-year term, it seems necessary to implement a 'Team Work' approach based on constitutional provisions. This is likely why the Union Consultative Council was established just before the formation of the post-election government. Generally speaking, once the government is formed, power will be transferred from the current administration. Since the President appoints the Council, I estimate the Senior General has a high percentage of becoming the President. A representative from the military bloc in parliament could then emerge as a Vice President."
The Union Consultative Council's term will coincide with the President's term. The President has the authority to appoint the Chairman and Secretary, delegate powers, and issue necessary bylaws and orders through the President's Office.
The 2025 General Election was held in three phases from December 28, 2025, to January 25, 2026. Parliament (Hluttaw) is expected to be convened in March, with the new government formed in April. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has stated that state power will be transferred to the winning party.
