CNI News
April 3, 2026
Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News that even if the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) fails to act in the upcoming parliament, the military can still implement the 43 constitutional amendments agreed upon between the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) and the political parties' working group.
During the 81st Armed Forces Day parade on March 27, 2026, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that efforts would be made in the Union Parliament to amend the 2008 Constitution based on the 43 agreed points and the Union Accords compiled from peace conference results.
Dr. Aye Maung suggested that if the USDP does not lead the motion for these 43 amendments, the responsibility might shift to the military appointees in parliament.
"The leadership for these amendments could shift to the military representatives, or the USDP could lead the effort. Regarding constitutional reform within parliament, they could follow the process of the first parliament—submitting a motion and forming a working committee to finalize the 43 points plus the National Accords. These could then be submitted to the Union Parliament for approval within a set timeframe. The Senior General himself said it: if the USDP doesn't do it, the military will. Under the Constitution, if 20% of lawmakers sign a motion, it must be addressed. The military representatives account for more than 20% of the total seats in the Amyotha Hluttaw and Pyithu Hluttaw. If the USDP joins them, the motion will certainly be valid."
Discussion between the NSPNC and the political parties' group.
Dr. Aye Maung added that there seems to be a strong conviction that the original authors of the Constitution should be the ones to amend it. He predicted that motions regarding constitutional reform will likely emerge in parliament after the upcoming Thingyan (Water Festival) period.
"There appears to be a firm belief that those who originally drafted this Constitution should be the ones to change it. Even if some figures from mainland parties, U Ko Ko Gyi, or U Sai Aik Pao are not involved, the goal is already set. The motion for amendment will likely appear during the second session of the third parliament. To be frank, these tasks—including constitutional reform—must be completed within the two-and-a-half-year term of the Speaker of the Union Parliament, led by General Aung Lin Dwe. They will work tirelessly over the coming year to reach an acceptable standard for the Constitution. Therefore, I am 99% certain that motions for constitutional reform will appear after Thingyan."
In January 2025, the NSPNC and political parties met to discuss constitutional reform. The points approved for amendment include:10 points from Chapter (1) of the Constitution.7 points regarding the Legislature. 3 points regarding the Heads of State. Approximately 10 points regarding the Executive.
While leaders like Dr. Aye Maung, U Ko Ko Gyi, Sai Aik Pao, and Dr. Aung Myat Oo led the negotiations for the political parties' group, none of them secured seats in the 2025 general election. This has raised questions about who will formally introduce these 43 points to the floor.
Signing ceremony for the 43-point agreement on constitutional reform.
U Ko Ko Gyi, Chairman of the People’s Party (PP), told CNI that the role of elected representatives and military appointees will be crucial since the final decisions must be made within parliament.
"We understand that the military representatives have already agreed to these points. We now have to wait and see if the majority winning party will lead the submission. Since the parliament makes the final decision, the role of elected members and military appointees is paramount. Actually, beyond these 43 points, there are other matters we agreed to discuss further. It would be better if those are combined into the draft bill. It should be noted that while some points were proposed for change by the NSPNC or the political parties, after discussion, both sides agreed to keep some sections as they are. So, the '43 points' isn't just about changes; it includes agreements on what not to change as well."
The 2025 General Election was held in three phases from December 28, 2025, to January 25, 2026. Parliament has already convened to elect Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and Vice-Presidential candidates. The selection of the President and the formation of the new government are expected to proceed in April.
