CNI News

11 January 2026

In the midst of the ongoing 2025 General Election in Myanmar, observers are closely watching to see what kind of candidate Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, wants voters to support.

On January 9, 2026, while meeting with officers, soldiers, and their families at the Hainggyikyun Cantonment under the Southwest Command, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing highlighted specific criteria to consider when casting ballots.

The Senior General stated: “When casting your votes, you must choose and vote for those who can promote the interests of the region and the State; those who can promote the interests of Race and Religion; those who can uphold and safeguard 'Our Three Main National Causes'; those who possess political, administrative, economic, security, and rule of law perspectives; and those who can work hand-in-hand with the Tatmadaw, which remains the strongest institution as long as the State exists.”

Political observers point out that based on these criteria, the Senior General may be indirectly campaigning for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and its candidates.

Election Progress and Results

Currently, Phase 1 of the Myanmar election was held on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships. The USDP won all seats in the Yangon Region and Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory. Nationwide, the USDP has reportedly secured 80% of the seats contested so far.

Regarding the results, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said: “The results of Phase 1 have been announced transparently for all citizens to know. Based on our past experiences, we find that our country still lacks true politicians who wish to carry out national affairs with deep seriousness.”

Upcoming Election Phases The election continues in the following stages:

Phase 2: To be held on January 11, 2026, in 100 townships.

Phase 3: To be held on January 25, 2026, in 63 townships.

Controversies and Integrity In Phase 1, the USDP won the majority of seats primarily through advance votes. Consequently, some political parties have sent formal letters to both Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and the Union Election Commission (UEC) regarding the issue of advance voting.

In response to concerns, the Senior General stated that they are striving to ensure the election is free, fair, and impartial, aimed at creating a dignified parliament(Hluttaw).

CNI News
10 January 2026

A Myanmar delegation led by U Ko Ko Hlaing, Union Minister for the Ministry (2) of the President's Office, will present oral arguments at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, regarding the Rohingya (Bengali) case.

Minister U Ko Ko Hlaing is accompanied by Dr. Thida Oo, Minister for Legal Affairs and Union Attorney General. The Myanmar delegation departed for the Netherlands on January 9, 2026.

The ICJ hearings are scheduled to take place from January 12 to January 29. Myanmar is slated to present its arguments twice: first from January 16 to 20, and again from January 28 to 29.

The ICJ case stems from allegations of genocide following coordinated attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on 30 border guard outposts in Rakhine State on August 25, 2017, during the tenure of the National League for Democracy (NLD) government.

The Gambia filed the lawsuit against Myanmar at the ICJ based on these allegations, leading to the current legal proceedings.

This is not the first time U Ko Ko Hlaing has represented Myanmar at the ICJ; he previously led the delegation for oral arguments in February 2022.

CNI News
10 January 2026

Clashes broke out between two Naga armed groups at around 5:00 a.m. on January 9, 2026, in Khammadaing Village, Pansaung area, Nanyun Township, Naga Self-Administered Zone, Upper Sagaing Region.

The fighting began after the National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang/Angmai (NSCN-K/AM) was attacked with heavy and light weapons by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA), according to reports.

An NSCN-K/AM member told CNI News,
“While our people were in the village, the NSCN-K/YA attacked us from a distance using mortars and other modern weapons. The attack started at around 5 a.m. They have now withdrawn to other locations.”

During the clashes, NSCN-K/AM confirmed that one of its members was injured and two were killed.

NSCN-K/AM also told CNI News that the actions of NSCN-K/YA had destroyed the peace process and that there was no longer any basis for dialogue with them.

Members of NSCN-K/YA seen

NSCN-K/AM arrived in the Pansaung area on January 1, 2026, and deployed troops in an effort to control Pansaung town, which is the only border trade exit point in the Naga region. NSCN-K/YA has also been active in the area and is likewise attempting to take control of Pansaung.

Regarding control of the Pansaung area and the border trade route, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has also been holding discussions and coordination with NSCN-K/YA.

It is understood that India, Myanmar, and China have agreed to rehabilitate the historic Stilwell Road (also known as the Ledo Road). Under this agreement, India will be responsible for the section from Pansaung and Nanyun to Mohnyin–Mogaung, while China will take responsibility for the stretch from Mohnyin–Mogaung to the Lweje border trade gate.

ome Myanmar Tatmadaw officers and NSCN-K/AM members celebrating Christmas on December 25, 2025

Local sources said that India and the KIA are focusing on the Pansaung area for the extraction and transportation of natural resources, including rare earth minerals produced in Kachin State.

At present, both NSCN-K/AM and NSCN-K/YA have deployed forces and are sharing control responsibilities in the Pansaung area. A military observer from Sagaing Region pointed out that NSCN-K/AM has been able to gradually gain control over much of the Pansaung area because it prioritizes peace and the development of the Naga people, maintains close relations with the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw), and receives support from it.

Similarly, the observer noted that the Indian government may also provide support to NSCN-K/AM, which prioritizes peace and stability. Meetings and peace discussions between NSCN-K/AM and the Indian government reportedly took place during 2025.

CNI News

9 January 2026

The Embassy of India to Myanmar hosted a New Year commemorative reception in honor of media representatives on January 8, 2026, at the India House Lawns in Yangon.

Representatives from more than 25 print and broadcast media organizations attended the event, along with members of the Myanmar Press Council, the President and officials of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), members of the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association, friendship associations, and local business leaders.

The reception featured Indian cuisine, beverages, and musical performances for the guests.

CNI News
9 January 2026

Bo Nagar, the leader of the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA), announced on January 9, 2026, via his social media page that the National Unity Government (NUG) has begun launching attacks against the BNRA.

According to a statement released by the BNRA on January 8, 2026, it had received confirmed information that NUG-affiliated district command officer Swan Thu Maung and Pule Township’s defense and security official Thit Nyein were holding meetings and preparing troop formations to attack the BNRA.

Subsequently, Bo Nagar announced that the NUG had started attacking the BNRA on January 9.

Bo Nagar stated, “Those who said it was just a disguise—your power-hungry people began attacking this morning.”

However, he did not disclose which townships or which BNRA units were initially attacked by the NUG side.

The BNRA also stated that its troops have been instructed not to fire the first shot, but to retaliate in self-defense only if the other side initiates an attack.

BNRA is an armed group that emerged from the Spring Revolution forces which were primarily active in the Pule area of Sagaing Region, and it is known to have received support from the local population.

CNI News

9 January 2025

U Shu Maung, Chairman of the Naga National Party (NNP), told CNI News that the party won all constituencies within the Naga Self-Administered Zone during the first phase of Myanmar's general elections.

The 2025 Myanmar elections are being conducted in stages:

Phase 1: Commenced on December 28, 2025.

Phase 2: To be held on January 11, 2026.

Phase 3: To be held on January 25, 2026.

Chairman U Shu Maung stated that while the NNP swept the Naga region in Phase 1, the party faced a loss in the Homalin Township constituency for the Regional Hluttaw, which was contested under the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system.

"We won everything in the Naga Self-Administered Zone—all constituencies, including the Pyithu Hluttaw. We won in Nanyun, Leshi, and Lahe townships, as well as in Khamti. In Homalin, we lost the Regional Hluttaw seat contested under the winner-takes-all system. However, we won decisively in the areas contested under the Proportional Representation (PR) system," said U Shu Maung.

Naga National Party members during an election campaign.

Election Landscape

Current reports from Phase 1 (held on December 28, 2025) indicate the following standings:

USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party): Currently leading with an 80% win rate nationwide, including all seats in the Yangon Region and Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory.

NUP (National Unity Party): Currently in second place.

Third Place: Shared by the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), Naga National Party (NNP), Mon Unity Party (MUP), Arakan Front Party (AFP), and Shanni (Tai Leng) Solidarity Party.

Candidate Status

The NNP contested in five townships during Phase 1. U Shu Maung noted that several candidates under the PR system are still awaiting further results or upcoming phases.

"We contested in five townships: the Naga Self-Administered Zone in Upper Sagaing Region, Khamti, and Homalin. Our candidates still have to compete in the upcoming PR-based elections. We will have a clearer picture once all three phases are complete. However, we have already secured four townships for the Pyithu Hluttaw, one seat for the Amyotha Hluttaw, and four seats for the Regional Hluttaw," he added.

Chairman of the Naga National Party, U Shu Maung.

Regional Context

The Naga Self-Administered Zone is the least developed of the six self-administered zones and divisions in Myanmar. Due to its mountainous terrain, the region faces significant challenges, including:

Shortages of school teachers.

High commodity prices.

Taxation by armed groups.

Delays in the flow of goods and logistics.

CNI News

9 January 2026

U Lwin Myint, an election candidate registered under the People's Party (PP), was sentenced to one year in prison with hard labor by the Thingangyun Township Court on January 8, 2026, according to a statement from the party.

The People's Party informed media outlets that "Candidate U Lwin Myint was sentenced to one year of imprisonment with hard labor by the Thingangyun Township Court under Section 58 (c) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law."

U Lwin Myint was a candidate set to contest in Myanmar's ongoing general elections. However, his candidacy was revoked after his campaign speeches were found to be in violation of Section 58 (c) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law.

Following the disqualification, the relevant authorities filed a lawsuit against him, leading to the one-year prison sentence handed down by the Thingangyun Township Court today.

Section 58 (c) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law generally relates to making speeches, or inciting others to act, in a way that targets or harms the reputation of the country, the government, or the election process during the campaign period.

CNI News

8 January 2026

In Myanmar’s 2025 General Election (Phase 1), political parties and political observers have raised concerns over whether the public truly understands the voting system.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) told CNI News that pilot voting using MEVM machines was conducted in Nay Pyi Taw with central organizations, ministries, universities, civil society organizations, and in nine regions and states. Political parties also carried out trial voting exercises.

However, political observers have pointed out that public interest in voting remains low and that many voters are confused due to changes in the voting system.

During Phase 1 of the election, voters lacked understanding of the voting procedure and pressed the machine buttons randomly at polling stations, according to U Saw Han Aye, Vice Chairman of the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), who spoke to CNI News.

Explaining how to vote using the MEVM system

He said: “We reviewed the weaknesses that occurred during Phase 1 and submitted the best possible recommendations so that these shortcomings would not reoccur in Phase 2 and Phase 3, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and fairness. Some of these recommendations have reportedly been amended and implemented.

During Phase 1, advance ballot boxes were tied with plain white cable ties without yellow security seals bearing serial numbers. Now, yellow numbered security seals are being used. In the first phase, the use of ordinary white ties resulted in many weaknesses.

There were also problems related to electronic voting, including unauthorized individuals entering polling stations and giving instructions. The main issue was that polling staff simply told voters, ‘Press the blue button,’ after turning on the machine.

What they should have said was, ‘Look for the logo of the party you support and then press the blue button next to it.’ But this was not properly explained. Since all the buttons were blue, some voters pressed them randomly.

Demonstration of the MEVM voting process

Nine out of ten voters did not know that after pressing the button, a ballot paper would drop into the ballot box. Polling staff themselves also failed to explain this.”

Independent candidate U Kyaw Htet, who plans to contest the election, told CNI News that public awareness regarding the voting system was weak and that voter education efforts were insufficient.

He said: “If you want to mobilize public awareness on a wide scale, you need to make use of the media. But this was done very late. Public understanding of the voting system is weak.

Although election sub-commissions are trying their best, much time has been spent training machine operators and polling staff on voter lists. As a result, there was little opportunity to widely demonstrate how to vote.

In this election, many people simply did not know how the system worked. Even many urban voters could end up engaging in ‘blind voting.’ Therefore, public education during this election has been inadequate.”

The UEC told CNI News that training on the operation of voting machines is being conducted across regions and states. Demonstration sessions are being provided down to the ward and village-tract levels so that voters can vote confidently using the machines. Public awareness programs are also being broadcast through the media.

According to the UEC, more than 24 million people nationwide were eligible to vote in Myanmar’s 2025 General Election. In Phase 1, held on December 28, 2025, over 11.6 million voters were eligible, and more than 6.09 million cast their votes.

Phase 2 of the election will be held on January 11, 2026, and Phase 3 will follow on January 25, 2026.

CNI News

8 January 2026

Political observers are offering various analyses on the reasons why some battalions of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) have transformed into the Karen National Army (KNA) and chosen to operate independently.

Starting from January 1, 2026, Karen Border Guard Forces (BGF) based in Karen State and Mon State officially transformed into the Karen National Army (KNA), according to available information.

Observers note that this transformation from BGF to KNA may be connected to the political platform of Karen armed organizations, peace processes, and the country’s abnormal and complex political landscape.

Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson of the 7 EAO Alliance, told CNI News that the change is closely related to the current political situation in Myanmar, which he described as far from normal.

He said: “As far as I understand, there are many different perspectives on the BGF’s transformation into the KNA. However, I believe this issue is strongly connected to the abnormal political situation currently unfolding in our country.

Karen National Army (KNA) troops

Since 2021, armed conflicts across the country have expanded significantly. Peace processes have stalled, and during this period, the Karen Armed Organizations Unity Committee has also been unable to hold meetings. I think these factors are closely linked to the current situation.

Moreover, without being invited, internationally notorious scam operations have unexpectedly become prominent within our territories and among Karen armed groups. When I consider all these issues together, I believe they are deeply connected to the abnormal political landscape currently prevailing in our country.”

At present, KNA officials have not yet released any official statements regarding the circumstances surrounding the transformation from BGF to KNA and their decision to operate independently.

CNI News attempted to contact responsible officials from both the BGF and the KNA for comments, but phone calls have not yet been answered.

Chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party (KNDP), U Mann Aung Pyay Soe, told CNI News that the BGF’s transformation into the KNA appears to be a move focused on peace and carried out with restraint.

Karen National Army (KNA) troops

He said: “People are thinking and speculating in various ways. In the past, when we talked about unifying Karen armed organizations, the BGF was also considered a Karen armed group. However, since the BGF was under the control of the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw), that created an obstacle.

Now that it has transformed into the KNA, it may be able to participate in efforts to unite Karen armed groups. However, differences in perspectives still exist among the KNU, KNU/Peace Council, and DKBA regarding issues such as the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and the 2008 Constitution.

Because of these differences, it is difficult to predict outcomes. I think they will proceed cautiously and thoughtfully. It does not seem excessively tense at the moment, but it is still hard to say for certain. Overall, I believe this move is being carried out with a focus on peace and restraint, though whether this will truly hold remains to be seen.”

It has also been reported that Major Naing Maung Zaw stated to a Karen-based media outlet that the official transformation from BGF to KNA was intended to serve peace efforts and promote the Karen national cause.

The BGF is composed of four military regions and 13 battalions. It is understood that while some units have transformed into the KNA, certain other units will continue to operate under the BGF structure.