CNI News

4 July 2025

If elections were held, it would be an exit for the people, and politicians would have to convince the people to vote in the elections, the National Democratic Force Party (NDF) Vice Chairman U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News. 

The SAC chairman said that elections will be held in Myanmar in December 2025 and January 2026, and that state power would be hand over to  the party that wins the elections.

The current situation is a crisis for everyone, and there is a question of what other way out is there, but what needs to be done must be done, National Democratic Force Party(NDF) Vice Chairman U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News. 

While seeing political parties and the SAC Chairman

"We politicians need to make sure that the public understands that voting in this election is their way out. We need to do what we have to do. At the current level, what other way out is there? The public is in a lot of trouble. The election is an important step towards returning to normalcy. This is a turning point. I am talking about holding an election because it can change the situation without causing any harm to the public. We need to tell the public how to vote. Public voting is the way out. We also have to say that their voting is their way out. I hope that the public's regular hearing of the election will wake them up to vote in the election," he said.

The 2008 Constitution does not stipulate a quorum for an election, depending on the voting percentage. So if an election was held, a quorum would be reached, said Sai Htay Aung, chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party, to CNI News. 

While seeing those who will vote

"The 2008 Constitution does not stipulate a quorum for an election depending on the voting percentage. so as soon as the election was finished, it would be quorum. We presented and discussed it. We are discussing how those who have fled the war and those who are abroad can also vote." he said.

The NUG, the PDFs, and the EAO have announced that they will completely disrupt the upcoming elections that will be held by the SAC. 

Then, the public is considering whether they should vote in the election or not. However, some people have decided not to vote at all, due to concerns that polling stations will be attacked.

In addition, some people have decided not to vote because they do not like the stance and history of the political parties that will run the election.

CNI News

3 July 2025

The GDP of the country has been expected to reach US$81.6 billion in the 2025-26 fiscal year, and the target is to increase it by about US$5.2 billion, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. 

He said that a country's economy is measured by GDP, and that in the 2024-25 fiscal year, the country's GDP was 76.4 billion US dollars, and it is expected to reach 81.6 billion US dollars in the 2025-26 fiscal year, aiming to increase by about 5.2 billion US dollars.

The SAC Chairman made the remarks at a business coordination meeting held on July 2, 2025 to improve the country's economy. 

"While we are working to meet our goals, the World Bank previously projected our country's economy to grow by 2.5%, but now estimates it could shrink by as much as -2.5%. It has been found that the data they have calculated is inaccurate and incomplete. What's important for our country is that we really need to work," he said.

He pointed out that Belarus' GDP is US$73.1 billion, and its agricultural exports earn between US$6.8 billion and US$8.2 billion, while Myanmar's agricultural exports earn only about US$4.8 billion.

The World Bank expects the country's GDP to decline, but if the country's residents make efforts, the country's GDP will increase. 

Moreover, In comparison with ASEAN countries and neighboring countries, Myanmar's GDP is low. So, it is necessary to make every effort to improve manufacturing in order to increase GDP, he said.

CNI News

3 July 2025

Most people in Myanmar still do not have a clear understanding of what democracy is, the Karen People's Party Chairperson Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo told CNI News.
In Myanmar, on February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the NLD government and has seized power, claiming that it was attempting to form a government without resolving the election voter list dispute. 

Then, the people protested and demanded the return of democracy, and they are demanding it through armed revolution.

Most people in Myanmar still do not have a clear understanding of democracy and are only interested in changing from military rule, said  Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo. 

While the Peace Forum was being held

"When we were going to change from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy, most people in the country weren't ready yet. They just wanted to change from military rule. They didn't have a clear understanding of what democracy was. It was a bit awkward. In the villages, people don't know anything about democracy. They just understood that democracy was only a name of a person. If democracy meant undiscipline freedom, then it would be very dangerous. Democracy is, in reality, about rules and regulations, whether it's about taxes or anything else, everyone has to follow the rules. But in our country, there has been rule of law. There are still discriminations among the ruling class and social classes. These need to be reformed." she said.

Currently, Myanmar is divided into groups, those who want to build a democratic federal union and those who want to build a federal democratic union.

The NCA stipulates the establishment of a union based on democracy and federalism. Many people are unclear about the future federal system they want in Myanmar, and democracy is something that people interpret as they see fit, and it should not be interpreted in a wishful thinking manner, Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI  News.

 While seeing those who were demanding democracy (photo: Frontier Myanmar)

"Democracy is something that people define in their own way. They argue about democracy in different ways. Is it typical democracy or socialist democracy, etc. The war is long. War refugees who have been abroad and refugees within the country, are more likely to be in the opposite side, both in terms of education and ideology. We need to have people who can think and reason from all sides. Is social democracy wrong or liberal democracy wrong? In our country, we use one term: democracy. We use another term: federalism. Some ethnic groups favor the federal side. Some ethnic groups are more inclined towards federalism. So, even if  they don't get democracy, they will stick to federalism.  They will carry out for the right to self-governance, which is the right to self-determination, for their own region, their own people, their own territory. They do not accept multi-party democracy. They will rule their region with one party. They are more attracted to their own interests and to the interests of their own group," he said.

Although the current peace and political discussions in Myanmar are seeking answers on how to build the country, no specific agreements have been reached yet.

CNI News

3 July 2025

 The 2008 constitution currently in force in Myanmar should be reformed and brought into line with the times, military and political analysts told CNI News. 

Attempts to amend the 2008 Constitution have been made since the previous NLD and USDP governments, but have not been successful. 

However, during the current SAC administration, discussions between the NSPNC and the working group of the political parties' group resulted in an agreement to amend the 43 basic principles, according to political parties.

The current political situation in Myanmar has proven that the 2008 Constitution needs to be amended and it needs to be amended in line with the times, Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI News. 

While seeing the book on the 2008 Constitution

“The 2008 Constitution will definitely be amended. The military has agreed to amend it. The previous NLD government also tried to amend it. Everyone who is involved in politics doesn't opposes amending the Constitution. The 2008 Constitution was drafted based on the ideologies and conditions of Myanmar before the year 2000. Today's political landscape proves that 25 years later, we need to make practical changes. There is instability in the country today. There are disputes.No one can deny that these are weaknesses of the Constitution. "So, the respective state-holders have already agreed to amend the constitution. No one rejects that it will be amended," she said.

When the NSPNC and political parties discussed amending the constitution last January, they approved 10 amendments to Chapter 1 of the constitution, 7 amendments to the legislature, 3 amendments to the heads of state, and 10 amendments to the administration.

The 2008 constitution was drafted by the Myanmar Tatmadaw to ensure the perpetuation of their power and a new constitution must be drafted to reshape the country, U Myo Kyaw of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) told CNI News.

While seeing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

"If the current power holders and the military truly want the country to develop, progress, and stabilize, they will have to give up their power. Although they (Myanmar Tatmadaw) are saying other things without giving up their power, it won't make any difference.  Even if they can go with their allies, even if they can overcome the current difficulties, it won't last for many years. We will face the same bad situation again. So, we must give the ethnic people their original rights. I would like to say that we will have to reshape our country with a new constitution, new people, and a good constitution," he said.

During the 2020 Hluttaw session, the NLD proposed to amend almost the entire 2008 Constitution. However, the amendment could not be made because it required the support of more than 75 percent of the members of the Hluttaw.

 As the modern era has become a technological era, there is a need to draft a constitution that is compatible with the thinking of young people, the geopolitical conditions of neighboring countries, and the socio-economic conditions within Myanmar, pointed out military and political analysts.

CNI News

3 July 2025

It would be better to approve the demands of ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in Hluttaw only after informal discussions and consensus is reached, military and political analysts told CNI News. 

If the discussion was held in Hluttaw without such informal discussions, it could take ten years, U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News.

"What is said in the parliament is what is said officially. If it is resolved in this manner within the Hluttaw, it will take a long time. It could take ten years.  When we had our peace talks, if a problem arose, we would stop all the meetings and meet informally several times. After many arguments would find a solution. When we found a solution, we would meet again and confirm it. A problem should be discussed outside first. It is best to discuss it informally outside and then go to Hluttaw and approve it. This is the shortest way. To make it even shorter, if the commander in chief or the opposition says, 'We have laid down our arms,' it will be over," he said.

While seeing the Hluttaw

After elections were held and Hluttaw emerged, while walking on the path of democracy, demanding what ones want, arming weapons and carrying out what they want with a great spirit of putting their people and region first was contrary to democracy, said the SAC Chairman in his opening speech at the Peace Forum 2025 on June 25, 2025.

He said that the armed groups would have to discuss and approve their demands in the respective parliaments. 

According to the usual practice, approval by the Hluttaw is the final step, and there are many negotiations and compromises before it reaches the Hluttaw, Yangon Watch founder Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin told CNI News.

While seeing some armed leaders and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

"Before a proposal reaches the Hluttaw, the relevant organizations have to negotiate and compromise in advance. There needs to be a process for discussions, negotiations, consultations, and compromises among these relevant organizations, led by the Peace Media Group and the NSPNC formed by the government, and then submitted to the parliament. This process needs to be coordinated by the NSPNC and independent peace advocates to create a reconciliation pack. That process needs to be done now. After that, all of those processes have been negotiated and agreed upon, then it needs to be submitted to the Hluttaw for approval," she said.

The Peace Forum-2025 discussed the formation of a non-governmental peace mediation group to enable armed groups involved in the fighting on the ground to participate in peace talks to resolve the current political situation in Myanmar.

However, the armed forces involved in the fighting on the ground are still unlikely to participate in peace talks because their slogan  "there is no discussion for blood debt" is still prevalent, military and political analysts consider.

CNI News

2 July 2025

 Myanmar-style democracy could mean a democracy that is based on traditional cultures and that is appropriate for the country's circumstances, the Karen People's Party Chairperson Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo told CNI News.

In Myanmar, Myanmar style democracy must be implemented because it must be consistent with the Myanmar condition, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the Peace Forum held on June 25, 2025.

During the era of U Ne Win's rule, socialism was pursued in a Myanmar way, called the Burma Socialist Programme Party, and now, democracy might be considered to implement in a way that goes well with traditional cultures within the country, said the Karen People's Party Chairperson Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo.

“The Myanmar style  has socialism and democracy, but socialism also has some forms of democracy, and then there are capitalism and communism. Democratic governments use democracy to the full. The socialist programme that suits the country's conditions is to take the example of neighboring countries and imitate them. Own style democracy is the one that goes well with the country's situation, characteristics, and culture. That democracy will be used in the Myanmar style means that there are ethnic groups and traditional cultures in Myanmar. We will go for democracy based on those things. Myanmar will stand on its own. If others want to help, let them help. So, Myanmar style is not bad, it is good,” she said.

While the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was delivering a speech at the Peace Forum

Some people hate to hear the term “Myanmar style” and according to Myanmar’s history, it must be overcome like that, Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News. 

"We need to learn lessons from history. The Bamar were ruled by the monarchy, and some of the ethnic people had their own kings and queens. There are different interpretations of history. How was Myanmar born and how will it continue to unite and become a prosperous nation? How can we resolve and overcome the current conflict crisis? Is it possible without using the Myanmar style? Is the Myanmar conflict similar to the conflicts in other countries that have been resolved? There are many things to consider. So, what kind of system will Myanmar have going forward? How will we build a new nation that is stable and prosperous? We need to take the time to discuss these issues with everyone. Some people will hate to hear the phrase "Myanmar style." Because Ne Win's Burma Socialist Programme Party was also used as a form of socialism in the Myanmar style and it did not succeed. Therefore, they will make fun of the Myanmar style. We also believe that the Myanmar problem must be overcome in the Myanmar way in accordance with the history of Myanmar," he said.

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

Myanmar was governed by Myanmar-style socialism from 1962 to 1988, when U Ne Win ruled the country. 

Then, after winning the 2010 general election, when U Thein Sein came to power, peace talks between the government, parliament, military, and ethnic armed groups continued, and the solution to the system that would govern Myanmar is still being sought today.

Currently, there are divided groups, some calling for the establishment of a federal democratic union and others calling for the establishment of a democratic federal union. 

However, the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) has agreed to establish a union system based on democracy and federalism.

CNI News

1 July 2025

Ta’ang (Palaung) people lost everything due to their lack of political awareness in the past, said Lieutenant General Tar Jock Ja, Vice Chairman (1) of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). 

He made the remarks during the TNLA's political science course batch (1) graduation and diploma awarding ceremony on June 25, 2025.

“As Ta’ang Palaung people, we have lost everything due to our lack of political awareness in the past, so it is time for us to be courageous in our current political era. I want the PSLF/TNLA youth who have just graduated from the School of Political Science to be outstanding." he said.

It was necessary for young people to participate in various revolutionary activities, not only in Ta’ang State but also in the whole of Myanmar, and to work to achieve the revolutionary goal as soon as possible by carrying out public service activities, said Major General Tar Bone Kyaw, general secretary of the TNLA. 

The school of political science was launched in August, 2022 and attended by 15 male students and 20 female students, reported the TNLA/PSLF on June 30, 2025.

In alliance with the National Unity Government (NUG), the People's Defense Forces (PDF), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the Arakan Army (AA) in the Spring Revolution,   the TNLA is fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw to overthrow the Myanmar military and the SAC. 

During Operation 1027, which began on October 27, 2023, in collaboration with the MNDAA and the AA, the TNLA attacked and captured the townships of Namkham, Nansang, Man Tong, Mong Ngor, Namtu, Kyaukme, Naung Cho, Kutkhai, Thibaw, Mabein and Momeik in northern Shan State as well as Mogok in Mandalay Region.

Then, the TNLA and the Myanmar Tatmadaw held two-day talks in Kunming, China from February 16 to 17, 2025 to end the fighting, and met again in August 2025, but no agreement was reached.

CNI News

1 July 2025

 They discussed the formation of a non-governmental peace mediation group for peace in the Myanmar political landscape at the Peace Forum 2025, which was held from June 25 to 27, Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI News. 

The government's invitation to various ethnic armed organizations for peace in Myanmar is unlikely to succeed, so they discussed and recommended the formation of such a peace mediation group, she said.

“The truth is that the government has been calling for peace for a long time. But there is little trust in the government right now. So the actual situation on the ground is not yet a complete cessation of fighting. It is true that the government has to officially invite EAOs to peace because it is a time when trust in the government is low. But to implement this invitation on the ground, and to really convince stakeholders to join in, we need experts in this field and ethnic leaders. Including the Bamar and military officers, who have worked tirelessly throughout the peace process. If these people could look at the country's interests and go to the places where ethnic leaders are and hold meetings, I think it would be more practical and beneficial than what the government is currently inviting," she said.

While the Peace Forum was being held

Despite the calls for political solutions to the political problems of the armed forces involved in the fighting on the ground, they have not been included in the SAC peace talks as no action has been taken to involve them. 

Military and political observers point out that while the SAC is currently making positive invitations and offers to ethnic armed groups that have not signed the NCA, there has been no effort to approach them. So, these ethnic armed groups also need a mediation team to participate in the peace talks, Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI News.

Although they had expressed support for the formation of a peace mediation group, it was not yet known whether it would actually be implemented, she said.

While the Peace Forum was being held

 " Whatever business we do, we always entrust it to companies that are experts in that business. That's why it's like this. We discussed and pointed out the need for a peace advocacy group consisting of individuals who have over a decade of experience in peace. I don't know yet whether it will actually become a reality or not," she said.

The Peace Forum 2025, organized by the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) of the SAC, was attended by some ethnic armed organizations that have signed the NCA, political parties, individuals from the UMFCCI, and individuals from other fields. 

During the three-day discussion, more than 100 issues were presented, including the review of the 2008 Constitution, the holding of elections, and the cessation of calling up into the military service during election periods.

CNI News

1 July 2025

While the SAC can hold talks with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), it is unlikely to do so with the National Unity Government (NUG), said military and political analysts. 

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing invited armed resistance forces to meet face-to-face and discuss peace at the Peace Forum held from June 25 to 27, 2025.

He said that since stability and peace were essential to democracy, it was necessary to meet face to face and exchange views honestly and openly. While SAC might meet with EAOs for talks, it was unlikely that it would meet with NUG, a political analyst told CNI News.

While seeing delegates from the UWSA, the NDAA and the SSPP

“The NUG becomes strong because of EAOs and EAOs become strong. The main source are EAOs. The issue with EAOs are clear, itheir territorial demarkation is clear. What will be clear with NUG? The SAC has said that it will hold a general election. But the NUG has demanded that the Tatmadaw must not participate in politics. At the upcoming landscape, what requires amending the Constitution, is not something that can be done without making a change. The SAC, which  has maintained the current constitutional principles, will continue in its form. Here, the SAC has a problem with the NUG. It's getting difficult. Territory can't be designated for the NUG." he said.

While seeing leaders and delegates who attended the peace forum

Military and political observers point out that ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) are not those who want to go to democracy, but rather to federal democracy, and that democracy cannot be demanded in the territories of EAOs.

 If peace is truly desired, all armed groups should be allowed to come to peace talks, and peace cannot be achieved if only one armed group remains, so any group that wants peace should be invited without discrimination, pointed out military and political observers.