CNI News

11 March 2025

As the chairman of the State Administration Council has expressed exactly the time when elections will be held, the SAC can emerge as a powerful group for elections if its current six month tenure expires, military and political analysts told CNI News.

The SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing expressed that he had planned to hold elections in December 2025 or in January 2026 at a joint press conference with the Belarusian President Lukashenko on 7 March 2025.

Because the SAC's current six month tenure will expire in August 2025, the SAC can emerge as a different administrative group in stead of extending the state of emergency for another six months, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

" Because the current six month tenure will end in August, the SAC seems to want the remaining 6 months to be an election period. Rather than extending the state of emergency for another six months, the SAC may change into an organization that will supervise elections with the Union Election Commission." he said.

Because of the ballot fraud in the 2020 general election, the SAC had taken the responsibility temporarily after announcing the state of emergency; in the near future, elections would be held in accordance with the law, said the SAC Chairman at a joint press conference with the Belarusian President on 7th March, 2025.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and the Belarusian President Lukashenko

Although he said that 53 political parties would run the election, he did not express the exact date when elections would be held. 

If elections were held, according to the 2008 constitution, the State power would have to be handed over to the National Defense and Security Council, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies, U Thein Tun Oo told CNI News.

" If elections are held, according to the 2008 constitution, the State power will have to be handed over to the National Defense and Security Council. And then, elections will be held within six months. The campaign period is three months. If the SAC has officially announced that it will hold elections, it will surely hand over the State power to the NDSC and hold elections." he said.

Although the SAC announced in 2022 that it would hold elections in August 2023, because battles were severely breaking out all over the country, the SAC extended the state of emergency for another six months under Section. 425 of the 2008 constitution. And then the SAC repeatedly extended the tenure until today.

So, questions are emerging among members of the public regarding the period when elections would be held, which the SAC chairman said at a joint press conference with the Belarusian President Lukashenko.

CNI News

11 March 2025

Those who wanted the multi-party democratic system needed to cooperate, but not to act contrarily, said chairman of the State Administration Council, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. 
He said the above while answering questions by some media on the plane which returned from Russia.

" I had said that the multi-party democratic elections will be held. We'll do it firmly. If they really want the multi-part democratic system, they need to cooperate without acting contrarily. If they cooperate, our country will be successful at all." said the SAC Chairman.

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was answering questions by some media on the plane

Plans had been made to hold elections in Myanmar in December, 2025 or in January, 2026, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in the joint press conference with the Belarusian President Lukashenko on 7th March 2025. 

However, the elections that would be held by the SAC would be destroyed at all, announced the National Unity Government (NUG), the PDFs and some EAOs.

At present, battles are severely breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed organizations across the country and the Myanmar Tatmadaw has lost control of more than 90 townships as well as the Northeast Command and the West Command.

So, there are 330 townships in Myanmar and the SAC would be able to hold elections in 167 townships or over 80 townships only, according to political parties.

CNI News

10 March 2025

In the current political landscape of Myanmar, where the country is on the verge of collapse, each relevant leader should reduce their own interests and the powers they have acquired in order to avoid a failed state, spokesperson of the 7 EAO Alliance, Naing Aung Ma Ngay told CNI News.

Whether a country becomes a failed state or not depends on the respective leaders, he said.

"If leaders of EAOs, organizations, and parties, including the SAC reduce the power they have wielded to ensure equality and to consider the interests of the people, Myanmar can be prevented from becoming a failed state." said Naing Aung Ma Ngay.

While EAOs were holding a conference

EAOs have captured territories as much as they can after 2021 and because the territories they have dominated have expanded, more territorial disputes are taking place.

Moreover, due to the different demands of all ethnic armed groups, if the current situation continues, Myanmar could become a failed state, according to military and political analysts.

The political situation in Myanmar that has been over four years long is at its worst at present, chairman of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), U Sai Nyunt Lwin told CNI News.

While seeing some armed organization leaders

"The political situation in Myanmar has now reached a very bad state. Although many cities had not been damaged yet like in World War II, members of the public are getting into trouble for their livelihoods. If we talk about the public's wishes, they want the crisis to come to an end quickly. They want the situation to get better quickly. If possible, they want everything to be settled." he said.

There are territorial disputes in Shan State between the KIA and the TNLA, between the KIA and the MNDAA, between the TNLA and the SSPP, between the RCSS and the SSPP and between the PNO and the PNLO.

In the same way, there are also territorial disputes in Tanintharyi Region and Karen State between the NMSP and the KNU, and between the KNU and the KTLA. Although there are suggestions to resolve the crisis through dialogue, there has been no political dialogue that can reach a reformation movement, pointed out military and political analysts.

CNI News

10 March 2025

If talks between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar Tatmadaw took place, the talks would not succeed if the Tatmadaw did not accept the Rakhine people's right to self-determination and self-administration, chairman of the Mon State Federal Council, Nai Mon Sai told CNI News.

The AA launched offensives in Rakhine State on 13th November 2023 and it has been able to seize control of 14 townships and the West Command. And then, domestic problems would be resolve through political means, reported the AA on 29th December, 2024.

It was possible that AA was only talking about the path of dialogue due to some pressure; the talks would not succeed if the Myanmar Tatmadaw did not recognize the right to self-determination and self-governance, said Nai Mon Sai.

While seeing the AA

" The AA possibly said that as his methods and techniques were prepared in advance. And it might be because of China's pressure as well. Peace talks between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the AA might take place. We can't say whether the talks can be successful or not. Mainly, if Rakhine people's self-determination and self-administration were not recognized by the military council and China, the discussion would not be successful, I think." he said.

Although the AA has announced that it will resolve the problems through political means, it is launching offensives to Pathein, Yegyi and Tharbaung Townships in Ayeyarwady Region that are adjacent with Rakhine Yoma.

If the AA discussed with the Myanmar Tatmadaw, good results would not produced from the discussion, spokesperson of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), U Myo Kyaw told CNI News.

While seeing a crossroads in Rakhine State

" I don't think good results would not be produced even if the AA discussed with the Myanmar Tatmadaw. They are still treating us from the upper hand. In fact, they don't have the upper hand in the EAO territories. Their control on the ground has been greatly weakened, except for air strikes and long-range fire from heavy weapons. The AA may hold meetings with the military council or it may  hold meetings through some other medium sometime in the future." he said.

The AA could meet and discuss with the Myanmar Tatmadaw in China in March with China's brokered engagement, according to those close to both sides. The AA wants the confederation at least and it has the intensions to build Rakhine Country at most.

The door to peace still has been opened; but because armed organizations making attempts to gain power in the territories they have captured, the Tatmadaw would have to continue to wage the war, said the SAC Chairman.

CNI News

10 March 2025

So many foreigner migrant workers have been arresting in Thailand and Malaysia since a few days ago, those carrying out labor issues told CNI News. 

During the arrests, Myanmar citizens were arrested by the thousand and the arrests in Malaysia were the worst during the past 30 years, U Aung from the Yadana Sekka Free Funeral Service, told CNI News.

" They are going with the 'free from foreigner' policy. There are arrests in Malaysia every day. The main reason is the Malaysian people's demand. Foreigners have jobs while Malaysian people don't have jobs. But the employers in this country don't hire Malaysian citizens. Malaysian workers must be paid more. Because of Malaysian people' demand, Malaysian authorities are seeking and arresting foreigner migrant workers in houses, clubs and factories in every township as well as on the buses or trains. We have been living here in Malaysia for over 30 years. This year, arrests here are the worst." said U Aung.

While migrant workers were being inspected

So, Myanmar citizens should stay carefully, suggested those carrying out labor issues from the countries concerned. 

9,532 foreigners were arrested in Thailand seven days after the Thai police chief ordered to identify and take action against foreigners who didn't stay in accordance with the law.

 Among those arrested in Thailand, over 4,800 Myanmar citizens who illegally migrated and were working forbidden jobs were included, reported the Thai police on 26th February 2025.

" Because the Thai police chief told that foreigner workers would be systematically inspected and taken action against, over 9,000 foreigners were arrested last week. Although those who have got Thai pink cards have nothing to worry, those who don't have the cards are being sought and inspected. We don't know for sure whether the arrests will increase or decrease in the coming days, but I consider it a very worrying sign because the Thai police chief ordered to seek and inspect and take action against illegal foreigners." U Aung Kyaw who is helping and carrying out the issues of the migrant workers in Thailand, told CNI News.

While Myanmar activists are demonstrating and demanding not to send Myanmar migrant workers back to Myanmar

At present, most Myanmar citizens are waiting in line to get labor cards called Thai pink cards that will issued by the Thai government and those who have registered in the name list have nothing to worry.

However, Myanmar migrant workers whose residence permits expired on 13th February are waiting to renew their permits. 

Meanwhile, Myanmar activists demonstrated and demanded Malaysia and Thai not to send Myanmar migrant workers in Malaysia and Thailand back to Myanmar in front of the Malaysian and Thai Embassies in London, the UK on 4th March 2025.

CNI News
9 March 2025

A general election had been planned to be held in December, 2025 or in January, 2026, said the chairman of the State Administration Council, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

He said the above at a joint press conference with the Belarusian President Lukashenko on 7th March 2025 when he was in Belarus during his goodwill trip to the country.

" We have taken the responsibility of the country temporarily after announcing the state of emergency because there were ballot frauds in the 2020 general election. In the very near future, we are to hold elections in accordance with the law. We have planned to hold a free and fair general election in December, 2025 or in January, 2026." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Although the SAC Chairman said that elections would be held in 2025 and the State power would be handed over to the winning party, he didn't express the exact date when elections would be held.

While seeing the Belarusian President Lukashenko and the SAC Chairman Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

Moreover, although he had announced that elections would be held in August, 2023, he extended the state of emergency for another six months under Section.
425, saying then was abnormal because battles were severely breaking out across the country. And then, the state of emergency was repeatedly extended until today.

At present, the SAC has lost control of over 90 townships including the Northeast Command and the West Command. In Myanmar, battles are breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed groups in Sagaing Region, Magway Region, Mandalay Region, Bago Region, Ayeyarwady Region, Tanintharyi Region, Kachin State, Shan State, Rakhine State, Chin State, Kayin State, Kayah State, and Mon State.

On the other hand, the National Unity Government and armed groups that are making attempts to overthrow the SAC and the Myanmar Tatmadaw have announced that they would destroy the election held by the SAC without fail.

CNI News

8 March 2025

If Russian investments arrived in Myanmar, private security forces from Russia might enter Myanmar in order to protect their investments, said military and political analysts.

According to Section.419 of the 2008 Constitution, the private security service law had been imposed, reported the State Administration Council (SAC) on 18th February 2025.

The agreements on the construction of Dawei Deep Sea Port and a small-scale nuclear power plant had been signed by Russia and Myanmar, and as those who do business would think about for their security, Russian security forces might enter Myanmar, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Force Party, U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News.

While seeing Russia's Wagna Security Company

" Myanmar and Russia have signed the agreements on the construction of the Dawei Deep Sea Port and a small-scale nuclear power plant in Myanmar. More agreements might follow. At any rate, those who do business will think about security. Because the private security service law has been enacted, Russian security forces might enter Myanmar to protect their investments and so might Chinese or Indian security forces. But, only when the bylaw comes out will it be more clear, I think." said U Htet Aung Kyaw.

According to the private security service law, foreign countries including China, India, Thailand and Singapore might form security forces and try to protect their projects, investments, staff and companies.

If Russia made investments in the Dawei Deep Sea Port, Russian security forces might enter Myanmar, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing the SAC Chairman Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Russian President Putin after ten agreements were signed

" The SAC accepted the Chinese security companies because they said that they were to protect the Chinese investments. Chinese security forces are in Africa, Pakistan and Sudan to protect their investments. If Russia invests in the Dawei Deep Sea Port, Russia might send its security forces to the port. Chinese security forces have to take the security responsibility inside the investment areas only. But they are not allowed to carry weapons outside the investment areas. I don't know anything about the Russian security forces." said Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw.

Russia and the SAC signed the agreements on which Russia would invest in the construction of the Dawei Deep Sea Port, an oil refinery and the Dawei Special Economic Zone, reported the Russian Ministry of Economic Development on 23rd February 2025.

The SAC Chairman Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing started his trip to Russia starting from March 3 and after he had met separately with Russian President Putin, Russian PM, secretary of the Russian Security Council and chairman of the Russian State Duma after which the two countries released a joint statement in which they signed the 10 agreements.

Moreover, the two countries reportedly discussed matters relating to the bilateral trade, economy, investment, security sector cooperation and building industrial businesses.

CNI News

8 March 2025

Russian President Putin invites the chairman of the State Administration Council to attend the Red Square Parade ceremony to mark the National Victory Day of Russia and the Myanmar Tatmadaw to take part in the parade.

The 82nd Anniversary Celebration of the National Victory Day will be held in Moscow on 9 May 2025 and the parade will be conducted at the Red Square.

" The 82nd National Victory Day Ceremony will be held in Moscow on 9th May and I invite dear Prime Minister to attend the ceremony and I want the force representing Myanmar to take part in the Red Square Parade as well." said Russian President.

After that, he wanted to discuss international issues; Russia and Myanmar agreed on most international issues and there were cooperation efforts on the international affairs, he said. 

While the SAC Chairman and Russian President Putin were holding a joint press conference

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing paid a goodwill visit to Russia starting March 3 at the invitation of Russian President Putin, and separately met and discussed with President Putin, Russian PM, secretary of the Russian Security Council, chairman of the Russian State Duma and the Russian government officials.

"We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and the arrangements to make our goodwill visit smooth; we would also like to invite your Excellency the President to pay a goodwill visit to Myanmar at a suitable time." said the SAC Chairman Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

During the SAC Chairman Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing's trip, the two countries signed 10 agreements. After that, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing will continue his goodwill visit to Belarus at the invitation of Belarusian President Lukashenko and will discuss with the Belarusian President.

CNI News

7 March 2025

Russia and Myanmar agreed on the construction of a small-scale nuclear power plant in Myanmar, said in a joint statement by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Russian President Putin.

The Chairman of the State Administration Council, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing began his official goodwill visit to Russia on March 3 and met and discussed with Russian President Putin on March 4.

"Our intergovernmental cooperation commission is actively carrying out. The Trade Commission meeting was held in Natpyidaw not long ago. The two countries are cooperating in the energy sector and planning to cooperate strategically. We are prepared to extend our cooperation to other areas as well. Especially, the two countries are cooperating for the development of renewable energy sources and we, the two countries agreed to build a small-scale nuclear power plant in Myanmar." said the SAC Chairman Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Once the nuclear power plant had been built, it would have been able to provide abundant electricity for Myanmar's economy, he said.

At present in Myanmar, as electricity could be provided for four hours only in the daytime, factories and workshops are facing a situation where business operations are slowing down and social costs are rising.

So, the SAC is implementing solar energy projects. During Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing's trip to Russia, the two countries signed 10 agreements between Myanmar and Russia, said in the joint statement.

Moreover, the two countries reportedly discussed matters relating to the bilateral trade, economy, investments, security sector cooperation and industrial development.

The SAC Chairman Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing visited Russia in September 2022 and discussed with the Russian President Putin on 7th September that year.