CNI News

28 November 2025

Naing Aung Ma Ngay, spokesperson of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), told CNI News that the NMSP is not exerting any pressure on political parties or Mon voters competing in—or participating in—the upcoming multi-party democratic general election in Mon State.

He said:“We don’t know what the Mon public’s opinion will be. They will continue exercising their own political rights as they wish. As for us, we have nothing to object to regarding this election. In our area as well, we haven’t seen building the polling stations yet. We also do not apply any pressure. Those who want to go [vote] can go; those who want to stay can stay. They can decide freely. We do not interfere or tell anyone what to do.”

The New Mon State Party (NMSP) was founded on July 20, 1958. It signed a bilateral state- and union-level ceasefire agreement in February 2012. Later, it signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) on February 13, 2018.

In the upcoming election in Mon State, the competing political parties include:
– Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
– People’s Pioneer Party (PPP)
– People’s Party
– Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (White Tiger Party)
– National Unity Party
– Myanmar Farmers Development Party
– Mon Unity Party (MUP)
– Pa-O National Development Party

NMSP Deputy Chair Naing Aung Min meeting Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in May 2022

Naing Than Shwe, the spokesperson for the Mon Unity Party (MUP), which will also contest in Mon State, told CNI News that the NMSP has not obstructed the election process.

He said:“We don’t know much about the other parts, but mainly, the NMSP—which is an NCA signatory—does not obstruct the election. Because participating in elections is the work of political parties, they don’t interfere and haven’t imposed any restrictions. We don’t know about the positions of the other armed groups. We also don’t know what situations might arise. We cannot know their internal matters.”

After Myanmar’s 2021 political change, an NMSP breakaway faction called the NMSP–Anti-Dictatorship (NMSP-AD) emerged. Subsequently, four new Mon armed groups also appeared:

– Mon Liberation Army (MLA)
– Mon National Liberation Army–Anti-Dictatorship (MNLA–AD)
– Mon State Defense Force (MSDF)
– Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF)

 MSDF leader Dr. Thiri Mon Chan meeting with the public

These four groups operate collectively under the “Mon Army” and have carried out military activities.
Additionally, in Mon State, KNU forces and NUG-affiliated PDFs are also active.

The Mon State Federal Council (MSFC) has announced that individuals participating in the upcoming election—including Mon candidates and those involved in supporting or facilitating the election—will be arrested and prosecuted.

This includes:
– Standing as a candidate in the election
– Campaigning for oneself or for any organization or individual
– Assisting or supporting campaign activities
– Any participation contributing to the election’s success

The MSFC has declared that all such individuals will be subject to arrest and action.

CNI News

28 November 2025

Karen People’s Party (KPP) Chairperson Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo told CNI News that their party does not make election-time guarantees to win votes if they cannot truly deliver them to the public.

As Myanmar’s election period approaches, political parties are making various promises in their campaigns in hopes of gaining public support.

KPP Chairperson Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo said that their party will not give guarantees they cannot actually fulfill just to gain votes.

Karen People’s Party (KPP) during their campaign activities

She said,“We cannot just say things in advance. And this current conscription law is something set by the State, a law established since General Aung San’s era. However, it does need to be implemented systematically. If it reaches Parliament (Hluttaw), any party will have to work on it. But when a party says it will do something, it must be something it truly can do. We do not make promises we cannot fulfill just to win votes. After experiencing three eras of democracy, there are things that can be done and things that cannot. In a five-year term, how much can really be achieved depends greatly on the capacity of the elected MPs. Some people say ‘Give us your vote and we’ll do all this afterward,’ but some of those things are untouchable — they really cannot be promised.”

Political observers note that the public has lost trust because some political parties fail to address the difficulties people are facing and only start giving big campaign speeches when election time arrives.

The KPP Chairperson also said they are hearing many special promises being made by other parties, but emphasized that their party does not follow others blindly.

Karen People’s Party (KPP) during their campaign activities

She stated,“There are things the country needs. So we must work as best as we can for our people, within our capacity. When others give guarantees, there is the question of how far they can actually deliver them. We don’t make such big guarantees. These matters are things MPs must coordinate and work together on. When we talk about such matters, we cannot treat them as big promises. But we must still speak and act on matters that should be addressed. Everyone knows what is happening in the country right now. The next government will have to solve these issues. Our party is not one that gives popular vote-grabbing guarantees.”

Myanmar’s Election Part (1) will be held on December 28, 2025. Election Part (2) will be held on January 11, 2026, and Election Part (3) will be held in the last week of January 2026, according to the statement made on November 10 by Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson of the National Defense and Security Council.

CNI News

27 November 2025

In Myanmar, after the multi-party democratic general election is held, the policies of the new government are unlikely to change and will most likely continue along the path currently being led by the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, according to a political analyst who spoke to CNI News.

“Just as most people assume, the general expectation is that the post-election government will follow the same path the Commander-in-Chief is taking now. Whether the USDP forms the government or whether C in C Min Aung Hlaing himself becomes president, political, military, and peace-related policies will not undergo any major changes. That is my view.”, he said.

Under former Senior General Than Shwe, an election was held and state power was transferred to the government led by U Thein Sein, during which Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was released and many political reforms took place.

Signing of the NCA during U Thein Sein’s administration

Later, during U Thein Sein’s administration, Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) contested the by-elections under the 2008 Constitution, and peace negotiations with ethnic armed groups were also pursued.

According to political and military analysts, because it is already widely predicted who will likely become president after the election, no major changes are expected once the new civilian government takes office.

One analyst added: “The path set under the 2008 Constitution isn’t necessarily bad. But the degree of change depends on the policies of the president who takes office after the election. Based on present assumptions, major changes are unlikely. We don’t know who will become president yet — it could be someone from the USDP, or U Min Aung Hlaing may continue as president. If there is no major shift, the country’s direction will depend heavily on him. Right now, we can already predict who wants to be president. That’s why we do not expect significant changes under the next president.”

USDP party

After more than four years since the 2021 political crisis, the first phase of the election is scheduled for December 28, 2025.

The second phase will take place on January 11, 2026, and two weeks later, the third phase will be held, according to Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, head of the press team of the National Defence and Security Council, who announced this on November 10.

If the post-election government is formed in the style of a national unity government, analysts believe some policy changes may become possible.

CNI News

27 November 2025

Political parties in Myanmar need to cultivate a new generation of young people and also pass on a platform that embraces human civility and political culture, said Daw Sandar Min, an independent parliamentary candidate in Yangon’s Latha Township, speaking to CNI News.

Union Minister, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, also stated during the 10th Anniversary Review Ceremony of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) held on October 24 that youth must be trained and nurtured for future peace.

Daw Sandar Min, who is running as an independent candidate in Latha Township in the 2025 election, told CNI that politics is not simply a matter of numbers or a platform based on quantity, but something that requires strong will and principled organizations.

She said: “Party politics must be a platform that minimizes public suffering and builds a system based on negotiation and consultation. This is the political culture that must be passed on to the next generation. Politics is not about hitting each other, stabbing with knives, or shooting with guns. Political culture means negotiation, compromise, and moving toward your goals through a systematic process. We need to pass this culture on to young people. But now, the law requiring a political party to have 100,000 or 50,000 members is unnecessary. That law should be abolished. Politics should not be about numbers but about strong-willed organizations and principles. We must hand over a platform that represents human civility to the next generation.”

Meeting among political party representatives

After the military removed the NLD government on February 1, 2021, claiming unresolved disputes over the 2020 general election voter lists, Myanmar has been under military rule.

Since then, many young people in Myanmar have come to believe that elections cannot determine the country’s future and that only armed struggle can, leading them to launch armed resistance aimed at overthrowing the military regime.

As armed conflict intensifies nationwide, political parties have found their political space shrinking and are struggling to nurture young generations.

Political parties need to provide training and cultivate young people, said Daw Nan Khin Aye Oo, the chairwoman of the Karen People’s Party (KPP), speaking to CNI News.

Political parties meeting and discussing with NSPNC

She said: “We need to give training programs for town-based youth. Many young people are avoiding military conscription, so in the villages hardly any youth remain. Only middle-aged people and elders are left, though some youth still remain. Among the literature and culture groups we had, some are no longer active. We are now reorganizing the remaining members. It is somewhat successful, but challenges remain—lack of manpower and skilled people. We need to restart from the beginning. We must teach the remaining youth. In our party, most of the elders are already old. To rebuild parties, we need young people. After the 2025 election, the youth have promised that they will take on the role.”

Amid Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, civilians and youth are living in fear as they face forced conscription by various armed groups. Many have also fled abroad to escape recruitment.

CNI News

27 November 2025

Major General Kyaw Thu Ya has been appointed as the Commander of the Northwestern Command, according to sources close to the military office in Nay Pyi Taw.

Former Commander Brig-Gen Myo Min Htwe was arrested and is under investigation in the third week of November 2025 for corruption and operational failures.

Following this, Brig-Gen Myo Min Htwe was removed from his position, and Major General Kyaw Thu Ya was appointed to replace him as the new commander of the Northwest Command, according to military sources in Nay Pyi Taw.

Major General Kyaw Thu Ya has already arrived in Monywa, the headquarters of the Northwestern Command, and has assumed his duties.

Major General Kyaw Thu Ya is from Intake 39, and moved from his previous role as the Commandant of the Command and General Staff College to lead the Northwest Command.

 Former Northwest Commander Brig-Gen Myo Min Htwe

The dismissed commander, Brig-Gen Myo Min Htwe, was from the Officer Training School (Teza-26), and previously served as the commander of the Division 11, at the Regional Operations Command in Laukkai, and at the Operation Command (1) in Kyaukme..

On August 3, 2024, when the Kokang MNDAA alliance forces captured the Northeast Command in Lashio, Lt-Gen Soe Tint (then regional commander), Maj-Gen Than Htin Soe (then divisional chief of general staff), and Brig-Col Myo Min Htwe were among those who surrendered.

Later, after negotiations between MNDAA and the Myanmar military, Brig-Col Myo Min Htwe was released and, on December 18, 2024, appointed by the Army as Commander of the Northwest Command.

The Northwest Command covers parts of Sagaing Region, Chin State, and Magway Region.

This region is currently experiencing intense armed conflict, with multiple armed groups operating throughout Sagaing Region.

CNI News

26 November 2025

Ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) cannot and should not be involved in illegal trade, said Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), in an interview with CNI News.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, had previously stated that some EAOs that have made peace with the government lack loyalty to the state and are engaging in illegal trading activities for their own benefit.

Military and political analysts have also pointed out that since 2021 under the SAC and continuing to the present, both government departments and armed groups have been increasingly prioritizing their own economic interests.

Colonel Khun Okkar said that illegal trade issues are mainly connected to Border Guard Forces (BGFs) and related groups, rather than NCA signatories.

Security forces inspecting goods

“Actually, NCA signatory groups are not involved to that extent. Especially along the border, the ones given operational control are the BGFs. The BGFs have greater opportunities. Those of us who signed the NCA genuinely made peace. We signed the ceasefire only to pave the way for political dialogue. So the NCA signatories are Dialogue Partners. We still hold that role. Under the NCA, we are not allowed to do anything that harms the people.Therefore, NCA signatory groups cannot and should not be involved in such activities. This is what I want to clarify.”, he said.

Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI that many ethnic armed groups tend to prepare for future confrontation once they grow stronger.

“Their main aim currently is to work, earn money, and strengthen themselves. Once they gain enough strength, they will demand what they want from the government. If they don’t get it, they prepare for conflict. In the long term, this should not be allowed. The government must find political solutions.If both politics and military of the government are supported by the public, then these groups can be integrated. If not, the government may have to resort to military solutions eventually.Only then will these issues disappear. Right now, because illegal means of earning money continue and law enforcement cannot address it, the problem persists.”, he said.

 The Tatmadaw, armed groups, and international diplomats

In Myanmar, the number of armed groups has increased compared to before. In their respective territories, they collect taxes, allow mining, sell arms, engage in drug trafficking, and run various other businesses widely.

Current NCA signatory groups include: RCSS (Restoration Council of Shan State)၊ KNU (Karen National Union)၊ ABSDF (All Burma Students’ Democratic Front)၊ CNF (Chin National Front)၊ DKBA (Democratic Karen Benevolent Army)၊ KNU/KNLA-PC (Karen National Liberation Army – Peace Council)၊ PNLO၊ ALP (Arakan Liberation Party)၊ NMSP (New Mon State Party)၊ LDU (Lahu Democratic Union)။

CNI News

26 November 2025

The Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) may launch offensives against any area controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State, said U Myo Kyaw of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) in an interview with CNI News.

He stated that attacks are particularly possible in areas around Kyaukphyu.

“This will likely depend on the overall situation of the whole country. In our country, when there is a ceasefire on one front, the military tends to launch offensives on another. For example, when there is a ceasefire with the Kachin, they attack the Karen. Likewise, if ceasefires occur in the eastern part of the country, large offensives may take place in the western front. In Rakhine, they can attack any area. More than fighting soldiers, they rely on military superiority—airstrikes, naval attacks, and long-range heavy artillery. These can destroy civilians and basic infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and homes. Ceremonies, festivals, or public gatherings could also become targets. So any area could be affected. It could be in Rathedaung, in Ponnagyun, or in Minbya. Especially around Kyaukphyu. In Gwa, Taungoke—anywhere,” he said.

Myanmar Tatmadaw female soldiers

Currently, after halting fighting with the TNLA in northern Shan State, the Myanmar military has been conducting airstrikes on AA-controlled areas of Rakhine State, with intense clashes reported in Kyaukphyu.

Military and political analysts note that the Myanmar military may attempt a ground offensive into Rakhine State via Chin State.

Since late October, military columns from the southern part of Kalay in Sagaing Region advanced—one column moving from Webula toward Falam, and another from Tedim, passing through Thaingngin Village toward the Tedim-Falam border.

In early November, the Myanmar military captured strategic locations on the Kalay–Tedim road, including Kanedi Mountain and Thaingngin Village, an entry point into Chin State. However, Kanedi Mountain was recaptured by Chin resistance forces on November 18.

Map of Rakhine State (Photo – Myanmar Now)

Even so, U Myo Kyaw stated that it is unlikely the Myanmar military can advance into Rakhine from the Chin side.

“That’s very unlikely. It would be extremely difficult for them to retake those areas. The terrain is difficult, and from a military strategy perspective, it’s not easy for them to push back in after retreating. On top of that, Chin resistance forces in that area still hold substantial strength. So an advance from that side would be very difficult,” he said.

Military and political analysts assess that the Myanmar military is preparing to recapture some of the townships currently controlled by the Arakan Army.

Reports indicate that in the remaining towns of Rakhine—Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung—the military is reinforcing troop numbers and heavy weapons via waterways.

CNI News

26 November 2025

Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that giving out rice and cooking oil to the public during election periods is a type of politics that cannot be trusted.

He said political parties should talk about how they will develop the country and improve people’s social and economic lives, not resort to handing out rice, oil, or eggs—practices that should not exist in politics.

He explained:“Politics where they give rice, cooking oil, or other items to the public—I don’t trust that kind of politics. Anyone with money can do it. Such rice and oil giveaways are basically a form of vote-buying. We cannot accept that. In Thai politics, this kind of thing is very common. We can’t say it doesn’t happen in Myanmar politics either.A political party should talk about how it will govern the country, what policies it has, and how it will improve social and economic life. They should explain these things clearly to earn public trust before taking action. Instead, giving little bags of rice, little bottles of oil, or distributing eggs is not something that should exist in politics. They must explain clearly what political, economic, and social policies they have for the country, what current policies are wrong, and why. Instead of talking about big theories that confuse people, they should explain in simple and clear language that reaches directly into the hearts of the people,” he said.

Giving Shwe Yin Aye ( cold sweet drinks) to the public

Political observers pointed out that because political parties fail to address the real hardships that people face, and only start making campaign speeches when they need votes during elections, the public has increasingly lost trust.

Similarly, giving out rice, oil, eggs, and other food items during election season to persuade people to vote is also not considered a firm policy or a principled stance, they added.

In response, U Hla Thein, spokesperson of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), told CNI News that political parties should not be prohibited from carrying out charitable acts while doing party work.

He said: “When rice or oil is given to the public, they give it out of their own goodwill. Should a political party be banned from doing charitable deeds while engaging in party activities? People also need to think about this. For example, if someone wants to offer alms to monks, should they not be allowed to? This isn’t political campaigning. It’s voluntary charity. Should charity for the people also be disallowed? People need to understand this. It’s difficult to speak to those who criticize everything—some people look at everything with suspicion,”.

Political parties

Observers note that although giving basic food items to the public is good in itself, when such donations happen only during election periods and disappear afterward, it raises the question of whether the intent is sincere charity or self-serving political gain.

Additionally, political parties often fail to fulfill the promises made during their election campaigns, and many elected representatives do not even return to their constituencies after winning. Because of such failures, public trust in political parties has eroded.

Myanmar will hold Election Phase 1 on December 28, 2025. Phase 2 will take place on January 11, 2026, followed by Phase 3 in the last week of January 2026, according to an announcement by Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson of the National Defense and Security Council, on November 10.

CNI News

26 November 2025

Due to significant improvements in governance and stability in Myanmar, the United States has announced the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) previously granted to Myanmar nationals. The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on November 25, 2025.

The termination will take effect starting January 26, 2026.

According to the U.S. government, the decision was based on a review of Myanmar’s conditions conducted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), as well as consultations with the U.S. Department of State.

The U.S. government stated that Myanmar’s current situation has improved to the point where Myanmar citizens can safely return to their home country, which is why the temporary protection status has been withdrawn.

It was also noted that Myanmar has made remarkable progress in administrative stability, lifted its state of emergency, and is carrying out plans for free and fair elections.

 Announcement of TPS termination for Myanmar

Additionally, the U.S. government highlighted progress in public service delivery and national reconciliation due to successful ceasefire agreements and improved regional administration.

Because of these developments, the United States declared that Myanmar nationals can now safely return home.

Currently, Myanmar is set to hold elections in several phases: Phase 1: December 28, 2025 — in 102 townships. Phase 2: January 11, 2026 — in 100 townships. Phase 3: To be held in the last week of January 2026.

The upcoming elections in Myanmar are expected to bring political change, and the public is encouraged to vote for those who will protect the nation’s three main duties (Our Three Main National Causes) and help advance economic development, according to Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

He added that once the elections conclude, state power will be transferred to the winning party, and the military (Tatmadaw) will focus solely on national defense.