CNI News

26 June 2025

There are various opinions among military and political observers as to why it is possible that civil servants will be assigned to various levels of the Election Commission to oversee the upcoming elections in Myanmar.

The Union Election Commission Law, Section 14, was amended on June 19, 2025, to provide that every level of the election commission shall be formed by at least three persons, either public servants or individuals who are trusted and respected by the public. 

Among these persons, one suitable person shall be appointed as the chairman, and the relevant election officer shall be appointed as the secretary.

It is difficult for civilians to participate in election commission branches because there are threats to sabotage the election. Therefore, preparations may be made to replace them with civil servants, the National Democratic Force (NDF) vice-chairman U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News.

While seeing the statement of the the Union Election Commission law amendment

" There are people who have said they will sabotage the electon without fail. Since the elders of the town, who are impartial, are worried about their safety, many of them don't serve in the Election Commission, so I think it will be a case of giving the responsibility to civil servants. The SAC has said that it will conduct a dignified election. Since it has said that, if the Election Commission is formed with civil servants, will the civil servants be safe? Will they have to worry about something? These are such things that can be considered. Whether the commission is made up of elders of towns or civil servants, we want to change the country as quickly as possible whoever wins the election. Compared to the military taking power, as a civilian administration is internationally accepted, we will agree and cooperate with holding elections in the country," he said.

The third amendment to the Union Election Commission Law has been enacted, SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing announced on June 19. 

Tai Leng (Shanni) National Development Party Chairman U Sai Htay Aung told CNI that he believed that the amendment to the law that allows civil servants to be assigned as chairpersons of the election commission branches would not have much impact. 

He added that assigning civil servants to the various commission branches would make the election more fair, as civil servants would lose their positions if they did wrongly.

While the election results were being announced

“The impact is not very big. If they do something wrong, they will be worried that the political parties will complain and they will lose their positions. They will do it properly. In our experience, in the 2020 election, the commission itself was completely on the side of the NLD party. We took photos and videos of the voting irregularities and then complained to the commission. The commission called a plenary meeting. When the political parties were called, we showed projectors. The commission asked, "Don't you know that taking photographies is not allowed at this voting place?" We have documented the irregularities on the other side. If this happens to civil servants who serve in the Election Commission, our political parties wto won't remain silent. If political parties complain, they may lose their positions. Therefore, I see that they won't do something wrong." he said.

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has said that Myanmar will hold elections in phases, in December 2025 and January 2026. 

The state power would be transferred to the winning party. He wanted the election to be a dignified election and a dignified parliament to emerge, he said.

The ethnic armed groups, the National Unity Government (NUG), the People's Defense Forces (PDF), and the Local People's Defense Forces (LPDF), have announced that they will completely disrupt the elections to be held by the SAC.

CNI News

25 June 2025

SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing will visit Belarus and attend the Europe-Asia Economic Forum (EEF 2025), SAC's Information Team announced on June 24, 2025. 

The SAC Chairman will visit Belarus at the invitation of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and attend the economic forum.

However, the exact date of the visit was not announced, but the SAC announced that the official visit will begin in a few days. 

During the visit, the SAC Chairman will attend the Fourth Europa-Asia Economic Forum (EEF 2025), hold a separate meeting with President Lukashenko, the rotating chairman of the EAEU, and hold a meeting with the Chairman of the Board of the Europa-Asia Economic Commission.

The SAC chairman will then visit factories and workshops, and after completing his visit to Belarus, he will travel to Russia. 

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended the Myanmar-Belarus Economic Forum held in Minsk, Belarus, on March 7, 2025, and also met separately with Belarusian President Lukashenko to discuss bilateral security and economic issues.

CNI News

25 June 2025

The country will be able to meet its electricity needs as soon as possible through domestic production of high-quality solar panels and solar-powered electricity generation, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

He said this during an inspection visit to the Shwe Katha Company Limited's solar panel factory in Yangon Region on June 21, 2025.

“We can get the electricity we need for our country as soon as possible through solar power generation. We need to work to produce the raw materials needed for solar panels domestically. For example, we need to find ways to produce raw materials such as silicon domestically. By producing enough solar panels domestically, we can meet much of the domestic electricity needs,” he said.

Since it is a renewable energy source and does not harm the environment, it should be encouraged. Moreover, domestically produced solar panels should be of equal quality to those imported from abroad. 

Furthermore, solar production technologies that are changing and improving in line with the times should be continuously studied and upgraded, he said.

Armed conflicts have emerged in Myanmar due to the changing political landscape since February 1, 2021.

Then, due to the destruction of electricity towers, the halting of hydroelectric projects, and the increasing need for foreign exchange, the distribution of electricity within Myanmar has declined significantly.

Therefore, Myanmar had to distribute electricity on a schedule of 4 hours on and 4 hours off per day, or 4 hours on and 8 hours off per day.

These conditions have led to widespread use of inverters and solar panel installations in Myanmar.

CNI Interview

24 June 2025

The civil war in Myanmar has lasted for more than 70 years, from 1948 to the present. The civil war was caused by the lack of equal rights for ethnic groups, the failure to build a federal union, and the collapse of democracy. 

CNI contacted and asked U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, about these circumstances.

Q. How important is the role of ethnic groups, both politically and militarily, in the political landscape of Myanmar for more than 4 years?

Answer: The role of ethnic groups has been important since before independence. The population is not the main thing. The main thing is that ethnic groups are present in more than half of our country. Since independence, they have not implemented the agreements. 

They said that they would establish a federal system, but when they actually established it, they only established a unitary system. Now, when they say they will establish a federal system instead of a unitary system, they say the central government will have more power. If we do this unilaterally, our country will never be peaceful.

The C in C said that anything that is included in the constitution can be amended except for 'Three Our National Causes for the peace of our country. Then, after the NCA was signed, the Panglong Agreement is the main thing for Three Our National Causes. If we follow that agreement, we don't have to worry about three our national causes.

However, they only focus on 'our three national causes' and ignore the Panglong Agreement. If they only treat this agreement in name, our country will become even more confused. It is already confusing. What we want is a federal system, but what was established was a unitary system, and the situation in the country has worsened.

In this situation, the Panglong Agreement cannot be used to cure the disease. It may even reach the stage of surgical treatment. If we all do not solve this with a strong attitude, if they will continue to spread the disease by curing it with the medicine that doesn't agree with the disease, then without controlling the country, our country will fall under the control of another country.

Q.  In the recent statement of the KNU, it was mentioned that it aims to establish a federal democratic union that guarantees peaceful coexistence for all ethnic groups and people. What do they mean by a federal democratic union that guarantees all nationalities and people? How do you understand it, Sir?

A. That is something you have to ask them. You can't ask me. However, from what we understand, since the new constitution was being drafted, the Myanmar Tatmadaw said that our country needs to be a country based on geography, not ethnicity. They also said that the names of the states should be based on geography, not ethnic names. 

This was not accepted by the ethnic groups. The SNLD itself said that the reason it did not accept it was not because it was narrow-minded. We are not narrow-minded. While there are no ethnic rights in our country right now, their names will have to be erased, which they cannot accept. 

Another thing is that what was previously called Burma is now called Myanmar. Myanmar is an all-encompassing term. This is also not accepted by most of our ethnic groups. Other leaders have said that we all should choose a name together that the majority of us can accept. 

So, if we want to improve our country, we can't suddenly change our ways while the other side is giving priority to the names of ethnic groups. This is a matter that we will have to go through step by step. In the United States, there are no Arizonan ethnicity in Arizona. 

There are no Texas ethnicities in Texas. To become like that, we have to go through step by step. I want to be like that too. But right now, ethnic groups are being oppressed. They are worried that their ethnicity will disappear. The leaders who govern our country need to be careful of this. We can't do what we want right away. We have to do it step by step. 

We will do it step by step. We will give ethnic rights. Later, when ethnic rights are achieved, the issue of ethnic names will not be an important issue. At that time, human rights will be achieved. Human rights will become even more important. When human rights become the main focus, the issue of race will gradually disappear. I believe so.

Q. . In the current Myanmar politics, most people are pointing out that China is very influential. They say that because of China's influence, the Myanmar Tatmadaw  has regained some areas in northern Shan State. What is your opinion on this , Sir?

A.: This is something we have to ask China. However, we all have to admit that this is because we are not up to standard. In this matter, the Tatmadaw is also poor and so are our ethnic groups. It is because everyone is weak. Nations that cannot solve their own problems must accept other countries that will come and solve their problems.

Q. So, is there any possibility that a path towards dialogue in Myanmar politics could emerge this year? How do you see it?

A. They will discuss on 25th, on 26th, on 27th June. We will wait and see how the situation will be. But if we talk about the mentality of many organizations that are currently opposing the Myanmar Tatmadaw, the voice that there is no reason to discuss blood debt is still louder. This situation will have to be watched for a while. It is not possible immediately.

Q.  So what will the political landscape in Myanmar be like after the end of July?

A. We will have to watch this discussion on June 25, 26, and 27. After that, they may announce the election date in July. Then, if they announce it, we will also study the laws and regulations that will emerge.

CNI News

23 June 2025

The Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) will not hinder or obstruct the choices of those serving in the education and health sectors, the BNRA said in a statement dated June 17, 2025.

The Committee for Representation of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) issued a law on June 17, 2025, stating that action will be taken against government employees who do not join in the CDM as a movement of civil disobedience.

Then, in Konpaya (Nyaungpinkan) Village, Nyaung-U Township, Mandalay Region, a group of armed men shot and killed the principal of a basic education high school (branch) and her husband. “People in war-torn areas know that while we strive to create a better era in the country’s history, the education of students and the healthcare of the public are facing many difficulties.” said in the statement released by the BNRA.

While seeing the statement released by the BNRA

Then, BNRA announced that “the education of young students and the public health sector” are the “present and future” of the country. 

“The Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) will not hinder the choices of those working in the education and health sectors, taking into account of the future of students and young people who are important in trying to create a better future for the country. If those working in the "education and health sectors" encounter difficulties or harm, we will do our best to support them." said in the statement.

The BNRA is an armed organization that has taken up arms to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the SAC in response to the political crisis in Myanmar that has erupted since February 1, 2021. 

The group is an armed group that originated in Pale Township, Sagaing Region.

CNI News

23 June 2025

The weakening of unity between armed groups and the people could delay the revolutionary journey and also lead to the failure of the revolutionary goals of their Chin people, 18 Chin armed groups jointly issued a statement on June 19, 2025.

The 18 Chin armed groups have jointly issued a statement stating that the frequent clashes between Chin revolutionary armed groups in Chin State, attempts to resolve disputes through armed means, and the weakening of unity between armed groups and the people may delay the journey of the people's revolution and may also lead to the failure of the revolutionary goals of their Chin people.

The statement said that the 18 armed groups of the Chin Spring Revolution have mutual respect among the Chin Spring Revolution armed groups and always hope for the unity of the entire Chin State.

Therefore, they would like to invite all Chin armed groups to avoid all words and actions that cause misunderstandings among themselves, prioritize fighting against the common enemy and seek political solutions to territorial and tribal issues in Chin state only after the revolution, said the 18 Chin armed groups in their statement.

While seeing a joint statement released by 18 Chin armed groups

Together with all Chin revolutionary organizations, they were ready to unitedly fight against the common enemy, to protect their Chin people and their territories, and to work together with the Chin people to build Chin national unity and Chin State, said in the statement.

The 18 Chin armed groups are Zotung Federal Council (CDF-Zotung); CDF (Matupi); CDF (Kalya-Gabaw-Gangaw); CDF (Hakha Central Council); CDF (Thantlang), Lautu Region
People Administration (CDF-Lautu); Zopheiram Council (CDF-Zophei); Maraland Council (CDF-Mara), Paletwa Council (CDF-Paletwa); Mindat Council, Senthang Central Council (SRF); Tedim Township Council (PDA); Thado Council (CDF-Thado); Tonzang Township Council (CDF-Tonzang), Siyin Regional Council (CDF-CDM-Siyin); Kanpetlet Council, Zanniatland People's Organization (CDF-Zanniatram) and Hualngoram People's Organization (CDF-Hualngoram).

Currently, fighting is taking place in Chin State between Chin Brothers (CB) that is an ally of the Arakan Army (AA), and Chin armed groups led by the Chin National Front (CNF), because of territorial disputes. 

Similarly, fighting is also taking place between the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA/ZRO) and the Chin National Front (CNF).

CNI News

23 June 2025

Whether joining in the Civil Disobedience Movement or not, it is not a crime,  so, the law must be applied fairly, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), Colonel Khun Okkar told CNI News. 

Whether or not to join in the CDM is a self-determination right of an individual or a government employee. Joining in the CDM is not a crime while not joining in the CDM is not a crime either.; the law must be fair, said Colonel Khun Okkar.

"Some employees are public service workers, such as primary school teachers, nurses and doctors. They are people who treat patients. These people are serving the public. No matter how governments change, people working in public service do not need to join in the CDM. Therefore, joining in the CDM or not joining in the CDM is not a crime. Authorities are wrong to be hostile towards those involved in the CDM. There are public servants who don't join in the CDM because they are afraid of harming the public and children. If you decide that those who don't join in the CDM are guilty, your decision is wrong. The law must be fair, it must be right, and it needs to be abided by. The laws now being enacted are pushing those who are not on our side to the enemy. That's why CDM or Non-CDM staffs should be exempted from taking action against. Since they are all employees, they will only benefit the public, not the leader. Only rulers may change, but nothing will happen to the public service," he said.

While government employees are demonstrating for CDM

On June 13, the Committee of Representatives of the Pyithu Hluttaw (CRPH) enacted the Civil Service Act on Non-violent Civil Disobedience which can prosecute civil servants working under the SAC.

In the section on taking action included in Chapter (4) of the said law, it is stated that only government employees who had joined in the CDM between February 1, 2021 and April 30, 2021 will be designated as CDM staff and those who have joined in the CDM after that period will be considered as CDM only after verification.

The law includes a reward system for CDMs and a punishment system for non-CDMs, and states that soldiers and police are not covered by the CDM law.

While seeing those who were demonstrating for CDM 

The All Burma Students' Union (ABSU), Generations' Solidarity Coalition of Nationalities (GSCN), Dawei Democracy Movement Strike Committee (DDMSC), and the University Teachers' Union Representative Committee have all issued statements saying that the CDM Civil Service Law enacted by the CRPH deviates from the revolutionary requirements and federal democratic standards.

Then, the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) announced on June 17, 2025, that it would not disturb or prevent the choices of those who are serving in the education and health sectors, taking into account of the future of students and youths who are important in shaping the future of the country. It would also support those in need.

Not easy to resolve Myanmar issue without third party

CNI News

21 June 2025

It was not easy to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar without a third party as an intermediary, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), which signed the NCA, Colonel Khun Okkar,  told CNI News.

China, India, ASEAN, the United States, and the European Union have urged Myanmar to resolve the political crisis through dialogues and so have the seven armed groups that have signed the NCA and local democratic elements.

China, India, ASEAN, the United States, and the European Union have urged Myanmar to resolve the political crisis through dialogues and so have the seven armed groups that have signed the NCA and local democratic elements. 

Although the international community is saying that Myanmar's issues must be resolved by the people of Myanmar,  a solution cannot be found if Myanmar citizens alone resolve the issue, and that a solution can only be found if a third party intervenes, Colonel Khun Okkar told CNI News.

While seeing armed group

"On behalf of ASEAN, Malaysia says that the Myanmar issue should be resolved by the Myanmar people themselves. However, when there are confrontations in this situation, it is not easy to meet, discuss, and resolve without a neutral third party. Even in the northern part of Myanmar, China intervened and negotiated a settlement, resulting in some northern groups and the current military council reaching a settlement. Now, I hear that the Malaysian delegate has arrived in Chiang Mai and is meeting with armed groups operating near the Thai border. It is understood that the delegate came with the intention of making the meeting leading to finding a solution. It is not easy to meet, and there is no trust between the two groups. Meeting without trust between two groups will not yield any results. Therefore, a guarantee is needed to have a mutual trust. If ASEAN, or the United Nations was involved as a third party, the talks would be successful." he said.

If efforts were made to achieve the national reconciliation, there must be a compromise to end all armed conflicts, and that Myanmar's political problems must be resolved by the Myanmar citizens themselves, Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News. 

While houses were burning due to armed conflict

"Without political and security stability, development cannot take place. How will we achieve national reconciliation? How will we negotiate and settle all the current armed conflicts? How will neighboring countries support us? Neighboring countries may be more sympathetic to Myanmar than the United States and Australia. The UN can do nothing regarding the Myanmar issue. ASEAN can do nothing either. So the Myanmar people must solve the political problem themselves. ASEAN has said that the currently planned election should be postponed. I think this is contrary to the current political needs,” he said. 

ASEAN and the UN have appointed special envoys on Myanmar to explore ways to overcome the political crisis in Myanmar. 

They have been meeting with opposition groups at home and abroad, as well as with SAC representatives, including the SAC chairman.

However, armed conflicts between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and revolutionary forces are ongoing across Myanmar, forcing more than three million people to flee their homes.

Similarly, the SAC chairman has said that elections will be held in Myanmar in December 2025 and January 2026, and opposition forces have announced that they will completely sabotage the elections that the SAC will hold.

CNI News

20 June 2025

Myanmar is sandwiched between two powerful neighbors, making it impossible to establish a federal democracy by excluding some ethnic groups, Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch, told CNI News.  

Myanmar's two powerful neighbors are China and India.

“If there is no unity among all ethnic groups in Myanmar, it will be difficult for the political situation in Myanmar to improve. Therefore, it is very important to achieve unity among all ethnic groups. Since Myanmar is located between two powerful neighboring countries, it is impossible to establish a federal democracy by marginalizing some ethnic groups. So, as national leaders and political leaders, they should be very patient and work harder on ethnic unity. It is very important,” she said.

The 2008 Constitution states that Myanmar is a country where a variety of ethnic groups live together, and it is made up of a total of 135 ethnic groups, including eight major ethnic groups: Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine, and Shan.

While seeing an ethnic group

As a country founded by various ethnic groups, all should be equal, but because of the rulers of the country and the provisions of the 2008 Constitution, the country is leading to divisions and disunity among the ethnic groups, pointed out military and political analysts.

There are also considerations that ethnic groups have been denied the rights they deserve under successive governments, so ethnic groups are taking up arms and fighting to gain their rights.

Furthermore, successive governments have only implemented what they want, and if they continue to do so unilaterally, Myanmar will never be at peace, U Khon Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News.

“Whether the population is large or small is not the main issue. The main issue is that ethnic minorities live in more than half of Myanmar’s territory. That is important. Since Myanmar gained her independence, the agreements have not been implemented. They said they would establish a federal system, but when they did, they only established a unitary system. Now, they are not establishing a unitary system. They say that if they establish a federal system, the central government will have more power. If they do this unilaterally, our country will never be peaceful,” he said.

While seeing the NCA signing ceremony

The Panglong Agreement was signed on February 12, 1947, and while the Burmese government initially adhered to the provisions of the Panglong Agreement, it later deviated from the basic principles of the Panglong Agreement,  pointed out political observers. 

Currently, there are ongoing clashes between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups across Myanmar and  the politics of Myanmar will not change significantly because peace talks are only being held with groups that have signed the NCA, point out military and political observers.

They also believe that only by inviting ethnic armed groups currently waging battles on the ground to participate in peace talks will be a breakthrough in the political process in Myanmar, which has been in turmoil for more than four years.