Deputy Chief Soe Win Signals Looming Leadership Shift in Myanmar Military

Narinjara, March 26, 2026

NAY PYI TAW — Vice-Senior General Soe Win, the deputy chief of the junta, announced that a significant leadership transition within the Myanmar armed forces will occur after Armed Forces Day on March 27.

Speaking on March 26 at the Bayintnaung Residence in Nay Pyi Taw, Soe Win confirmed that state responsibilities will be handed over to a newly established administration.

According to reports from the local outlet One News, he mentioned that a president and vice presidents for a new "democratic" government would be elected in the upcoming days.

The announcement comes amidst widespread reports that the current military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, will deliver his final speech as Commander-in-Chief during the 81st Armed Forces Day ceremony.

Speculation is growing that Min Aung Hlaing will formally assume the presidency next month. This transition would leave the military's top position open, with potential successors being General Ye Win Oo, Vice-Senior General Soe Win, the current deputy commander-in-chief, and General Kyaw Swar Lin, the Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy, and Air).

The transition follows a series of military-led elections that have been widely criticized by the international community as fraudulent.

Despite the change to a nominally civilian government, analysts anticipate the military will continue to maintain its "iron fist" over national security and the legislative process.