Min Aung Hlaing says Myanmar’s military will remain in politics even after upcoming election

Mizzima

Myanmar’s junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said on 6 December that the armed forces will continue to play a political role even after the upcoming election.

According to junta-controlled newspapers published on 7 December, he made the remarks during a meeting with officers, soldiers, their families, and cadets at the Defence Services Academy in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region.

“Based on historical background and the current situation, the Tatmadaw will continue to take part in political leadership,” he said.

He added that the military would only gradually scale back its presence in parliament once a “fully established democratic system” exists and ethnic armed organizations no longer remain active.

Under the 2008 Constitution, which the military still upholds, the Commander-in-Chief is permitted to appoint 25 percent of parliamentary seats without requiring elected representation.

Min Aung Hlaing also reaffirmed that the election will be held on 28 December and conducted in three phases. The second phase will take place two weeks after the first, followed by a third phase another two weeks later.

A total of 57 political parties are set to contest the polls, including the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which will run nationwide.

The military-controlled election commission has dissolved 40 parties, including the National League for Democracy (NLD), which won the 2020 General Election but chose not to re-register after the coup.

Revolutionary forces have described the planned polls as a sham designed to extend military rule.