The National Defence and Security Council of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar held its 3/2025 meeting at the office of the State Administration Council Chairman in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.

The meeting was attended by Pro Tem President (On Duty), Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw U T Khun Myat, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Union Minister for Defence General Maung Maung Aye, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe, Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, and specially invited SAC Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe.

First and foremost, the Senior General said that the State Administration Council has now been carrying out its national duties for four years and six months. On 16 June 2024, during a public meeting in Meiktila, it was first announced that a general election would be held at the end of this year. Therefore, the upcoming sixmonth period will be the time to complete final preparations and organize the general election, which is the ultimate objective of the State Administration Council to hold a multiparty democratic general election. Since assuming State responsibility, the government has formulated forward plans and objectives in accord with the country’s prevailing situation and has been implementing them step by step. According to Section 426 of the 2008 Constitution, the National Defence and Security Council, under Sections 417 and 418, may declare a state of emergency and transfer the State power to the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services. Once the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services has accomplished the responsibilities entrusted to him, and upon receiving a report stating that those duties have been completed, the Council must declare the revocation of the order that transferred State power under Section 418. Furthermore, Section 429 stipulates that a general election must be held within six months from the date the National Defence and Security Council announces the revocation of that order, in line with the provisions of the Constitution. In this regard, the government will continue its efforts to hold the election as per the law in the upcoming month of December. As part of these preparations, a Proportional Representation (PR) system has been introduced to ensure the inclusion of ethnic groups and smaller parties in the political process. At the same time, to ensure that all citizens can vote freely and securely, the government has also enacted the Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic General Elections from Obstruction, Disruption, and Destruction.

First, the report on the implementation of the first point of the Five-Point Roadmap: Emphasis will be placed on ensuring peace and stability and the full rule of law across the whole Union, and on successfully conducting a free and fair multiparty democratic general election will be presented. In the 2020 multiparty democratic general election, the then-ruling party committed widespread electoral fraud. Instead of addressing the issue under the law, it attempted to unlawfully seize State power. As a result, a state of emergency had to be declared under the Constitution, and our government assumed responsibility for State administration. Supporters of the then-ruling party, dissatisfied with the political transition under the state of emergency, initiated protests that escalated into violent attacks through various means. Likewise, long-standing domestic armed insurgent groups in the country took advantage of the political situation to pursue their own interests, carrying out armed terror acts. Consequently, the nation fell into widespread unrest.

Since assuming State responsibility, the government has placed strong emphasis on ensuring stability and the full enforcement of the rule of law across the entire Union. Every citizen has a duty to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes: the non-disintegration of the Union, the non-disintegration of national solidarity, and the perpetuation of sovereignty. To enable citizens to fulfil these duties, the People’s Military Service Law, which was enacted and approved in 2010, was brought into effect and implemented on 10 February 2024, requiring citizens to undergo military training and serve in national defence. So far, the 15th batch of People’s Military Service training has been launched. Starting in 2023, the People’s Security System has been implemented. Supervisory Committees for people’s security and counterterrorism have been formed at various levels of oversight, reaching down to ward and village-tract levels. Moreover, under the government’s term, the Private Security Service Law was enacted. Due to geopolitic situation and current international landscape of Myanmar, defence, security, and the perpetuation of sovereignty, can only be strong and effective with the collective participation of the entire population. Therefore, undertakings in the current government are designed to pave the way to ensure the strengthening of national security, peace and stability.

Moreover, the Senior General explained the implementation of the second point of the roadmap: Continued efforts will be made to promote the state economy and enhance the socioeconomic situation of all people through expediting manufacturing businesses rooted in agriculture and livestock to benefit the entire National people. According to the 2024 pilot population census, approximately 70 per cent of Myanmar’s population resides in rural areas, and over 50 per cent of them are engaged in some form of agricultural, livestock, or forestry-related work. In accelerating the country’s economic development, agriculture plays a crucial role as the primary livelihood of the majority of ethnic national people and also serves as the lifeblood of the national economy. Therefore, promoting agro-based industries is one of the most effective approaches. If agricultural and livestock enterprises can be successfully developed, it will also significantly contribute to poverty reduction. Since agriculture is directly linked to the country’s political and social sectors as well, policies have been formulated and efforts made to support its development. Given Myanmar’s geographical advantages, there is strong potential for the cultivation of various crops, and the expansion of livestock farming. Hence, it is essential to utilize these opportunities effectively and beneficially. As all forms of agricultural and livestock activities are primarily carried out in rural areas, the income levels of rural populations have increased, and as a result, poverty indicators are expected to decline. In building the nation into an Agricultural Power Country with strong agricultural production capacity, efforts have been made to promote the cultivation of locally suitable crops that are profitable, reliable, and capable of penetrating international markets. To support this, improved and advanced farming systems have been adopted and implemented. To ensure that essential agricultural inputs can be purchased at affordable prices, support has been given not only to imports from abroad but also to domestic production and distribution.

Support has been provided to encourage local investors and financially capable entrepreneurs to invest and participate in agro-based industries that rely on agriculture and livestock. In doing so, priority has also been given to ensuring access to necessary inputs, providing financial assistance, and securing human resources.

The government has adopted the KG+9 education system as the lowest level of education vision, according to the current conditions, in order to produce human resources for the State. Starting from the 2023-24 academic year, students have chances to learn basic vocational courses, so basic education schools where students can pursue agriculture, livestock and industrial courses were opened. In the 2025-26 academic year, a total of 89 basic education and industrial, agriculture and livestock high schools were opened in 88 districts. As this is a technological era, eight Polytechnic Universities which can teach computer science and technologies as applied sciences were also established.

During the term of the current government, efforts were made to increase cultivation of paddy, oil crops and pulses and beans in addition to the production of livestock and fisheries yearly to ensure food security for the entire population. However, it is necessary to continuously strive to meet the target cultivation and production of the 10 major crops.

With regard to the State economy, the previous government could earn K17,585.55 billion in the 2020-2021 financial year, but the current government earned K34,553.50 billion in the 2024-25 financial year. The State’s GDP was K108,205.72 billion in 2020-2021 FY, but the current government secured K160,654.82 billion in 2024-25 FY. So, the GDP growth rate reached 2.5 per cent. The World Bank mentioned that Myanmar may face a reduction in GDP due to incorrect data. However, the government made utmost efforts for the recovery of the State economy.

During the term of the government, Myanmar experienced the second wave, third and fourth waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, unrest, natural disasters, cyclone Mocha in 2023, impacts of Typhoon Yagi and heavy rains and floods in 2024 and the devastating Mandalay earthquake in March 2025. The government responded to the challenges on time. Utmost efforts were made to successfully carry out rehabilitation in the post-COVID-19 and natural disasters.

Encouragement has been given to MSME businesses since 2022 to ensure import-substitution, development of the State economy and production of quality products to earn incomes from exportation. As raw material is important in operating MSME businesses, MSMEs were encouraged to use domestic products. Currently, although MSME businesses are being operated successfully to some extent, the majority of products are foodstuffs. It is necessary to increase the production of other marketable products, such as industrial products and agricultural produce. Financial capital is required in operating businesses as well as good human resources must be adequate. Whenever he met with MSME businesses at home, businesspeople reported on the shortage of labour. According to the 2024 pilot census, Myanmar has more than 34.8 million of workable people, and more than 19 million people are working. As there are more than 17 million registered workers at home and abroad, it is necessary to deploy them efficiently. As such, people have to really work while the government needs to create employment opportunities.

With regard to presentation on implementation of the third point of the roadmap: Priority will be given to achieving peace as the essence of the state and stabilizing the results of the peace process in alignment with the agreements in the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) to the extent possible. Successive governments of the State have implemented peace efforts through various approaches. Likewise, the current government has been consistently implementing peace processes without interruption. The government has given priority to carrying out peace-related efforts in accordance with the provisions of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Since durable peace is essential for national development, Tatmadaw stated on 21 December 2018, announcing a unilateral ceasefire aimed at achieving lasting peace. Up to the present day, a total of 27 unilateral ceasefire declarations have been issued, reflecting the priority placed on peace. Peace can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiation. Ethnic armed organization leaders are urged to engage in discussions and seek solutions for the sake of the country and the benefit of their respective regions, in order to build a durable peace. In implementing peace processes, instead of focusing on what one wants, all need to speak of what is appropriate and to work together in unity on what is possible, thereby building a practical, successful, and enduring peace that prioritizes the welfare of the country and the people. The government extended an invitation on 22 April 2022 to the leaders of ethnic armed organizations to engage in dialogue in order to practically implement peace. As a result, the Senior General said he himself was able to hold direct discussions with 10 ethnic armed organizations – seven that had signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and three that had not yet signed it. The National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) has so far held 91 meetings with NCA-signatory ethnic armed organizations, 25 meetings with non-signatories, 22 meetings with political parties, and 13 meetings with peace intermediaries. In the current year of 2025, one Peace Talk and one Peace Forum as part of ongoing peace initiatives were held successfully. Through such meetings and dialogues, a total of 43 agreements were signed and confirmed regarding proposed amendments and additions to the 2008 Constitution. These agreements, along with the Union Accords compiled from peace conferences held under previous governments, will be submitted to the future Pyidaungsu Hluttaw formed through the upcoming election, to proceed with the constitutional amendment process. As national peace and stability, socio-economic development, and durable peace are the collective aspirations of all ethnic peoples, all stakeholders involved in the peace process must continue working toward durable peace through dialogue and negotiation in pursuit of democratic practices. The government has implemented practical peace efforts strictly in line with the peace path based on the 2008 Constitution and the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

The Senior General also explained the implementation of the fourth point of the Roadmap: Work processes will be accelerated to ensure a strong disciplined and authentic multiparty democratic system and build a Union founded upon democratic and federal systems. Elections are crucial to the implementation of democracy, as only elections that truly reflect the will of the people can bring about genuine democracy. Since the system is a multiparty democracy, it is also necessary for political parties to be able to participate and compete fairly. To ensure fair participation of political parties in elections, amendments to the Political Parties Registration Law and Rules have been enacted. Currently, there are 55 registered political parties, of which nine parties plan to compete nationwide and 46 will contest at the state and region levels. Six parties are under review for approval and registration. As the date for the upcoming election will be announced soon, political parties will be expected to present their programmes to the public and begin their election campaigns. In a multiparty democratic system, political parties’ campaigning and competition must be conducted with freedom and fairness in accordance with legal rules and regulations, in order to fully realize a genuine and disciplined multiparty democracy.

Another important point is that in building a Union based on democracy and a federal system, it is essential not to imitate or directly copy the practices of other countries, but instead to establish a democratic and federal system that is suitable for own country. Democracy is a system of governance chosen by the people, and while it allows for implementation in line with the majority’s will, which is its essence. It is also important to respect the will of minorities. Treating those with differing views as enemies, discriminating against them, or excluding them has no place in a genuine democratic system. Similarly, a federal system is about the fair sharing of authority and entitlements, and its essence lies in unity and harmony. In Myanmar, all states and regions are home to diverse ethnic groups, not exclusively to a single ethnicity. Therefore, it is vital to implement the democratic and federal principles outlined in the 2008 Constitution in a way that is effective and appropriate to the country’s realities. The government has adopted and implemented two political objectives: initiating of a genuine, disciplined multiparty democratic system and the building of a Union based on democracy and federalism.

The Senior General continued the clarification on implementation of the last point of the Roadmap: Work will be undertaken ensure accuracy and fairness in the general election to prevent eligible voters from losing their rights, and upon accomplishing the provisions of the state of emergency, free and fair multi-party democratic elections will be held, and state duties will be handed over to the elected government.

The ultimate goal of our State Administration Council Government is to successfully hold a free and fair multiparty democratic general election and to hand over State responsibilities to the government that emerges from it. According to the pilot population data from the population and housing census conducted on 1 October 2024, Myanmar’s population is over 51.3 million. Based on records from the Ministry of Labour, more than 3.4 million citizens are working abroad. Therefore, the total population of Myanmar is found to be over 54.7 million. Using the demographic data obtained from the census, the voter list is currently being systematically compiled in accordance with the election process.

The Union Election Commission is planning to conduct the multiparty democratic general election under the 2008 Constitution and election laws, organizing it regionally based on security conditions. Reviewing past elections held in the country after gaining independence shows that while most elections were completed within a single day as scheduled, the first parliamentary general election, held from June 1951 to February 1952, was conducted in stages. During that period, the election commission, led by Sir Ba Oo, held the elections region by region due to the country’s unstable security situation. Given the current security conditions in the country, a plan was adopted to hold the upcoming election in phases, with at least a one-week interval between each phase. To ensure convenience and transparency for voters, the Union Election Commission has, as of 23 July 2025, conducted briefings and practical demonstrations related to the Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM) for 117,279 voters in Nay Pyi Taw and 14 states and regions. The commission will continue these activities in the remaining areas.

To ensure broad participation of representatives from ethnic groups and various social strata in the legislature, the upcoming election will use the FirstPast-The-Post (FPTP) system for the Pyithu Hluttaw, and a Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system combining direct and proportional representation for the Amyotha Hluttaw and the State/ Region Hluttaws. In conducting the election, efforts will be made to ensure the accuracy of voter lists and that every eligible voter can cast their ballot. To guarantee a free, fair, and transparent election, international election observation, study, and evaluation representatives have been invited. Only by conducting the election in this way can it be a just and fair election, and the resulting legislature will be a respected and honourable body recognized worldwide.

In the 2020 general election, more than 11,305,390 questionable votes arose, but responsible authorities failed to resolve the issues. Instead, attempts were made to convene different Hluttaws to form a government. This was an unlawful seizure of State power as defined in Sections 40 (c) and 417 of the 2008 Constitution. Accordingly, the Pro Tem President declared a state of emergency under Section 417 and, per Section 418 (a), transferred legislative, executive, and judicial powers of the State to the State Administration Council Government, which then assumed responsibility for governing the country. As part of preparations for holding elections, Pan Khinn projects were implemented to issue citizenship scrutiny cards for voting, successfully distributing 6,210,256 cards to those without them. The 2024 population and housing census was conducted, and based on the resulting demographic data, a preliminary voter list was also prepared. As of now, the government has successfully resolved all issues that existed at the time the state of emergency was declared on 1 February 2021. Therefore, since these matters have been conclusively addressed and to enable the country to continue along the multiparty democratic path, it is necessary to hold a general election without fail. Accordingly, the government respectfully submits a request to revoke the state of emergency declaration and to allow the State Administration Council Government to return the entrusted State responsibilities to the National Defence and Security Council.

According to Section 426 of the 2008 Constitution, the National Defence and Security Council announced the repeal of the order that had authorized it to exercise state power. Following this, under Section 427 (a), the National Defence and Security Council is to exercise legislative, executive, and judicial powers. Under Section 427 (b), the National Defence and Security Council has the authority to exercise state power and legislate until a new President is elected and the Union-level institutions are formed. The Council may directly exercise legislative power and organize executive and judicial powers by establishing appropriate bodies at the Union, State/Region, and Self-Administered Region levels and appointing suitable individuals to exercise those powers. Furthermore, pursuant to Section 428, the bodies formed must be composed of qualified individuals as stipulated by the Constitution. According to Section 429, the National Defence and Security Council must hold a general election within six months from the date it announces the cancellation of the order under Section 426. As stated in Section 430, the bodies formed under Section 428 must continue carrying out their responsibilities until a general election is held and new legislative, executive, and judicial bodies are formed in accordance with the Constitution. The general election for the respective Hluttaws is planned to be held between December 2025 and January 2026. Therefore, the National Defence and Security Council must make preparations for the election, organize and conduct the election, and continue forming government bodies, judicial institutions, and other necessary organizations to ensure the uninterrupted administration and judiciary of the State. Hence, the necessary arrangements and implementations must continue. The actions carried out by the State Administration Council have paved the way for the future government, and likewise, the Council will continue to cooperate and contribute to this process.

The ongoing armed conflicts in the country are not new occurrences, nor are they issues that only arose during the declaration of the state of emergency. Achieving a ceasefire in armed conflicts requires time and meaningful dialogue and negotiation in order to build a genuine and durable peace. If the nation is to transit back to a democratic system, it is essential that a general election be held. All the armed groups currently opposing the government must also understand that only by participating in and supporting the success of the upcoming election can they have the legal right to present their demands through the newly formed Hluttaws in accordance with the law. If the election cannot be held due to armed conflicts, the democracy long desired by the people will be stifled. The government believes that the successful completion of the 2024 Population and Housing Census—even amid ongoing armed conflict—demonstrates that, with public cooperation, the upcoming election can also be successfully conducted, even if done in phases. Once elections are held and the respective legislative bodies are formed in accordance with the law, the country’s nation-building efforts and long-term sustainable peace processes can be pursued more effectively. Therefore, everyone is earnestly urged to collectively strive for the successful holding of a free and fair election.

Members of the National Defence and Security Council discussed the reports of the Pro Tem President (On Duty), Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw U T Khun Myat said that under Order No 1/2021 dated 1 February 2021, the Pro Tem President had transferred the legislative, executive, and judicial powers of the State to the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services. The Pro Tem President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services reported today that the responsibilities related to this transfer of State power had been carried out accordingly. Based on this report, he agreed to revoke Order No 1/2021, which carries the force of law, in accordance with Section 426 of the Constitution.

Section 429 of the Constitution stipulates that, once the NDSC announces the revocation of the Order under Section 426, a general election must be held within six months in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Furthermore, Section 123 of the Constitution prescribes that the first regular session of the Pyithu Hluttaw of a new term must be convened within 90 days from the date of the general election. Similarly, Section 154 (b) stipulates that the first regular session of the Amyotha Hluttaw must be held within seven days of the first regular session of the Pyithu Hluttaw. Sections 78 and 171(b) of the Constitution respectively stipulate that the first regular sessions of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and the Region or State Hluttaws must be held within 15 days of the first regular session of the Pyithu Hluttaw. The discussion concluded by stating that, to successfully convene the first regular sessions of the respective Hluttaws for their third term in line with the provisions of the Constitution, guidance and supervision of the NDSC would be followed, and the necessary efforts would be carried out accordingly.

The Vice-Senior General discussed that having successfully implemented the previous programmes and objectives of the State Administration Council, the transfer of State power would now be carried out to the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC). Furthermore, it was stated that, in accordance with the laws prescribed under Sections 426 to 430 of the Constitution, continued actions would be carried out. Accordingly, the NDSC would assume the responsibilities of the State, and he supported this move.

General Maung Maung Aye also discussed that the State Administration Council has laid the foundation for the upcoming levels of government and the NDSC by sowing the seeds of positive actions and achievements. It was noted that the incoming government, which will continue to assume responsibilities, should carry forward the efforts of the State Administration Council with sustained momentum and determination.

Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung submitted his discussions that security forces accelerate security measures, rule of law measures and counter-terrorism operations. So, terrorist acts decline in regions and states. So, efforts will be made to leverage security and rule of law measures to successfully hold a free and fair multiparty democratic general election. Moreover, strenuous efforts will be made to ensure the rule of law and security measures to restore peace and stability in the entire Union.

The Union Minister for Foreign Affairs discussed with the Head of State and exchanged views with Heads of States and State leaders from 19 countries in international ceremonies, and established positive relations and cooperation. In particular, among the four global powers that significantly influence international relations, Myanmar was able to hold high-level meetings and discussions with China, Russia, and India. These engagements have led to increased positive support and enhanced cooperation. During those meetings, discussions were also held regarding the upcoming election to be held in Myanmar, and it was noted that the respective countries expressed positive support for the process. Therefore, the current period is considered a time of success in international relations, making it a favourable moment to hold a free and fair multiparty democratic election under the Constitution.

The Union Minister for Border Affairs presented his support to efforts of the NDSC to continuously carry out all measures in accord with the Constitution as it is necessary to emerge different levels of Hluttaws where Hluttaw representatives will be elected by people to amend and add 43 points of the amendment to the Constitution agreed by armed organizations and political parties.

With regard to the discussions, the Senior General said that members of the NDSC have expressed their support for holding an election. Given the current situation of the country, it will not be possible to conduct the election all at once; instead, it must be carried out in phases. Just as there are townships currently experiencing conflicts with ethnic armed groups, there are also townships where elections could not be held in the past. The voting machines to be used in the election will be able to produce and verify results within a short period of time. Furthermore, any form of electoral fraud will not be permitted. Lessons have been learned from the inaccuracies in the voter lists during the 2020 multiparty democratic general election, and actions are being taken accordingly.

People who have been displaced and are living elsewhere due to natural disasters and other reasons also have the legal right to vote, and arrangements have been made for them to vote in advance. Preparations are being made to ensure that all eligible voters are able to cast their votes. Emphasis is being placed on preventing any electoral fraud and ensuring that the election is conducted with integrity. Regarding election laws, those responsible for legislation in each Hluttaw have stipulated that only individuals who have completed a basic education level can be designated as candidates.

The council will carry out the election no matter what happens. Tatmadaw has taken on the responsibility of the State only according to the circumstances. Therefore, efforts will be made to transfer duties to the government that wins the election, and necessary assistance will be provided.

The Senior General declared as all NDSC members agreed on the discussions of the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services representing the State Administration Council, the State Administration Council has been dissolved, and the meeting 3/3035 came to an end.

MNA/TTA

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