Nay Pyi Taw July 31
The National Defence and Security Council of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar held meeting No 3/2025 at the Office of the State Administration Council Chairman in Nay Pyi Taw this morning.
Present were Pro Tem President (Duty) Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Speaker of the 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 Dway.
In his speech, the Pro Tem President (Duty) and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services said the SAC has been serving the State duties for four years and six months till now. For the first time, I had informed the country that the election would be held at the end of this year at a public meeting in Meiktila on 16 June 2024. The coming six months is a period during which SAC should complete preparations and hold the multi-party democracy general election, which is its ultimate goal.
Based on the prevailing national situation, the government in office has been implementing the adopted roadmap and objectives phase by phase since its assumption of the State duties. The Session 426 of the 2008 Constitution stipulates, “The National Defence and Security Council shall, con-cerning the matter of transferring of sovereign power by the President to the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Ser-vices by declaring a state of emergency under Sections 417 and 418, declare the annulment of the ordinance transferring the sovereign power to him under Section 418 on receiving the report that the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services has accomplished the duties assigned to him.” And the Session 429 states, “The National Defence and Security Council shall hold the general election in accord with the provisions of the Constitution within a duration of six months commencing from the day on which the ordinance is annulled under Section 426.” Hence, the government in office will continue its task to hold an election in accord with the law in the coming December. Proportional representation (PR) will be materialized for the involvement of ethnic parties and minor parties in the political process. In addition, the SAC enacted a law that protects the multiparty democracy general election from disturbances and obstructions and ensures free and safe election for the entire public.
First, I will present the first point of the five-point roadmap, which says, “An emphasis will be placed on ensuring peace and stability of the whole Union to enjoy the full rule of law so that a free and fair multiparty democratic general election will be held successfully.” The ruling party of that time committed vote rigging in the 2020 multi-party democratic general election. The gove-rnment in office had to restore the State responsibilities after declaring a State of Emergency as per the Constitution as there were attempts to take over the State power by force, instead of solving the problem through legal means. Beginning from the discontent among the supporters of the ruling party against the changing trend under the State of Emergency, disturbances occurred, followed by terrorist attacks. At the time, armed insurgent groups taking the political situation as an opportunity com-mitted armed terrorism, which added weight to the hardships of the country.
Since its assumption of the State duties, the government in office has been giving priority to the complete prevalence of peace, stability and rule of law in the entire country. Every citizen has the duty to uphold Our Three Main National Causes – non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of national sovereignty. In order to shoulder the abovementioned tasks, Public Military Service Law, promulgated in 2010, was activated on 10 February 2024 for all to learn military science and shoulder the national defence duty. Till now, 15 public military courses have been completed. The public security system was introduced in 2023, and public security and counterterrorism teams, down to ward/village levels, have been set up under the different levels of supervisory committees. During the administration of the current govern-ment, the Private Security Services Law was enacted. Because of the geopolitical situation of our country and the current international trends, defence, security and sovereignty of the small countries like us will become stronger only with the participation of the entire public. Hence, the govern-ment’s current endeavours, in fact, are the road towards the continuation of the task to ensure national security and peace and stability.
Now, I will present the accomplish-ments in connection with the second-point of the roadmap, which says, “Continuous efforts will be poured out for the promotion of the State economy and enhancement of the socioeconomic life of the entire people by expediting manufacturing businesses rooted in agricul-ture and livestock farming inclusive of the entire ethnic people.” The pilot demographics in 2024 say that about 70 percent of Myanmar’s population is rural residents and of them 50 percent are engaged in agriculture and forest sectors in one way or another. Agricul-ture is the main livelihood of the majority of the national people and the main artery of the country. Hence, the most effective way for rapid national economic development is the promotion of the production industry based on agri-culture. The success of the agricultural industry will be very helpful in alleviating poverty. In turning Myanmar into an agricultural power country, the government has facilitated the means to grow more crops that are suitable to the relevant areas, and applied advanced techniques for cultivating more crops that have promising international markets and are profitable. Apart from importing basic agricultural inputs, it also encouraged local production and distribution of basic inputs at fair prices.
The government also gave support to affordable local entrepreneurs to put investments in the agro-based industr-ies. In doing so, it also emphasized the provision of necessary inputs, financial assistance and human resources.
The government has adopted the KG+9 education system as the lowest level education vision according to the current conditions in order to produce human resources for the State. Start-ing from the 2023-2024 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 2025-2026 academic year, a total of 89 basic education and industrial, agriculture and livestock high schools were opened in 88 districts. As this is technological era, eight Polytechnic Universities which can teach computer science and technologies as applied sciences were also established.
During the term of current govern-ment, efforts were made to increase cultivation of paddy, oil crops and pulses and beans in addition to production of livestock and fisheries yearly to ensure food security of the entire people. How-ever, it is necessary to continuously strive to meet the target cultivation and production of 10 major crops.
With regard to the State economy, the previous government could earn Ks-17,585.55 billion in 2020-2021 financial year but the current government earned Ks-34,553.50 billion in 2024-2025 financial year. State’s GDP was Ks-108,205.72 billion in 2020-2021 FY but the current government secured Ks-160,654.82 billion in 2024-2025 FY. So, the GDP growth rate reached 2.5 percent. The World Bank mentioned that Myanmar may face reduction of GDP calculating the incorrect data. However, the government made utmost efforts for recovery of State economy.
During the term of the government, Myanmar experienced the second wave, third and fourth waves of COVID-19 pandemic, unrests, 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 ensure import-substitute, development of State economy and production of quality pro ducts in order to earn incomes from ex-portation. As raw material is important in operating MSME businesses, MSME were encouraged to use domestic products. Currently, although MSME busi-nesses are being operated successfully to some extent, the majority of products are foodstuffs. It is necessary to increase production of other marketable pro-ducts 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, businesspersons reported on shortage of labour. Accord-ing 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 the 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 issued a statement 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. 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 invita-tion on 22 April 2022, to the leaders of ethnic armed organizations to engage in dialogue in order to practically im-plement 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 Agree-ment (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 initia-tives were held successfully. Through such meetings and dialogues, a total of 43 agreements were signed and con-firmed regarding proposed amendments and additions to the 2008 Con-stitution. 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, in order 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 stake-holders involved in the peace process must continue working toward durable peace through dialogue and negotiation in accordance with democratic practices.
Regarding the implementation of the fourth point of the forward process—strengthening a genuine, disciplined multi-party democracy and accelerating efforts to build a union based on democracy and federalism—it must be emphasized that elections are crucial for realizing democracy. Only elections that truly reflect the will of the people can establish genuine democracy. Since this is a multi-party democracy, political parties must also have fair opportunities to compete. To ensure equitable participation of political parties in elections, the laws and regulations governing party registration have been amended. Currently, there are 55 registered political parties, of which 9 will compete nationwide and 46 will compete at the regional/state level. Six parties are still under review for registration. The election date will be announced soon, and political parties will begin presenting their policies to the public and campaigning. Under the multi-party democratic system, political campaigns must be conducted freely and fairly, in accordance with laws and regulations, to fully realize a disciplined and genuine multi-party democracy.
Another key point is that building a union based on democracy and federa-lism does not mean copying models from other countries. Instead, it is essential to develop a democratic and federal system that suits our nation. Democracy is a governance system chosen by the people, where the majority’s will is respected, but minority rights must also be protected. Treating those with differing views as enemies or excluding them is incompatible with democracy. Federalism is about sharing powers and rights, and its essence lies in unity and harmony. In Myanmar, no region or state is exclusively inhabited by a single ethnic group; instead, diverse communities coexist. The 2008 Constitution, drafted in line with our nation’s realities, contains democratic and federal principles that must be effectively implemented. Our government has set two key political objectives: establishing a genuine, disciplined multi-party democracy and building a union based on democracy and federalism.
The final point of the forward process is to ensure that all eligible voters can exercise their rights without hindrance and to conduct a well-organized general election. Once emergency provisions are fulfilled, a free and fair multi-party democratic general election will be held, and power will be transferred to the resulting government. The ultimate goal of our State Administration Council government is to hold a free and fair multi-party democratic general election and transfer state responsibilities to the elected government. According to preliminary data from the 2024 population and housing census conducted on October 1, Myanmar’s population exceeds 51.3 million, with over 3.4 million work-ing abroad as per Ministry of Labour records. Thus, the total population is over 54.7 million. Based on census data, voter lists are being systematically prepared in accordance with electoral procedures.
The Union Election Commission is preparing to hold a multi-party demo-cratic general election in line with the 2008 Constitution and electoral laws, considering regional security conditions. Historically, most post-independence elections were completed within a single day, except for the first parliamentary general election (June,1951–February,1952), which was held in phases. At that time, the Election Commission led by Sir Ba Oo organized parliamentary elections in one region after another due to instability. Given current security conditions, the upcoming election will also be conducted in phases, with at least a one-week interval between stages. To ensure transparency and convenience for voters, the Union Election Commission has, as of July 23, 2025, conducted demonstrations and trial voting sessions using the Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM) for 117,279 voters in Nay Pyi Taw and all 14 states/regions. Efforts will continue in remaining areas.
To ensure broad representation of ethnic groups and social classes in the legislature, the upcoming election will use the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) for the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) System for the Amyotha Hluttaw and State/Regional Hluttaws. Ensuring accurate voter lists and that all eligible voters can cast their ballots is crucial. To guarantee a free, fair, and transparent election, international election observers will be invited. Only then can the election be recognized as legitimate, and the resulting legislature can be a dignified institution respected by the world.
The 11,305,390 (over eleven million three hundred thousand) possible voter fraud cases that occurred in the 2020 general election were not resolved by the responsible level, and the convening of various parliaments and attempts to form a government were an attempt to seize state power by force as stipulated in Section 40(c) and Section 417 of the 2008 Constitution. Therefore, the Acting President of the State declared a state of emergency under Section 417 of the 2008 Constitution and transferred the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the State under Section 418(a), and the State Administration Council had to assume state responsibilities.
As part of preparations for the election, plans have been put in place to enable voters to hold national registration cards (NRC) under the Pan Khin pro-jects, and NRCs have been issued for 6,210,256 people who don’t have the national registration cards. The 2024 Population and Household Census has been conducted and the resulting demographic data and basic voter list have been compiled. Now, our government has successfully resolved all the issues raised when the state of emergency was declared on February 1, 2021. Therefore, since the issues raised when the state of emergency was declared have been resolved and a general election is required to continue the path of multi-party democracy, we submit that the declaration of the state of emergency be lifted and the responsibilities of the state entrusted to our government be returned to the National Defence and Security Council.
The National Defence and Security Council, pursuant to Section 426 of the 2008 Constitution, shall exercise legislative, executive and judicial powers pursuant to Section 427(a). The National Defence and Security Council, under Section 427(b), has the right to exercise state power until a new President is elected and the Union-level authorities are formed, and it exercises legislative power itself, and may exercise executive and judicial powers by forming appropriate institutions at the Union, Region/State and Self-Governing Territories levels, or by delegating them to an appropriate person. Where such a body is formed, it shall be formed and given responsibility by persons who are in accordance with the relevant qualifica-tions provided for in the Constitution under Section 428. Section 429 states that the National Defence and Security Council shall hold a general election in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution within six months from the date of the declaration of the annulment of the order under Section 426. Section 430 stipulates that the organizations formed under Section 428 shall continue to perform their functions until a general election is held and the legislative, executive, and judicial bodies formed in accordance with the Constitution are formed.
General elections for the various parlia-ments will be held between December 2025 and January 2026. Therefore, the National Defence and Security Council shall prepare for the elections, hold the elections, and establish the government, judiciary, and other organizations to continuously carry out the admini-strative and judicial functions of the state. The necessary arrangements shall also be made for this. The actions of our State Administration Council have paved the way for the future government, and we will continue to participate in them.
The armed conflicts currently taking place in the country have existed since the beginning and are not an issue that was included when the state of emergency was declared. The cessation of armed conflict means that true and lasting peace can be built only taking by time to negotiate. If the country is to return to a democratic system, it is imperative to hold elections. All armed groups currently opposing the government will be allowed to legally present their demands in the upcoming parliaments only if they cooperate to make the current elections successful. If elections cannot be held due to armed conflicts, the democracy that the people long for will disappear from the country. We believe that our government will be successful if we conduct the upcoming elections in phases with public participation, taking as an example the successful completion of the 2024 Population and Household Census despite the armed conflicts. If the elections are held and the respective parliaments are formed in accordance with the law, then it will be possible to pursue state-building activities and long-term and sustainable peace processes. Therefore, it is requested that all parties work together to hold free and fair elections, said the Senior General.
Following this, members of National Defence and Security Council discussed presentations made by the Pro Tem President (Duty) and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. Initially, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U T Khun Myat announced that on February 1, 2021, the Pro Tem President(Duty), through Ordinance No. 1/2021, which carried the force of law, transferred the legislative, executive, and judicial powers of the state to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. National Defence and Security Council has agreed to annul the Ordinance, which transferred state authority. This decision follows a report today by the Pro Tem President (Duty)and Com-mander-in-Chief of Defence Services, who confirmed the successful completion of the duties related to the transfer of state power. The annulment is made under Section 426 of the Constitution. Section 429 says, “The National Defence and Security Council shall hold the general election in accord with the provisions of the Constitution within a duration of six months commencing from the day on which the ordinance is annulled under Section 426.” Following the general elections, the first regular session of the Pyithu Hluttaw for a new term must convene within 90 days of the general election date, as stipulated in Section 123 of the Constitution. Similarly, Section 154 (b) of the Constitution mandates that the AmyothaHluttaw must hold its first regular session within seven days of the Pyithu Hluttaw’s first regular session. Furthermore, Sections 78 and 171 (b) of the Constitution stipulate that the first regular sessions of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Assembly) and the Region or State Hluttaws must be convened within 15 days of the Pyithu Hluttaw’s first regular session. To ensure the successful convening of the various Hluttaws’ third regular first sessions, in accordance with constitutional pro-visions, it was respectfully presented during the discussion that this would be achieved under the supervision and guidance of the National Defence and Security Council.
Following this, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Comman-der-in-Chief (Army)Vice-Senior General Soe Win, noted Pro Tem President (Duty)and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, having successfully completed the roadmap and objectives of the State Administration Council, would transfer state power back to the National Defence and Security Council. The Vice-Senior General further stated during the discussion that the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) supported the assumption of its state responsibilities, as proceedings would continue in accordance with Sections 426 to 430 of the Constitution.
Union Minister for Defence General Maung Maung Aye, stated that according to the briefing by the Pro Tem President (Duty) and Commander-in-Chief of De-fence Services, the State Administration Council has successfully implemented its roadmap and objectives over the past four years. It was also observed that preparations are systematically underway for the successful conduct of free and fair multi-party democracy general elections, with efforts being made step-by-step. Therefore, the State Administration Council has sown the seeds of effective governance and successes for the National Defence and Security Council and future successive governments. It is imperative that the incoming government maintain this momentum and continue the efforts initiated by the SAC.
Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung reported to the meeting that security forces stepped up measures for security, the rule of law and anti-terrorism tasks and were able to dramatically reduce terrorism acts in regions and states, further ensuring the security and the rule of law to successfully hold the multi-party democracy general election and fully restoring the security, stability and the rule of law in the entire union in accordance with the law during the tenure of the National Defence and Security Council, which assumes the re-sponsibilities of the State in accordance with the constitution.
The Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe reported to the meeting that international relations and coopera-tion improved during the tenure of the SAC and the country attended events such as GMS, MLC, ACMECS, CLMV, BIMSTECS, EURASIA ECONOMIC FORUM, RUSSIAN VICTORY DAY in 2024-2025 while the head of state frankly exchanged views with leaders and head of states from 19 countries, establishing positive relations and cooperation and achieving the success of the summit diplomacy. More importantly, high-level meetings were held with China, Russia and India out of the four powerful coun-tries and positive supports and cooperation were enhanced. The election scheduled in Myanmar were discussed during such meetings and positive supports from respective countries were achieved. Therefore, with the achievements in international relations, it was an opportune time to hold a free and fair multi-party democracy general election in accordance with the constitution.
Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae reported to the meeting that the SAC implemented its road-maps and objectives successfully during the state of emergency and made progress in the economic sector, agriculture sector and education sector during its tenure. As it was now necessary to from Hluttaws comprising representatives elected by the people to approve 43 constitutional amendments agreed on by ethnic armed organizations and political parties, future tasks to be implemented by the NDSC in accordance with the constitution was fully supported.
In connection with the discussions, the Pro Tem President (Duty) Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services said the members of the NDSC supported the election, which would be held phase by phase as it could not be held simul-taneously in the entire country due to the current situation of the country. There were some townships where conflicts with ethnic armed organizations broke out and other townships where elections could not be held previously. Voting machines to be used in the election could come up the results within a short period and pre-vent vote rigging. The voting machine would be used by taking lessons from incorrect voters’ lists in 2020 multi-party democracy general election.
As people displaced by natural disasters or other reasons were also eligible for voting in accordance with the law, arrangements were made for them to cast early votes. Preparations were made to allow all eligible voters to cast their votes. Emphasis was placed on holding fair election without vote rigg-ing during the election. In enacting the election law, those who completed the basic education level were permitted compete the election as they were responsible for legislature.
It would hold the election without fail and as the Tatmadaw had to assume the responsibilities of the State due to circumstances at that time,
measures would be taken to hand over power to the winning government by holding the election and necessary assistance would be provided.
Then, the Senior General announced on behalf of the SAC that the SAC was dissolved as all members of the NDSC approved the discussions of the Com-mander-in-Chief of Defence Services. Then, Meeting (3/2025) of the NDSC concluded.
