Nay Pyi Taw January 25
Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met officers, other ranks and families of Mandalay Station at Yan Aung Myin Hall of the Central Command Headquarters this morning.
Also present together with the Senior General and his wife at the meeting were Commission Secretary General Ye Win Oo and his wife, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win and his wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung and his wife, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, the commander of Central Command, officials, and officers, other ranks and families of Mandalay Station.
Successful conducting of 2025 Multi-party Democratic General Election
During this meeting, the Senior General noted that Phases- 1 and 2 of the 2025 Multi-party Democratic General Election were successfully conducted, and Phase-3 is currently being held. Within Mandalay Region, the ongoing Phase – 3 election was personally observed, and it was seen that voters were actively and enthusiastically casting their ballots. Among them, many young people and middle-aged citizens were participating. It was also noted that in Phases-1 and 2,approximately 55 per cent of the population cast their votes, indicating that the election can be considered successful, and a high level of public interest in the election was observed.
In the 2010 general election for all parties in the country, the Union Solidarity and Development Party won. Later, in the 2015 general election for all parties, the NLD party won. Therefore, over consecutive terms of multi-party democratic governments, citizens have gained sufficient experience in casting their votes. In the 2020 general election, however, widespread electoral fraud occurred, which required us to carry out the responsibilities of the State in accordance with the 2008 Constitution. In line with the principle that people keep their promises and leaders act with integrity, we implemented a five-step process to ensure that a truly orderly, free, and fair election could be conducted. The Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM) was employed to prevent any occurrences of electoral fraud. The goal was to ensure an election free from fraud and honourable, producing outcomes that genuinely reflect the will of the voters.
Individuals who have reached the age of 18 are eligible to vote under the Constitution. As the State Government, arrangements have been made to ensure that all eligible voters can cast their ballots, and whether to vote or not remains the voters’ own right. In some countries, voter turnout is low during elections. In the election we are conducting, however, more than half of eligible voters cast their ballots, which indicates that the election can be considered successful.
After the election, we will transfer the responsibilities of the State to the winning government. As our government, we have worked to ensure that the country can continue firmly along the path of multi-party democracy. We successfully conducted the 2025 general election for all parties, and election observation teams from the international community also visited to study the process, providing many positive remarks. The election we conducted was a successful one, and we express our sincere recognition and gratitude to all those who participated in ensuring its success.
When carrying out matters of national cause and politics, it is necessary to work with strength, determination, and effort. As a country, we have granted parties the right to organize in accordance with established rules and regulations so that elections can be held. In the elections, just as there are major parties competing nationwide, there are also par-ties competing at the regional level.
The role of Tatmadaw
Tatmadaw is the most stable institution in the country and has existed continuously from the time independence was achieved up to the present. Regardless of how political parties or organizations have changed in the country, Tatmadaw continues to faithfully carry out its responsibilities for national defence and security. The primary duty of Tatmadaw is to safeguard the country from external threats and maintain internal security. However, since independence, due to the emergence of armed conflicts, Tatmadaw has continuously conducted counter-insurgency operations over the years. While maintaining internal security is primarily the responsibility of the Myanmar Police Force, Tatmadaw participates in these operations as needed and continues to assist in strengthening the capabilities of the Myanmar Police Force.
To protect the country from external threats, Tatmadaw must continuously enhance its capabilities and capacities. As Tatmadaw members, they must maintain physical and mental health to carry out the duties entrusted to them effectively. Tatmadaw must be a capable force with combat skills and combat power. To achieve this level of capability, soldiers must be fully trained. Each Tatmadaw member must be healthy and strong, possess fighting skills, have police competence, and be proficient in military strategies and weapons. Preparations must also be made in advance at both the individual and unit levels to ensure readiness for combat operations.
When serving their duties, they have to combine luck, intelligence, and effort in order to perform responsibilities effectively. If good work is done, good results will be experienced; if bad work is done, negative consequences will follow. Military skills taught to soldiers must be applied wisely and proficiently. Each Tatmadaw member must carry out their duties diligently and with excellence; by doing so, individual capabilities will improve, and the responsibilities of national defence can be fulfilled effectively. To maintain a capable and strong Tatmadaw, the armed forces continuously provide Tatmadaw members with military equipment and supplies that evolve daily in line with modern techno-logy. To ensure a capable military, individual soldiers and units must maintain physical fitness, combat readiness, policing skills, and proficiency in military strategies and weapons, with continuous training. Similarly, military techniques and strategies, which evolve daily, must be applied appropriately to match current times. If a capable and strong Tatmadaw is built, no one will be able to undermine the nation. Therefore, efforts to maintain and continuously strengthen a capable and powerful Tatmadaw must always continue.
He stated that, at present, female service members in Tatmadaw are serving alongside men in fulfilling national defence and security duties. According to the 2024 population and housing census data, the female population in our country is found to be larger. Therefore, the labor force of women in the State is substantial. Dependents of Tatmadaw families should live and work together in unity, fostering a spirit of brothers and Sis. If the strength of soldiers and female service members is combined, it will be seen that the State’s defence force is greatly strengthened and fortified, and it is necessary to value and work with the power of collective unity.
Then, he stated that officers and soldiers must also study science and technology, which are advancing in line with the times. To gain general know-ledge, broaden perspectives, and improve individual socio-economic lives, it is necessary to engage in reading and studying literature. Through reading and study, individual capabilities can be enhanced, and efforts must be made to improve the prowess of the entire Tatmadaw through these individual capabilities. Similarly, it is necessary to read literature to correctly perceive, view, and analyze the historical background of the State. One must also study the history of Tatmadaw’s participation in the national political role and its successive activities for national stability and the rule of law. The histories of the great national leaders who led the State should also be studied. By reading and studying the history of our country in this way, one will correctly understand and realize the performance of Tatmadaw’s duties.
Also, he stated that during his tenure in State service, he increased allowances and risk pay for Tatmadaw personnel, members of the Myanmar Police Force, and members of the Myanmar Fire Brigade. He added that necessary measures are being taken to ensure the convenience of Tatmadaw families regarding housing, food, and clothing. As a leader of Tatmadaw, he stated that he constantly considers how to promote the organization and the personnel under his command and has made necessary arrangements. He remarked that as Tatmadaw is responsible for defending the State against any potential threats or dangers, efforts must continue to build a capable and powerful Tatmadaw. He then inquired about the needs of the officers and other ranks.
Afterwards, the Senior General presented foodstuff for officers, other ranks, and families, which was accepted by the Command Commander. The wife of the Senior General presented honorary awards for the Station Maternal and Child Welfare Association, which were accepted by the Command Commander’s wife.
After the meeting, the Senior General, his wife, and members cordially greeted the officers, other ranks, and families in attendance.
