A New Government and New Momentum in the New Year

By Dr Than Zaw Oo

IN A democratic system, elections are an indis­pensable process. Democracy embodies two essential dimen­sions: participation and competi­tion. These two dimensions must be fully realized through free and fair elections, which constitute the very essence of democratic practice. Representatives, elected by the people in accordance with their free will, enter legislative bodies through the electoral pro­cess to represent the voice of the people. In doing so, parliaments serve as the fundamental pillars of law-making and as platforms through which the people’s will is expressed.

The right to vote is a funda­mental right of every citizen. This principle is enshrined in Section 38 (a) of the 2008 Constitution, every citizen shall have the right to elect and to be elected under the law. Furthermore, international frameworks such as the Univer­sal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 21) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 25) guarantee the right to participate in elections. The Convention on the Elimina­tion of All Forms of Discrimina­tion Against Women affirms equal electoral rights for women, while the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ensures that persons with disabilities can exercise their voting rights without barriers.

Despite the state’s efforts to ensure inclusive participation, certain anti-democratic elements attempted to derail the process through "No Vote" campaigns and acts of terrorism. These included the destruction of polling stations and targeted attacks on civil serv­ants and volunteers to incite fear. Nevertheless, democracy does not belong to any single individual or party. Despite such challenges, a total of 57 political parties par­ticipated, and the elections were successfully conducted in a free and fair manner.

 

During the first phase of the elections, international observers from countries including Russia, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Cam­bodia, Vietnam, and Nicaragua, as well as a Japan-Myanmar associ­ation, monitored the process. In the third phase, observers from Cambodia, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Indonesia, Nepal, Belarus, and India, along with the Internation­al Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), also participated. These observation groups gen­erally provided positive assess­ments, recognizing the elections as credible and well-conducted.

Following the successful com­pletion of free and fair elections, legislative bodies at various levels were formed. Speakers and Depu­ty Speakers of Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw were elected, and standing committees were established to carry out parlia­mentary functions. Following the emergence of the new Hluttaws, the presidential election process commenced on 31 March. The electoral college, divided into three groups, nominated their respec­tive Vice-Presidents:

Pyithu Hluttaw Represent­ative Group: Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was elected as Vice-President after receiv­ing 247 out of 260 votes.

Amyotha Hluttaw Represent­ative Group: Nan Ni Ni Aye was elected as Vice- President, securing 117 out of 155 votes.

Defence Services Personnel Representatives Group: U Nyo Saw was unanimously confirmed as Vice-President.

Subsequently, during the Py­idaungsu Hluttaw session held on 3 April, with 584 out of 586 rep­resentatives in attendance, the presidential election was conduct­ed. Among the candidates, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing received the highest number of votes (429 votes) and was duly elected as the President. U Nyo Saw and Nan Ni Ni Aye were elected as Vice-Pres­idents.

Following the conduct of free and fair elections, representative elected from various political par­ties, ethnic representatives, and independent members within the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw collectively exercised their equal rights and responsibilities in accordance with democratic principles. Through a unanimous vote, they elected Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. This process may be regarded as a significant democratic procedure reflecting representation, inclu­siveness, and unity.

The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker declared Senior General Min Aung Hlaing from the group of Pyithu Hluttaw representatives who won the largest number of valid votes was elected as the President. He also announced that U Nyo Saw and Nan Ni Ni Aye were elected as Vice-Presidents.

This marks a significant milestone in Myanmar’s political history, particularly with the emer­gence of the country’s first female Vice-President. The inclusion of women in national leadership re­flects a progressive step towards gender equality and inclusive gov­ernance.

With the establishment of 31 Union-level ministries, including those dedicated to women’s af­fairs and youth affairs, the new government is poised to enhance the role of women and young peo­ple in national progress. These developments represent positive momentum, and the formation of the new government in the new year is warmly welcomed as a step towards a peaceful, modern, and developed nation.