Myanmar Parliament Meets After Five Years as Military Tightens Grip on Power

Post by : Saif

The parliament of Myanmar has met for the first time in nearly five years, marking a major political moment for a country that has been in deep turmoil since the military seized power in 2021. The new session of parliament comes after elections dominated by the army-backed political party and signals what many analysts describe as a new era of military-influenced rule.

The meeting of lawmakers took place in the capital city of Naypyidaw, where newly elected representatives gathered to begin the next stage of the country’s political transition. While the military leadership says the new parliament represents a return to democratic governance, critics both inside and outside the country argue that the political system remains tightly controlled by the armed forces.

The parliament had not met since the military coup in February 2021, when the armed forces removed the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi just as it was preparing to begin a new term after winning a landslide election victory. The coup triggered massive protests across the country and later turned into a prolonged civil conflict involving armed resistance groups and ethnic militias.

Since the coup, Myanmar has faced widespread instability, with fighting in many parts of the country and a serious humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people. Large numbers of citizens have been displaced from their homes, and economic conditions have worsened due to ongoing violence and international sanctions.

The new parliament was formed after general elections held between December 2025 and January 2026. The elections were organized by the military government and were widely expected to strengthen the influence of the army in the country’s political system.

The results showed a sweeping victory for the Union Solidarity and Development Party, a party closely linked to the military establishment. The party won a large majority of the seats that were contested in both houses of parliament. In addition, Myanmar’s constitution automatically reserves 25 percent of parliamentary seats for military officers appointed by the armed forces.

This structure means the military and its allies effectively control the national legislature.

During the first session of the newly formed parliament, Khin Yi, a retired brigadier general and chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party, was chosen as the speaker of the lower house. His appointment reflects the strong influence of former military leaders in the country’s political institutions.

Political observers say the role of the speaker will be important because the person in this position helps guide parliamentary debates and legislative decisions. With a military-aligned figure in that role, analysts believe the armed forces will have significant influence over the government’s agenda.

Another key development expected in the coming weeks is the selection of a new president. Many analysts believe that Min Aung Hlaing, the military chief who led the 2021 coup, could eventually take the position as part of the new political arrangement.

Plans are also underway to establish a new national body called the Union Consultative Council, which will help coordinate decisions between civilian leaders and the military. Experts say this council could further strengthen the military’s influence over national policy and governance.

Despite the government’s claims that the new parliament represents a step toward stability, many international observers remain skeptical. Western governments and human rights groups have criticized the election process and say it lacked fairness because many opposition parties were unable to participate.

The main pro-democracy party that previously ruled the country, the National League for Democracy, was dissolved by the election authorities and did not take part in the vote. Many of its leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, remain in prison after being convicted in a series of controversial court cases.

As a result, critics say the election offered voters few genuine alternatives to military-aligned candidates.

Security was also tight during the opening of parliament. The capital was heavily guarded, reflecting concerns about possible attacks or protests. Myanmar continues to face armed resistance movements across many regions, with clashes frequently reported between military forces and opposition fighters.

The political crisis that began with the coup has turned into one of the most complex conflicts in Southeast Asia. Armed resistance groups linked to the opposition National Unity Government and various ethnic militias continue to challenge military control in several regions.

At the same time, international pressure on Myanmar’s military leadership remains strong. Western countries have imposed sanctions on senior generals and military-owned companies, hoping to push the government toward restoring full democratic rule.

However, the military leadership has rejected much of this criticism and insists that the new parliament reflects the will of the people. Officials argue that the election and the formation of a new government will help stabilize the country and attract foreign investment.

Whether this new political structure will bring stability remains uncertain. Many experts believe the deep divisions within Myanmar’s society and the ongoing civil conflict will continue to shape the country’s future for years to come.

The meeting of parliament may mark the beginning of a new political chapter, but for millions of people in Myanmar, the struggle for peace, security, and democratic representation is far from over.

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