Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing has formed a new interim government, handing over the position of prime minister to Nyo Saw, his longtime adviser and military business insider. It is seen as a critical move for fulfilling his ambition of becoming president.
A former quartermaster general and current chairman of the military conglomerate Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), Nyo Saw, is deeply tied to Min Aung Hlaing’s economic network, managing several military-owned enterprises.
On Thursday, the military-controlled National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) formally lifted the state of emergency that had been in place since the 2021 coup, a move required by the Constitution six months ahead of an election. The state of emergency had been extended multiple times since the coup that ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
The State Administrative Council (SAC) has rebranded itself as the National Security and Peace Commission. The newly formed body, which includes top military figures and is tasked with overseeing national defense, “peace and security,” and the conduct of the election, will act as the interim administration until a new parliament and government are established.
Half of the 10-membered National Security and Peace Commission are former SAC officials, including Min Aung Hlaing’s deputy Soe Win and Chief of General Staff Kyaw Swar Lin. The cabinet itself remains largely unchanged, with only two ministerial replacements in education and investment portfolios.
On Wednesday, Min Aung Hlaing hosted a farewell gathering for SAC members, praising their role in helping navigate the regime through “various challenges” over the past four and a half years. He described this period as the “first chapter” in building a “multi-party democracy chosen by the people.”
According to the military drafted constitution of 2008, 25% of parliamentary seats are reserved for the military, and the upcoming vote is widely expected to favour the military’s proxy, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), raising doubts about the fairness of the election.