By Httoo Maung
ON 3 April, CNA, a foreign-based news agency, ignored the reality of Myanmar’s political developments by publishing an article titled “Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing elected president by pro-military parliament.” The report falsely claimed that power was seized from a civilian government in February 2021, that the 2025 election excluded major opposition forces, and that the international community condemned it as a “sham.” It further alleged that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing won by a landslide only because of a coalition between the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and military-appointed lawmakers.
To prevent public misconception, it is necessary to clarify the facts. It is well-known that during the multi-party democratic general election held on 8 November, 2020, the NLD party committed massive fraud involving over 11 million votes to seize state power illegally. Despite the Tatmadaw’s magnanimous efforts to resolve this—requesting a transparent audit, proposing a balanced Union Election Commission (UEC), and asking for a postponement of the third parliament (Hluttaw) — the NLD government refused to cooperate. With no room for negotiation, the Tatmadaw was forced to declare a state of emergency to preserve the nation.
Although the Tatmadaw assumed state responsibilities, it did not initially abolish the NLD. Following the formation of the State Administration Council (SAC), the reconstituted UEC officially invited all political parties to participate in the 2025 General Election. Parties were repeatedly urged to register and follow legal protocols. The NLD chose not to comply with the Political Parties Registration Law. By failing to register of their own volition, they disqualified themselves under the law, leading to the party’s exit from the political arena. In essence, the NLD abolished itself.
Furthermore, remaining members of the NLD had every opportunity to re-register the party or form a new entity to compete in 2025. However, feeling ashamed by the widely publicized evidence of their previous electoral fraud, they declined to register, thereby absenting themselves from the contest.
The 2025 Multi-party Democratic General Election was conducted in three phases using Myanmar Electronic Voting Machines (MEVM). Out of 24.22 million eligible voters nationwide, over 13.14 million cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 54.22 per cent. This high participation confirms the success of the election. Voters enthusiastically chose their preferred parties and candidates in a free and fair environment.
International observers confirmed the integrity of the process: H.E. Mr. YICH Samethy (Cambodia) stated that no irregularities were found and described the process as complete and accountable. Chinese Observers: praised the election as successful, clean, and supported by active public participation. The Vice Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma noted the enthusiasm of the voters and emphasized that the MEVM systems are tamper-proof, expressing pride in the public’s commitment to the nation’s future.
Following the successful general election, the President was elected in accordance with the 2008 Constitution, which mandates three groups — the Pyithu Hluttaw, the Amyotha Hluttaw, and Defence Services Personnel Representatives — to nominate candidates.
The claims by CNA regarding a simple “pro-military” coalition are debunked by the actual voting figures from the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw session on the morning of April 3. Out of 586 representatives, 584 attended the secret ballot:
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was elected President after receiving the highest number of votes. The 429 votes he received reflect a broad consensus among various parties, ethnic representatives, and independent members within the Pyithu Hluttaw. This was a free choice by representatives who recognize a leader capable of maintaining stability through crises and providing national leadership.
The election of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as President is legally sound and reflects the collective will of the people’s representatives. Leaders from neighboring and friendly nations— including the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, and the Republic of Belarus—as well as domestic organizations and political parties, have sent messages of congratulations.
The allegations made by foreign media outlets like CNA are baseless, unproven, and entirely incorrect.
