Published：Mar 16, 00:03Last updated：Mar 18, 06:15

Myanmar’s Parliament Reconvenes Under Military’s Tight Grip

Mar. 16, 2026 00:03

Myanmar's parliament held its first legislative session since the military-led government took control in 2021. Over 80% of both houses are controlled by parties aligned with the military. The session took place in Naypyidaw on March 16, 2026, amid challenges such as fuel restrictions and inflation.

Summarized

11News

9Media

Mar. 18, 2026 05:55

On March 18, Myanmar's third National Parliament held its first session, electing Ohn Tin as Speaker and Jae Peng Nao as Deputy Speaker through voting. The session was attended by 213 members. The new parliament will select the president and form the government, with the parliament comprising 664 seats, including military appointees.

Mar. 18, 2026 06:15

In Myanmar, former Secretary of the State Administrative Council, Aung Lin Dway, was elected as the new speaker of the National Senate during its first session in Naypyidaw. The first session of the People's Assembly elected Khin Ei as speaker of the Lower House. Myanmar's new federal parliament, comprising the People's and National Houses, will select a new president to form the government, following the December 2025 elections.

Myanmar’s parliament has reconvened for the first time since the 2021 military coup, marking a significant but controversial political milestone. The new legislative session, held in Naypyidaw on March 16, 2026, follows elections widely criticized for excluding opposition parties and large swathes of the population due to ongoing conflict. Despite the formalities of a parliamentary process, the military and its allies maintain overwhelming control, raising doubts about the authenticity of Myanmar’s democratic transition and the prospects for genuine civilian governance. Nikkei Asia+2

🏛️ Parliamentary Composition and Leadership

The new parliament is dominated by the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which secured a large majority in elections held between December 2025 and January 2026. Of the 440 seats in the House of Representatives, only 373 were filled due to election cancellations in conflict-affected regions. Military appointees and aligned parties control over 80% of both houses. Notably, Khine Ye was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, while Aung Lin Dway and Ohn Tin were chosen as speakers of the National Senate and National Parliament, respectively. Huanqiu+2

⚖️ Exclusion and Criticism

The election process was marred by the exclusion of major opposition parties and the inability to hold polls in many regions due to ongoing civil war and instability. Critics argue that the parliament serves as a rubber-stamp for the junta, with the military using the session to project an image of democratic transition. Many seats remain vacant, and the legitimacy of the assembly is questioned by both domestic and international observers. Nikkei Asia+2

🏷️ Next Steps and Political Outlook

The newly convened parliament is tasked with selecting the country’s next president and forming a government, a process expected to reinforce military dominance. The military leader is widely anticipated to assume the presidency. Lawmakers claim to represent the people’s interests, but the ongoing civil conflict and economic challenges, such as inflation and fuel shortages, continue to cast a shadow over Myanmar’s political future. The Japan Times+2

Ohn TinKhine YeNaypyidawAung Lin DwayUnion Solidarity and Development Party