Mizzima

Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has pledged to transfer power to the winner of the country’s ongoing multi-phased general election, marking what he described as a “second chapter” for the nation.

In a New Year’s Day address on 1 January 2026, Min Aung Hlaing, who currently serves as interim president, declared that the junta would hand over authority once the election process concludes. “We will hand over power to the government that emerges after the election and continue to work hard to ensure that the second chapter is successful,” he said.

The first phase of voting began on 28 December 2025 across 102 townships. Results have so far been released in 83, with the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) securing 68 seats. The outcome has already prompted claims of victory from the USDP, though the process remains incomplete.

Min Aung Hlaing reiterated that he would only speak formally once parliament had elected a president, underscoring his intention to step aside once the new government is formed. He also pointed to progress in peace talks, claiming agreement on 43 points aimed at amending the 2008 constitution, though he did not disclose which parties were involved.

The junta leader sought to highlight economic gains, noting increased foreign investment in 2025 and what he termed “positive political developments.” Yet observers stress that daily life for many remains fraught, with rising prices, electricity shortages, unemployment and persistent security concerns continuing to weigh heavily on the population.

Despite these challenges, the military authorities are pressing ahead with the election, urging citizens to participate in the remaining second and third phases of voting later this month.

The announcement signals a rare public commitment from Min Aung Hlaing to relinquish control, though scepticism lingers among analysts and citizens alike. For a country long accustomed to military dominance, the coming weeks will prove critical in determining whether Myanmar truly embarks on the “second chapter” its leader has promised.

-2026-01-05

Our GDP has only fallen by 30% this year, we're making huge gains thanks to the Chinese government investment scheme.

On 1/5/2026 at 10:24 AM, geovalin said:

signals a rare public commitment from Min Aung Hlaing to relinquish control,

Good riddance to a genocidal maniac!