Is Myanmar Holding Elections on December 28?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The first phase of Myanmar's General Election will occur on December 28.
- The Union Election Commission plays a crucial role in overseeing the election process.
- U Nyo Saw is the Prime Minister of the newly formed union government.
- The NDSC has ended the state of emergency to facilitate the elections.
- Myanmar is focusing on digital transformation to enhance economic growth.
Yangon, Aug 18 (NationPress) Myanmar is preparing to conduct the initial phase of its General Election on December 28, as confirmed by the Union Election Commission on Monday.
The commission has designated December 28 as the date for the first round of the multi-party general elections, adhering to constitutional guidelines and related legislation. Additional dates for following phases will be revealed in due course, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
Myanmar's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, previously stated in June that elections would occur between December this year and January next year, according to a report from the state-owned daily The Global New Light of Myanmar.
Recently, Myanmar's National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) established a new union government and a State Security and Peace Commission, as reported by the state-owned Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV).
The union government is headed by U Nyo Saw as Prime Minister, with the State Security and Peace Commission chaired by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, as cited by Xinhua News Agency.
The NDSC also resolved to revoke the order that allocated sovereign power to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services.
Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for Myanmar's State Administration Council, noted that the NDSC has opted to terminate the state of emergency to facilitate the upcoming general elections.
In February 2021, then-Acting President U Myint Swe announced a year-long state of emergency, transferring sovereign authority to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. This office subsequently formed the State Administration Council, with Min Aung Hlaing as its chair. The NDSC has extended this order multiple times, with the latest extension set to expire on July 31 of this year.
In other developments, Myanmar is advancing its digital transformation under the Myanmar Digital Economy Roadmap 2030. A coordination meeting of the Digital Economy Development Committee (DEDC) was convened at the Ministry of Commerce in Nay Pyi Taw on July 25 to assess progress and establish future priorities.
During this meeting, Union Minister for Transport and Communications General Mya Tun Oo emphasized that expediting growth through digital initiatives is essential for developing nations to thrive. He referenced data from the World Economic Forum, indicating that the digital economy currently accounts for at least 15 percent of global GDP and is projected to exceed 25 percent by 2030. He urged all committee members to collaborate across sectors to forge a digital future for Myanmar.