The Myanmar junta leader is expected to form a new “interim government” in July, a source in Naypyidaw told Mizzima.
The National Defense and Security Council (NDSC), which has ruled Myanmar under a state of emergency for six-month intervals, will see the current term expire on 31 July. It remains unclear whether the state of emergency will be extended again or if a new government will be formed as a step toward elections. However, the source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said it is likely that an “interim government” will be established.
At a meeting of the Military Council held on March 25 in Naypyidaw, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing stated that general elections would be held in four phases, in the third and fourth weeks of December 2025 and the first and second weeks of January 2026.
The source declined to provide details on how the new government structure will be formed.
Myanmar political analyst Than Soe Naing told Mizzima, “We expect the government will shift from a military-dominated structure to a civilian structure. Therefore, it is possible that Min Aung Hlaing will appoint others to take over positions such as the president and prime minister.”
He added that the junta leader may only continue to hold the position of Commander-in-Chief in the new government structure.
Min Aung Hlaing, who has served as both Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Prime Minister, also assumed the role of acting president on July 31, 2024, when acting president Myint Swe was absent due to ill health at the time of the most recent extension of the state of emergency.
According to the 2008 Constitution, which the military regime continues to enforce, the NDSC is composed of 11 members, including the president, two vice presidents, the speakers of the Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw, the commander-in-chief and deputy commander-in-chief, the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, home affairs, and the border affairs.
However, after the military took power on 1 February 2021, the elected President Win Myint was detained, and Mann Win Khaing Than, the Speaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw, became Prime Minister of the National Unity Government (NUG), which opposes the military regime.
Vice President Henry Van Thio had participated in early NDSC meetings, but he has been on medical leave since 22 April 2024, due to health issues.
