Politics Myanmar's parliament meets for the first time since coup: military retains control
Parliament has reconvened in Myanmar for the first time since the military coup in early 2021. However, the meeting this morning (local time) is primarily seen as a symbolic step by the junta: according to political experts, the military is merely trying to create the appearance of a return to parliamentary democracy after five years of direct rule.
16.03.2026, 07:19
SDA
On February 1, 2021, the generals overthrew Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy (NLD) party had won a clear victory in the 2020 parliamentary elections. Suu Kyi (80) and numerous other politicians were arrested, the military leadership declared a state of emergency and took power. Since then, she has ruled with an iron fist.
Military-affiliated party dominates
The parliament in its current composition is the result of a controversial election organized by the junta in late 2025 and early 2026. Critics and human rights activists described the vote as neither free nor fair, as parties close to Suu Kyi's former ruling party were not allowed to run and no elections were held in large parts of the country due to ongoing fighting.
The new parliament is dominated by the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). In addition, as stipulated in the constitution, 25 percent of the seats are directly occupied by military representatives, which gives the armed forces considerable political influence. After the lower house, the upper house is due to convene on Wednesday.
Bloody civil war continues
Critics speak of a transparent attempt by the junta to dampen criticism from abroad, while the country formerly known as Burma is sinking into a bloody civil war. In many parts of the country, the military is fighting against rebels from various ethnic groups and newly formed resistance forces. Civilians in particular are suffering from frequent air strikes and brutal violence.
The human rights organization Human Rights Watch had already spoken in advance of "sham elections" and of a "desperate attempt to gain international legitimacy after almost five years of brutal military repression". The Southeast Asian Association of Nations (Asean) - this year chaired by the Philippines - had already declared that it would not recognize the election results.
