Junta chief appoints himself Myanmar’s acting president ahead of planned elections

Myanmar’s military chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has appointed himself as the country’s acting president through a newly formed military commission, just months ahead of planned elections in December, according to state-run media. The announcement marks a significant restructuring of the regime’s leadership, though it consolidates rather than reduces Min Aung Hlaing’s grip on power. Since the February 2021 coup that overthrew the elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, Min Aung Hlaing has claimed legitimacy to rule through the 11-member National Defence and Security Council (NDSC)—a constitutional body that grants sweeping powers to the military’s top brass. The State Administration Council (SAC), the governing body led by Min Aung Hlaing since the coup, has now been formally dissolved. In its place, the junta has established the State Security and Peace Commission, a new body in which Min Aung Hlaing will serve as both acting president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. While the reshuffle alters the regime’s formal structure, it does not diminish Min Aung Hlaing’s power. Instead, it signals an attempt to entrench military control under a new guise ahead of the elections, widely seen as an effort to legitimise continued military rule. The commission will reportedly be composed of 10 active and former military generals. General Nyo Saw, a long-time subordinate of Min Aung Hlaing, has been appointed as “prime minister” and will serve as a member of the new commission. https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/general-who-chairs-military-owned-conglomerate-appointed-as-advisor-to-myanmar-dictator/ The regime has not indicated any substantive change in policy or direction, but the timing and optics of the move suggest an effort to reinforce Min Aung Hlaing’s authority amid growing domestic resistance and international condemnation. Speaking at a ceremony marking the dissolution of the SAC in Naypyitaw on Wednesday, Min Aung Hlaing described the transition as the beginning of a new phase. “We have already passed the first chapter. Now, we are starting the second chapter. If at the start of this second chapter we write it well, beautifully, and sincerely with our own hands and carry it out successfully, I believe we will overcome even more challenges, and the results of our efforts will be even more rewarding.” He made no mention of the civil war that has engulfed the country since the coup—one that has caused widespread bloodshed, displaced millions, and resulted in the loss of significant territory to anti-junta resistance forces. Full text of state media announcement on new appointments Republic of the Union of MyanmarNational Defence and Security CouncilOrder No. 4/2025(31 July 2025) Formation of the State Security and Peace Commission In accordance with Section 427 of the 2008 Constitution—which grants the National Defence and Security Council authority to exercise legislative, executive, and judicial powers during emergencies—the Council has announced the formation of the State Security and Peace Commission. The commission has been established to provide strategic guidance and coordination on matters of national defence, security, and peace, as well as to oversee the preparation for a multi-party democratic general election. The members of the commission are as follows: Senior General Min Aung HlaingActing President (Duty); Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services— Chairman Vice-Senior General Soe WinDeputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services— Vice-Chairman Nyo SawPrime Minister; Union Minister for National Planning— Member Aung Lin DweExecutive Officer, National Defence and Security Council Office— Member General Maung Maung AyeUnion Minister for Defence— Member Lieutenant General Tun Tun NaungUnion Minister for Home Affairs— Member Than SweUnion Minister for Foreign Affairs— Member Lieutenant General Yar PyaeUnion Minister for Border Affairs— Member General Kyaw Swar LinChief of Staff (Army, Navy, Air)— Member General Ye Win OoJoint Executive Officer, National Defence and Security Council Office— Secretary Min Aung HlaingSenior GeneralActing President

Junta chief appoints himself Myanmar’s acting president ahead of planned elections

The move comes as the regime formally confirms plans to hold elections in December

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