Post by : Shakul

Myanmar’s parliament convened for the first time in more than five years on Monday, marking a controversial political development as the military and its allied parties hold the overwhelming majority of seats following recent elections.

The session took place in the capital city of Naypyitaw, where lawmakers gathered inside the heavily guarded parliamentary complex. Security forces tightened protection around the area, closing roads and inspecting vehicles entering the premises.

The reopening of parliament follows elections organised by the military government after it seized power in the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état. The coup removed the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and suspended the country’s legislature.

Under the results of the recent vote, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party secured the majority of seats, while several smaller parties also won representation. Major opposition groups, including Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, were either barred from contesting or refused to participate, saying the electoral process was unfair.

Myanmar’s constitution reserves 25 percent of parliamentary seats for the military, giving it significant influence in national politics. Combined with the victory of pro-military parties in the election, the armed forces now control nearly 90 percent of the legislature.

The lower house of parliament, which has 373 seats, opened first, while the upper house is scheduled to convene later in the week. Regional parliaments across the country are also expected to begin sessions shortly after.

One of the parliament’s first responsibilities will be to elect speakers for both houses, followed by the selection of a president and two vice presidents. Observers expect military leader Min Aung Hlaing to be nominated for the presidency.

However, the constitution prevents the president from simultaneously serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, raising questions about whether he would relinquish his current military role.

The election and the reopening of parliament have faced strong criticism from international observers and rights organisations, who argue the vote was designed to legitimise military rule following years of political turmoil and conflict in the country.

Meanwhile, members of an opposition body known as the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw held a parallel online session, maintaining that they remain Myanmar’s legitimate parliamentary authority.

The political situation in Myanmar continues to remain tense, with ongoing armed resistance and widespread international concern about the country’s democratic future.

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