Myanmar’s junta-proxy parliament meets for first time since 2021 coup

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Aidan JonesMarch 16, 2026 at 07:51 AM

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Myanmar's junta-proxy parliament convened for the first time in Naypyidaw since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. The legislature is dominated by allies of coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, particularly the army-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which won 81% of seats in a recent election held across a limited portion of the country. Turnout was low at 50% in military-controlled areas, significantly less than previous elections. The USDP's chairman, retired brigadier-general Khin Yi, was elected lower house speaker. The bicameral parliament, known as the Hluttaw, includes hand-picked military officers, reserving one-quarter of all legislative seats for the armed forces, effectively granting the military control over the chamber and the power to determine the presidency.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mandalay 30% Hluttaw 50% Khin Yi 60% Myanmar Military ×260% Naypyidaw 60% Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) ×270% Aung San Suu Kyi 70% Min Aung Hlaing ×280% Myanmar ×490%

Keywords

myanmar 100% military junta 90% parliament 80% coup 80% election 70% min aung hlaing 70% usdp 60% political control 50% legislature 50% armed forces 40%