Build a Union based on democracy and a federal system
yoonpresoff
Armed conflicts which emerged in Myanmar following independence have, as a consequence, led to weaknesses in the education, health, and economic sectors. Therefore, continued efforts are being made to achieve lasting nationwide peace. Only when the country is stable and peaceful will it be possible to promote development in areas such as education, health, and the economy. For the envisioned Democratic Union, a significant loss of human resources and gradually developing infrastructure has already been incurred due to the armed path. It is necessary to learn the lesson that resolving issues through armed struggle has produced no results for more than 70 years. The armed path sets back democracy and causes serious losses to the socioeconomic lives of the people.
Going forward, Phase III of the election will be successfully conducted, and the process of shaping a new democratic nation long desired by the people will proceed. Hence, it is necessary to temporarily set aside differences, seek solutions through political dialogue, and jointly implement shared positions. Only by building practical, successful, and durable peace can the country’s development and the welfare of the people be advanced. There are strong hopes for people to live in peaceful conditions and to work together in unity on national development efforts. Therefore, all are earnestly urged to work hand in hand with the State and participate collectively in the process of building a new democratic nation.
It is necessary to learn lessons from what occurred in the past, choose the correct path, and work toward contributing to the common good. Peace and stability are not matters concerning only the government and the armed forces, but concern all those living in the country; therefore, everyone must work together and participate. At present, efforts must be made to restore the education, health, social, and economic conditions that have been damaged and lost due to armed conflicts. If there is a shared objective to build a Union based on democracy and a federal system, all armed groups, with the interests of the Union in mind, must return to the legal framework that the State is opening and welcoming, and work together in partnership to build a new democratic nation. If they wish to serve the interests of their regions and their people, this can only be achieved through democratic means. Within a democratic system, there are equal opportunities for all to participate and contribute. Going forward, Phase III of the election will be successfully conducted, and the process of shaping a new democratic nation long desired by the people will proceed. Hence, it is necessary to temporarily set aside differences, seek solutions through political dialogue, and jointly implement shared positions. Only by building practical, successful, and durable peace can the country’s development and the welfare of the people be advanced. There are strong hopes for people to live in peaceful conditions and to work together in unity on national development efforts. Therefore, all are earnestly urged to work hand in hand with the State and participate collectively in the process of building a new democratic nation.
All must cooperate and work together in building a Union based on democracy and a federal system, which the State is striving to establish and implement, as well as in promoting the socioeconomic development of the people. Only by personally practising, observing, and living in accordance with the democratic and federal system that everyone wishes to enjoy can they, along with all citizens, truly reap its benefits. If we desire democracy but fail to comply with and practise it themselves, they will not be able to achieve their goals.In accordance with Myanmar’s political situation, Hluttaw sessions will be convened in March 2026 based on the election results, and State responsibilities will be transferred to the government that emerges, in line with democratic standards, so that the set objectives can continue to be implemented. Therefore, all members of the public must cooperate and participate in the ongoing processes required to implement and build a genuine, disciplined multiparty democratic system. Efforts must be made to fully realize and exercise freedom and justice in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, and established procedures.Schools, universities, and colleges are being expanded and opened nationwide to ensure access to both basic and higher education. Every school-age youth must have the opportunity to attend school, avoid dropping out prematurely, and complete their education to be trained and nurtured into skilled professionals and experts. The State is enhancing healthcare services, while ethnic national people themselves need to practise healthy lifestyles to live long and healthy lives.To build a Union based on democracy and a federal system and to promote the socioeconomic development of the people, all citizens must be healthy, strong, and equipped with knowledge and skills. Therefore, the State is striving to ensure balanced development across all sectors, including education and healthcare.For national development, it is only through building the country with knowledgeable and skilled individuals that citizens will be able to fully enjoy the values and essence of democracy. In fact, democracy is a system that must be practised and observed to be experienced and enjoyed. Hence, knowledge must be widely shared so that citizens can fully understand this.Schools, universities, and colleges are being expanded and opened nationwide to ensure access to both basic and higher education. Every school-age youth must have the opportunity to attend school, avoid dropping out prematurely, and complete their education to be trained and nurtured into skilled professionals and experts. The State is enhancing healthcare services, while ethnic national people themselves need to practise healthy lifestyles to live long and healthy lives.For the benefit of the State and the people, efforts are being made to end armed conflicts and to continue implementing a stable and peaceful environment. On one hand, in order to raise the socioeconomic living standards of the people, all must work together to implement and initiate a multiparty democratic system.gnlm
Myanmar is practising a genuine and disciplined multiparty democratic system, in which a multiparty general election is a fundamental pillar. Such an election must be conducted in a manner that is free, fair, and dignified. It must be free from electoral fraud and unlawful acts.The multiparty democratic general election, which began on 28 December 2025 in Myanmar, was successful and dignified. The people who cast their votes during the election phases genuinely accepted and desired the multiparty democratic system, and they voted peacefully, systematically, and in an orderly manner in keeping with the dignity of the nation and as responsible citizens. This is a matter of pride for the State.In holding the election, the State Government took steps to ensure the participation of political parties. To enable small parties and ethnic representatives to take part in the political platform of the Hluttaw, the Proportional Representation (PR) system was adopted. This arrangement allowed representatives from all regions and ethnic political parties to participate in the Hluttaw and to advocate for the interests of their respective regions and the aspirations of their people. As a result, in this election, there was increased participation of representatives from ethnic parties and smaller political parties.The Union Election Commission, in order to successfully hold the multiparty democratic general election, designated townships where the election could and could not be conducted, compiled voter lists in successive stages, organized and conducted the election successfully in phases, and announced the voting results and the lists of elected representatives.In carrying out the election in phases, Myanmar’s electronic voting machines were relocated promptly to designated locations for each phase and were systematically reinstalled and used. As the election was conducted impartially and in an orderly manner, the fact that no political parties have lodged objections regarding the election up to the present time also reflects its dignity and credibility.In holding the election, the State Government took steps to ensure the participation of political parties. To enable small parties and ethnic representatives to take part in the political platform of the Hluttaw, the Proportional Representation (PR) system was adopted. This arrangement allowed representatives from all regions and ethnic political parties to participate in the Hluttaw and to advocate for the interests of their respective regions and the aspirations of their people. As a result, in this election, there was increased participation of representatives from ethnic parties and smaller political parties.Political parties that maintained extensive engagement with the public and were able to effectively organize and mobilize their members received the support of the people. Political parties can draw the lesson that they must make systematic preparations well in advance of the election period. They need to publicize their party policies and rules so that the people are well informed and carry out their organizational activities accordingly to be able to enter the Hluttaw through thorough preparations for forthcoming elections in the future.gnlm
Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing sent a message to the ceremony to mark the 79th Anniversary of Union Day, which falls on 12 February 2026. The full text of the translated message was as follows: –Esteemed Union-born national brethren,On this special occasion of the 79th Anniversary of Union Day 2026 of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, falling today, 12 February, I extend my greetings and best wishes, praying that the entire Union-born ethnic people may enjoy good health, prosperity, and be blessed with abundant well-being and happiness.Myanmar lived under colonial rule for more than 100 years, during which the unity of its ethnic groups was fractured due to the colonizers’ divide-and-rule administration. To resist colonialism and achieve national independence, all ethnic communities joined hands, making long-term sacrifices and engaging in armed struggle. With the determination to regain independence for both the hill regions and the plains as one, the leaders of the ethnic groups signed the Panglong Agreement on 12 February 1947. That day has since been commemorated annually as Union Day, and today marks its 79th anniversary.Esteemed Union-born national brethren,The government has adopted the national objectives to ensure prosperity and food security, which are fundamental needs of any country and is implementing them. Only when the country is prosperous and secure can social and economic life develop, allowing all citizens to live happily and healthily. A nation can continue to progress and achieve lasting prosperity only through citizens who are knowledgeable, skilled, and virtuous. Accordingly, the education sector of the country is being prioritized and continuously promoted.The State is also supporting the development of small, micro, and medium-sized industrial enterprises to boost production, so that high-quality, value-added products can not only meet domestic consumption needs but also be exported abroad.Myanmar, blessed with fertile land and abundant natural resources, is a country with secure domestic food supplies due to sufficient arable land, a balanced population, a favourable climate, diverse ecosystems, and plentiful freshwater sources. To ensure that agricultural activities meet their production targets per acre, support is provided in the form of suitable crop varieties, land, water, technologies, and investment requirements tailored to each region. By combining traditional farming with modern techniques to increase yields and enhance productivity, the people’s food security is ensured, while also contributing to higher national economic output and GDP growth.It is necessary to carry out both agriculture and livestock farming together to ensure food security. Efforts are being encouraged to carry out livestock and production for local sufficiency according to each region and to produce animal feed based on locally grown crops. The key requirement is that all citizens work diligently and contribute their efforts.Therefore, to achieve the State’s national objectives of national prosperity and food security, all ethnic communities are strongly encouraged to work together in a united effort.Esteemed Union-born national brethren,The fundamental needs of all ethnic communities are national peace and stability, the rule of law, and the ability to live, work, and access food safely. Any disruption to the stability and development of a region is caused solely by the actions of terrorists in that area. At present, these terrorists have committed destructive acts such as planting explosives on roads and bridges, damaging power lines, and setting fire to public buildings, resulting in blocked trade routes, disrupted goods transport, lost educational opportunities, and denied access to healthcare. In some regions, these disturbances have caused local ethnic communities to face declines in social and economic life, as well as threats to life and safety. As a result of these events, social and economic conditions have deteriorated, and the population is experiencing increased hardship, which requires special attention.Our country is an independent and sovereign nation, and the State prioritizes the safety, security, and well-being of all ethnic communities, ensuring the protection of their homes, lives, and livelihoods while exercising the legislative, executive and judicial powers.A firm and reliable judicial system is being implemented to eliminate terrorism, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that all citizens fully enjoy their human rights. To support the enforcement of the rule of law within the country, knowledge about the law is being taught and disseminated not only to government officials but also to the new generation of students.Tatmadaw is not only the people’s patriotic armed forces, born from among the citizens themselves, but also the Union armed forces that includes members from all ethnic groups. It is the most steadfast and resolute organization standing firmly for the State. Since the country gained independence, Tatmadaw has been maintaining and managing internal security up to the present time. With the support and encouragement of the entire population, it has been fully committed to defending the nation against all internal and external threats, relying on patriotism and courage, and carrying out its duties with utmost effort and dedication.Tatmadaw has pledged to work alongside citizens who desire peace to restrain and defend against the unlawful and violent acts of armed groups, as well as any expansionist conflicts. For national defence and security, a modern people’s defence system will be developed based on domestic forces and with the full participation of all citizens. Tatmadaw will exist as long as the world stands, and as long as Tatmadaw exists, the Union will remain strong and stable. It is also necessary for all ethnic communities and the people to stand united with the State and Tatmadaw to protect the nation and ensure the Union does not break apart.Therefore, in order to successfully implement national peace and the enforcement of the rule of law, all ethnic communities are urged to work hand in hand with the State Government and Tatmadaw.Esteemed Union-born national brethren,The Republic of the Union of Myanmar is a nation founded on the universal principles of justice, freedom, and equality. Only when these universal principles, which uphold peace and harmony, flourish can conflicts within human society be reduced, allowing people to live together in unity and peace. All ethnic communities, with awakened awareness, must practise and uphold these universal principles for the country to stand as a peaceful and stable nation in the long term. All ethnic groups living in Myanmar have, for many centuries, lived together in harmony, sharing the same land and water, and are like Union-born national brethren.All ethnic communities of the Union, who wish to live peacefully, are firmly committed to a durable peace that resolves conflicts. During the Youth Peace Forum, held from 13 to 15 January 2026, the voices of young people from across Myanmar expressing their desire for peace were also heard.In building a Union based on democracy and a federal system, an enduring peace throughout the country is a fundamental requirement. The people of all ethnic communities themselves must ensure the peace of the nation. Therefore, to establish long-term and sustainable peace, ethnic armed groups need to participate in accordance with the common agreement of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).The democracy and peace of our country can only be successfully achieved through political dialogue and negotiation based on the spirit of Union solidarity among national brethren, free from foreign interference and internal sabotage. The State, for its part, continues to extend invitations to dialogue, always keeping the door to peace open and welcoming. As the strength of the nation lies primarily within the country, all ethnic communities must stand united and actively participate in the State’s peacemaking efforts, following the Union Day motto: “Let us build durable peace for the progress of the Union”.Therefore, all ethnic armed groups are strongly urged to work together with the State to promote the universal principles of justice, freedom, and equality, and to collectively strive to establish durable peace.Esteemed Union-born national brethren,In building a nation based on democracy and a federal system, the spirit of the Union serves as the foundation, while the close bonds, trust, unity, and collective efforts of all national brethren form the cornerstone. Since Myanmar is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, it is essential to unite these differences harmoniously and to live together in mutual trust, respect, and goodwill.In accordance with the objectives of the National Defence and Security Council, free and fair elections have been successfully held. Appreciation and gratitude are extended to all citizens who fulfilled their duties as responsible nationals by casting their votes and to everyone who actively contributed to the success of the elections. The government that will emerge from the upcoming Hluttaws and meetings will be entrusted with the responsibilities of the State.The strength of the Union depends on the unity and solidarity of all ethnic communities. All individuals must set aside thoughts and actions that do not benefit the nation and work together in a coordinated and harmonious manner on initiatives that promote the country’s well-being. Only in this way can the shared goal of a democratic and federal Union, envisioned by all ethnic communities, be achieved smoothly and swiftly.In following the path of multiparty democracy, differences of opinion will naturally arise among individuals. However, as the saying goes, “Unity is strength, harmony is power, and peace is beauty,” every citizen must work hand in hand with mutual understanding, trust, and solidarity. Only through such cooperation can a strong and resilient Union be built that can stand confidently on the world stage.Therefore, all national brethren are encouraged to genuinely participate, cooperating hand in hand, with mutual trust, unity, and collective effort, by practising a fully disciplined multiparty democratic system, to build a Union founded on democracy and a federal system.Esteemed Union-born national brethren,By prioritizing the comprehensive development of education, healthcare, and socioeconomic life for all ethnic communities of the Union, including local people from remote border areas, a strong and balanced national capacity can be built to create a modern and progressive nation. Only when every citizen is healthy, fully capable, and well-educated in all fields can the country achieve its long-term development goals. Investment in education is essential for building a modern and developed nation, which is why education continues to be actively supported. Through teaching and learning that encourage critical thinking, innovation, and creativity, the aim is to cultivate a growing number of knowledgeable and skilled individuals.To enable students to study and combine a wide range of disciplines in one place, the Naypyitaw State Academy has been newly opened in Nay Pyi Taw, along with nine Polytechnic Universities, including Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University, which are providing education across the regions and states. For the continuous development of the industrial sector, which is based on agriculture and livestock production – the foundation of the nation’s economic growth – basic education, high school, combined with industrial, agriculture and livestock subjects are being established and taught. Moreover, the University of Agriculture and Livestock (Maubin) has been opened to cultivate more agricultural and livestock professionals on whom the nation can rely. All citizens are encouraged to collectively nurture and develop the youth, who will shape the future of the country, into well-educated, virtuous, and capable individuals.In the health sector, efforts are continuously being made to ensure that every citizen has access to basic healthcare services. This includes fully supplying hospitals with medicines and medical equipment, providing free medical treatment, and assigning adequate healthcare personnel. To improve the socioeconomic well-being of all citizens, measures are being taken to enhance transport infrastructure, increase energy production sustainably, expand the production of high-quality import-substitute goods, support industry, agriculture, and livestock, and nurture a healthy and capable human resource base. Additionally, support is being provided to study and apply artificial intelligence (AI) technology across various fields.In order to build a modern and developed nation, the Government strives not only to engage domestic intellectuals and intelligentsia but also to invite investment and sector-specific experts from partner countries to obtain technical assistance, while implementing both short-term and long-term development plans.As such, everyone is encouraged to work together to build a modern and developed nation and to promote the development of education, healthcare, and socioeconomic well-being for all ethnic communities.Esteemed Union-born national brethren,I send this message to all Union-born national brethren, urging them to solemnly recognize their hsitorical responsibilities, to work together hand in hand with a spirit of unity and with the Union spirit as their foundation to collectively build a strong, stable, and continuously developing Union that will endure as long as the world stands by realizing five national objectives of the 79th Anniversary of Union Day 2026: to work together among all ethnic nationals to achieve the country’s prosperity and food security, the national goal of the country; to cooperate hand-in-hand with the government, Tatmadaw and all ethnic nationals in successfully implementing the measures for stability and rule of law; to strive together with ethnic armed groups to establish a lasting peace, while propagating justice, freedom and equality within the country; to build a Union based on democracy and federalism, practising a genuine and disciplined multiparty democratic system through the friendship, trust, unity and collaboration of ethnic people; and to cooperate, ensuring the development of education, health and socioeconomic status of ethnic nationals and the emergence of a developing country.Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray SithuThadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung HlaingActing President, the Republic of the Union of MyanmarChairman, the State Security and Peace Commissiongnlm
Civil servants are those who work to ensure that the entire state machinery functions smoothly and effectively. Regardless of how political and economic systems or government administrations may change, as civil servants enter the relevant organizations to shoulder the responsibilities of the State, they must continuously work to keep the state machinery functioning without interruption in accordance with their duties and obligations.In essence, civil servants must uphold loyalty and devotion to the State; comply with the provisions prescribed in the Constitution (2008) and existing laws; give priority to the interests of the State and its citizens; safeguard State-owned property and public finances to prevent loss, waste, and misuse; and conscientiously and diligently carry out the duties and responsibilities entrusted to them.In order to faithfully carry out the duties assigned to them, civil servants must comply with the rules, regulations, disciplinary codes, orders, and directives issued under the Civil Service Law; adhere to workplace rules, orders, and instructions separately prescribed by their respective organizations; remain free from party politics; attend designated training courses; refrain from conduct that undermines moral character and dignity; avoid abuse of authority entrusted to them by virtue of their duties; refrain from bribery and corruption; and provide services to the public with respect and courtesy.Civil servants must clearly distinguish between politics and the national cause and carry out the responsibilities of the nation accordingly. In order to remain free from corruption, civil servants must manage their spending in a way that balances income and expenditure. The government, for its part, has made efforts to the extent possible to ensure that civil servants have adequate living and subsistence conditions. Only when the country’s economic sector develops can the benefits and welfare of civil servants be further enhanced. In essence, civil servants are called upon to shoulder their duties in the national interest with love and devotion to the State, and a strong sense of responsibility in faithfully performing their duties.Civil servants must work to ensure that office duties are carried out systematically and that a spirit of patriotism and love for the nation is fostered. Relevant ministries must conduct training for them in a systematic manner. Only then will there be a greater number of disciplined civil servants with a strong sense of patriotism. All office procedures need to be standardized and consistent, and therefore must be implemented systematically. With regard to the performance of duties, each individual must be able to carry out the tasks assigned to them competently, proficiently, and successfully.Civil servants must clearly distinguish between politics and the national cause and carry out the responsibilities of the nation accordingly. In order to remain free from corruption, civil servants must manage their spending in a way that balances income and expenditure. The government, for its part, has made efforts to the extent possible to ensure that civil servants have adequate living and subsistence conditions. Only when the country’s economic sector develops can the benefits and welfare of civil servants be further enhanced. In essence, civil servants are called upon to shoulder their duties in the national interest with love and devotion to the State, and a strong sense of responsibility in faithfully performing their duties.gnlm
Armed conflicts which emerged in Myanmar following independence have, as a consequence, led to weaknesses in the education, health, and economic sectors. Therefore, continued efforts are being made to achieve lasting nationwide peace. Only when the country is stable and peaceful will it be possible to promote development in areas such as education, health, and the economy.For the envisioned Democratic Union, a significant loss of human resources and gradually developing infrastructure has already been incurred due to the armed path. It is necessary to learn the lesson that resolving issues through armed struggle has produced no results for more than 70 years. The armed path sets back democracy and causes serious losses to the socioeconomic lives of the people.Going forward, Phase III of the election will be successfully conducted, and the process of shaping a new democratic nation long desired by the people will proceed. Hence, it is necessary to temporarily set aside differences, seek solutions through political dialogue, and jointly implement shared positions. Only by building practical, successful, and durable peace can the country’s development and the welfare of the people be advanced. There are strong hopes for people to live in peaceful conditions and to work together in unity on national development efforts. Therefore, all are earnestly urged to work hand in hand with the State and participate collectively in the process of building a new democratic nation.It is necessary to learn lessons from what occurred in the past, choose the correct path, and work toward contributing to the common good. Peace and stability are not matters concerning only the government and the armed forces, but concern all those living in the country; therefore, everyone must work together and participate. At present, efforts must be made to restore the education, health, social, and economic conditions that have been damaged and lost due to armed conflicts.If there is a shared objective to build a Union based on democracy and a federal system, all armed groups, with the interests of the Union in mind, must return to the legal framework that the State is opening and welcoming, and work together in partnership to build a new democratic nation. If they wish to serve the interests of their regions and their people, this can only be achieved through democratic means. Within a democratic system, there are equal opportunities for all to participate and contribute.Going forward, Phase III of the election will be successfully conducted, and the process of shaping a new democratic nation long desired by the people will proceed. Hence, it is necessary to temporarily set aside differences, seek solutions through political dialogue, and jointly implement shared positions. Only by building practical, successful, and durable peace can the country’s development and the welfare of the people be advanced. There are strong hopes for people to live in peaceful conditions and to work together in unity on national development efforts. Therefore, all are earnestly urged to work hand in hand with the State and participate collectively in the process of building a new democratic nation.gnlm
Everyone is already aware that Phase II of the multiparty democratic general election will be held on 11 January, and Phase III on 25 January. With regard to the ongoing election, it has also been learned through news reports that, after the completion of Phase I of the election, international observer groups gave positive assessments and remarks.Given the current realities prevailing in Myanmar, the country’s future is filled with opportunities, while at the same time presenting challenges that must inevitably be addressed. To firmly seize these opportunities and to overcome the challenges capably and effectively, a good government is required, along with unity and close cooperation between the government and the entire population. In order for the people to build a prosperous future for the nation by choosing and electing a good government, every eligible voter has to cast their ballot in the upcoming phases of the elections.Engaging in campaigning that insults or defames rival parties or candidates may constitute a criminal offence as well as an electoral malpractice. Speaking in a derogatory manner to undermine opposing parties is to be regarded as unethical conduct and also harms the integrity of the election and the image of the political parties involved.For the remaining phases of the election, in order to ensure that voters can cast their ballots peacefully and in safety, it is necessary to review the shortcomings encountered during the holding of Phase I of the election and to take effective measures — through cooperation with Tatmadaw, People’s Militia Troops, public security and counter-terrorism teams, and partner organizations – so that voting can be conducted in a more secure, reliable, and orderly manner.In the forthcoming elections, it is necessary to coordinate and work jointly with the relevant organizations and subcommissions of the Election Commission to ensure adequate voter education on the use of voting machines, the sufficient deployment of technical support teams, and the ability of voters at each polling station to cast their ballots conveniently within the designated time. At the same time, measures must be strengthened and improved to prevent any security lapses.Engaging in campaigning that insults or defames rival parties or candidates may constitute a criminal offence as well as an electoral malpractice. Speaking in a derogatory manner to undermine opposing parties is to be regarded as unethical conduct and also harms the integrity of the election and the image of the political parties involved.Therefore, by continuing to conduct the process correctly, transparently, and in accordance with the election laws, rules, and procedures, the elections will be carried out as free and fair elections, and it is believed that respective Hluttaws of integrity and dignity will be formed through such credible elections.gnlm
