24 February 2026 | New Day Myanmar
Myanmar’s military junta announced on the evening of February 23 that it will begin convening the country’s three legislative bodies in mid-March, nearly one month after completing all three phases of its elections.
According to the announcement, the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) will convene on March 16, the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) on March 18, and the Region and State Hluttaws on March 20.
Observers say the announcement signals the start of parliamentary procedures that are key to selecting a president, indicating a move toward a new political phase.
The announcement follows recent remarks by junta Foreign Minister U Than Swe, who said during a meeting with Thailand’s foreign minister that efforts were underway to form a new president and government before Myanmar’s traditional New Year festival, Thingyan, in April.
Based on the military-run elections held in December 2025 and January 2026, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) secured 231 seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw and 108 seats in the Amyotha Hluttaw, for a total of 339 seats.
Under the 2008 Constitution, 166 military-appointed representatives will also take seats in the Union Parliament. Combined with the 420 elected representatives from political parties, the total number of members in the Union Parliament will be 586.
