Myanmar Parliament Reconvenes Amid Controversy Over Military-Controlled Elections

Myanmar Parliament Reconvenes Amid Controversy Over Military-Controlled Elections
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Myanmar’s parliament convened Monday for the first time in five years, following national elections organized under military rule. The reopening raises questions about the legitimacy of the legislature, given the controversial electoral process and ongoing political tensions.

Under the 2008 constitution, 25% of parliamentary seats are reserved for military appointees, ensuring the armed forces maintain significant influence. Opposition parties, including those affiliated with the National League for Democracy (NLD), were dissolved, barred, or boycotted the vote, enabling military-aligned parties to dominate the legislature.

A parallel shadow parliament, formed by elected lawmakers ousted during the 2021 coup, held an online session Monday and refused to recognize the newly seated Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. Critics argue the elections and legislative proceedings lack credibility, noting that the military’s 2021 coup violated the rule of law and ended a decade of limited civilian governance.