Coordination Meeting: SAC Government held a coordination meeting

The Coordination Meeting of the Government of the State Administration Council was held at the meeting hall of the Office of the Chairman of the State Administration Council in Nay Pyi Taw in the morning on May 19, with Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, in attendance to deliver an opening speech.

Also in attendance were Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council, Deputy Prime Minister Vice Senior General Soe Win, Council Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe, Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, council members, Union-level officials, Union Ministers, Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council, Chief Ministers of Regions and States and Deputy Ministers.

In his opening address, the SAC Chairman and Prime Minister stated that due to the widespread electoral fraud in the 2020 multi-party democratic general election, the Council had to take on the responsibilities of the state in accordance with the 2008 Constitution.

From the beginning of assuming responsibilities, appointments of Union-level officials and Regions and States Chief Ministers were not solely limited to military personnel but were a balanced inclusion of military and civilian officials. The government worked hard to successfully implement its duties during its tenure. He elaborated that, upon achieving independence, the country faced political instability due to weak political structures and internal divisions within the ruling party.

Historical records show that such conditions led to calls for secession by states and political unrest. He noted that there were longstanding educational and economic disparities between different regions and states, which over time fueled various political movements and contributed to instability: a lesson visible in historical documentation.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that, as the Council took over state responsibilities in line with the 2008 Constitution, it must inevitably transition toward the multi-party democratic system desired by the people. Therefore, holding elections is a necessary goal.

While conducting a nationwide election is ideal, it is acknowledged that even during the 2010 and 2015 elections, full coverage was not achieved. Similarly, the current period under the State Administration Council has faced numerous challenges in this regard. He stressed the need for free and fair elections and highlighted that Articles 85, 128, and 155 of the Constitution contain provisions related to the calling of parliaments with a sufficient quorum. A review of relevant laws shows that an election can be successfully conducted with appropriate legal support.

The best way forward for the country is to form a government elected through such a fair election. The Prime Minister added that the National Defence and Security Council has the authority to make final decisions regarding the holding of elections, as laid out in Articles 426, 427 (a/b), 428, and 429 of the Constitution. He also touched on the necessity to promote and improve the education sector, strengthen the healthcare system, prepare in advance for natural disaster mitigation, ensure adequate electricity supply, and improve transportation infrastructure.

After his remarks, the Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council and Chief Ministers of the Regions and States presented region-wise updates, including regional data summaries, current progress on regional development, governance, economic, and social sector initiatives, as well as general reports. Discussions were held accordingly, and the first day of the coordination meeting concluded in the afternoon.