The Myanmar junta has announced a five-member Union Consultative Council that analysts say could place a new "super-body" above the executive, legislature and judiciary. Experts warn the council's sweeping remit over national security and legislation could allow junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to become president while retaining control of the military. The move followed a contested election and state media provided no public rationale; observers say the council appears to lack independent oversight.
Myanmar Junta Creates 'Super-Body' That Could Cement Military Rule and Elevate Min Aung Hlaing
FILE PHOTO: Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the elected government in a coup, presides at an army parade on Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, March 27, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Reuters reports the Myanmar military junta has announced the creation of a five-member Union Consultative Council that will supervise both the armed forces and the civilian administration. The announcement came in state media days after the final phase of a disputed election and ahead of a parliament due to convene next month.
What the Council Would Do
According to analysts quoted by Reuters, the council appears to have sweeping powers over national security and influence over the legislative process. Naing Min Khant, a program associate at the Institute for Strategy and Policy – Myanmar, described it as a likely "super-body" positioned above the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
Why Observers Are Concerned
Legal experts told Reuters the new body could enable junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to assume the presidency while retaining tight control of the military. Critics also note the announcement offered no explanation in state media and the council appears to lack independent oversight or accountability mechanisms.
"A defining feature of this arrangement is its total lack of accountability," said Naing Min Khant.
Context And Consequences
Min Aung Hlaing seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering mass protests and a widening armed conflict. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) estimates more than 93,000 people have been killed in violence since the coup. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party won roughly 81% of available parliamentary seats in an election criticised by the United Nations, several Western governments and rights groups as skewed to preserve the generals' influence.
A junta spokesperson did not respond to calls seeking comment on the council. If implemented as described by analysts, the Union Consultative Council could enshrine a new institutional layer that consolidates military oversight of both security and civilian affairs and constrains the independence of any future civilian-led government.
(Reporting by Reuters staff; writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; editing by Martin Petty)
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