Myanmar flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Myanmar

Myanmar is governed by a military junta (State Administration Council) led by Min Aung Hlaing following a coup in February 2021. Prime Minister Nyo Saw was appointed in July 2025 as the country prepares for phased elections in limited constituencies. The junta maintains control of major urban centers but faces significant armed resistance, with military control limited to approximately 21 percent of national territory, while the country experiences ongoing humanitarian crisis and displacement.

Political Stability

Poor

Democracy Index

Poor

Government Type

Military junta (State Administration Council)

Legal System

Mixed legal system based on customary law and statutory law under military administration

Head of State

President Not specified in current sources(since 2021)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Nyo Saw(State Administration Council)since 2025

Political Indicators

Political Stability
0.15

Scale: 0-1

Highly unstable

World Bank Political Stability Index (2024)

Press Freedom
13.5Rank #179

Scale: 0-100

Very serious situation

Reporters Without Borders (2025)

Democracy Index
1.08

Scale: 0-10

Authoritarian regime

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:bicameral
Upper House:Amyotha Hluttaw (224 seats)
Lower House:Pyithu Hluttaw (440 seats)

Major Political Parties

Union Solidarity and Development Party(USDP)

Military-aligned

National League for Democracy(NLD)

Center

Voting Rights

Citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote. However, voting rights are severely restricted in practice due to ongoing military conflict and junta control. Elections are being held in limited constituencies, with large portions of the country excluded due to insurrection.

Recent Developments

  • Nyo Saw appointed as Prime Minister on July 31, 2025, replacing previous administration
  • Phased general elections announced for December 2025 and January 2026 in limited constituencies
  • Military control limited to approximately 21 percent of Myanmar's territory as of January 2025, with resistance forces controlling significant regions
  • Major cabinet reshuffle in 2025 with nine ministers reassigned; Ministries of Electric Power consolidated and Ministry of Industrial Development abolished
  • Mandatory military conscription introduced in February 2024 for men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27
Voting Age18
SuffrageUniversal adult suffrage (18 years and above)
Constitution2008
Regions and States7