Introduction
The election by the Myanmar coup military junta, which was held from December 28, 2025, has a significant impact on the future of the entire Union, as well as on the self-determination rights and administrative structures of the states, despite the opposition and rejection of the opposing revolutionary forces.
In particular, the emergence of the Third Mon State Parliament in Mon State is a matter to be observed with special attention. This review paper will analyze and present the composition, power distribution, and government prospects of the Mon State Parliament that emerged based on the election results of Mon State, which were held in stages from December 2025 to January 2026.
The composition and election results of the Mon State Hluttaw (Assembly), third term:
This election, held after Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s coup military group transformed the State Administration Council (SAC) into the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC), was conducted in three phases. Townships within Mon State were included in phases (1) and (2). According to the military representatives appointed without election and the current election results, the Mon State Hluttaw has a total of (31) representative seats. This composition includes (23) elected representatives and (8) military representatives who are automatically included according to the (2008) Constitution. Among the elected representatives, (10) were elected through the First Past the Post (FPTP) system with the most votes in each township, (10) through the Proportional Representation (PR) system, and the remaining (3) from ethnic constituency.
Party Wins and Representation Proportions
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the number of winning representatives and their respective proportions for parties within the Mon State Hluttaw (State Parliament):
Proportional Representation of Parties by Wins (Data compiled from the Union Election Commission’s Announcement No. (10/2026).)[1]
These results indicate that the Union Solidarity and Development Party has emerged as the strongest party in the state, and if combined with military representatives, they would control (61.2) percent of the parliament. This creates a situation where they can decide on the formation of the state government and legislative processes as they wish. On the other hand, the Mon Unity Party stands as the second strongest political party with (7) seats, and it can be seen that it has become a key force for opposing the government and protecting ethnic affairs and local interests.
Details of Winning Representatives from the Mon Unity Party (MUP)
It is observed that the majority of representatives elected from the Mon Unity Party secured public support primarily in the southern and central townships of the state.
| No. | Name | Constituency | Electoral System |
| 1 | U Htay Naing (aka) Nai Am Sar | Mudon Township No. (1) | FPTP |
| 2 | U Shwe Lu | Thanbyuzayat Township No. (1) | FPTP |
| 3 | Mi Lawi Han | Ye Township No. (1) | FPTP |
| 4 | U Than Khaing | Paung Township No. (1) | FPTP |
| 5 | U San Tin | Paung Township No. (2) | PR |
| 6 | Nai Layi Tama (aka) Nai Khin Maung Zin | Mudon Township No. (2) | PR |
| 7 | Min Aung Htoo | Kyaikto Township No. (2) | PR |
(Data compiled from the Union Election Commission Announcement No. (10/2026).)[2]
Among the representatives, Mi Lawi Han, a female leader within the Mon Unity Party, is the only female winning representative to be included in the State Parliament. This marks a milestone for women’s sector activities, but also highlights challenges related to gender equality. The impact of the PR system has enabled a representative of the MUP party to be included in townships such as Kyaikto, demonstrating the party’s ability to expand its territory.
The Mon Unity Party’s Power Struggles and Election Pledges within the Mon State Government
Following the emergence of the Third Mon State Hluttaw (Parliament), the Mon Unity Party is expected to play a significant role in the formation of the State Government. Although the strength of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and military representatives is sufficient to form a government, the cooperation of an ethnic party such as the Mon Unity Party is essential to gain public support and establish stability within the state.
- It is assumed that the Mon Unity Party will strive to obtain some important ministries within the State Government. Whether or not party members are appointed to these positions depends on the political compromises that can be made between the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the Mon Unity Party.
- In accordance with their federal policy, the Mon Unity Party will demand more authority to allocate profits derived from natural resources within the state to the state itself.
- The Mon Unity Party released its election policy positions on November 20, 2025. These election policy positions are, in other words, the party’s post-election commitments. These commitments will become the benchmarks by which the party’s performance will be measured during its term in parliament, and it is necessary to implement them without forgetting them.
Conclusion
Reviewing the landscape of the Third Mon State Hluttaw, while the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and military representatives may hold significant power, the role of the Mon Unity Party within the Hluttaw will be particularly important as it faces opposition from ethnic armed groups within Mon State.
The adoption of the Proportional Representation (PR) system in this election has allowed smaller parties such as the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), the People’s Party (PP), and the National Interest Development Party (NIEDP) to each gain one representative, contributing to a diversity of perspectives within the Hluttaw. However, these smaller parties will not be able to compete with the power of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in making important decisions, and will only be able to amplify their voices by forming alliances with the Mon Unity Party.
Only by participating in the government and providing practical legal protections for the Mon people can the Mon Unity Party address the criticisms leveled against it. If the commitments in the election manifesto are not implemented, the party will lose public trust in the long run. Therefore, it is assessed and reported that the Mon Unity Party has a responsibility to face the people and implement its commitments without fail during the upcoming term of the Third Mon State Hluttaw.
[1] MRTV, January 7, 2026: The Union Election Commission has released Announcement No. 10/2026, dated today, January 7 (Announcement of the list of those elected as representatives to the Regional or State Hluttaw). https://t.me/mrtvnews/305656
[2] MRTV, January 7, 2026: The Union Election Commission has released Announcement No. (10/2026) with today’s date, January 7, regarding the announcement of the list of names of those elected as representatives to the Regional or State Hluttaw (Legislature). https://t.me/mrtvnews/305656
