The military regime in Myanmar has removed the head of its election body, Thein Soe, shortly after extending the state of emergency for an additional six months. The junta announced on Wednesday night that Thein Soe was allowed to retire due to health reasons, with Ko Ko named as his successor. The move follows recent amendments to the Political Parties Registration Law enacted by the regime.
Thein Soe had been appointed as the head of the Union Election Commission following the military's takeover in 2021. He previously served as the judge advocate-general under the previous military regime and chaired the inaugural election body formed in 2010 under the army-drafted 2008 Constitution. However, international observers deemed the 2010 general election neither free nor fair.
The military regime, which has been grappling with a pro-democracy rebellion since the 2021 coup, has extended the state of emergency multiple times. The replacement of Thein Soe is viewed as another attempt by the junta to solidify its control and quell opposition to its rule. The military rulers have faced accusations of widespread human rights abuses, including the killing of protesters, torture, and arbitrary detention of civilians.
The international community has strongly condemned the military's actions, imposing sanctions on the regime. The United Nations has consistently called for an end to the violence and the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.
In addition to the removal of Thein Soe, the regime has reshuffled its cabinet following the extension of emergency rule. Aung Zaw Aye was replaced by Aung Aung Ko as the Shan State chief minister, and Kyaw Myo Htut succeeded Than Win on the Union Civil Service Board, responsible for regulating civil servant employment. Myo Hlaing was appointed as a member of the Union Election Commission, and Htein Lin assumed the role of deputy sports and youth affairs minister. Dr. Kyaw Tun retired from the central advisory board of the State Administration Council, the governing body of the junta.
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