Nay Pyi Taw, June 19, 2025- Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC) has revised the Union Election Commission Law to allow civil servants to play a more prominent role in the formation of election sub-commissions, under the third amendment to the Union Election Commission Law. The amendment was promulgated today as Law No. 40/2025.

The revised provision changes Article 14 of the original law, which governs the formation of sub-commissions. The updated Article 14 now reads:

“14. The Commission shall, in accordance with Section 10, Subsection (g), establish sub-commissions at various levels with a minimum of three members, either from among persons who enjoy public trust and respect or from among civil servants. One of the members shall be assigned as chairperson, and the relevant election officer shall be appointed as secretary.”

The previous version of Article 14 stated:

“14. The Commission shall, in accordance with Section 10, Subsection (g), form sub-commissions at various levels with a minimum of three members from among persons who enjoy public trust and respect. One member shall be designated as chairperson, and the relevant election officer shall be appointed as secretary. If necessary, civil servants may be included as members.”

Under the former provision, civil servants could be included only if deemed necessary. However, the amended article explicitly allows sub-commissions to be formed entirely with civil servants if required. This change potentially paves the way for election bodies to be composed solely of government officials.

The Union Election Commission Law was first amended on July 14, 2015, and again on February 28, 2017, during the previous democratic administrations. This third amendment was introduced under the current military-led SAC administration as part of preparations for upcoming elections.

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