Myanmar Parliament Approves Cabinet with Majority of Former Generals and Prior Officials

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar -- Myanmar's parliament approved a cabinet on Thursday consisting of 30 ministers, with no objections recorded. The approved appointments include 24 individuals who are current or former generals, military officers, or lawmakers affiliated with the Union Solidarity and Development Party. Parliament Speaker Aung Lin Dwe announced the approvals during the session.

Eighteen of the ministers served in the cabinet of the previous military government led by Min Aung Hlaing. An additional four were military or government officials under that administration. Several of these appointees have faced sanctions from foreign governments for alleged support of the military government or human rights violations.

The new cabinet forms part of a government established after elections held in December and January.

These elections excluded most opposition groups, and voting was restricted in areas affected by Myanmar's ongoing civil war. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations did not recognize the elections due to these limitations on participation and dissent. Parliament also reappointed the chairman of the constitutional tribunal, the attorney general, and judges of the Supreme Court.

This follows the 2021 military takeover led by Min Aung Hlaing, after which civilian governance has not been restored. The appointments maintain continuity with the prior military-led structure.

Hlaing is scheduled to be sworn in as president on Friday, alongside two vice presidents and the cabinet members.

The civil war continues to impact regions where voting could not occur during the recent elections. Stakeholders include opposition groups, regional organizations like ASEAN, and international entities that have imposed sanctions on certain officials.

The formation of this cabinet occurs five years after the 2021 takeover, amid ongoing conflict that affects governance and civilian life across Myanmar.

Foreign sanctions target individuals accused of roles in the military administration. Future developments may involve responses from international bodies and the progression of the civil war.