Union Election Commission

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The Union Election Commission (UEC) is Myanmar’s national body responsible for running elections, vetting parliamentary candidates, and approving political parties. It was created by the Union Election Commission Law and began on March 8, 2010. The UEC is based in Naypyidaw.

Leadership and early years
- The first chairman was Thein Soe, a former major-general. He was replaced on February 18, 2011, by Tin Aye, a former lieutenant-general.
- The UEC faced criticism for lack of independence, including during the 2012 by-elections, and for not effectively following up on electoral complaints noted by the United Nations.

Political changes and notable events
- In 2015, the National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory in the general election, signaling a major shift in power-sharing with the military.
- President Htin Kyaw appointed Hla Thein as UEC chair on March 28, 2016.

Coup and its aftermath
- On January 28, 2021, the UEC rejected the military’s fraud claims about the 2020 election. On February 1, 2021, the military staged a coup and deposed the civilian government. During the coup, Hla Thein was arrested.
- A few days after the coup, the military junta appointed new UEC members, including Thein Soe, the UEC’s inaugural chair.
- In July 2022, Hla Thein and two other UEC members were sentenced to prison for violating section 130(a) of the Myanmar Penal Code.

Current structure and criticisms
- UEC members are appointed by the government and must meet certain qualifications.
- Since the 2021 coup, the military regime has appointed military-aligned members to the Commission.
- The UEC has been criticized for powers that could undermine elections, including potential impacts in conflict areas.

Website: uec.gov.mm