Justice for Myanmar and international experts call for global rejection of junta’s "puppet parliament"

Mizzima

On 18 March, the advocacy group Justice for Myanmar (JFM) issued a formal statement urging international governments to unequivocally oppose the military junta and all institutions arising from the recent “sham” elections.

The call for a global boycott follows the convening of the Third Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) and Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) this week, which JFM characterized as a desperate attempt to rebrand a “criminal regime” responsible for mass atrocities.

“A simple change in name will not alter the nature of this group of war criminals. Regardless of the disguise, it must be dismantled,” the statement said.

JFM also urged international governments to impose targeted sanctions on the junta, including its financial networks, military operations, and aviation fuel supplies, and to stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar.

According to reports, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) secured a majority of seats in a three-phase election that began on 28 December 2025.

On 16 and 18 March, sessions of the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) and the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) were convened. Khin Yi, chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), serves as Speaker of the Lower House, while Information Minister Maung Maung Ohn was appointed Deputy Speaker. In the Upper House. Former general Aung Lin Dwe serves as Speaker, with Sports and Youth Affairs Minister and Hotel and Tourism Minister Jeng Phang Naw Taung appointed as Deputy Speaker.

The military authorities have announced plans to convene parliament in March and elect a president in early April as part of forming a new government.

On 16 March, the Special Advisory Council on Myanmar (SAC-M) stated that military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has appointed both former and current top generals who share his views to key positions, in an effort to consolidate control over both the junta’s “government” and the military.

SAC-M added that such efforts will not bring the junta closer to the legitimacy and normalcy it seeks and urged international governments to reject the military’s puppet government and refrain from engaging with it.