Min Aung Hlaing has been elected president of Myanmar after winning a parliamentary vote dominated by pro-military lawmakers, formalizing his control of the country five years after he led a coup against an elected government.The 69-year-old general secured the presidency after a vote in parliament, which is largely controlled by the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, and representatives of the armed forces were appointed.Min Aung Hlaing, who has led Myanmar’s armed forces since 2011, seized power in 2021 by overthrowing the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi, placing her under arrest and sparking nationwide protests that later developed into an armed resistance movement.His elevation to the presidency follows elections held in December and January, which were won by a military-backed party. Opposition groups and Western governments criticized the elections as lacking credibility and seen as a mechanism for expanding military rule within a civilian framework.During the live broadcast of the vote counting, Min Aung Hlaing comfortably crossed the threshold required to secure the presidency.
His move to the presidency coincided with a ministerial reshuffle in the military leadership. Earlier this week, Min Aung nominated Hlaing Ye Win Oo, a former intelligence chief who is considered a close ally, as his successor to lead the armed forces.Analysts believe that this step is a strategic effort to strengthen power while highlighting the image of the civil administration.“He has always had an ambition to give up his title as commander-in-chief to the president, and it appears his dreams have now become a reality,” independent analyst Aung Kyaw Swe said.This shift is also seen as an attempt to gain international legitimacy while maintaining the influence of the military institution over governance.Despite the leadership transition, Myanmar remains mired in conflict. Armed resistance groups, including factions linked to Suu Kyi’s party and ethnic minority forces, have intensified coordination against the military.The Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union said in a statement, “Our vision and strategic goals are to completely dismantle all forms of dictatorship, including military dictatorship, and collectively embark on a new political landscape.”Analysts warn that opposition groups may face increasing military pressure under the new political arrangement, as well as changing dynamics with neighboring countries.Experts say the evolving political and economic environment could further complicate resistance efforts.“In light of the global oil and fuel shortages and economic crises, maintaining regulatory stability may become difficult,” analyst Sai Kee Zin Swee said.“As these difficulties increase, it may become more difficult to build mutual understanding and trust between groups, reach tougher agreements, and maintain cooperation.”This development highlights the continuing instability in Myanmar, where the consolidation of military power is unfolding alongside an ongoing civil conflict with no immediate solution in sight.
