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Myanmar Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing Nominated as President in Power Consolidation

Myanmar's junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has been nominated as the country's president through a parliamentary vote. The legislature, dominated by military appointees and allies, selected him, completing his formal transition from armed forces commander to head of state. This move follows the 2021 coup where he overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The military also appointed a new commander-in-chief and installed former generals as parliamentary speakers, further entrenching its authority.

Key Points: Myanmar Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing Nominated President

  • Junta chief nominated as president
  • Military consolidates political control
  • Parliament dominated by military allies
  • Constitution allows military-nominated candidates
2 min read

Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing nominated as president

Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing nominated as president in a parliamentary vote, cementing his control after the 2021 coup.

"Min Aung Hlaing has ruled Myanmar since 2021, when he ordered a coup toppling the elected government - Myanmar Now"

Naypyidaw, March 30

Myanmar's junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has been nominated as President in a parliamentary process that seems planned to cement his grip on civil society, local media reported on Monday

The Myanmar junta also appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Army Ye Win Oo as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services.

Ye Win Oo, on Monday, replaced Min Aung Hlaing, who has been serving as Myanmar's Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services since 2011, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The handover ceremony of the commander-in-chief of defence services was held at the Zeyathiri Beikman in Naypyidaw on Monday.

Min Aung Hlaing has ruled Myanmar since 2021, when he ordered a coup toppling the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, local media Myanmar Now reported.

In a vote held in Naypyitaw on Monday, a legislature which has military appointees and allies of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in the majority selected Min Aung Hlaing as President, completing his shift from commander-in-chief of the armed forces to head of state.

As per the military-drafted constitution, the bicameral parliament nominates two presidential candidates while military representatives who have 25 per cent of parliamentary seats nominate a third.

Of the three candidates, the one getting the most votes becomes President, while the other two become vice presidents.

During the session on Monday, the lower house nominated Min Aung Hlaing as a presidential candidate, while the upper house selected Union Solidarity and Development Party lawmaker Nang Ni Ni Aye, Myanmar Now reported.

The move comes after years of the military seizing power in a coup, detaining elected leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and dismantling democratic institutions.

Earlier this month, two former generals were chosen for the position of speakers of the upper and lower houses of parliament. Former national police chief and junta cabinet minister Khin Yi was elected speaker of the lower chamber, while Aung Lin Dwe, a key player in the 2021 coup, was appointed speaker of the upper chamber.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
From a strategic perspective, this consolidation of power creates more instability on India's eastern border. The ongoing conflict drives refugees into Mizoram and Manipur, which is a humanitarian and security challenge for us. The government needs a clear, long-term policy here.
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Priyanka N
It's all a staged drama. "Nominated by parliament" when the parliament itself is filled with their own people. 🤦‍♀️ The world must not recognize this illegitimate government. Aung San Suu Kyi is still the rightful leader in the eyes of her people.
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Aman W
While I condemn the coup, India has to be pragmatic. We share a long border with Myanmar. We need engagement to manage cross-border issues, insurgency, and infrastructure projects like Kaladan. A complete isolation policy won't serve our national interest.
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Karthik V
The parallels to some historical power grabs are unsettling. The constitution is just a tool for them. Hope the brave people of Myanmar continue their resistance. Their fight for democracy is an inspiration.
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Michael C
A respectful criticism: India's official statements on Myanmar have been too cautious. As the world's largest democracy, we should have a stronger, more principled stance against such blatant dismantling of democratic institutions, not just quiet diplomacy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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