Min Aung Hlaing was elected president of Myanmar after winning a parliamentary vote dominated by pro-military lawmakers, formally taking control of the country five years after leading a coup against an elected government.The 69-year-old general won the presidency after a vote in parliament controlled mainly by the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party and appointed representatives of the armed forces.Min Aung Hlaing, who has led Myanmar’s armed forces since 2011, overthrew Myanmar’s civilian government and seized power in 2021. Aung San Suu Kyiarrested her and sparked nationwide protests that later evolved into an armed resistance movement.He rose to the presidency after elections held in December and January, which were won by a party backed by the army. Opposition groups and Western governments criticized the poll as lacking credibility and seen as a mechanism to expand military rule within a civilian framework.During a live broadcast of the count, Min Aung Hlaing easily crossed the threshold needed to secure the presidency.His inauguration as president coincided with a reshuffle of military leadership. Earlier this week, Min Aung Hlaing nominated former intelligence chief Ye Win Oo, seen as a close ally, as his successor to lead the armed forces.Analysts believe that this move is a strategic move to consolidate power while establishing the image of a civilian government.“He has long harbored the ambition to give up the title of commander-in-chief in exchange for the presidency, and now it appears that his dream is becoming a reality,” said independent analyst Aung Kyaw Soe.The shift is also seen as an attempt to gain international legitimacy while maintaining the military’s influence on governance.Despite the change in leadership, Myanmar remains mired in conflict. Armed resistance groups, including factions linked to Suu Kyi’s party and ethnic minority forces, have stepped up coordination against the military.“Our vision and strategic goal is to completely abolish all forms of dictatorship, including military dictatorship, and to jointly create a new political landscape,” the Steering Committee for the Birth of the Federal Democratic Alliance said in a statement.Analysts have warned that opposition groups could face greater military pressure under the new political arrangement, as well as changes in relations with neighboring countries.Experts say the changing political and economic environment could further complicate resistance efforts.“Maintaining organizational stability may become difficult amid global oil and fuel shortages and economic crises,” said analyst Sai Kyi Zin Soe.“As these difficulties increase, it may become more difficult to build mutual understanding and trust between groups, reach firmer agreements and sustain cooperation.”The development underscores ongoing instability in Myanmar, where the military is consolidating power but civil strife continues with no immediate resolution in sight.
