30 Mar : Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has been nominated as President through a parliamentary process widely seen as reinforcing his control over the country’s political system, local media reported on Monday.
The development marks a significant transition for Min Aung Hlaing, who has ruled Myanmar since the 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Alongside the nomination, the junta appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Army Ye Win Oo as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services. Ye Win Oo replaces Min Aung Hlaing, who had held the position since 2011, according to Xinhua News Agency.
A formal handover ceremony was held at the Zeyathiri Beikman in Naypyidaw on Monday, signalling a key shift in the military leadership structure as Min Aung Hlaing moves toward a civilian leadership role.
Parliamentary Process And Political Backdrop
In a vote held in Naypyitaw, a legislature dominated by military appointees and allies of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) selected Min Aung Hlaing as President. The move completes his transition from armed forces chief to head of state.
Under Myanmar’s military-drafted constitution, the bicameral parliament nominates two presidential candidates, while military representatives — who hold 25 per cent of parliamentary seats — nominate a third. Among the three, the candidate securing the most votes becomes President, while the remaining two are appointed as vice presidents.
During Monday’s session, the lower house nominated Min Aung Hlaing, while the upper house selected USDP lawmaker Nang Ni Ni Aye as another candidate.
The move comes after years of military consolidation following the coup, during which elected leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, were detained and democratic institutions dismantled.
Earlier this month, former generals were also appointed to key parliamentary roles, with Khin Yi becoming speaker of the lower house and Aung Lin Dwe named speaker of the upper chamber.
