Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was nominated on Monday for a parliamentary vote to select the country’s next president, in a move that could formalise his rule under a civilian framework.
“I nominate Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as vice-president,” MP Kyaw Kyaw Htay said during a lower house session, according to state-run media. Under the process, three vice-presidents will be chosen, one of whom will go on to become president.
Min Aung Hlaing was simultaneously nominated as a vice-presidential candidate and replaced as military commander, with former spymaster Ye Win Oo appointed as the new commander-in-chief at a ceremony in Naypyidaw, according to local media reports.
The development paves the way for the junta leader to transition from military rule to a civilian leadership role, as required under Myanmar’s constitution. He is currently serving as acting president.
Min Aung Hlaing has led Myanmar since the 2021 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The military detained Suu Kyi and dissolved her party, triggering a prolonged civil conflict.
Earlier this year, pro-military parties secured an uncontested victory in elections overseen by the junta, which were widely criticised by democracy watchdogs.
If elected president, the move is expected to reinforce criticism that the military is consolidating power under a civilian guise.
