In a significant development in Myanmar’s political landscape, the country’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, was elected as a vice-president by the lower house of parliament on Tuesday. The announcement was made by the lower house speaker, Khin Yi, who confirmed that Min Aung Hlaing secured 247 out of 260 votes cast.
Three vice-presidents are slated to be selected this week, with one among them expected to be elected president through a vote involving the entire parliament. Min Aung Hlaing’s election as vice-president brings him a step closer to assuming the presidency, thereby solidifying his hold on power.
Min Aung Hlaing has been the de facto ruler of Myanmar since orchestrating a military coup in 2021 that ousted the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. This coup plunged the country into civil conflict and marked the beginning of a period of strict military control.
Under his leadership, Myanmar held heavily controlled elections in late January, which were criticized for criminalizing protests and dissent against the electoral process. These elections resulted in a decisive victory for pro-military parties, raising concerns among democracy advocates that the new government would essentially serve as a military proxy.
Analysts widely anticipate that Min Aung Hlaing will be elected president later this week, following his recent resignation as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and his nomination for the vice-presidency by the lower house on Monday. This move is seen as a strategic step to maintain his dominance over Myanmar’s political system.
