By Blessing Nweke
Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing has been nominated for the presidency as the country’s newly formed parliament convened on Monday, following a widely disputed general election that excluded major opposition parties.
The nomination all but guarantees his appointment, as he faces only two loyalist contenders with little chance of success. Around 90% of parliamentary members are aligned with the military, either as serving officers—who constitutionally hold a quarter of seats—or as representatives of the junta-backed party.
The elections, held between December and January, were presented by the regime as a step toward national stability. However, critics have dismissed the vote as neither free nor fair, citing the banning of key political groups and the exclusion of conflict-affected regions. The government has rejected these claims.
Myanmar has been gripped by violence since the 2021 coup that removed the civilian administration led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The ongoing civil war has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions, with large parts of the country under the control of armed resistance groups.
Min Aung Hlaing’s long-standing ambition to become president is widely seen as a driving force behind the coup. However, the role comes with risks, as the constitution requires him to relinquish command of the armed forces. Reports suggest divisions among senior commanders dissatisfied with his leadership.
He has appointed General Ye Win Oo, a hardline ally, as his likely successor, and established a new council he will lead—potentially allowing him to retain influence.
Despite the formal shift, analysts say the incoming administration is unlikely to differ significantly from the current military junta.
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