Myanmar's Junta Chief Paves Way for Presidency
Myanmar's military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has been replaced by a close ally as commander, clearing the path for him to become the country's next president in a parliament loyal to the army.
In a move that further consolidates the military's grip on power in Myanmar, the country's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has been replaced as the top military commander by a close ally. This strategic change clears the way for Hlaing to become the nation's next president, as he will now face a three-way vote in a parliament mostly loyal to the army.
Hlaing's replacement, Soe Win, is a long-time trusted associate who has served alongside the junta chief for decades. The appointment strengthens Hlaing's position as he seeks to legitimize his rule through the presidency, after the military seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted the democratically elected government.
The military-dominated parliament is expected to hold a vote in the coming weeks to select the next president, with Hlaing as the frontrunner. The other two candidates are the current Vice President Myint Swe, another army-appointed figure, and Tin Aung San, the speaker of the upper house of parliament.
Since the coup, the military has faced widespread public opposition and armed resistance, plunging the country into chaos and economic crisis. Hlaing's potential elevation to the presidency is seen as an attempt to consolidate his power and legitimize the military's rule, despite the ongoing turmoil.
Critics have condemned the move, arguing that it undermines any prospect of a return to democracy in Myanmar. Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, described the situation as a
Source: Deutsche Welle
