Myanmar’s parliament on Friday elected Min Aung Hlaing, the general who orchestrated the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government, as the nation's new president.

Military's Grip on Power

This move, despite appearing as a return to an elected government, is largely seen as a maneuver to solidify military control. The election was organized by the military and widely condemned as neither free nor fair by opponents and independent observers.

The transition towards an elected government is also viewed as an effort to mend strained diplomatic relationships with Asian neighbors following the international fallout from the military takeover. China and Russia have consistently supported the military administration, while Western powers have imposed targeted sanctions.

Election Results and New Leadership

Min Aung Hlaing secured 429 votes out of a total of 584, announced parliament speaker Aung Lin Dwe. The election took place in the newly renovated parliament building in Naypyitaw, which had sustained damage from a previous earthquake.

Nyo Saw, a former general and advisor to Min Aung Hlaing, and Nan Ni Ni Aye, an ethnic Karen politician from the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party, will serve as vice presidents. Nan Ni Ni Aye will be the country's first female vice president.

Constitutional Changes and Background

Min Aung Hlaing stepped down from his role as commander-in-chief, a move mandated by the constitution which prevents the president from simultaneously holding the highest military office. Gen. Ye Win Oo has assumed the position of commander-in-chief.

The 69-year-old Min Aung Hlaing had led the military since 2011, wielding substantial power even before the 2021 coup under the military-imposed constitution.

Limited Participation and Ongoing Conflict

Parliament members were elected in phases throughout December and January. Major opposition parties, including Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, faced obstacles or chose not to participate due to perceived unfair conditions.

Aung San Suu Kyi, 80, is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence on charges widely considered politically motivated. Myanmar experienced military rule from 1962 until 2016, when Suu Kyi’s party won a landslide victory in the 2015 election.

The army seized control in 2021 before the newly elected Parliament could convene, leading to peaceful protests met with brutal force and the rise of armed resistance, including alliances with ethnic minority groups.

Voting in the recent election was limited to 263 of the country's 330 townships due to security concerns.

International Response

Joe Freeman, a researcher at Amnesty International Myanmar, stated that assuming an official civilian title will not shield Min Aung Hlaing from potential prosecution for alleged serious violations of international law.

The International Criminal Court initiated an investigation in 2024 into alleged crimes against humanity, seeking an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing related to the persecution of the Rohingya minority. The situation in Myanmar remains complex, with ongoing human rights concerns and a difficult road ahead.