Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was nominated for a parliamentary vote on Monday to select the country’s next president, which could formalize his rule under a civilian framework.“I nominate Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as vice president,” lawmaker Kyaw Kyaw Htay said during a lower house session, according to state media. Under this process, three vice-presidents will be elected, one of whom will become the president.Min Aung Hlaing was simultaneously named vice-presidential candidate and replaced as military commander, with former spy Ye Win Oo appointed as the new commander-in-chief at a ceremony in Naypyidaw, according to local media reports.This 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 currently serves as the acting President.Min Aung Hlaing has led Myanmar since a 2021 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The military detained Suu Kyi and disbanded her party, sparking a prolonged civil conflict.Earlier this year, pro-military parties won unopposed in elections overseen by the junta, which were widely criticized by democracy watchdogs.If elected president, the move is expected to bolster criticism that the military is consolidating power under civilian cover.
