Myanmar junta chief becomes president

Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has been elected president, formally consolidating his power five years after the military coup. He took office following a parliamentary vote in which he secured strong backing from military-affiliated lawmakers, with 429 votes in favour and 126 against.

His election followed a poll won by a party backed by the military. Critics and several Western countries have described the vote as rigged to maintain military control under a civilian façade. Min Aung Hlaing is thus moving from the position of army commander-in-chief to head of state.

Since taking power in 2021, the country has been rocked by protests and armed resistance that has escalated into civil war. The conflict continues and the country’s economic situation remains weak. The military faces accusations of human rights violations, which it denies.

The International Criminal Court has previously sought an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing in connection with the persecution of the Rohingya minority. Human rights organisations say his elevation to the presidency does not alter those allegations.

The new government has secured the support of China, while domestic opposition groups are forming a united front against the military.

(reuters, max)