Min Aung Hlaing has stepped down as commander in chief of Myanmar’s armed forces, seeking the presidency and paving the way for the military to extend its rule. He was elected vice-president by the lower house on Tuesday, alongside another nominee from a military-aligned party. A third vice-president will be chosen by the military itself.
The move follows the 2021 coup led by Hlaing against the elected government and is seen as an effort to maintain power through a civilian administration. He has been replaced as military commander by a close ally.
Parliament is now expected to vote later this week to determine which of the three vice-presidents will be elevated to the position of president. The elections have been widely criticized by the United Nations and others.
Myanmar’s Parliament has begun the process of choosing a new president, though the military retains significant power and influence within the government.