Myanmar’s military-installed parliament on Friday elected junta chief Min Aung Hlaing as the nation's president.

The move allows the former military commander to maintain his grip on power under a civilian guise exactly five years after he seized control of the country through a violent coup.

The Senior General, who dissolved the ruling party and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, was anointed by pro-military lawmakers in a process overseen by the junta itself.

Parliament Speaker Aung Lin Dwe announced the result from the stage in Naypyidaw, stating, "We hereby announce Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as president."

According to a parliament official, Min Aung Hlaing secured a massive victory, receiving 429 votes out of 584 cast by MPs. His two competitors—current Prime Minister Nyo Saw and USDP regional MP Nan Ni Ni Aye—will serve under him as vice-presidents.

While the junta has framed the reopening of parliament as a "return of power to the people," international analysts have dismissed the move as "civilian window dressing" designed to legitimize continued military rule.

The pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed over 80 percent of the contested seats in the January elections, while serving members of the armed forces occupy an additional 25 percent of unelected seats as mandated by the constitution.

The political transition comes amidst a grinding civil war that has killed tens of thousands on all sides since the 2021 takeover.

Voting was blocked in numerous territories controlled by resistance forces, and all forms of protest or criticism regarding the election were outlawed.

To assume the presidency permanently, Min Aung Hlaing was constitutionally required to relinquish his military post. On Monday, he handed over command of the armed forces to his loyalist and former spymaster, Ye Win Oo.

The military has ruled Myanmar for most of its post-independence history, briefly loosening its grip during a democratic interlude starting in 2011.

However, after Aung San Suu Kyi’s party secured a landslide victory in 2020, Min Aung Hlaing seized power, citing unfounded allegations of massive voter fraud.

Analysts suggest the coup was motivated by the military's anxiety over its waning influence.

With the USDP now entrenched in parliament, the new government is expected to remain in total alignment with the military top brass.

Source: AFP