Myanmar’s parliament has elected Min Aung Hlaing as the country’s new president. He's the general who ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government in 2021 and has maintained tight control for the past five years.
Myanmar’s parliament has elected Min Aung Hlaing as the country’s new president.
He's the general who ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government in 2021 and has maintained tight control for the past five years.
Myanmar’s parliament on Friday elected Min Aung Hlaing, a general who ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government in 2021 and kept an iron grip on power for the past five years, as the country’s new president.
Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar’s military council, inspects officers during a parade to commemorate Myanmar’s 78th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, March 27, 2023.
Myanmar’s military representatives arrive for a session at Union parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Friday, April 3, 2026.
Myanmar’s military representatives arrive for a session at Union parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Myanmar’s military representatives and lawmakers arrive to attend a session at Union parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Friday, April 3, 2026.( Photo/Aung Shine Oo).
Parliament chairman Aung Lin Dwe, center, arrives for a session of Union Parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Friday, April 3, 2026.
BANGKOK () — Myanmar’s parliament on Friday elected Min Aung Hlaing, a general who ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government in 2021 and kept an iron grip on power for the past five years, as the country’s new president.
The move marks a nominal return to an elected government but is widely considered as an effort to keep the army in power after an election organized by the military that opponents and independent observers deemed neither free nor fair, and as civil war rages.
Transitioning to an elected government is also seen as a way to improve frosty relations with some Southeast Asian neighbors following the military takeover.
China and Russia have supported the military administration, while Western powers imposed sanctions.
Min Aung Hlaing was one of three nominees for the president’s post, but was virtually guaranteed the job as lawmakers from military-backed parties and appointed members from the army hold a commanding majority in parliament.
The political importance lies in whether the issue moves from public comment into formal action, party response, court record, election authority notice or administrative decision.
For public institutions and political groups, the next test is whether the issue remains a public argument or turns into a formal response, legal proceeding, administrative instruction or election-related communication.
