Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has been nominated as a vice-presidential candidate, positioning him to become president and maintain control over the country’s civilian government. The announcement was made on Monday, AFP reported.
During a lower house session, lawmaker Kyaw Kyaw Htay stated, “I nominate Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as vice president,” as broadcast on state television. Myanmar’s parliament will elect three vice presidents, and one of them will be chosen as president in a subsequent vote.
New military leadership takes over
Alongside the nomination, the junta appointed a new military chief. Former intelligence chief Ye Win Oo, who previously served as army commander, replaced Min Aung Hlaing at a ceremony in Naypyitaw, according to local media reports. This move transfers control of the military to Ye Win Oo while Min Aung Hlaing prepares for a civilian role.
Myanmar’s military has ruled the country for most of its post-independence history and portrays itself as the protector of national unity. After a decade of democratic reforms beginning in 2011, Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government rose to power, only to be ousted in Min Aung Hlaing’s 2021 coup.
Military-backed election consolidates power
In late January 2026, a highly restricted election produced a landslide victory for pro-military parties, including the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which now holds 80 percent of parliamentary seats. Democracy watchdogs have warned that this government will largely serve as a military proxy. Protests and criticism of the election were criminalized by junta authorities.
Analysts note that Min Aung Hlaing’s seizure of power followed Suu Kyi’s 2020 electoral victory, which signaled a decline in military influence. By moving into a civilian presidency, he aims to retain political power while entrusting the military’s operational control to Ye Win Oo.
Transition challenges ahead
Min Aung Hlaing faces a complex transition as he steps into a civilian leadership role. Managing the handover of the military’s extensive authority to Ye Win Oo while maintaining political dominance will be a critical test for Myanmar’s junta leader in the coming months.
