Myanmar’s parliament selected junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to become the country’s civilian president on Friday. The former military commander uses this strategic political move to sustain his power over Myanmar while he introduces his military dictatorship as a civilian government five years after his forceful takeover. The move cements his authority following years of political turmoil and international condemnation.

A Shift to Civilian Disguise

The military-backed election process represents the final step in the military’s persistent effort to establish its authority over official state institutions. The coup leader Min Aung Hlaing who led the military coup in 2021 has worked methodically to destroy all remaining political opposition in the country. Aung San Suu Kyi who had been elected to office became his first target for detention after he staged the coup while he also ordered the disbandment of her popular political party to destroy any chances of democratic opposition.

The regime organized a national election to establish his presidency through complete election control. International observers from organizations like the United Nations have repeatedly denounced the election conditions which restricted voting rights. The newly established parliament consists of pro-military Members of Parliament (MPs) who were selected during the tightly controlled election procedure.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and other human rights organizations together with governance organizations work to track the ongoing destruction of democratic systems which the country is implementing. The international community which includes ASEAN and other regional diplomatic groups maintains serious doubts about the authenticity of the newly established civilian government.

Consolidating Power in Naypyidaw

The presidential election took place through both chambers of parliament in the highly secured capital city of Naypyidaw. Min Aung Hlaing achieved his victory through a large electoral win which all observers expected to happen in the three-candidate competition. The voting results had already been decided before the voting process began because military supporters and their affiliated actors controlled the entire parliamentary system.

Min Aung Hlaing uses his presidential title to establish his government as legitimate while he seeks official state recognition and wants to reduce the international sanctions that have devastated Myanmar’s economy since the 2021 military takeover. The armed forces maintain their complete authority over power relations despite the official title change which makes it impossible to establish real democratic governance.