NAY PYI TAW – Five years after seizing power in a violent coup and promising a swift return to civilian rule, General Min Aung Hlaing has finally fulfilled his pledge—at least in name. On Friday, the newly-elected parliament, dominated by military loyalists, officially selected the former military chief as the next President of Myanmar.
The transition comes after a heavily criticized election that observers describe as a “coronation” rather than a democratic process. To assume the presidency, Min Aung Hlaing resigned from his post as armed forces commander, as required by the constitution. However, analysts warn that the move represents a shift in wardrobe rather than a shift in power.
Power Without the Uniform
The political landscape in Myanmar has been meticulously engineered to ensure the military’s continued dominance. In the recent elections, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed nearly 80% of the contested seats. Combined with the 25% of parliamentary seats constitutionally guaranteed to the military, the outcome was a mathematical certainty.
Min Aung Hlaing has also taken steps to insulate his authority:
- Succession: He has appointed General Ye Win Oo, a hardline ally known for his brutal tactics, to take over as head of the armed forces.
- New Oversight: He has established a “consultative council” that will hold paramount authority over both civilian and military affairs, effectively bypassing standard executive limits.
A Legacy of Conflict and Catastrophe
The five years since the February 1, 2021, coup have been defined by a brutal civil war. The military’s decision to use lethal force against protesters in 2021 ignited an armed resistance that continues to control significant portions of the country.
The junta has responded with the “four cuts” strategy, a scorched-earth policy intended to starve insurgent groups of support. This has resulted in:
- Indiscriminate air and drone strikes on schools, homes, and hospitals.
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4 million people. - Systemic human rights abuses, including torture.
One former student activist, “Kyaw Win,” recently released from prison, recounted a harrowing week of torture in 2022. “They beat me on my back with an iron rod… they burned me with cigarettes,” he said, describing a pattern of sexual assault and physical violence that has become common under the regime.
Economic Collapse and Resource Scarcity
While Min Aung Hlaing celebrated with a grand military parade in the capital, the rest of the country remains in an economic freefall. The UN estimates that 16 million people—nearly a third of the population—now require life-saving assistance.
The situation is further exacerbated by global instability. Due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Myanmar, which imports 90% of its petroleum, is facing severe fuel shortages. Petrol and diesel are being rationed, and hyperinflation has made basic survival nearly impossible for the working class.
“The difference between now and 10 years ago is like night and day,” said Tin Oo, a motorbike taxi driver in Yangon. “We cannot earn enough even to cover our rent and food.”
The Narrow Path to Peace
The National Unity Government (NUG), representing the administration ousted in the 2021 coup, has dismissed the new government as illegitimate. Spokesman Nay Phone Latt stated, “This is not the time to compromise. If we give up now, the next generation will suffer more.”
However, some veteran activists are calling for a middle ground. Mya Aye, who has spent years in military prisons, has formed a new council to advocate for dialogue. He suggests that the only way forward is the release of all political prisoners, including the 80-year-old democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.
Rumors persist that Min Aung Hlaing may release Suu Kyi later this year now that his presidential ambitions have been realized. Yet, for a country shattered by five years of war and economic ruin, the path to genuine peace remains dangerously narrow.
“This election is not the solution,” Mya Aye warned. “It is a game played by Min Aung Hlaing on his people.”
