Just seven days after he made the fateful decision to launch his coup against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on 1 February 2021, General Min Aung Hlaing made a promise; to hold elections and return to civilian rule within a year. It has taken him five years to fulfill that promise. Today, the newly-elected parliament will choose him to be the next president. Min Aung Hlaing has already stepped down as armed forces commander, as required by the constitution before he can take the post of president.
But this is civilian rule in name only. The parliament, sitting for the first time since the coup, is filled with his loyalists. With the armed forces guaranteed one quarter of the seats, and the military's own party, the USDP, winning nearly 80% of the remaining seats in an election that was tilted heavily in its favor, this was a preordained outcome, more of a coronation than an election.
Military men are likely to dominate the new government when it is formed. Min Aung Hlaing has ensured that a staunch ally, General Ye Win Oo, a hardliner with a reputation for brutality, replaces him at the head of the armed forces. He has also created a new consultative council, which will exercise paramount authority over civilian and military affairs. He is ensuring that in taking off his uniform, he does not dilute his power.
For young activists like Kyaw Win – not his real name – all hope of change has gone. Having previously been arrested and tortured for anti-coup protests, he now seeks work outside the country. The past five years have been catastrophic for Myanmar, as Min Aung Hlaing's decisions ignited a civil war that has displaced millions and ruined the economy.
The military regime is waging a brutal response to resistance movements, deploying aerial assaults on opposition-held villages under the guise of a "four cuts" tactic that aims to devastate communities supporting insurgents.
As the junta continues its military parades, Min Aung Hlaing's speeches show no remorse for the devastation caused by his coup. Analysts anticipate that the ongoing conflict will persist, as the new government is unlikely to deviate from the violent policies of the past.
In a fragile stalemate, some activists are now calling for compromise, suggesting that the release of Aung San Suu Kyi could play a decisive role in finding a way forward. However, prospects for peace remain grim as the country's military leaders appear disinclined to adapt their approach.
But this is civilian rule in name only. The parliament, sitting for the first time since the coup, is filled with his loyalists. With the armed forces guaranteed one quarter of the seats, and the military's own party, the USDP, winning nearly 80% of the remaining seats in an election that was tilted heavily in its favor, this was a preordained outcome, more of a coronation than an election.
Military men are likely to dominate the new government when it is formed. Min Aung Hlaing has ensured that a staunch ally, General Ye Win Oo, a hardliner with a reputation for brutality, replaces him at the head of the armed forces. He has also created a new consultative council, which will exercise paramount authority over civilian and military affairs. He is ensuring that in taking off his uniform, he does not dilute his power.
For young activists like Kyaw Win – not his real name – all hope of change has gone. Having previously been arrested and tortured for anti-coup protests, he now seeks work outside the country. The past five years have been catastrophic for Myanmar, as Min Aung Hlaing's decisions ignited a civil war that has displaced millions and ruined the economy.
The military regime is waging a brutal response to resistance movements, deploying aerial assaults on opposition-held villages under the guise of a "four cuts" tactic that aims to devastate communities supporting insurgents.
As the junta continues its military parades, Min Aung Hlaing's speeches show no remorse for the devastation caused by his coup. Analysts anticipate that the ongoing conflict will persist, as the new government is unlikely to deviate from the violent policies of the past.
In a fragile stalemate, some activists are now calling for compromise, suggesting that the release of Aung San Suu Kyi could play a decisive role in finding a way forward. However, prospects for peace remain grim as the country's military leaders appear disinclined to adapt their approach.
