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 fulfil that promise. Today, the newly-elected parliament chose 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. However, 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 which was tilted heavily in its favour, this was a preordained outcome, more of a coronation than an election. Military men are also 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.
For young activists like Kyaw Win, hope for change has evaporated. He was arrested and tortured for protesting the coup and now plans to find work outside Myanmar. The last five years have been catastrophic for the nation, with over 16 million people needing assistance and nearly four million displaced. The military's response to armed opposition has involved brutal air power and ground offensives that have devastated communities.
As Min Aung Hlaing presided over a military parade in Nay Pyi Taw, he reiterated justifications for military rule without reflecting on the devastation caused by his coup. Analysts suggest that conflict in Myanmar will persist, as the new leadership is likely to maintain oppressive tactics against resistance groups. Efforts for peace remain fraught, with some activists calling for dialogue, yet Min Aung Hlaing's government seems unwilling to compromise, leaving Myanmar's future uncertain.
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 which was tilted heavily in its favour, this was a preordained outcome, more of a coronation than an election. Military men are also 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.
For young activists like Kyaw Win, hope for change has evaporated. He was arrested and tortured for protesting the coup and now plans to find work outside Myanmar. The last five years have been catastrophic for the nation, with over 16 million people needing assistance and nearly four million displaced. The military's response to armed opposition has involved brutal air power and ground offensives that have devastated communities.
As Min Aung Hlaing presided over a military parade in Nay Pyi Taw, he reiterated justifications for military rule without reflecting on the devastation caused by his coup. Analysts suggest that conflict in Myanmar will persist, as the new leadership is likely to maintain oppressive tactics against resistance groups. Efforts for peace remain fraught, with some activists calling for dialogue, yet Min Aung Hlaing's government seems unwilling to compromise, leaving Myanmar's future uncertain.
