Myanmar's parliament names Min Aung Hlaing as new president

Key Points:

• Myanmar’s parliament elected Min Aung Hlaing, the general who led the 2021 military coup, as the country’s new president, marking a nominal return to elected government but effectively maintaining military control.
• The election followed a military-organized vote widely criticized as neither free nor fair, with opposition parties blocked or boycotting, and was seen as a move to improve relations with some Southeast Asian neighbors.
• Min Aung Hlaing won 429 out of 584 votes in a parliament dominated by military-backed members, and relinquished his commander-in-chief role to comply with constitutional rules, with Gen. Ye Win Oo taking over the military leadership.
• The opposition National Unity Government condemned Min Aung Hlaing’s presidency, accusing him of war crimes and vowing to continue the struggle for democracy amid ongoing civil war and widespread repression.
• Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar has experienced deadly conflict with thousands killed and political prisoners detained; the International Criminal Court is investigating Min Aung Hlaing for crimes against humanity related to military actions, including persecution of the Rohingya.