Myanmar’s military ruler Min Aung Hlaing is nominated as a vice-presidential candidate, a step that could see him become president under a new civilian guise.

NAYPYIDAW: Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was nominated as a vice-presidential candidate in parliament on Monday.

The nomination paves the way for the coup leader to continue his rule in civilian garb, as he was also replaced as military commander.

“I nominate Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as vice-president,” MP Kyaw Kyaw Htay said during a lower house session broadcast on state-run television.

Three vice-presidents will be chosen, with one subsequently elected as the country’s president.

The junta also installed a new military commander-in-chief on Monday.

Former spymaster Ye Win Oo replaced Min Aung Hlaing at a ceremony in the capital Naypyidaw, according to several Myanmar media reports.

Min Aung Hlaing has ruled by diktat since ousting the government of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.

The junta detained Aung San Suu Kyi and dissolved her party, triggering a civil war.

Pro-military parties secured a walkover victory earlier this year in elections overseen by the junta.

Those polls were widely criticised by international democracy watchdogs.

Under Myanmar’s constitution, Min Aung Hlaing is required to step down from his military post to become president.

He is already serving as the country’s acting president.

Taking the role on a permanent basis would bolster critics who accuse the military of transferring power to itself in a civilian disguise.

 The Sun Malaysia