Irrawaddy-Jan 24
Myanmar military regime chief Min Aung Hlaing is likely to hand over power to his puppet, acting president U Myint Swe, at the head of a “civilian government” while remaining the power behind the throne when two years of emergency military rule expire at the end of this month. The scenario, sources and analysts said, is meant to prepare for the election the junta plans to hold this year, with the regime chief continuing to hold the powerful army boss position while waiting to become the country’s president through the election. Myanmar’s military-drafted constitution states that a poll must be held within six months of the end of emergency rule.
They said the junta chief would most likely choose this option, as the constitution prohibits him from extending emergency rule beyond two years. More importantly, he needs to fill the power vacuum until the election by picking someone he will be able to influence as they organize the election, and who can peddle Min Aung Hlaing’s lie that he is no longer in charge. Facing no significant opposition, Min Aung Hlaing’s road to the country’s top job is open, as the military proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party only needs to secure 26 percent of seats in the national legislature to add to the 25 percent constitutionally guaranteed to the military. Observers said this will make the junta feel it can claim legitimacy as an elected government, though the planned poll has already been condemned as a sham both locally and internationally. Whatever the case, the analysts said, Min Aung Hlaing will continue to hold power, be it de facto or de jure. The NDSC meeting on Jan. 31 in Naypyitaw will decide which. Read more at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-expected-to-install-puppet-civilian-govt-at-end-of-january.html
