Military junta chairman General Min Aung Hlaing’s self-appointment as President, which is not provided for in the 2008 Constitution, has been described as shamelessly pursuing a presidential dream by political analysts.
Recently, the military junta announced that Acting President U Myint Swe had taken medical leave due to undergoing surgeries and continuing to suffer from neurological weakness, necessitating home care.
Political analyst U Than Soe Naing stated that previous National Defense and Security Council meetings were conducted as if they were within the framework of the 2008 Constitution.
“When the news about Acting President U Myint Swe’s health issues was repeatedly announced, we anticipated a change. Now, assigning Acting President responsibilities to the military junta chairman under the guise of constitutional procedures has resulted in a self-appointment to the presidency, reflecting his shameless pursuit of his presidential ambitions,” he said.
On July 22, the military junta announced that Acting President U Myint Swe had transferred his duties to the chairman to handle National Defense and Security Council matters, citing his inability to perform his responsibilities due to his medical leave.
Military junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun claimed on July 23 that the assumption of the acting presidency was conducted in accordance with the 2008 Constitution.
“We want to clarify that this was done in accordance with constitutional provisions. Under Article 417 of the Constitution, the declaration of a state of emergency and Article 412, the emergency declaration, mean that during an ongoing emergency, the remaining members of the National Defense and Security Council must continue their duties as stipulated by the Constitution,” he said.
On January 31, 2024, the military junta extended the nationwide state of emergency for another six months during a National Defense and Security Council meeting. This period will end on July 31, 2024.
U Than Soe Naing added, “It has been announced that the National Defense and Security Council meeting will be held on July 31, during which he will likely lead the meeting and formally declare himself as president, abandoning the role of Acting President Myint Swe. This announcement is a clear indication of his intention.”
It has been over three years since the military seized power, citing irregularities in the general election voter lists.
