Myanmar: Win Myint elected president March 28

Event

Win Myint, a trusted aide of Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was elected as the country’s next president on Wednesday, March 28. The vote came one week after now-former President Htin Kyaw resigned amid growing concerns about the 71-year-old’s health. Like his predecessor, Win Myint will essentially be a ceremonial leader, as Suu Kyi remains the de facto head of state.

Context

As a long-time member of Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, Win Myint is seen as a Suu Kyi loyalist. It is unclear what role Win Myint will have in Myanmar’s economic or political affairs, or the resolution of the ongoing Rohingya crisis. He himself belongs to Myanmar’s majority ethnic group, the Bamar. Any developments regarding the Rohingya situation may prompt protests across the country.

Htin Kyaw was sworn in as president in April 2016 after landmark elections that ended decades of military leadership, whereby he became the country’s first democratically-elected president with no ties to the military.

Advice

Individuals present in Myanmar are advised to stay abreast of current affairs and avoid all demonstrations.