Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing nominated as president

3 hours agoJonathan HeadSouth East Asia correspondent, YangonAFP via Getty ImagesMin Aung Hlaing has been sanctioned by many Western countries for leading a military coup five years agoMyanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing has been nominated for the presidency as parliament convened on Monday, following a general election from which the biggest opposition parties were excluded.Min Aung Hlaing is certain to be chosen, as he was nominated in parliament alongside two loyalists who are very unlikely contenders for president.He has been sanctioned by many Western countries for leading a military coup five years ago.In the ensuing civil war, thousands of people have been killed and millions have been displaced. Large areas of the country remain under the control of armed opposition groups.The general elections, held between December and January, were touted by the junta as a pathway to peace.But the vote was widely viewed as a sham, with many popular parties banned from standing and large areas of the country not allowed to participate because of the civil war.The regime has rejected this criticism, maintaining that the vote was free and fair.Still, around 90% of the members of Myanmar's new parliament owe their loyalty to Min Aung Hlaing, either as serving officers in the armed forces - which are guaranteed a quarter of the seats - or as elected candidates for the military's own party.They plan to spend most of this week debating the choice of the next president, but it is now inevitable that the coup leader will get the job.AFP via Getty ImagesFollowing Myanmar's general elections, its parliament convened for the first time on 16 MarchMin Aung Hlaing is known to have wanted the presidency for a long time. The prospect of not getting it after the military party's dismal performance in the 2020 election was a big factor behind the coup that ousted the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.But there are trade-offs: the constitution states that Min Aung Hlaing must give up command of the armed forces if he becomes president.That carries risks. There are known to be senior commanders who are unhappy with his leadership.He has already chosen a staunch loyalist, General Ye Win Oo to replace him, who has a reputation for brutal treatment of dissidents. But the risk still remains that once Min Aung Hlaing no longer controls the military, he loses some of his power.He has also created a new consultative council which he will head, which could give him continued authority over both military and civilian affairs.What is not in doubt is that the new administration will essentially be just an expanded version of the current military junta, but in civilian clothes.There has been no indication from Min Aung Hlaing or his deputies that he will change course, and end the violent suppression of those who oppose his seizure of power five years ago.