Mar 31, Kathmandu - Myanmar's military regime is showing signs of strengthening its grip on power. Following the election of Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing as Vice President by the lower house, he is now on the decisive path toward becoming the country's next President.

In a vote held on Tuesday, the lower house announced Min Aung Hlaing as Vice President with 247 out of 260 votes, according to parliamentary officials. House Speaker Khin Yi confirmed that the elected members formally designated him as Vice President, a move that clearly signals the direction of the upcoming power structure.

The plan is to select three Vice Presidents within this week. One of them is expected to be appointed President through a parliamentary vote, a constitutional provision that analysts say places Min Aung Hlaing as a leading contender for the top position. Since seizing power in 2021 by overthrowing the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, Min Aung Hlaing has maintained strict military rule across Myanmar.

This move has plunged Myanmar into deep conflict and instability, effects of which are still felt today. Over the past five years, the international community has widely criticized the military-led regime. Recently, elections held under heavy restrictions were declared invalid, with opposition and dissent labeled as crimes, resulting in an easy victory for the military-backed party.

Pro-democracy groups have warned that the new government will be under direct military influence. Given Myanmar’s history of long-standing military control since independence, such concerns appear increasingly justified. Following his resignation as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, the lower house nominated Min Aung Hlaing for the vice-presidency, a move that analysts believe significantly boosts his prospects of becoming President.