Naypyidaw: Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has officially relinquished his role as the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, paving the way for his anticipated transition to the presidency. The timeline for the parliamentary vote to elect the new president remains unannounced.

According to Thai News Agency, Min Aung Hlaing, aged 69, has been at the helm of Myanmar's military since the February 2021 coup. He has been nominated by members of the House of Representatives as one of the two candidates for vice president, with the Senate set to nominate an additional candidate. The presidential selection will occur through a voting process involving both houses, although the specific date has yet to be confirmed.

Myanmar's military media covered the live ceremony where Min Aung Hlaing passed the mantle of Commander-in-Chief to General Ye Win Oo, 60. During his speech, Min Aung Hlaing underscored his commitment to serving the people, the army, and the nation. General Ye Win Oo, appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the Army in early March, previously led military security affairs since 2020. His rapid promotion suggests he is among Min Aung Hlaing's most trusted allies.

These developments come as Myanmar schedules parliamentary elections for December 2025 and January 2026, marking the first electoral exercise since the military coup. The USDP party's victory was met with criticism from the United Nations and several Western countries. Analysts suggest that Min Aung Hlaing's quest for the presidency indicates a transition from military to civilian leadership, reflecting his longstanding aspirations.