Myanmar military signals leadership change ahead of presidential vote

(Reuters)

March 27 – Myanmar’s military leadership is set for a reshuffle following an annual armed forces parade on Friday, state media reported, in a rare public signaling of ​transition by the secretive institution that has dominated the Southeast Asian nation.

The ‌imminent leadership change comes just days before Myanmar’s newly-convened parliament is due to meet on Monday to start the process to pick a new president, a role the current military chief Min Aung Hlaing has ​long had his eyes on, Reuters has reported.

In a Thursday meeting with ​retired officers of the Myanmar military, also known as the Tatmadaw, ⁠its deputy chief Soe Win said that “leadership changes” would take place after the ​armed forces day ceremony, which typically features an ostentatious parade held in the capital ​Naypyitaw.

“Irrespective of who leads, Tatmadaw will continue to follow the guidance of successive leaders, advisors and mentors, as well as established military doctrines and policies,” Soe Win said, according to the Global ​New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

A political transition in underway in Myanmar following a general ​election held in December and January that was widely derided as a sham and won by a ‌military-backed ⁠party, opening the door for Min Aung Hlaing to become president.