Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has been elected as one of the country’s vice-presidents, a move that brings him closer to becoming the civilian president.

The junta chief, who has ruled Myanmar since the 2021 coup that ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, secured 247 out of 260 votes in the lower house of parliament.

His election is part of a constitutional process in which three vice presidents are selected before lawmakers vote to choose one as president. The upper house also elected another vice-president, while a third will be nominated by the military.

The development signals a transition by Min Aung Hlaing from military to civilian leadership, following his recent handover of command to a loyalist. Analysts say the move is part of a broader strategy to maintain military influence under a civilian framework.

Critics and democracy advocates have expressed concern that the emerging government will remain under military control, noting that pro-military parties dominate parliament after controversial elections.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 coup, which triggered widespread unrest and conflict, ending a decade-long democratic experiment that had allowed Suu Kyi to lead the country