Myanmar’s junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has been elected President during a Union Parliament session held by the military, according to reports.

The presidential election was held today, April 3, at the Union Parliament.

Min Aung Hlaing was elected President with the highest number of votes 429 by the military-controlled legislature.

U Nyo Saw, representing the military bloc from the Coco Island constituency, was elected as Vice President (1) with 126 votes. Meanwhile, Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye, a Karen State parliament representative from Hpa-an Constituency No. (2) under the proportional representation (PR) system, was elected as Vice President (2) with 29 votes.

Min Aung Hlaing led the military coup in 2021, overthrowing the civilian government elected in 2020. Five years after the coup, the military held elections and has now transferred presidential authority through a parliament it dominates.

During the coup period, the military has been widely criticized by the international community for widespread violence against civilians and serious human rights violations.

Daily airstrikes targeting civilians, as well as attacks on schools, religious buildings, and hospitals, continue to be carried out by the Myanmar military.