Myanmar elects a civilian president

MYANMAR, ruled by the military since 1962, seems to be moving towards a full-fledged democracy with its parliament electing Htin Kyaw, a long-time friend and confidant of Aung San Suu Kyi as its first civilian president in more than 50 years. We congratulate the people of Myanmar for this hard-fought, long-awaited victory and hope that it will lay the foundation for a more democratic and inclusive society in Myanmar. 

This comes after Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy winning majority in both houses of parliament in elections in November last year.  But before that, in June, the military which controls a quarter of the seats in parliament, flexed its muscles blocking moves to rescind its veto power in parliament and refusing to ease a rule that prevents Suu Kyi from becoming president. The good news is Htin Kyaw, selected primarily for his loyalty, is not likely to veer from the wishes of Suu Kyi. In all important ways, she will, therefore, be the country's virtual leader.

The days ahead of her will still be difficult. Though the military has eased its control of the government, it still holds many instruments of power, directly controlling key ministries such as defence, home affairs and border affairs. The most crucial task for the new administration will be to improve the lot of the country's numerous minority ethnic groups including the million-plus Rohingyas, which comprise about 40 percent of the population—often victims of state sponsored abuses systematically and specifically aimed at them.