Myanmar president Htin Kyaw has resigned after less than two years in office. Win Myint, the speaker of the Lower House of parliament, is expected to replace the ailing 71-year-old.
Htin Kyaw’s resignation was announced by the Office of the President on Facebook this morning, concluding almost a year of speculation about his health and possible intent to resign. Htin Kyaw has received medical treatment abroad several times since taking office. The announcement said he wants to “take a rest.”
The Facebook post also said a new president would take office within seven working days. Vice President Myint Swe, a former top general who presided over the deadly crackdown on the 2007 Saffron Revolution, will serve as acting president until a replacement is elected.
According to Myanmar’s constitution, the president is to be chosen by the Union parliament from among three nominees – one each from the Upper House, the Lower House, and the military.
Since Htin Kyaw was nominated by the Lower House, the Lower House must nominate a new candidate, and the Union parliament will choose between that candidate, military-nominated Vice President Myint Swe, and Upper House-nominated Vice President Henry Van Thio. The runners-up will become or remain vice presidents.
The resignation of Lower House speaker Win Myint from the chamber was also announced during a parliament session today, and NLD officials have suggested that he will replace Htin Kyaw.
Parliament is currently in session, so a vote on who will become Myanmar’s next president is expected before the end of the week.
If the vote breaks down similarly to how it did in 2015, when Htin Kyaw was elected, Win Myint will succeed him as president.
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