(VOVworld) – Gaining 360 of 652 ballots cast, Htin Kyaw has become Myanmar’s first civilian President, after more than half a century of military rule.
 

70-year-old Htin Kyaw will take office April 1. He will be the country's first democratically elected leader after more than half a century of military rule. (Aung Shine Oo/Associated Press)

Htin Kyaw, a member of the ruling National League for Democracy party (NLD), won Myanmar’s parliamentary election on March 15 and is scheduled to be sworn in as President of Myanmar on April 1. This is Myanmar’s best chance in 50 years to stabilize its politics and economy.

People’s hope

Htin Kyaw defeated Sai Mauk Kham, the nominee of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), in Myanmar's House of Representatives election on March 11.  

Htin Kyaw, a close advisor to Suu Kyi, the most prominent figure in Myanmar’s political arena, is expected to continue the national reform plan of upgrading infrastructure, combating corruption, and forming a transparent government of national reconciliation.  

After the announcement of Htin Kyaw’s victory, many Myanmar people posted messages on social networks like “Welcome Mr. President” or “We love our President Htin Kyaw”. Many are hoping the President can bring peace to sectarian disputes, effect national reconciliation, and improve people’s lives.

Challenges

Analysts say the new government enjoys strong support and trust, but will have to handle the challenge of reconciling ethnic minority groups and rallying political parties and the military. Under Myanmar’s Constitution, the army plays a prominent role with the right to appoint the Ministers of Defense, Home Affairs, and Border Security. The government’s top priority will be building a good relationship with the military as a prerequisite condition for ensuring democracy, reconciliation, and stability.

The government will also be expected to restore the economy and improve people’s living conditions. In a brief statement following the election, Htin Kyaw said he will organize an administration to serve the people. Myanmar is one of the poorest countries in Asia with one third of its 60 million population living in poverty.

Continuing the reform process

Since Myanmar declared independence in 1948, it has been mired in political upheavals and ethnic conflicts. President U Thein Sein took office in 2011 and brought about deep changes in Myanmar’s politics and economy. The government adopted open economic policies and got Myanmar’s peace process back on track. The government and 8 of 15 ethnic minority groups signed a national ceasefire in October, 2015, ending 60 years of civil conflict and paving the way for peace, stability, and prosperity.  

Myanmar people are confident that President Htin Kyaw will continue the reform process. Former President U Thein Sein said reform is the main current no matter who is the ruling party. Reform is the only way to improve people’s living standards sustainably and improve Myanmar’s international position.