Ex-General Behind Myanmar Junta’s Decrees Now Set to Crown a President

U Aung Lin Dwe, a former general and longtime loyalist of coup leader Min Aung Hlaing, will oversee the selection of the next president and cabinet over the next two weeks after taking office as speaker of the post‑coup Upper House.

The presidential election is due to take place later this month amid widespread rumors within the regime that Min Aung Hlaing intends to secure the role after stepping down as commander‑in‑chief. If he stands, the vote elevating him to the post will be chaired by one of his closest confidants—a clear indication of the trust he places in U Aung Lin Dwe.

That trust has been on display throughout the junta’s five years in power. As secretary of the State Administration Council (SAC), U Aung Lin Dwe signed more than 350 decrees on Min Aung Hlaing’s behalf to ensure the regime’s administrative machinery functioned smoothly.