By NYAN HLAING LYNN | FRONTIER
NAY PYI TAW — The Pyithu Hluttaw has elected U Win Myint as its nominee for vice president, following the resignation of Wednesday of President U Htin Kyaw.
His appointment is subject to approval by the parliamentary scrutinising committee, appointed by a separate parliamentary vote Friday and chaired by National League for Democracy lawmaker Daw Khin San Hlaing (Pale, Sagaing Region).
Win Myint resigned from his position as Pyithu Hluttaw speaker on the same day Htin Kyaw resigned, prompting speculation that he would replace the president.
He beat Union Solidarity and Development Party candidate U Thaung Aye (USDP, Pyawbwe, Mandalay Region) with 273 votes to 27.
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Thaung Aye, a retired lieutenant-general, yesterday lost a challenge against independent U T Khun Myat (Kutkai, Shan State) to replace Win Myint as the Pyithu Hluttaw speaker, with 141 votes to 280.
Under Myanmar’s constitution, both houses of parliament nominate a candidate for the vice presidency, while a third candidate is nominated by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw’s 166 military appointees.
If all candidates are found to be eligible for the role, a joint sitting of parliament is then held to vote on the three candidates. The candidate with the highest votes is appointed president, while the other two nominees fill the executive’s two vice-presidential roles.
A joint sitting is expected on Monday, with Win Myint all but certain to comfortably win the presidency over incumbent Vice President U Henry Van Thio and acting President U Myint Swe.
