First Non-Military President Since 1962 Coup

Htin Kyaw's election marked a pivotal shift in Myanmar's political landscape, as he became the first non-military president since the 1962 coup d'état that had established military rule in the country. This transition was significant as it represented a move towards a more democratic governance structure after decades of military dominance. The election took place following the convening of a new parliament, which was a result of the 2015 general elections that saw the National League for Democracy (NLD) secure a landslide victory. Htin Kyaw's presidency was closely associated with Aung San Suu Kyi, who took on the newly created role of State Counsellor, effectively allowing her to lead the government while Htin Kyaw served as president. This arrangement was seen as a strategic compromise to navigate the complexities of Myanmar's political system, which still retained significant military influence despite the shift towards civilian rule.