Myanmar is in the process of forming its first democratically-elected government
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Myanmar’s president-elect has nominated Aung San Suu Kyi to join the government formed by her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD).
Htin Kyaw wants to appoint 18 ministers in his new cabinet.
He has submittedthe list to Myanmar’s parliament, sitting in Naypyitaw.
#Myanmar president to appoint 18 Cabinet ministers including #AungSanSuuKyi | https://t.co/bW3BjsUH1T pic.twitter.com/SbzKx4WsZl
— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) March 22, 2016
A list of proposed cabinet ministers shows the Nobel peace prize laureate’s name next to four ministries:
- Minister of the president’s office
- Foreign Affairs
- Electric power and Energy
- Education
Myanmar’s president-elect gives first speech to parliament https://t.co/d8K1IeTe6Q
— euronews (@euronews) March 21, 2016
The context
Suu Kyi led the NLD to a landslide victory in last November’s election.
However, the constitution drafted by the former military junta bars her from becoming president because her two sons are British citizens, as was her late husband.
Myanmar was governed by successive military juntas from 1962 and by a military-backed, nominally civilian government from 2011.
#Myanmar: Deep-rooted #HumanRights issues must be tackled. 25% of Parliament seats are still reserved for military https://t.co/sJ8iDec64K
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) March 18, 2016
What they are saying
“I think Aung San Suu Kyi taking position in the government means that the government can do much better to develop our country,” – Than Aung Soe, NLD lawmaker.
“People voted for Aung San Suu Kyi because they support her. Now the one they support will take up a position in the government. Our people will like that,” – Ko Ko Naing, Union Solidarity and Development Party lawmaker.