DHAKA: Myanmar’s parliament has elected Htin Kyaw as the next president, the first civilian to lead the country after more than 50 years of military rule.

Htin Kyaw is a close ally of Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy (NLD) party swept to victory in historic elections in November.

He beat another NLD candidate and one put forward by the military, reports the BBC.

Suu Kyi is barred from the post due to a constitutional clause, but has said she would be above the president.

Htin Kyaw won with 360 of the 652 votes cast.

In second place was military-nominated Myint Swe, who received 213 votes, followed by the other NLD candidate, Henry Van Thio, who got 79 votes.

They will serve as first vice-president and second vice-president respectively.

Htin Kyaw will replace Thein Sein who will step down at the end of the month after five years of army-backed rule.

The NLD has a huge majority in both houses of parliament, despite the military occupying 25% of seats, so the candidate it backed was always seen as all but guaranteed to win.

BDST: 1320 HRS, MAR 15, 2016
RR