DHAKA: Myanmar’s new president has been sworn in, the first elected civilian leader in more than 50 years.

Htin Kyaw from the National League for Democracy (NLD) takes over from Thein Sein, who introduced wide-ranging reforms during his five years in power, reports the BBC.

Although Aung San Suu Kyi is barred from becoming the president, she had said she will rule by proxy.

The handover completes the transition that began after the NLD won a landslide win in elections in November.

Thein Sein became president of a quasi-civilian government in 2011, ending decades of military rule, and is credited with starting the reform process in Myanmar.

Last year, the NLD won 80 percent of contested seats in a historic election that was considered mostly free and fair and now dominates parliament.

However, the military will still play a role going forward with 25 percent of the seats in parliament and control of some key ministries.

Aung San Suu Kyi, despite her popularity and prominence, is barred from becoming president under the military-backed constitution because her two sons are British.

BDST: 0900/1032 HRS, MAR 30, 2016
SR