Win Myint

Win Myint
Roman Kubanskiy · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Win Myint
Office	President of Myanmar
Term start	30 March 2018
Term end	1 February 2021
Predecessor	Htin Kyaw
Successor	Myint Swe (acting)
Birth date	8 November 1951
Birth place	Nyaungchaung Village, Paungdale Township, British Burma
Party	National League for Democracy
Spouse	Cho Cho
Alma mater	University of Yangon

Win Myint is a Burmese politician and former lawyer who served as the tenth President of Myanmar from 2018 until 2021. He was a prominent member of the National League for Democracy and previously held the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives (Pyithu Hluttaw). His presidency was cut short by the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, after which he was detained by the Tatmadaw.

Early life and education

Win Myint was born in Nyaungchaung Village in Paungdale Township in British Burma on 8 November 1951, into a family with roots in Magway Region. He attended local primary and secondary schools before enrolling at the University of Yangon, where he studied law and later qualified as a practicing lawyer in Rangoon (Yangon). During his formative years he witnessed political shifts tied to the aftermath of the Burmese Way to Socialism period and the 1962 Ne Win era, experiences that shaped his later involvement with the National League for Democracy.

Political career

Win Myint began his public career as a lawyer and became active in the National League for Democracy alongside figures such as Aung San Suu Kyi, Tin Oo, and Aung Shwe. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Pyithu Hluttaw representing Pathein Township in the landmark 2012 by-elections that followed the 2010 Myanmar general election political transitions. Re-elected in the 2015 Myanmar general election, he served as Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw and worked with parliamentary counterparts across the Assembly of the Union including the Amyotha Hluttaw leaders. In parliament he engaged with legislation and interactions involving institutions such as the Union Election Commission (Myanmar) and was involved in debates touching on issues connected to the Rohingya conflict, international relations with China, India, United States, and regional bodies like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Presidency

Following the resignation of President Htin Kyaw in 2018, Win Myint was nominated by the Pyithu Hluttaw and elected by the Assembly of the Union to succeed him, with backing from the National League for Democracy and political allies including Aung San Suu Kyi, who held the role of State Counsellor. As President he represented Myanmar in engagements with foreign leaders from China and Russia, met delegations from the United Nations and the European Union, and participated in regional summits such as ASEAN meetings in Singapore and Thailand. His administration navigated domestic challenges including the international responses to the Rohingya conflict, economic ties with Japan and South Korea, and infrastructure projects connected to China–Myanmar relations and energy cooperation with India. The presidency was marked by coordination with executive figures like the State Counsellor and institutions including the Tatmadaw leadership and the Union Parliament.

Arrest, detention and legal proceedings

On 1 February 2021, amid escalating tensions between the National League for Democracy and the military-backed quarters of the state, the Tatmadaw executed a coup that removed the civilian leadership. Win Myint was detained along with other senior NLD figures including Aung San Suu Kyi and Kyaw Win, and transferred to military custody. Subsequent proceedings were initiated under statutes administered by authorities such as the State Administration Council and prosecuted by entities within the Myanmar judicial system. Charges brought against him included accusations under laws invoked by the coup authorities; legal actions attracted condemnation from foreign capitals including United States Department of State statements, the European Union and regional capitals like Japan and Australia. International organizations such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and human rights groups called for his release while monitoring bodies raised concerns about due process and detention conditions. Trials and sentencing were conducted in military-controlled venues and remain a focal point for international diplomacy and sanctions by actors including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Personal life and legacy

Win Myint is married to Cho Cho and has two children; his family background ties to communities in Ayeyarwady Region and Magway Region. His career reflects close collaboration with leaders of the National League for Democracy such as Aung San Suu Kyi and participation in Myanmar’s transition from strict military rule toward contested civilian governance after the 2010s reforms. His detention following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état has shaped his legacy in debates among international observers from institutions like the United Nations, policy makers in Washington, D.C. and Brussels, and regional capitals including Bangkok and New Delhi. Supporters view him as part of the civilian leadership displaced by the Tatmadaw, while critics and rival political actors reference his role within the NLD during contentious national episodes such as responses to the Rohingya conflict and electoral disputes tied to the 2020 Myanmar general election.

Category:1951 births Category:Living people Category:Presidents of Myanmar Category:National League for Democracy politicians