Min Aung Hlaing’s election as Myanmar’s 11th president is the biggest topic on social media today. People are debating whether this is real change or just a change of clothes.

The parliamentary vote on 3 April came after weeks of preparation by the junta, including elections that excluded major opposition parties. He won 429 out of 584 votes in a parliament filled with military supporters and USDP members. Nan Ni Ni Aye became the country’s first female vice president.

On Facebook, users are sharing their anger and frustration. “In the end, he got his dream by killing so many people and destroying so many lives,” one user wrote. Another worried about the economy and violence: “Now that he’s president, rice and oil prices will keep going up. And he will bomb the whole country with fighter jets whenever he wants.” Some pointed out the strange process: “Becoming president without even being a party member — this is not something normal people can do.”

On Telegram, resistance groups are sharing statements saying they do not accept this government. On TikTok, young people are making funny videos comparing his military uniform to civilian clothes.

Critics say this change is just for show, and ASEAN countries are unsure whether to welcome him back to meetings.

Min Aung Hlaing has wanted to be president for more than 10 years. Five years after taking power and starting a civil war, he finally got what he wanted — but much of the country is still not under military control.