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Myanmar set to swear in first elected civilian president Myanmar set to swear in first elected civilian president
(about 1 hour later)
Myanmar's new president is due to be sworn in, the first elected civilian leader in more than 50 years.Myanmar's new president is due to be sworn in, the first elected civilian leader in more than 50 years.
Htin Kyaw from the National League for Democracy (NLD) will take over from Thein Sein, who introduced wide-ranging reforms during his five years . Htin Kyaw from the National League for Democracy (NLD) will take over from Thein Sein, who introduced wide-ranging reforms during his five years in power.
Although Aung San Suu Kyi is barred from becoming the president, she had said she will rule by proxy. Although NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi is barred from the presidency, she has said she will rule by proxy.
The handover completes the transition that began after the NLD won a landslide win in elections in November.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, also known as Burma.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, also known as Burma.
Last year, the NLD won 80% 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% 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.
Jonah Fisher, BBC News, Nay Pyi Taw - "Myanmar's reform process has been a bumpy, uneven ride"Jonah Fisher, BBC News, Nay Pyi Taw - "Myanmar's reform process has been a bumpy, uneven ride"
Five years ago Myanmar was an international pariah, rusting in the sidings. Sanctions were in place, and people were scared to speak their minds. More than 2,000 political prisoners languished in jail.Five years ago Myanmar was an international pariah, rusting in the sidings. Sanctions were in place, and people were scared to speak their minds. More than 2,000 political prisoners languished in jail.
Now, as Thein Sein hands over the controls to Aung San Suu Kyi and her party the National League for Democracy, Myanmar is a country on the up. Now, as Thein Sein hands over the controls to Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD, Myanmar is a country on the up.
Where once people were jailed for criticising the junta, there is now a vibrant media and open public debate. The economy's growing rapidly and a telecoms revolution is under way.Where once people were jailed for criticising the junta, there is now a vibrant media and open public debate. The economy's growing rapidly and a telecoms revolution is under way.
With a few exceptions, notably the Rohingya minority, life for Burmese people has got better, and much of the credit for that must go to the stewardship of Thein Sein.With a few exceptions, notably the Rohingya minority, life for Burmese people has got better, and much of the credit for that must go to the stewardship of Thein Sein.
Read more from Jonah Fisher: Thein Sein's legacy of reformRead more from Jonah Fisher: Thein Sein's legacy of reform
Htin Kyaw won the presidential vote in parliament earlier this month, beating another candidate from the NLD and a military-nominated candidate with 360 of the 652 votes cast.
The other two candidates, Henry Van Thio and Myint Swe, will serve as the country's vice-presidents.
The NLD last week named its ministers in the new government - the list includes Ms Suu Kyi who will be in charge of foreign affairs, the president's office, education, energy and electric power.
The military retains control of three key ministries - defence, home affairs and border affairs.
Who is Htin Kyaw?Who is Htin Kyaw?
As party leader, Ms Suu Kyi has said she will act "above the president".
Despite her popularity and prominence, she was barred from becoming president under the military-backed constitution because her two sons are British.
The constitution does not allow anyone whose family members have another nationality from being president.
Last year, the NLD won 80% 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 significant role going forward.
Besides retaining control of key security ministries, it is also guaranteed to have 25% of parliamentary seats - thus retaining the power to veto any changes to the constitution, as that would require more than 75% of votes.