Myanmar to swear in president in days

Prime Minister Thein Sein, who shed his army uniform to contest controversial elections last year, was in February named for the top job in the new parliament, which critics fear is masking ongoing army rule. -- PHOTO: AP

YANGON - MYANMAR will swear in its new president within two days, paving the way for the imminent transfer of power from the ruling junta to a nominally civilian government, officials said on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Thein Sein, who shed his army uniform to contest controversial elections last year, was in February named for the top job in the new parliament, which critics fear is masking ongoing army rule.

'The president will be sworn in tomorrow. If they cannot hold it tomorrow, it will be the day after tomorrow,' the official told AFP.

'After he is sworn in, the ruling State Peace and Development Council will hand over power to the new government.' -- AFP