Ankara: Myanmar's acting President U Myint Swe passed away Thursday morning, the military-ruled Southeast Asian nation announced. He was 74 years old and had been undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of a military hospital in the capital, Naypyitaw.

According to Anadolu Agency, Myint Swe had been in critical condition, suffering from Parkinson's disease and related neurological disorders. His health issues had been apparent since early 2023, when he began experiencing slower movement and difficulty eating. In April, he received medical treatment at Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Medical Center.

Myint Swe assumed the role of acting president following the military's seizure of power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. His presidency came during a turbulent period for Myanmar, marked by more than four years of emergency rule after the 2021 military takeover that ousted the National League for Democracy government.

In the wake of U Myint Swe's illness, junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing appointed himself as acting president. Last month, the military junta signaled the potential end of emergency rule by forming a commission to oversee general elections later this year. Furthermore, Min Aung announced the establishment of a new government under U Nyo Saw, a close associate of the junta chief, alongside the formation of a new Union Election Commission and the appointment of its chairman.