Than Shwe, who began his authoritarian rule in 1992- will try to ensure his own safety by maintaining his influence behind the scenes after the rise of his key ally Thein Sein to president, according to experts. The exact retirement plans of the ageing postman turned psychological warfare officer remain shrouded in mystery. But if anyone was under the impression that he had quietly faded into the background with the selection of a new political leader, a prominent message on the front of the main state newspaper served to underline his strength. The squat septuagenarian was pictured Saturday in full military uniform, chest bristling with medals but without the customary dark glasses, above the announcement of the country's new president. "Maybe whoever is in charge of the newspaper they just wanted to confirm that Than Shwe is still the boss," said Thailand-based Myanmar expert Aung Naing. Described by critics as brutal, paranoid and heavily influenced by astrology, Than Shwe swept his enemies from key positions after taking power, including purging Prime Minister Khin Nyunt in October 2004. Avoiding a similar fate and ensuring the security of those close to him will therefore be at the forefront of his plans, analysts said. The "crucial question" is whether he will relinquish his hold on the armed forces, said Maung Zarni, of the London School of Economics. "My answer is categorically no," he said, adding that the junta chief "needs to live by his sword". Other analysts say Than Shwe will step back from the army, relying on trusted members of the military hierarchy now in positions of power. "He has a weak and loyal president, Thein Sein, whom he can control easily from behind," said US-based analyst Win Min. Thein Sein, chosen as president on Friday, shed his army uniform to contest November's election as head of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which claimed an overwhelming majority in the poll.Sources say he will remain prime minister. Other key allies include former junta number three Thura Shwe Mann, who Win Min said is likely to "control the parliament" as lower house speaker. Both Thein Sein and Shwe Mann are "lapdogs of Than Shwe", according to Maung Zarni. The formation of a national assembly in Naypyidaw, convened for the first time last week, takes the country towards the final stage of the junta's so-called "roadmap" to a "disciplined democracy". A quarter of the parliamentary seats were kept aside for the military even before the country's first poll in 20 years, which was marred by the absence of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and claims of cheating and intimidation. Despite the dominance of retired generals in the new political system, some believe there is a chink of hope. In addition to the national parliament, there are also 14 regional assemblies run by ministers whose roles could bring them into competition with local army chiefs -- and perhaps chip away at military domination. Trevor Wilson, an academic and former Australian ambassador to Myanmar, said the country had "definitely reached the first stage of a transitional regime". "I think he is preparing for his departure, it's not going to be sudden, he will be around in the background," he said. Than Shwe could move from the army to a protected position within the USDP, Aung Naing Oo said, adding that if he does not have a formal role and "does not participate in day-to-day issues there is a possibility there will be more openings". Win Min also sees the junta number one taking up a position in the party he created, predicting a retreat to purpose-built headquarters in the hills overlooking the capital Naypyidaw. "Than Shwe will retire from the military when he feels comfortable pulling strings from behind as patron of the USDP party, which is the position he created by himself for his future," he said.