Myanmar junta-backed party claims landslide win in disputed polls

A party aligned with Myanmar’s ruling military has been declared the winner of elections widely criticised by the United Nations and Western governments as neither free nor fair, tightening the junta’s grip on the conflict-hit country.The junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) secured 739 of the 1,025 seats contested in elections held in three phases between December 28 and January 25, according to official figures released by the Union Election Commission. The National Unity Party won 68 seats, while the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party, also known as the White Tiger Party, won 39.

With the result, the USDP is set to dominate both national and regional legislatures, giving it enough numbers to form a new government and appoint the president without coalition partners. Parliament is expected to convene in the third week of March, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said during a meeting in Naypyidaw earlier this week.
The USDP said it won nearly 88% of seats in the Lower House and more than 70% on average in the Upper House, describing the outcome as a landslide. The party also claimed that only a small fraction of its membership consists of retired military personnel.Voting did not take place in several areas controlled by armed resistance groups. The National League for Democracy, which won overwhelming mandates in the 2015 and 2020 elections, was barred from contesting the polls. Its leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned.

Critics say the election was designed to provide a veneer of legitimacy to continued military rule. The UK said the polls failed to meet democratic standards, while the United States said it would continue to closely monitor developments and assess the regime’s next steps.

The United Nations said voters were subjected to fear and intimidation, with ongoing conflict and insecurity disrupting large parts of the country. It added that opposition figures and some ethnic groups were excluded from the process.

The junta said around 13.1 million of the 24.2 million eligible voters cast ballots, putting turnout at roughly 55%. Myanmar’s population stands at about 51 million, according to the 2024 census.

Also read: Myanmar’s military-backed party wins general election amid civil war

Separately, the military authorities have enacted a new law enabling the formation of a Union Consultative Council under the next government. The council’s chair, appointed by the president, is expected to wield significant power. Analysts say the role could allow Min Aung Hlaing to retain effective control without formally stepping down as military chief, a dual role barred under the 2008 constitution.

The USDP said decisions on the presidency and cabinet appointments have yet to be finalised, adding that national interest would guide its choices.