7 months ago
Myanmar's Election Ends with Military-Backed Party Dominating
Myanmar just finished its election in three parts.
The military's party, USDP, is expected to win most seats.
The election is not fair because the military is in charge, and many people are scared to vote.
Some areas are too dangerous to vote because of fighting.
The military says it will give power to a new government, but many people don't believe it.
The last time they had an election, the military took over and put the leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, in jail.
Now, she can't run, and her party is gone.
Some countries say the election is not fair, but others are watching.
The military says it will keep protecting the country.
Myanmar's final election phase concluded on January 25, 2026, with the military-backed USDP expected to dominate.
Voting did not occur in conflict zones, excluding large parts of the country.
The USDP won 193 lower house and 52 upper house seats in the first two phases.
Critics argue the election is neither free nor fair, with low turnout and coercion reported.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is likely to assume the presidency, with the military retaining significant political power.
- Who
- Myanmar's military-backed USDP and junta chief Min Aung Hlaing
- What
- Final phase of junta-organized election
- Where
- 60 townships nationwide, including Yangon and Mandalay
- When
- January 25, 2026 (fifth anniversary of 2021 coup)
- Why
- To legitimize military rule and form a new government
Key facts
- Election Phases
- Three phases (Dec 28, Jan 11, Jan 25)
- USDP Seats Won
- 193 (lower house), 52 (upper house)
- Military-Reserved Seats
- 25% of both houses
- Voter Turnout
- 55% (first two phases), 70% (2020 election)
- Opposition Status
- NLD dissolved, Suu Kyi detained
- International Observers
- ASEAN rejected, observers from Russia, China, etc.
- Election Protection Law
- 400+ charged for criticism
- Conflict Zones
- No voting in 1/5 of townships
Timeline
Military deployed vote monitors, intimidating opposition.
Then, it deregistered rivals, clearing path to victory.
Final election held, military's win expected despite fears.
Quotes
Senior official from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
A senior official from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), speaking on condition of anonymity.
“We won a majority already. We are in the position to form a new government. As we won in the election, we will move forward.”
firstpost.com
Tom Andrews
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar.
“By all measures, this is not a free, fair nor legitimate election. It is a theatrical performance that has exerted enormous pressure on the people of Myanmar to participate in what has been designed to dupe the international community.”
firstpost.com
Sources
Last leg of Myanmar vote begins as junta-backed party eyes landslide win amid conflict
Myanmar's junta leader dismisses critics as military-backed party set to win – ThePrint – ReutersFeed
Myanmar votes in final phase as junta tightens grip on power
Final phase of Myanmar’s election underway, military-backed party set to win
Myanmar Holds Its Last Election Round With the Army Already Certain to Keep Control Over Government
Myanmar's junta leader dismisses critics as military allies head for landslide election win – ThePrint – ReutersFeed
Myanmar pro-junta party declares victory in in disputed election
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