Full Breakdown
Myanmar's Pro-Military Party Dominates First Phase of Junta-Run Elections
1/5/2026, 10:32:00 PM
Election Results and Context
The pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has claimed a decisive victory in the first phase of Myanmar's junta-run elections, winning 89 of the 102 Lower House seats reported, translating to approximately 87 percent of the contested seats. This election, which began on December 28, is part of a phased process overseen by the military government following its 2021 coup that ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The military has pledged that these elections will restore power to the people, despite widespread skepticism from international observers and human rights advocates who view the elections as a rebranding of military rule.
The USDP's overwhelming success comes in the context of a civil war that erupted following the coup, with pro-democracy rebels and ethnic minority armed groups fighting against the junta. The military has reserved a quarter of Lower House seats for its own members, ensuring continued influence over the government regardless of the election outcomes.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics, including Western diplomats and rights advocates, have condemned the elections as a sham. They argue that the military's crackdown on dissent, the jailing of political leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi, and the exclusion of her National League for Democracy (NLD) from the ballot undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process. The NLD, which won a landslide victory in the 2020 elections, has been dissolved, and Suu Kyi remains in detention, further complicating the political landscape.
Human rights organizations have highlighted the environment of violence and repression surrounding the elections. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk stated that there are "no conditions for the exercise of the rights of freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly," which are essential for meaningful participation in elections.
Official Statements and Responses
Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun claimed that voter turnout exceeded 50 percent, framing the election as a success despite lower participation compared to the 2020 elections, which saw around 70 percent turnout. He asserted that this election represents a victory for the country and its people, rather than just the military government. However, the military's legal framework for the elections does not impose a minimum voter turnout requirement, raising further questions about the validity of the reported figures.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the military reported a turnout of over 50 percent, this figure is contested by various observers who note that the elections were only held in about a third of Myanmar's 330 townships, with many areas inaccessible due to ongoing conflict. The next phases of the election are scheduled for January 11 and January 25, but the military's control over these regions remains uncertain.
What's Next
The final results of the elections will be announced after the completion of all three phases, with the military continuing to face significant resistance from pro-democracy forces. The political situation in Myanmar remains precarious, as the military's grip on power is challenged by ongoing civil unrest and international condemnation.
