Myanmar’s military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has secured a sweeping victory in the country’s first general election since the 2021 coup, state media reported. The USDP won 232 of 263 seats in the lower house and 109 of 157 seats announced in the upper house, according to results released on Thursday and Friday.
The three-phase election, held from 28 December to late January, was denounced by human rights groups and some Western countries as a sham. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also refused to endorse the process, which took place amid a civil war and widespread repression.
Myanmar’s military government insists the polls were free and fair, but critics point out that Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party was dissolved, along with dozens of others. The military is constitutionally guaranteed 25% of parliamentary seats, ensuring continued control even after a new government is formed in April.
Turnout was around 55%, lower than the 70% in previous elections. Voting was cancelled in many areas due to ongoing fighting between the military and armed ethnic groups. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is expected to play a central role in the next administration.
