Human rights groups and some Western countries have denounced Myanmar's first election since the 2021 military coup as neither free nor fair.
The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has secured an overwhelming majority in both legislative chambers, winning 232 of 263 seats in the lower house and 109 of 157 seats announced so far in the upper house, according to state media results released on Thursday and Friday.
The three-phase election, which began on 28 December and concluded in late January, took place amid civil war and widespread repression. Turnout stood at approximately 55%, lower than the 70% seen in previous elections, including the 2020 poll whose results were annulled by the junta.
The junta maintains the polls were free and fair and supported by the public, but critics argue the process was designed to entrench military rule. Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party was dissolved along with dozens of others, and some parties boycotted the vote.
Under Myanmar's political system, the military is guaranteed 25% of parliamentary seats. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is expected to play a central role in the next administration, which is set to take over in April after parliament convenes in March to elect a president.
