Myanmar’s military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has secured most seats in tightly controlled national elections, according to an anonymous source within the party. The outcome follows a staggered voting process criticized by international observers as a continuation of military dominance in government.
The final round of voting was concluded on Sunday, with formal results anticipated later in the week. Under Myanmar’s parliamentary system, the incoming president will be selected by members of parliament when the new session begins in March.
In the first and second round of voting held on December 28 and January 11, the USDP is reported to have secured 193 of 209 seats in the lower house and 52 of 78 seats in the upper house. Voter participation hovered at about 55% in these rounds—well below the rates seen in previous elections held in 2020 and 2015.
The military stated that the election was supported by the public and denied any coercion. However, 40 political parties, including the National League for Democracy (NLD), which led the previous elected government, were barred from participating. In addition, no polling took place in large areas now controlled by armed rebel groups.
Concerns over the legitimacy of the vote have therefore intensified. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s previous chair, Malaysia, has stated that the regional bloc will not recognize the election.
