In a significant development for Myanmar’s political landscape, the military-backed Union and Solidarity Party (USDP) has emerged victorious in the country’s three-phase general election, which concluded on 25 January 2026. This marks the first election since the military coup in 2021, but it has been met with widespread criticism from human rights organisations and various Western nations who have labelled the process as neither free nor fair.
Dominance of the USDP
According to state media reports, the USDP has secured an overwhelming majority, winning 232 out of 263 available seats in the lower house, the Pyithu Hluttaw, and 109 out of 157 seats in the upper chamber, the Amyotha Hluttaw. This result was anticipated due to the tightly controlled nature of the electoral process, which unfolded amidst ongoing civil unrest and severe repression following the coup. The newly elected parliament is expected to convene in March, with the formation of a new government anticipated by April, as noted by junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun.
The Context of the Elections
The elections, which began on 28 December 2025, have taken place against a backdrop of political strife. Since the coup that ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has experienced significant turmoil, including the suppression of pro-democracy protests that have led to a nationwide insurrection. The United Nations estimates that approximately 3.6 million individuals have been displaced as a result of the ongoing conflict.
Critically, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has chosen not to endorse the electoral process, echoing sentiments shared by human rights advocates and several Western governments who have publicly condemned the elections as a façade to reinforce military governance.
A Rigged Political Landscape
The military regime has maintained that the elections were conducted fairly and enjoy public support. However, the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, was dissolved prior to the elections, alongside numerous other parties. Critics assert that the electoral process was intentionally structured to solidify military rule, with the military guaranteed a minimum of 25% of parliamentary seats, thereby ensuring ongoing influence over the political landscape even with a civilian government in place.
The USDP, established in 2010 as a vehicle for the military’s political ambitions, is chaired by a retired brigadier general and consists predominantly of ex-military officials. The party fielded 1,018 candidates, representing approximately one-fifth of the total registered participants.
Voter Turnout and Local Dynamics
Voter turnout for this election was reported at around 55%, a notable decline from previous elections, including the 2015 election that saw Suu Kyi’s party ascend to power, which boasted a turnout rate of approximately 70%. Voting occurred in 263 of Myanmar’s 330 townships; however, many areas were unable to participate due to ongoing conflicts between the military and ethnic armed groups, as well as local resistance movements that have arisen since the coup.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is anticipated to take a prominent role in the forthcoming administration, having defended the electoral proceedings as a necessary step towards stability, while dismissing international criticism as unfounded.
Why it Matters
The results of Myanmar’s recent elections highlight a troubling trend towards entrenched military dominance under the guise of democratic processes. As the international community grapples with the implications of this electoral outcome, it raises profound concerns about human rights, governance, and the future of democracy in Myanmar. With millions displaced and ongoing violence, the path to genuine political reconciliation remains fraught with challenges, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated response from global leaders to support the restoration of democratic norms in the country.
