USDP Yangon Region chapter Chairman Khin Maung Soe. The Irrawaddy

 

A senior political figure in Myanmar’s military-aligned party is set to stand in December’s election, despite his alleged role in organising violent rallies around the time of the 2021 coup.

 

Khin Maung Soe, chairman of the Yangon chapter of the Union Solidarity and Development Party, will contest the seat in Hlegu Township—where he lost to a National League for Democracy candidate in 2020. He previously served as electricity minister under Thein Sein’s government and was awarded the honorary title of Sithu by the current regime.

 

His candidacy has reignited scrutiny over his involvement in pro-military demonstrations held before and after the coup. Alongside former police chief Khin Yi, Khin Maung Soe is believed to have helped coordinate 22 rallies between January and February 2021. These events, some of which turned violent, saw nationalists and hired thugs clash with anti-coup protesters. One rally in downtown Yangon left ten people injured after military supporters attacked bystanders with knives and clubs.

 

Khin Yi, now running in Naypyitaw’s Zeyathiri Township, has remained close to Khin Maung Soe. The pair have regularly appeared at nationalist gatherings and meetings with groups sympathetic to the junta, including the Association for the Protection of Race and Religion and the Young Men’s Buddhist Association.

 

With just weeks to go before the 28 December vote, the USDP is fielding the largest number of candidates. The NLD, Myanmar’s most popular party, has been barred from participating. Despite heavy campaigning on social media and efforts to boost turnout through celebrity endorsements, public interest remains low.

 

The junta-appointed election commission has promoted the poll as legitimate, but international scepticism persists. Western governments, including the United States, have refused to recognise the election. The European Union has declined to send observers, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently stated that few believe the vote will be free or fair.

 

The shadow National Unity Government and ethnic armed groups have also rejected the election, echoing calls from the NLD for the international community to withhold recognition.

 

As Myanmar heads towards a contested ballot, the presence of figures linked to past violence raises fresh concerns about the credibility of the process and the future of democratic reform.

 

-2025-11-11

Farce elections. Nobody can believe they are going to be fair and free.

The junta-appointed election commission is about as morally bankrupt and corrupt as the rest of that foul and heinous army government. 

 

There's about a 0% chance of anything approaching a fair election, with that despicable group of thieving, raping, pillaging, and genocidal serial killers running the country.