Myanmar’s military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has declared sweeping victories in the second phase of the junta-organised election, a vote widely condemned as a sham after the regime jailed democracy leaders and dissolved opposition parties.

The second round, held on Sunday across 100 townships in 12 states and regions, follows December’s first phase. USDP spokesperson U Hla Thein claimed the party secured 80 per cent of constituencies, echoing its earlier tally. The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by imprisoned civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, was barred from contesting after being dissolved by the junta.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 coup, placed military officers and regime loyalists under the USDP banner. Among those elected were Prime Minister Nyo Saw and former adjutant-general Myo Zaw Thein. Other prominent figures, including party spokesperson U Thein Tun Oo and junta energy minister U Ko Ko Lwin, also claimed seats.

Yet the USDP faced embarrassment in Yangon’s Kyimyindaing Township, where independent businessman U Khin Hlaing defeated its candidate to win a Lower House seat. His victory, after repeated failed attempts since 2010, stood out in an otherwise one-sided contest.

Controversy also surrounded Kawhmu Township, once represented by Suu Kyi. People’s Party candidate U Kyaw Kyaw Htwe alleged vote manipulation after preliminary tallies showed him ahead, only for official figures to slash his count. Reports of broken voting machines and ballots automatically cast for the USDP fuelled suspicions.

Despite the USDP’s dominance, ethnic parties made gains. The Karen National Democratic Party won all three seats in Hlaingbwe, while the Mon Unity Party secured 10 seats in four townships. The Shan and Nationalities Development Party also picked up six seats, doubling its first-phase tally.

The Union Election Commission has yet to release official results, but opposition groups accuse the USDP of advance-ballot manipulation, echoing Myanmar’s discredited 2010 poll. The third phase is scheduled for 25 January, with the junta pledging to hand power to an elected government in March — a promise met with scepticism both at home and abroad.

-2026-01-14

What a farce!

Elections in a country facing civil war.