Myanmar Junta Poised To Cement Power After ‘Sham’ Election

Myanmar Junta Poised To Cement Power After ‘Sham’ Election

Myanmar’s military-backed party is set to form the country’s next government after an election widely condemned as a sham concluded on Sunday, cementing the junta’s grip on power four years after its coup.

The vote — held amid civil war, mass displacement and ethnic violence — is the first general election since the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in February 2021. Suu Kyi, now 80, remains imprisoned, while her National League for Democracy (NLD) has been banned from politics.

The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is on course to secure a parliamentary majority after dominating the first two voting rounds. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing is expected to assume the presidency once the new parliament convenes, likely in March, with a new government formed in April.

Under Myanmar’s constitution, the military automatically controls at least 25 per cent of seats in both parliamentary chambers — guaranteeing decisive influence regardless of the vote’s outcome.

Hlaing dismissed international criticism, insisting the election was “free and fair” and accusing foreign governments of interference. Malaysia and ASEAN refused to send observers or recognise the process, citing its lack of inclusivity and democratic legitimacy.

Although 57 parties were registered, only six contested nationwide, none campaigning against military rule. More than half the parties that ran in the 2020 election no longer exist, according to election monitors. Large swathes of the country were excluded entirely: voting did not take place in over one-fifth of Myanmar’s townships due to security concerns.

Armed resistance groups disrupted earlier rounds with attacks on polling stations and government buildings, killing at least two officials. The conflict has left voters either apathetic or resigned, with some citing peace as their only remaining hope.

Final results are expected later this week — but critics say the outcome was never in doubt.

Key Takeaways

• Myanmar’s junta-backed party is set to dominate parliament after a widely condemned election.

• Aung San Suu Kyi remains jailed as opposition parties are banned or sidelined.

• Military control is locked in regardless of results, deepening Myanmar’s legitimacy crisis.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT