Myanmar’s main pro-military political party has claimed a commanding lead in the first phase of elections organised by the country’s military rulers, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups and opposition voices who say the vote is designed to entrench military-backed rule.
The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) said it won 82 out of 102 seats in the lower house across townships where counting has been completed, securing more than 80 percent of the seats contested on Sunday. A senior party official also claimed victories in all eight townships of the capital, Naypyidaw. However, official results have yet to be released by the Union Election Commission.
The election is being held in three phases, with further rounds scheduled for January 11 and January 25, while voting has been cancelled in 65 townships. Polls took place in only about a third of the country, as ongoing fighting has made large areas inaccessible since the 2021 coup.
The United Nations and human rights groups have condemned the process, citing widespread repression, banned opposition parties, and a lack of genuine political choice. The USDP, widely viewed as a civilian front for the military, is expected to dominate a vote held amid a devastating civil war and deep political crisis.
