Myanmar Junta Concludes Election as Military-Backed Party Heads for Victory

Voting has concluded in Myanmar’s junta-run general election, with the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) on course for a decisive victory — a process critics argue is aimed at entrenching army rule rather than restoring democratic governance.

The final phase of the month-long election wrapped up on Sunday, days ahead of the fifth anniversary of the February 1, 2021 military coup that removed Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government and plunged the country into civil conflict and a widening humanitarian crisis.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who has indicated he may seek the presidency, was seen visiting polling stations in Mandalay dressed in civilian attire. He told reporters the election reflected “the path chosen by the people.” However, voting did not take place in large rebel-held areas, and rights monitors report coercion and suppression of dissent in junta-controlled regions.

Early tallies from the first two phases show the USDP — dominated by retired military officers — securing more than 85 percent of elected lower-house seats and a strong majority in the upper chamber. Under Myanmar’s military-drafted constitution, the armed forces also retain 25 percent of parliamentary seats, ensuring decisive influence over the selection of the next president.

The outcome is being assessed across regional diplomatic circles, where South and Southeast Asian countries continue to weigh the humanitarian and security implications of Myanmar’s prolonged instability. Pakistan, which maintains diplomatic relations with Myanmar, has previously emphasised non-interference alongside support for peaceful political dialogue in regional forums — a stance shared by several states in the region.

United Nations Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews warned that any international endorsement of the results would amount to legitimising a “fabricated vote.” Official results are expected later this week.

Suu Kyi, the 80-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate, remains detained at an undisclosed location, while her National League for Democracy party has been dissolved. Official figures show voter turnout at just over 50 percent, sharply down from around 70 percent in the 2020 election.

Why it matters now:

The election highlights the junta’s attempt to secure political legitimacy amid ongoing conflict, raising regional concerns over stability, humanitarian access, and diplomatic engagement in Southeast Asia.