The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has extended its lead in Myanmar’s multi-stage general election following the second round of voting, according to figures released by the country’s election body. The results, reported by state broadcaster MRTV on Friday, place the military-affiliated party in a leading position as the country prepares for the final phase of the election amid ongoing armed conflict.
The Union Election Commission data indicates the USDP has secured 86 of the 100 seats contested in the second voting phase, which took place on January 11. These results, combined with the first phase held on December 28, bring the party’s provisional total to 182 seats. This figure represents more than half of the 330 seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw, the country’s lower house of parliament.
The general election is being conducted in three phases across 265 of Myanmar’s 330 townships. The government has stated that voting is not being held in 65 townships due to security conditions related to fighting in those areas. The third and final round of voting is scheduled for January 25, with final results for all national and regional legislatures expected by the end of the month.
This election is the first since the military took control of the government in February 2021, deposing the previously elected administration led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military’s action prompted widespread protests and has since escalated into a civil war involving the military and various armed opposition groups.
Several opposition and human rights groups have publicly criticized the election, stating that the polls are neither free nor fair. They characterize the process as an effort by the military administration to legitimize its rule. A new Election Protection Law cited by these groups imposes penalties for public criticism of the election process, and reports indicate that authorities have charged more than 330 people for activities such as distributing leaflets or posting critical content online.
Military spokesperson Major-General Zaw Min Tun said in a statement last week that the two houses of parliament are scheduled to convene in March, with a new government expected to be formed in April. The military government has also reported that armed groups opposing its rule carried out attacks on polling stations and government facilities during the first two voting rounds.
Over 4,800 candidates from 57 political parties are participating in the election, though only six parties are contesting seats on a national scale. One of these, the People’s Pioneer Party, is currently facing a legal case that could lead to its dissolution. Authorities are investigating its chairwoman and another senior member for holding a meeting with foreign embassy representatives without receiving prior approval from the election commission.
The election is proceeding as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) holds hearings in a case brought by The Gambia, which accuses Myanmar of committing genocide against its Rohingya minority population.
