Myanmar's Controversial Election Results Favor Military-backed Party Amid Civil Turmoil

Mon Jan 26 2026 06:06:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is poised for a significant victory in Myanmar's contentious elections, viewed by many as a facade amidst ongoing civil unrest.

As Myanmar's elections conclude amidst ongoing civil conflict, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is set to secure a decisive victory. With key opposition parties barred from participation and widespread voter suppression, the legitimacy of this electoral process is heavily questioned. Observers report a climate of fear affecting the populace, as military presence looms large over the voting process. The outcomes raise pressing concerns about the future governance of Myanmar and the potential for continued violence and instability.

Polls in Myanmar have closed after the latest stage of voting in an election widely deemed a sham. Major opposition parties were barred from the process, and large portions of the country remained inaccessible to voters due to an ongoing civil war.

The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), aligned with the ruling military junta, is anticipated to win a landslide, despite rejecting international criticism claiming the elections are neither free nor fair.

Only about one-fifth of Myanmar's 330 townships participated in this electoral round, including major cities like Yangon and Mandalay. Six parties fielded candidates throughout the nation, while an additional 51 parties represented regional and state levels.

Previous rounds of the elections, held in December and January, indicated overwhelming victories for the USDP, which only received 6% of parliamentary seats back in the 2020 elections.

The voting was reported as orderly, with polling stations appearing well-organized. However, this façade seems at odds with the backdrop of fear and intimidation noted by observers. The presence of police and military at polling stations created an atmosphere where citizens hesitated to voice opposition to the electoral process.

Following the elections, parliament is expected to meet within the next two months to elect a new president, likely the coup leader General Min Aung Hlaing, signaling a continuation of military dominance under a civilian guise.

The brutal civil war ensuing since the 2021 coup has devastated Myanmar, perpetuated by ongoing fighting against both resistant armed groups and ethnic militia formations. International sanctions, a recent earthquake, and rising humanitarian crises further complicate the situation in the country.