Military-backed party secures landslide victory in Myanmar's 'sham' election
The Union and Solidarity Party (USDP) has secured a sweeping majority in Myanmar's three-phase general election, cementing an outcome long expected given the tightly controlled political process that took place amidst civil war and widespread repression. The party dominated all phases of the vote, winning 232 out of 263 seats in the lower Pyithu Hluttaw house and 109 of the 157 announced so far in the Amyotha Hluttaw upper chamber.
The election, which began on December 28, more than four years after the military seized power in a coup that ousted Nobel peace prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, has been widely denounced as a sham by human rights groups and some western countries. The process was marred by the crushing of pro-democracy protests, which sparked a nationwide rebellion resulting in the displacement of around 3.6 million people, according to the United Nations.
Despite the junta's claims that the polls were free and fair, critics argue that the election was designed to entrench military rule, with the Union and Solidarity Party serving as a proxy for the armed forces. The party is chaired by a retired brigadier general and packed with other former high-ranking officers, contesting the poll with 1,018 candidates - a fifth of the total registered.
The USDP's landslide victory has paved the way for the junta to transfer power to a civilian-led administration in April, following the convening of parliament in March. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is expected to play a central role in the next administration, while turnout reached around 55% over all three phases - lower than previous elections.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has stated that it will not endorse the process, adding to the widespread criticism of Myanmar's election as a sham. As the country continues to grapple with ongoing conflict and repression, international attention remains firmly fixed on the junta-backed party's landslide victory.
The Union and Solidarity Party (USDP) has secured a sweeping majority in Myanmar's three-phase general election, cementing an outcome long expected given the tightly controlled political process that took place amidst civil war and widespread repression. The party dominated all phases of the vote, winning 232 out of 263 seats in the lower Pyithu Hluttaw house and 109 of the 157 announced so far in the Amyotha Hluttaw upper chamber.
The election, which began on December 28, more than four years after the military seized power in a coup that ousted Nobel peace prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, has been widely denounced as a sham by human rights groups and some western countries. The process was marred by the crushing of pro-democracy protests, which sparked a nationwide rebellion resulting in the displacement of around 3.6 million people, according to the United Nations.
Despite the junta's claims that the polls were free and fair, critics argue that the election was designed to entrench military rule, with the Union and Solidarity Party serving as a proxy for the armed forces. The party is chaired by a retired brigadier general and packed with other former high-ranking officers, contesting the poll with 1,018 candidates - a fifth of the total registered.
The USDP's landslide victory has paved the way for the junta to transfer power to a civilian-led administration in April, following the convening of parliament in March. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is expected to play a central role in the next administration, while turnout reached around 55% over all three phases - lower than previous elections.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has stated that it will not endorse the process, adding to the widespread criticism of Myanmar's election as a sham. As the country continues to grapple with ongoing conflict and repression, international attention remains firmly fixed on the junta-backed party's landslide victory.
. I mean, I get that the military took over in a coup and all, but a 'sham' election? That's just cold 
. And 55% turnout? Not even close to being free and fair, if you ask me 
. The fact that they're trying to pass it off as legitimate is laughable 
. I feel so bad for the pro-democracy protests that got shut down and for all the people who lost their homes and livelihoods during this whole thing 
. It's like, can't we just have a real democracy around here? 
The USDP is basically just a puppet party for the military, and it's so unfair to the citizens of Myanmar 
. I'm all about Aung San Suu Kyi, btw - she's an icon 
. Anyway, can't wait to see what happens next... hopefully not more bloodshed 
. The scale of the Union and Solidarity Party's victory is indeed impressive, but it only serves as a stark reminder of the fundamentally flawed democratic process that has taken place in Myanmar 
. With 232 out of 263 seats won, it's clear that the military-backed party had all the cards stacked in its favor 
.
. The junta's claims of a free and fair election ring hollow when considering the role of former high-ranking officers on the party's slate 
.
. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations' decision not to endorse the election only serves as further validation for those who question the legitimacy of Myanmar's democratic institutions 
IT'S LIKE THEY'RE JUST GOING THROUGH THE MOTION, RIGHT? THE UNION AND SOLIDARITY PARTY GETTING ALL THESE SEATS ISN'T EVEN A SURPRISE ANYMORE. I MEAN, WE'VE KNOWN FOR YEARS THAT THE MILITARY WAS BEHIND THIS STUFF.
AND TURNOUT WAS ONLY 55%? THAT'S PATHETIC.
. I mean, think about it - the military backed party wins in a landslide, no surprise there, right? But what's suspicious is that the opposition got crushed, and the turnout was low. Like, 55%? That's not normal for Myanmar, fam 
. And don't even get me started on the fact that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations isn't endorsing it. That's like a big fat red flag waving in our faces 
. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the military backing their own party, but come on, folks! This whole thing reeks of corruption and deceit 
.
. Remember, just because someone wins doesn't mean it's democracy 
. the turnout might be lower than usual but that doesn't change the fact that they rigged it from the start 
. who really voted for these guys, anyway? not like there was any real choice 
. it's time for some serious accountability from the junta and their allies 
. the people of myanmar deserve better than this 
The way they've controlled the process is super concerning, especially with all those people displaced due to protests. I mean, 3.6 million ppl have been affected - that's a huge number! It feels like the military is just trying to maintain power and crush any opposition.
the military-backed party is just going to use this as a excuse to keep crushing dissent and I'm worried about what's gonna happen next 
. How's Myanmar going to recover from this sham of an election? The UN's numbers on displacements are insane 3.6 million people... 
? And those protests, oh man, 3.6 million people displaced? That's like, a whole lotta suffering 
.
. Don't believe the hype, people! This election is just another example of how the military is trying to crush democracy 
.
. Newsflash: if it's held by the military, it's not gonna be fair 
. And don't even get me started on the turnout... 55%? That's laughable 
. Give me a break 
I'm waiting for the Nobel Peace Prize committee to call him out on this one
We need to have some tough conversations about how to rebuild trust and ensure that democracy really takes hold. It's not going to be easy, but I think it's worth fighting for 