Military-backed party wins Myanmar election with landslide victory

Myanmar’s Military Rulers Declare Election Results Free and Fair

The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) secured an overwhelming majority in Myanmar’s three-phase general election, according to state media reports. The final round of voting concluded on Friday, following the tightly controlled voting process that began on December 28. The USDP won 232 seats out of 263 in the lower house and 109 seats out of 157 in the upper chamber.

A spokesman for the military rulers stated that Myanmar’s parliament is expected to convene in March to elect a president, with a new government set to take office in April. The results were reported by Eleven Media Group, a pro-military news outlet.

The United Nations reported that at least 170 civilians were killed in air strikes during the election period and approximately 400 people were arrested. The UN human rights chief stated that many individuals chose not to participate in the voting due to fear.

Myanmar’s military rulers maintain that the polls were conducted freely and fairly, with public support. The US Department of State has expressed interest in monitoring the situation and assessing the military regime’s next steps.

The election process was marked by widespread repression and civil war, which have affected thousands of people. According to the United Nations, about 3.6 million people have been displaced, and thousands have been killed. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has declined to endorse Myanmar’s electoral process, citing concerns over its credibility.

The National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, was dissolved along with dozens of other parties, leading to criticism that the election process was designed to legitimize military rule. Under Myanmar’s political system, the military is guaranteed 25 percent of parliamentary seats, ensuring continued control even if power is formally transferred to a civilian-led administration.

Source: Al Jazeera