What's happened
Myanmar's military-backed USDP extends its lead after the second voting phase, with the final round scheduled for January 25. Critics say the polls are neither free nor fair, amid ongoing armed conflict and opposition claims of legitimacy efforts by the military following the 2021 coup.
What's behind the headline?
The Myanmar election process in 2026 is a strategic move by the military to consolidate power amid ongoing civil conflict. The reported victories of the USDP, backed by the military, suggest an attempt to legitimize their rule despite accusations of electoral unfairness. The phased voting, due to armed clashes, highlights the fragile security situation. Critics argue the election is a façade, designed to reinforce military authority rather than reflect genuine democratic choice. The international community's attention, including the ICJ case, underscores the broader implications of Myanmar's political trajectory. If the military maintains control, further civil unrest and international sanctions are likely. The final results will determine whether Myanmar's political landscape shifts towards a semblance of legitimacy or remains mired in conflict and illegitimacy.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that the military-backed USDP is on track to win over half of the seats in the lower house, with the final phase scheduled for January 25. Critics, including human rights groups, argue the elections are neither free nor fair, aiming to legitimize military rule after the 2021 coup. The Independent emphasizes the opposition's claims of illegitimacy, while AP News details the electoral process and the military's efforts to consolidate power amid ongoing armed conflict. The coverage collectively suggests that the election's legitimacy remains highly contested, with international scrutiny intensifying as Myanmar approaches the final voting phase.
How we got here
Since Myanmar's military seized power in February 2021, opposition groups and human rights organizations have criticized the legitimacy of the elections. The country is divided by ongoing armed conflict, which has led to a three-phase voting process in 2026. The election aims to legitimize military rule, despite widespread opposition and international scrutiny, including a case at the ICJ regarding the Rohingya genocide.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
The Union Solidarity and Development Party (Burmese: ပြည်ထောင်စုကြံ့ခိုင်ရေးနှင့် ဖွံ့ဖြိုးရေးပါတီ; abbr. USDP) is an ultranationalist, pro-military political party in
-
Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese politician, diplomat, author, and a 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The first and incumbent State Counsellor of Myanmar, she is also the leader of the National League for Democracy and played a vital role in the state's tran
-
Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and also referred to as Burma (the official English name until 1989), is a country in northwest Southeast Asia. It is the largest country by area in Mainland Southeast Asia and has a population...