Military-backed USDP leads Myanmar's first election phase after 2021 coup
Myanmar's military-backed USDP dominated the first phase of post-coup elections, claiming large gains amid boycotts, conflict-related exclusions, and a constitutionally reserved military bloc influence nationwide.
Overview
The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) won 88 of 102 seats in the first phase; 38 Pyithu Hluttaw seats have been reported so far.
Elections began December 28 across 102 townships in the first phase; remaining phases are scheduled January 11 and 25, excluding 65 conflict-affected townships.
The military-appointed Union Election Commission reported 52% voter turnout, calling it a decisive success while opposition groups urged voters to boycott the polls.
USDP leader Khin Yi, a former general and police chief allied with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, won Naypyitaw with 49,006 of 68,681 votes.
Myanmar's constitution reserves 25% of legislative seats for the military; a parliamentary majority selects the president, amid previous NLD dissolutions and a widening civil war.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by highlighting the military's influence and the lack of democratic legitimacy in Myanmar's elections. They use terms like "facade of legitimacy" and "neither free nor fair" to emphasize the flawed electoral process. The focus is on the exclusion of major parties and the military's automatic seat allocation, suggesting a predetermined outcome.