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Myanmar Junta Claims Victory in Sham Election

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. anmar-junta-claims-victory-in-sham-election.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, January 5th 2026 at 11:45 GMT by Free Malaysia Today

Junta-Backed Party Claims Victory in First Phase of Controversial Myanmar Election

Myanmar’s military junta has declared victory for its proxy political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), in the first phase of an election widely condemned as a sham designed to legitimize their rule following the 2021 coup. The results, announced on January 5th, 2024, showed the USDP dominating in areas deemed “stable” by the junta, while significant portions of the country – including regions controlled by ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and those with large pro-democracy populations – were excluded from voting entirely. This exclusion fundamentally undermines any claim that the election represents a genuine expression of the will of the Burmese people.

The Free Malaysia Today article details how this initial phase involved elections in 143 townships across 10 regions, excluding areas like Kayin State, Shan State (North and South), Sagaing Region, Magway Region, and Chin State – all regions experiencing significant conflict and resistance to military rule. These excluded areas represent a substantial portion of Myanmar's landmass and population. The junta insists these regions are “not stable enough” for elections, a justification widely seen as a pretext to prevent opposition voices from being heard.

The USDP: A Party Forged in Military Control

Understanding the significance of the USDP’s victory requires recognizing its origins. It was formed in 2010 under the direct supervision and backing of then-Senior General Than Shwe, the architect of Myanmar's previous military regime. The party was essentially designed to replace the ruling military government with a civilian facade while maintaining ultimate control. While nominally a political party, it has historically been deeply intertwined with the military’s interests and continues to be seen as an instrument of their power. The USDP previously held power from 2011-2015 before Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory in 2015, which ultimately led to the 2021 coup.

A Carefully Managed Process & Low Voter Turnout

The election process itself has been heavily scrutinized and criticized by international observers. Strict rules were imposed on candidates, effectively barring opposition figures like those affiliated with the NLD (which remains outlawed) from participating. Media restrictions are severe, making independent reporting extremely difficult. The junta also required voters to register in advance, a process that many believe was used to identify and discourage potential dissenters.

Perhaps most telling is the reported low voter turnout. While the junta claims a respectable percentage of registered voters participated, independent sources suggest the actual numbers are significantly lower. The article highlights reports indicating a lack of enthusiasm amongst the population, with many fearing intimidation or simply choosing to abstain as a form of protest. The exclusion of entire regions also inherently skews any participation figures.

Resistance and Condemnation

The election has been met with widespread condemnation from international bodies and pro-democracy groups within Myanmar. The United Nations, various governments, and human rights organizations have denounced the vote as illegitimate and a violation of democratic principles. The shadow government, the National Unity Government (NUG), formed by ousted lawmakers after the coup, has declared the election null and void, calling on citizens to reject it. Numerous EAOs continue to actively fight against the military regime, further highlighting the lack of stability and legitimacy the junta claims to be upholding.

The NUG’s statement, as quoted in the Free Malaysia Today article, emphasizes that the election is a tool for the junta to prolong its illegal rule and suppress the voices of the people. They are urging continued resistance and international pressure on the military regime. The parallel People's Defence Force (PDF), an armed wing of the NUG, has also pledged to continue fighting against the junta.

The Broader Context: A Nation in Crisis

This election must be understood within the broader context of Myanmar’s ongoing crisis. Since the February 2021 coup, the country has been plunged into civil conflict and humanitarian disaster. The military's brutal crackdown on dissent has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread arrests, and displacement of millions. Economic hardship is rampant, and access to essential services like healthcare and education has been severely disrupted. The UN estimates that over 2 million people are internally displaced within Myanmar.

The junta’s attempt to hold elections under these conditions is seen by many as a desperate measure to maintain power and deflect international criticism. However, it is unlikely to resolve the underlying political issues or bring stability to the country. The continued resistance from pro-democracy groups, EAOs, and the population at large suggests that the military's grip on power remains precarious.

Looking Ahead: A Bleak Outlook

The USDP’s victory in this first phase of the election is unlikely to significantly alter the political landscape in Myanmar. It reinforces the junta's control but does not address the fundamental grievances driving the conflict. The exclusion of large swathes of the population from the process only serves to deepen divisions and fuel resentment. International pressure on the regime will likely remain high, but its effectiveness remains uncertain. The future for Myanmar remains bleak, with continued conflict and instability appearing increasingly probable unless a genuine political dialogue can be facilitated that includes all stakeholders – including those currently excluded by the junta's restrictive measures.

I hope this article provides a comprehensive summary of the Free Malaysia Today piece and offers sufficient context for understanding the situation in Myanmar.