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Myanmar Junta Claims Victory in Condemned Election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 1:39 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore
      Locales: Yangon Region, MYANMAR

Yangon, Myanmar - January 26th, 2026 - In a move widely condemned as a blatant attempt to solidify power, Myanmar's ruling military junta declared victory for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in a heavily criticized and illegitimate election held Sunday. The USDP secured over 90% of the parliamentary seats available, according to state media, results that are unlikely to alter the country's deeply unstable political situation or quell ongoing resistance.

This election, the first since the military's coup in 2021, represents a significant escalation in the junta's efforts to legitimize its rule and silence opposition voices. The coup, which ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, plunged Myanmar into a state of political turmoil and sparked widespread protests and armed resistance. The current outcome offers little hope for a return to democratic governance in the near future.

A Farce in the Eyes of the World

The international community has almost universally dismissed the election as a sham. Observers have pointed to a series of factors that render the process wholly undemocratic. These include the military's pre-election restrictions on independent media, the severe limitations placed on campaigning, the banning of opposition parties, and credible reports of intimidation and coercion targeting potential voters and those who might participate in the process.

The National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow government formed by ousted lawmakers and pro-democracy activists, vehemently denounced the election, affirming that it is illegal and lacks any legitimacy. The NUG's statement echoed sentiments heard internationally: that the election is a cynical attempt to whitewash the junta's seizure of power and suppress the aspirations of the Myanmar people.

"The people of Myanmar have once again demonstrated their unwavering desire for democracy," the NUG stated, highlighting the stark contrast between the junta's claims of popular support and the reality of widespread dissent and resistance.

Repression and Resistance Continue

Since the coup, the military regime has systematically cracked down on dissent, arresting and imprisoning political opponents, journalists, and activists. Freedom of the press has been effectively eradicated, with independent news outlets shuttered and reporters facing severe repercussions for reporting on the situation. Fighting continues unabated between the military and a coalition of ethnic armed groups (EAOs) and People's Defence Forces (PDFs), pro-democracy militias formed to resist the junta. These conflicts have resulted in widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis.

The environment leading up to the election was deeply restrictive. Political parties deemed critical of the military were barred from participating, effectively limiting the scope of any perceived choice for voters. Reports suggest that many individuals, fearing reprisal, were effectively coerced into supporting the USDP.

International Response and Future Outlook

The United Nations and Western governments have issued strong condemnations of the election, reiterating their calls for a swift return to democracy, the release of political prisoners, and an end to the violence. Sanctions and diplomatic pressure remain key tools being employed by the international community to try and influence the situation, although their effectiveness remains a subject of debate.

Experts suggest that the election's outcome is unlikely to fundamentally change Myanmar's political landscape. The deeply entrenched resistance movement, coupled with international pressure and the junta's own internal weaknesses, suggest that the military's grip on power is precarious. While the USDP's victory provides a veneer of legitimacy, it does little to resolve the underlying conflict or address the deep-seated grievances of the Myanmar people. The struggle for democracy and self-determination in Myanmar remains far from over.

Looking ahead, the situation in Myanmar is expected to remain volatile and unpredictable. The continued armed conflict, economic hardship, and political repression will likely fuel further instability and resistance, potentially leading to a protracted and complex crisis.