Myanmar's Military-Backed Party Set for Victory Amidst Election Controversy

Wed Feb 04 2026 06:52:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The final stage of voting in Myanmar's elections has concluded, with widespread claims of fraud and intimidation overshadowing the process. The military-backed party is expected to secure a decisive victory, challenging international scrutiny over the legitimacy of the polls.

Polling has closed in Myanmar's controversial elections, marked by bans on popular parties and limited voting areas due to ongoing civil conflict. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is poised for a landslide victory, following previous rounds in a process deemed a 'sham' by critics. The junta's rejection of global criticism casts a shadow over the outcome, highlighting the dire political climate ahead.

Polls in Myanmar have closed after a third and final stage of voting in what are widely viewed as sham elections.

Many popular parties are banned from standing, and voting has not been possible in large areas of the country because of a five-year-long civil war.

The dominant party backed by the ruling military junta is expected to win a landslide victory.

The current regime has rejected international criticism of the election, maintaining that it is free and fair.

Around one-fifth of the country's 330 townships, including the cities of Yangon and Mandalay, voted in the last stage.

Six parties, including the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), fielded candidates nationwide, while another 51 parties and independent candidates decided to contest state and regional levels.

Two previous rounds were held on December 28 and January 11, giving overwhelming victories to the USDP.

The party won only 6% of parliamentary seats in the last free election in 2020.

As in previous rounds of this month-long election, voting was orderly and peaceful at polling stations in various locations, including Nyaungshwe, Shan State.

However, the day's activities were marred by an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, leading to concerns about the legitimacy of the election process.

The military junta took control of Myanmar in a coup in 2021, ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains in detention.

The ongoing civil war, fueled by powerful armed resistance groups, has severely impacted the nation's stability, causing thousands of deaths and displacing millions.