### Myanmar Pro-Military Party Declares Victory in Junta-Run Elections
The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which is seen as a civilian proxy of the military, has declared victory after the conclusion of the junta-run polls. The elections saw the USDP secure a majority with nearly two-thirds of seats, despite being held under conditions critics describe as unfair.
Military rule in Myanmar began in 2021 following a coup that ended the country’s experiment with civilian governance and triggered civil conflict. In its election manifesto, the junta promised to return power through a series of three phases. These polls marked the third phase but were widely contested by human rights groups who accused the military of rigging the results in favor of party allies.
Democratic figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi remains under detention and her party dissolved; critics argue this further stacked the odds in the USDP’s favor. Voting was not held in numerous regions controlled by rebel factions, adding to concerns about the poll’s legitimacy. Critics also pointed out that almost all opposition parties were barred from participating.
USDP officials claimed they won a majority in both December and January phases, with 60% of seats reserved for military members under constitutional provisions. This arrangement gives them significant control over the March election phase, which will include the selection of Myanmar’s new president.
International observers have largely dismissed this as an exercise marred by irregularities. UN expert Tom Andrews emphasized that only genuine international acceptance can legitimize these results and help advance a resolution to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.