Myanmar's 'Sham' Elections Conclude with Military-Backed Party Set for Sweep

Tue Feb 03 2026 19:04:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amidst a backdrop of civil unrest and international condemnation, Myanmar's elections have concluded, with the military-backed party expected to secure a significant victory. Observers note systemic issues and intimidation surrounding the voting process.

The recent elections in Myanmar have been widely criticized as illegitimate, with only limited voting conducted due to ongoing civil conflict. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is expected to achieve a landslide victory, while many citizens remained fearful of voicing their opinions amid heavy surveillance. The regime has dismissed external criticism, claiming a free and fair process.

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 28 December and 11 January - 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 strange, month-long election, voting was orderly and peaceful at the polling station in Nyaungshwe, Shan State, which a BBC team observed.

Set in a large school, shaded by huge rain trees, there were ample volunteers and officials to guide voters on how to use the new electronic voting machines.

However polling day was preceded by a campaigning period marked by fear, intimidation, and a pervasive sense that little will change after the inevitable victory by the USDP.

The next steps after final results are announced are laid down in the military-drafted constitution. Parliament will meet within the next two months to choose a new president, and everyone expects that to be the coup leader Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

The military junta took control of Myanmar in a 2021 coup, ousting an elected civilian government led by Nobel Peace Prize Winner Aung San Suu Kyi. She remains in detention, and many other opposition groups have been formally dissolved.

The military has been fighting against armed resistance groups and ethnic armies, losing control over significant parts of the country but regaining some territory with support from China and Russia.