Critics, including human rights workers and opposition groups, say the election is neither free nor fair.
Published On 17 Jan 2026
Myanmar’s military-backed political party is extending its lead after the second round of voting, according to official figures from the country’s election body. The country now heads into the final phase of its three-stage general election amid widespread conflict.
The latest data, published on friday, indicates that the Union Solidarity and Growth Party (USDP) is on track to win 182 seats from the combined first and second phases of voting – more than half of the seats in the country’s 330-member lower house.
According to figures reported by state broadcaster MRTV, citing the Union Election Commission, the USDP won 86 of the 100 seats contested in the second phase of voting held on Sunday. The third and final round of voting is scheduled for January 25.
Critics, including human rights and opposition groups, claim the polls are neither free nor fair and represent an attempt by the military to legitimize its rule following the February 2021 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
The military takeover sparked widespread opposition, which has escalated into a full-blown civil war.
The election is being conducted in three phases due to ongoing armed conflicts throughout the country.
The first and second rounds took place in 202 of the country’s 330 townships on December 28 and January 11. the final round will occur in additional townships, but 65 are excluded due to active fighting.
Final results for all seats in national and regional legislatures are expected by late January.
Major-General Zaw Min Tun, the military’s spokesperson, stated last weekend that the two houses of parliament will convene in March, with a new government assuming its duties in April.
During the first two rounds of voting, armed groups opposing the army launched attacks on polling stations and government buildings in numerous townships, according to the military government.
The election also coincides with hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding a case brought by The Gambia, accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against its Rohingya community.
while over 4,800 candidates from 57 political parties are competing for seats in national and regional legislatures, only six parties are contesting seats nationwide.
The People’s Pioneer Party faces a potential legal challenge that could lead to its dissolution. This stems from scrutiny of its chairwoman, Thet Thet Khine, and another senior member for meeting with representatives of a foreign embassy in Yangon without prior approval from the election commission.
A new Election Protection Law imposes severe penalties for public criticism of the polls. Authorities have already charged over 330 individuals for distributing leaflets or engaging in online activity deemed critical of the election.
