Military-proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party ‘wins’ 44 of 52 seats in second round of voting

The regime’s Union Election Commission (UEC) announced on Thursday that the military-proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) won 44 out of 52 seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw, or lower house of parliament, during the second phase of its 2025-26 elections on Jan. 11.

The UEC announcement does not include the results from one township in Tanintharyi Region, one in Magway Region, and four in Sagaing Region. The results in Shan State, Yangon and Ayeyarwady regions, were also not included by the UEC on Jan. 15.

It announced that the Mon Unity Party (MUP) won four seats, the National Unity Party (NUP) won two, while the Kachin State People’s Party (KSPP) and the Karen National Democratic Party (KNDP) won one seat each on Jan. 11.

Independent election analysts have highlighted a decrease in voter turnout compared to previous polls in 2020 and 2015, which were considered free and fair by international observers. These military-run elections have been called a “sham” by the U.N. and several Western countries.

Regime spokesperson Zaw Min Tun claimed that the ongoing election was a “success.” He told pro-military media on Jan. 11 that the regime will convene parliament in March and form a new government in early April. Analysts predict an overwhelming USDP win.

The second round of voting was held in 17 townships of Shan, five in Mon, three in Kachin, two in Karenni and two in Karen states, as well as in 16 townships of Yangon, 12 in Bago, 11 in Magway, 11 in Sagaing, nine in Ayeyarwady, nine in Mandalay, and three in Tanintharyi regions.