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USDP Claims Big Lead After First Phase of Myanmar’s Junta-Run Election

Observers widely question the vote’s credibility given an opposition ban, limited polling access, coercive laws.

Overview

  • USDP officials say the party won 82 of 102 lower-house seats counted so far, while the Union Election Commission has not published official results.
  • Balloting occurred in 102 of 330 townships, with dozens excluded or canceled due to conflict and access restrictions.
  • Turnout appeared low in major cities according to multiple reports, with local media noting pressure on state employees and military families to cast ballots.
  • UN officials and Western governments condemned the process as not free or fair, while China, Russia and India sent observers and ASEAN’s chair pledged to assess developments without granting premature legitimacy.
  • The junta accused anti-regime forces of election-related attacks that wounded at least five civilians, as two further voting phases are scheduled for Jan 11 and Jan 25.