The well-organised and funded Union Solidarity and Development Party, with its support from the military, is by far the strongest contender. Critics charge that the election is designed to add a facade of legitimacy to military rule that began when the military removed the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The expected victory of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party makes the nominal transition to civilian rule a chimera, opponents of military rule and independent analysts say. Ms Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s 80-year-old former leader, and her party are not participating in the polls. A new Election Protection Law imposes harsh penalties and restrictions for virtually all public criticism of the polls.

Source: Irish Examiner December 28, 2025 10:31 UTC