Myanmar’s Military Staged a Fake Election to Silently Keep Power in Their Hands
In 2021, Myanmar’s generals staged a coup against Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s government just before her second term. The country plunged into civil war and a devastating humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
A phased election was held, dominated by the army-backed USDP party amid extremely low voter turnout and no viable opposition. Many Western countries dismissed the entire election as a sham to entrench military rule.
On Monday, Myanmar’s parliament convened for the first time in 5 years. Retired brigadier-general Khin Yi, the USDP chairman, was elected lower house speaker — a role seen as pivotal for advancing the military’s agenda.
The USDP won 81% of available seats. Under the constitution, the military is also allocated 25% of legislative seats. Combined, this gives the armed forces virtually unchallenged control over the entire parliament.
Coup leader Min Aung Hlaing is widely expected to become president. A new 5-member panel called the Union Consultative Council — dubbed a “superbody” — will let him grip both military and civilian administration tightly.
Analyst Htin Kyaw Aye called it “merely shifting power from their left hand to their right.” Yet the junta insists the election reflected people’s will, predicting easing of sanctions and greater foreign investment by April.
