Military-backed party in Myanmar takes lead in first phase of election

Myanmar's military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is leading after the first phase of a contentious general election, early results cited by the state media showed, in the first vote since a 2021 coup.

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Having sparked a nationwide rebellion after crushing pro-democracy protests in the wake of its coup, the ruling junta has said the three-phase vote would bring political stability to the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.

Partial results from Myanmar's first polls since 2020, released by the Union Election Commission for 56 constituencies, showed the junta-backed party winning by a wide margin as expected, despite thin voter turnout.

The results published on Jan 2 showed the USDP, led by retired generals, winning 38 of 40 seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw, or Lower House, whose outcomes have been tallied.