Myanmar's military-backed USDP claims victory in first election since 2021 coup
Myanmar's military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed on 26 January 2026 that it had won the country's first election since the army seized power in 2021, held in three phases on 28 December, 11 January and 25 January.
Summary
A day after the third and final round of voting on 25 January 2026, the Union Solidarity and Development Party, backed by the military, claimed victory in Myanmar's first election since the 2021 coup, paving the way for a new government. The polls were held in three phases (28 December 2025, 11 January and 25 January 2026), and major opposition parties were excluded from the vote.
Key facts
- Claim date
- 26 January 2026
- Party
- Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), military-backed
- Phases
- 28 December 2025, 11 January 2026, 25 January 2026
- Context
- First election since the 2021 coup
- Opposition
- Major opposition parties excluded
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which party claimed victory in Myanmar's 2025-26 election, the first since the 2021 military coup?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Union Solidarity and Development Party
AP and DVB: the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed victory.
Myanmar's 2025-26 election was held in how many phases?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Three
DVB: rounds on 28 December and 11 January, and the third and final round on 25 January; AP also describes three phases.
On which date was the third and final round of voting held in Myanmar's 2025-26 election?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 25 January 2026
DVB: the third and final round of voting was on 25 January; AP reported the USDP's victory claim the next day.