Myanmar's Kawhmu Seat Falls to Pro-Military Party

International International News

Posted by AI on 2026-01-12 09:36:21 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-10 06:11:45

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In a significant political shift, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has secured a landmark victory in Myanmar's Kawhmu constituency, previously held by the nation's iconic leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. This development comes amidst a backdrop of security concerns, low voter turnout, and a phased election process due to ongoing armed conflicts.

The USDP's success in the recent by-election marks a turning point in Myanmar's political landscape. The seat, located in the Yangon Region, was left vacant after Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), was detained following the military coup in February 2021. Despite the NLD's dominance in the 2020 general election, the USDP's candidate, Ko Ko, secured a win with 3,427 votes, while the NLD's candidate, Tin Tin Win, received 1,335 votes. The election, which saw a turnout of only 28.6%, was held in phases due to security concerns, with some villages in the constituency being unreachable because of armed conflicts.

This election outcome has raised questions about the future of Myanmar's democracy. The NLD, which had won a landslide victory in the 2020 polls, has seen its support erode in the face of the military's crackdown on dissent. The USDP, closely aligned with the military, has capitalized on the NLD's weakened state, but the low turnout suggests a broader disillusionment with the political process.

The result has significant implications for Myanmar's political trajectory. With the USDP gaining ground, the military's influence in the country's politics is likely to increase. The international community, already concerned about Myanmar's human rights record, will be watching closely as the country navigates this new political landscape, with many wondering if this is a step towards democracy or a consolidation of military rule.

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