Myanmar Pro-Military Party Claims Decisive Win in First Election Phase

• Myanmar's pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claims a significant victory in the initial phase of junta-run elections.
• The USDP reportedly secured 82 out of 102 lower house seats where counting concluded, including all 8 in the capital Naypyidaw.
• Democracy advocates, international observers, and UN officials criticize the polls as a sham designed to solidify military rule.
• The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by detained Aung San Suu Kyi, did not participate, having been dissolved after the 2021 coup.
• Public skepticism is high; military chief Min Aung Hlaing vows a free and fair process, while many view the elections as illegitimate.

Why It Matters: Myanmar's pro-military party claims early election success amid widespread criticism of the polls' legitimacy.