Same Old Playbook? USDP Accused of Repeating 2010 Advance-Vote Cheating

Several political parties and candidates who contested Myanmar’s junta-organized election have accused the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) of manipulating advance and late ballots, echoing the fraud widely associated with the 2010 election. The first phase, held on Dec. 28 in 102 townships, resulted in a landslide for the USDP, which won 89 of 102 Lower House seats. Parties including the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), Myanmar Farmers Development Party (MFDP), and People’s Party (PP) submitted formal complaints to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, alleging that advance votes reversed outcomes in multiple constituencies. According to parties and independent analysis, the USDP would have lost in at least six townships without advance votes, including Muse, Myeik, Kyaukphyu, Monghnyin, Hpa-an, and Tedim. Critics highlighted lack of transparency, unclear advance-voting procedures, and cases where opposition parties reportedly received few or zero advance votes. The USDP denied wrongdoing, claiming advance voting followed legal procedures, while the Union Election Commission (UEC) asserted that the process was lawful and transparent. However, watchdog groups and analysts say the complaints reflect deep mistrust of the election commission and raise serious doubts about the legality of advance voting. Despite these concerns, the junta is proceeding with further election phases, while Western governments, the NUG, and resistance groups continue to reject the election as a sham designed to legitimize military rule.