Junta poll body releases full results of discredited election

The Myanmar junta’s poll body has released the full results of its weeks-long election, a process widely described as a sham by Western democracies and international rights groups. The military’s proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party topped the list with more than 5.8 million votes, or 44.19 percent. The National Unity Party followed with over 1.7 million votes (13.28 percent), while U Ko Ko Gyi’s People’s Party received more than 1.1 million votes (8.80 percent). The People’s Pioneer Party led by Daw Thet Thet Khine came fourth with just over 1 million votes (7.62 percent), ahead of Sai Aik Pao’s Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party on 800,000 votes (6.11 percent). Dr. Aye Maung’s Arakan Front Party received only around 20,000 votes (0.17 percent). Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing claimed the December-January polls drew more than 13.14 million voters, a turnout of 54.22 percent, calling them “successful elections.” However, very low turnout was reported during all three phases of the election, with many voters saying fear of repercussions for not participating drove them to vote. The election, which excluded large areas of the country outside junta control, came five years after the military ousted the elected National League for Democracy, jailed its leaders – including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – and later dissolved the party.