The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has taken a clear lead in the first phase of Myanmar’s general election, according to early results released by state media. This is the country’s first election since the military seized power in a coup in 2021, an event that led to widespread protests and a nationwide rebellion.

Partial results released by Myanmar’s Union Election Commission (UEC) covered 56 constituencies. These early results show that the USDP, a party led by retired generals and closely linked to the military, has won by a wide margin. The outcome was largely expected, as the election had been held under tight military control and with limited participation.

The ruling junta has said the election will help restore political stability in the country. It has described the three-phase voting process as a step toward normal governance after years of unrest. The military authorities have stated that the vote is necessary to bring order to the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.

According to the results published on Friday, the USDP won 38 out of the 40 seats declared so far in the Pyithu Hluttaw, which is Myanmar’s lower house of parliament. The remaining two seats went to ethnic-based parties. The Shan Nationalities Democratic Party, also known as the White Tiger Party, won one seat, while the Mon Unity Party (MUP) secured the other.

In the regional and state legislatures, known as the State or Regional Hluttaw, the USDP also performed strongly. The party won 14 out of the 15 seats that were declared under the first-past-the-post system. The remaining seat was won by the Akha National Development Party.

For the upper house of parliament, called the Amyotha Hluttaw, only one seat has been announced so far. That seat was won by the Wa National Party.

The Election Commission has not revealed how many total constituencies voted in the first phase. Instead, it has chosen to release results on a constituency-by-constituency basis. No date has been announced for the release of the final election results.

On Wednesday, the junta said voter participation was limited. According to the military authorities, “52% of voters, or more than half of those eligible, had cast ballots in the first phase.” This turnout is significantly lower than in previous elections. By comparison, turnout was around 70% in the general elections held in 2020 and 2015, according to data from the U.S.-based nonprofit International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

The current election has been criticised internationally. The United Nations, several Western countries, and human rights groups have raised concerns about the fairness of the process. Anti-junta political parties are not allowed to take part in the election, and it is illegal to criticise the polls inside the country.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who led Myanmar’s civilian government before the coup, remains in detention. She was removed from power by the military just months after her party won the 2020 general election by a landslide. Her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has since been dissolved and is not participating in the vote.

Two more rounds of voting are scheduled to take place on January 11 and January 25. These rounds are expected to cover 265 of Myanmar’s 330 townships. However, the junta does not have full control over all these areas, raising further questions about the conduct and credibility of the election.

Analysts have warned that the military’s attempt to establish a stable government while fighting ongoing conflicts across the country carries serious risks. They have also said that international recognition of any government formed under military control is unlikely, even if it presents a civilian appearance.

The election is seen by critics as an effort by the junta to legitimise its rule following the 2021 coup. Despite the official statements and partial results, doubts remain about whether the process reflects the will of the people or will bring lasting peace and stability to Myanmar.