Some areas under military conflict and regions controlled by resistance forces have been included in the first and second rounds of constituency lists announced by the Election Commission for the upcoming election.
The first batch of constituencies includes Naung Mung and Mansi in Kachin State; Shwegu, Minkin, Wuntho, Mawlaik, Kani, Salin Gyi, Ye-U, and Ye Phyu in Sagaing Region; as well as Laung Lone, Metman, Phar Khon, and Moe Nae townships.
Although most of these areas are not under military control, the Election Commission has already released lists of candidates who will compete in these constituencies.
According to Article 41(a) of the Election Law, if only one political party contests in a constituency, the election will not be held, and the respective region or state election commission must declare that person as the elected parliamentary representative.
“Under the election law, if only one political party contests in a constituency, that candidate automatically becomes a parliamentary representative without a vote. The military knows this and is using it strategically. This has already happened in 2025. We are still monitoring the list, and so far, we’ve found around 50 people who will enter parliament unopposed—possibly even more,” said an observer monitoring the Election Commission’s list.
In the first batch of constituencies, there are already 31 individuals who will automatically become members of parliament, including 26 from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).
U Ko Ko Gyi, leader of the People’s Party, wrote on social media that although he initially registered to contest in some constituencies with no competing candidates in the military-organized election, he later withdrew due to mounting pressure.
A leader from another political party participating in the junta’s election also commented, “We anticipated this situation. That’s why we decided to contest only in certain regions and states. Our main goal is simply to get into parliament—no matter how. Only then can we carry the voice and interests of the people.”
Similarly, during the 2010 general election, 55 candidates were declared elected representatives without any voting under Article 36 of the Election Law.
