CNI News
7 November 2025
Political analysts point out that winning an election without any competition feels unusual, and a candidate is only considered dignified if they win after facing rivals.
Although Myanmar's Election Phase (1) is scheduled for December 28, 2025, some political party candidates are winning seats without rival candidates because the constituencies where the elections will be held lack security guarantees.
Among these candidates, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has 28 members, while the Wa National Party, Akha National Development Party, and Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) each have 1 member winning uncontested.
The areas where they have won are constituencies in Kachin State, Sagaing Region, Magway Region, Tanintharyi Region, and Shan State.
The Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party
Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that winning a thoroughly contested election is better, and becoming a representative by running alone and crossing the finish line without a competitor is strange.
He said, "The main thing is that since the other parties couldn't compete in 28 places, there's not much that can be done. It's difficult for other parties to enter these areas. Some try to prepare to contest in those areas, but they face pressure. We hear about those kinds of situations. It doesn't look good when a single candidate runs and wins without the need for a choice, but one thing is that these areas are currently very difficult for other parties to operate in; it's quite hard to enter. Whatever the case, winning a thoroughly contested election is better. It's also strange for a representative who runs alone and wins because there are no rivals. Winning without competition itself is strange. Whatever it is, how many votes you win is a matter of dignity for a candidate. That is better."
The townships where only USDP candidates will be elected for the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) include Naungmon, Mansi, and Shwegu in Kachin State; and Monywa, Wuntho, Mawlaik, Kani, Salin, and Ye-U in Sagaing Region. Additionally, Yebyu and Launglon in Tanintharyi Region, and Matman and Pekhon in Shan State are included.
For the Region/State Hluttaws, the USDP has won 8 seats in Sagaing Region from townships including Kawlin, Wuntho, Taze, Budalin, Mawlaik, Kani, Salin, and Ye-U.
The Wa National Party
U Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that since only one candidate is nominated in some constituencies, according to the constitution, if there is no rival, that candidate will win, and there should be no disadvantage.
He said, "That is according to the constitution. If there is no one competing, they will win. I believe there won't be any disadvantage. For the Akha ethnic affairs, since we nominated only one person, there's no need to compete. He will become the minister. When the commission announces the election results after everything is completed, he won't need to compete. The same goes for one person from the 'Wa' area. He is also nominated alone for the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) and doesn't need to compete. Since this is carried out according to the constitution, I don't see any disadvantage. The people who are trying to destroy the election will be threatening. They are threatening other election candidates as well. They are threatening everyone who participates in the election."
According to the Election Law, Chapter (9), Section 41 (a), if there is only one candidate in a constituency, the election does not need to be held, and that candidate shall be declared the winner.
The parties with the highest number of candidates nominated for the election are the USDP, followed by the National Unity Party (NUP/Ta Sa Nya), then the People's Pioneer Party (PPP), the People's Party, and the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP).
