CNI News
10 November 2025
The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is not legally favored in the upcoming election, but current political circumstances seem to tilt in its favor, according to U Li Paw Reh, chairman of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party), speaking to CNI News.
“If the political situation were normal, things would be fair. But under the current situation, since the political environment is what it is, the USDP seems to have the advantage. They have been building a strong foundation for a long time, while some other political parties—both new and old—have not been able to build such a solid base. That’s why the USDP appears to be in a stronger position now. By ‘advantage,’ I mean, for example, their unopposed wins in 28 constituencies. The law itself doesn’t favor them, but due to the current political climate, they’ve ended up in a favorable position. That’s how we see it,” he said.
According to political analysts, in the first phase of the election scheduled for December 28, 2025, 28 USDP candidates have already secured victory since they are running unopposed, with no competitors from other parties.
List of candidates who have won before the election
The USDP is also the party fielding the largest number of candidates, with over 1,000 contesting constituencies nationwide.
Currently, several senior lieutenant generals from the military are expected to compete as USDP candidates in the upcoming election.
Sources indicate that within the USDP, differences in opinion may arise between the party’s long-standing members and new entrants from the military.
USDP party members seen
Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs analyst, told CNI News:
“They’re basically playing their own game. Anyone with real potential has been blocked out—it’s a clear situation. The USDP just wants to win the majority of votes for itself and doesn’t intend to share power. Think about it—figures like Daw Thet Thet Khine could have contributed something for the people, but even such individuals are not given a chance. The party wants to keep everything within itself. There will likely be growing differences between the old USDP members and the new military-linked entrants. The generals joining the party may see it as an opportunity, but I think it could actually pose more danger for them. Conflicts and divisions are bound to emerge,” she said.
Although 57 parties have registered to contest in the election, the NLD and other credible opposition parties are not participating, leading many to predict that the USDP will win most of the constituencies.
