CNI News

9 January 2025

U Shu Maung, Chairman of the Naga National Party (NNP), told CNI News that the party won all constituencies within the Naga Self-Administered Zone during the first phase of Myanmar's general elections.

The 2025 Myanmar elections are being conducted in stages:

Phase 1: Commenced on December 28, 2025.

Phase 2: To be held on January 11, 2026.

Phase 3: To be held on January 25, 2026.

Chairman U Shu Maung stated that while the NNP swept the Naga region in Phase 1, the party faced a loss in the Homalin Township constituency for the Regional Hluttaw, which was contested under the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system.

"We won everything in the Naga Self-Administered Zone—all constituencies, including the Pyithu Hluttaw. We won in Nanyun, Leshi, and Lahe townships, as well as in Khamti. In Homalin, we lost the Regional Hluttaw seat contested under the winner-takes-all system. However, we won decisively in the areas contested under the Proportional Representation (PR) system," said U Shu Maung.

Naga National Party members during an election campaign.

Election Landscape

Current reports from Phase 1 (held on December 28, 2025) indicate the following standings:

USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party): Currently leading with an 80% win rate nationwide, including all seats in the Yangon Region and Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory.

NUP (National Unity Party): Currently in second place.

Third Place: Shared by the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), Naga National Party (NNP), Mon Unity Party (MUP), Arakan Front Party (AFP), and Shanni (Tai Leng) Solidarity Party.

Candidate Status

The NNP contested in five townships during Phase 1. U Shu Maung noted that several candidates under the PR system are still awaiting further results or upcoming phases.

"We contested in five townships: the Naga Self-Administered Zone in Upper Sagaing Region, Khamti, and Homalin. Our candidates still have to compete in the upcoming PR-based elections. We will have a clearer picture once all three phases are complete. However, we have already secured four townships for the Pyithu Hluttaw, one seat for the Amyotha Hluttaw, and four seats for the Regional Hluttaw," he added.

Chairman of the Naga National Party, U Shu Maung.

Regional Context

The Naga Self-Administered Zone is the least developed of the six self-administered zones and divisions in Myanmar. Due to its mountainous terrain, the region faces significant challenges, including:

Shortages of school teachers.

High commodity prices.

Taxation by armed groups.

Delays in the flow of goods and logistics.