More than 30 candidates are set to automatically become Members of Parliament (MPs) in the junta-organized election, as no opponents are contesting against them, according to a candidate list released by the Union Election Commission (UEC) on 25 October.
A total of 31 constituencies nationwide have only one candidate. Of these, 28 are from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), while the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party, the Wa National Party, and the Akha National Development Party each have one uncontested seat.
Under the junta’s election law, if only one candidate stands for election in a constituency, no polling will take place, and that candidate will automatically be declared the winner. As a result, more than 30 candidates will secure parliamentary seats without a single vote being cast.
Unopposed constituencies in the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) include Nogmung, Mansi, and Shwegu in Kachin State; Mingin, Wuntho, Mawlaik, Kani, Salingyi, and Ye-U in Sagaing Region; Yebyu and Launglon in Tanintharyi Region; and Matman, Pekhon, and Mongnai in Shan State.
In the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), Shan State Constituency No. 1 is uncontested under the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system. For Region and State Hluttaws, the unopposed constituencies include Shwegu in Kachin State; Kawlin, Wuntho, Tamu, Butalin, Mawlaik, Kani, Salingyi, and Ye-U in Sagaing Region; Yebyu and Thayetchaung in Tanintharyi Region; Gangaw in Magway Region; and Kyaukme in Shan State.
Additionally, uncontested ethnic affairs constituencies include the Kachin, Akha, and Kayah (Padaung) ethnic constituencies.
Among those running unopposed, U Sai Tun Lin of the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party will represent Mongnai constituency, U Em Zaw Lat of the Wa National Party will represent Shan State Constituency No. 1, and U Tun Aung of the Akha National Development Party will represent the Akha Ethnic Affairs constituency. All remaining uncontested candidates are from the USDP.
Following the 2021 military coup, the junta claimed widespread voter list irregularities to justify its seizure of power. Most uncontested constituencies are in conflict-affected regions where fierce fighting continues between junta troops and resistance forces.
According to the UEC, the election will be held in phases beginning on 28 December in 102 townships. A total of 57 political parties will participate, including six with nationwide reach. The USDP has fielded the highest number of candidates, with over 1,000 nominees.
Revolutionary groups, civil society organizations, and political analysts have dismissed the junta’s planned election as a sham, warning that it will lack legitimacy and could escalate violence across the country.
