A curious political dance is unfolding in Myanmar, as top military figures appear ready to trade their uniforms for a shot at elected office. Reports from inside the military suggest that at least six high-ranking lieutenant generals are preparing to run in the national election. They will do so under the banner of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), a group widely recognized as the military’s own political arm.
This move isn’t seen by many as a simple democratic exercise. Political watchers believe it’s a carefully planned maneuver. Their main theory is that this election aims to smooth the path for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the 2021 coup, to become the country’s president. Such a step would rely on votes from military appointees in parliament, along with strong backing from the USDP and other loyal supporters in high places.
Among those reportedly joining the political fray are Lieutenant General Theza Kyaw, who commands Special Operations Command 3. Also listed are Lieutenant General Soe Tint Naing, the military’s Auditor General, and Lieutenant General Thet Pon, the Inspector General. Other senior officers expected to run include Lieutenant General Phone Myat, the Adjutant General; Lieutenant General Lin Aung, the Quartermaster General; and Lieutenant General Kan Myint, who heads Defense Industries. Even General Aung Lin Htwe, a close ally of Min Aung Hlaing who retired recently, is expected to stand for the USDP. He still holds influential positions within the National Defense and Security Council and the current interim government.
In total, more than 30 current and former military members are getting ready to enter the political race. Many of them plan to run in areas considered safe bets for the party, such as Naypyitaw and other districts known for strong military support. The first round of voting is tentatively set for December 28, covering 102 townships across the nation.
The playing field for this election looks quite tilted. So far, only 57 political parties have officially registered to compete. Most of these are smaller groups or parties known to support the military. Only six parties, including the USDP, have announced plans to field candidates across all parts of the country.
The USDP is currently led by U Khin Yee, another former general. He played a significant role in organizing large pro-military rallies before the 2021 takeover. Now, the party is pushing its campaign efforts across the nation with full force.
Despite the campaigning, many people in Myanmar view this upcoming election with deep doubt. They often call it a “sham.” To them, it appears to be a way for the military to cling to power and to polish its image on the international stage. This comes after the USDP suffered major losses in previous elections, failing significantly in both 2015 and 2020 against Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD).
Source: Irrawaddy