Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)

The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is a political party in Myanmar backed by the military junta. It has become newsworthy due to its sweeping victory in the 2026 general election, held after the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. The USDP's dominance in the new parliament is a direct result of the junta's actions, including barring major opposition parties from participating and detaining political figures. International bodies like ASEAN and the UN have refused to recognize the election's legitimacy, citing widespread repression, civil war, and the exclusion of opposition groups. The USDP's victory is seen as a consolidation of military rule, raising concerns about the future of democracy and stability in Myanmar. The new parliament, dominated by the USDP, convened in March 2026, further solidifying the junta's control.