2015 Myanmar general election

2015 Myanmar general election
File:State seal of Myanmar.png: Unknown author derivative work: Pho Sai · Public domain · source
Election name	2015 Myanmar general election
Country	Myanmar
Type	legislative
Previous election	2010 Myanmar general election
Previous year	2010
Next election	2020 Myanmar general election
Next year	2020
Seats for election	All seats in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw
Election date	8 November 2015

2015 Myanmar general election

The 2015 Myanmar general election was a nationwide legislative election that led to a landslide victory for the National League for Democracy, transforming the composition of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and enabling a major shift in Myanmar's political leadership. The contest involved multiple parties including the Union Solidarity and Development Party, ethnic parties such as the Arakan National Party and Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, and high-profile figures like Aung San Suu Kyi and Thein Sein. The election was widely covered by international observers including delegations from the European Union, United Nations, and the United States.

Background

The election followed the 2010 transition from direct rule by the Tatmadaw and the nominal civilian administration of Thein Sein, who implemented reforms including the release of political prisoners and engagement with Aung San Suu Kyi of the National League for Democracy. The 2008 Constitution of Myanmar reserved 25% of seats in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw for the Tatmadaw and established the office of a hereditary role for the military in parliament, shaping the stakes for parties like the Union Solidarity and Development Party and ethnic formations such as the Karen National Union and Kachin Independence Organization. International actors including the European Union and ASEAN monitored reforms as Myanmar engaged with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Electoral system

Elections were held for the upper house Amyotha Hluttaw and lower house Pyithu Hluttaw of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, as well as state and regional assemblies such as the Rakhine State Hluttaw and Kachin State Hluttaw. The First-past-the-post electoral system was applied across single-member constituencies, while the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar mandated military-appointed representatives from the Tatmadaw and set age, citizenship, and residency criteria affecting candidates including members of the National Unity Party and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. The Union Election Commission, linked to prior commissions under U Win Tin-era arrangements, administered voter rolls, polling stations, and regulations impacting parties like the Union Solidarity and Development Party and the National League for Democracy.

Campaign and parties

Major campaign actors included the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi, the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party associated with former president Thein Sein, and ethnic parties such as the Arakan National Party, Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, and the Ta'ang National Party. Other participants included the National Democratic Force, Union Democratic Party (Myanmar), and Zomi Congress for Democracy. Campaign themes referenced the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar, peace talks with ethnic armed groups including the Kachin Independence Army and Karen National Union, economic reforms tied to Asian Development Bank priorities, and reconciliation issues connected to the Rohingya conflict. Media coverage involved outlets such as The Irrawaddy, Mizzima News, and state-affiliated broadcasters, while civil society groups and trade unions organized voter education alongside the Union Election Commission.

Conduct and election day

Election day on 8 November 2015 involved polling across constituencies in regions including Yangon Region, Mandalay Region, Shan State, and Rakhine State. Voting procedures overseen by the Union Election Commission encountered logistical challenges in remote areas controlled by armed groups like the Arakan Army and Kachin Independence Army. Incidents reported involved ballot shortages, delayed openings, and localized violence in parts of Rakhine State and Kachin State that drew attention from observers such as the European Union Election Observation Mission and the United Nations Development Programme. Domestic monitors from groups like the Election Committee Myanmar and international diplomats from the United States Department of State observed turnout and integrity concerns.

Results

The National League for Democracy secured a decisive victory in both the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw, winning a majority of elected seats and ensuring control of state and regional assemblies including the Yangon Region Hluttaw. The Union Solidarity and Development Party suffered heavy losses compared to the 2010 Myanmar general election, while ethnic parties such as the Arakan National Party and the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy won multiple constituencies. The reserved military seats provided by the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar meant the Tatmadaw retained significant parliamentary representation, affecting the formation of an executive and the selection of the President of Myanmar.

Aftermath and government formation

Following the election, the National League for Democracy formed the largest parliamentary bloc and negotiated the formation of an administration including the nomination of Aung San Suu Kyi to a leadership role despite constitutional barriers linked to provisions referencing foreign family ties in the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar. The selection of the President of Myanmar involved the new legislature and the Tatmadaw-appointed bloc, leading to political arrangements such as the creation of the State Counsellor of Myanmar office to enable Aung San Suu Kyi to lead the civilian executive. The transition also intersected with ongoing peace negotiations involving the Government of Myanmar and armed groups like the United Wa State Army and reflected economic priorities tied to partnerships with the Asian Development Bank and foreign investors.

International reaction and observation

International responses included praise from entities such as the European Union, the United States, and the United Nations for the conduct of the polls and the high voter turnout, alongside calls from organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International for attention to rights issues in regions such as Rakhine State. Election observation missions from the European Union Election Observation Mission and delegations from countries including Japan and the United Kingdom reported on technical administration, media freedom involving outlets such as The Irrawaddy, and areas of concern related to disenfranchisement linked to the status of the Rohingya population and ongoing conflicts with groups including the Kachin Independence Army.

Category:Elections in Myanmar Category:2015 elections