Mizzima awarded global JTI certificate for reliable news on Myanmar

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Mizzima Mizzima, one of Myanmar ’s most prominent news outlets and a press freedom advocate, obtained the Journalism Trust Initiative ( JTI ) certification from global audit firm Bureau Veritas , JTI says in a press statement 5 January.  Operating in clandestine mode within Myanmar and supported by an exiled team, Mizzima strives to fulfil its role as reliable source of news and information for the Myanmar public. “Your Journalism Trust Initiative certification affirms what audiences already know: that principled, transparent journalism matters. Congratulations on this achievement and on your continued contribution to informing citizens about Myanmar,” says Benjamin Sabbah , director of Journalism Trust Initiative “Myanmar’s ongoing conflict has created an intensely contested media landscape, where mis- and disinformation are increasingly deployed to reinforce state propaganda and the prevailing “official” narrative. Although Mizzima is already regarded as one of the most trusted ...
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USDP claims clean sweep in Naypyidaw following landmark exclusion of NLD

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Mizzima

The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has claimed victory in all eight townships of Naypyidaw following the first phase of the national election held on 28 December.

Party spokesperson U Hla Thein reported that the USDP secured a majority in over 70 percent of the 102 townships contested nationwide in this initial stage, which included the capital’s eight constituencies. While the Union Election Commission has stated that official results will not be formally released until all three phases are completed in late January, the USDP maintains that its lead in the administrative capital is insurmountable.

The sweep marks a significant shift from the 2015 and 2020 elections, where the now-dissolved National League for Democracy (NLD) dominated nearly all seats in the region.

“The USDP won all eight townships in Naypyidaw. Overall, the party secured more than 70 percent of the 102 townships contested in the first phase of the election,” U Hla Thein said.

The first phase of the military junta–organized election, which is planned to be conducted in three phases, was held on 28 December in 102 townships nationwide, including the eight townships of Naypyidaw.

The junta’s Union Election Commission (UEC) has not yet officially confirmed the results of the first phase. While the UEC has said results will only be announced after all three phases are completed, U Hla Thein insisted there was “no way” the outcome in Naypyidaw could be reversed.

The USDP is contesting eight Pyithu Hluttaw seats in Naypyidaw. Party chairman U Khin Yi is contesting in Zeyarthiri Township, U Hla Swe in Pubbathiri, Minkin U Maung Myint in Zambuthiri, U Khin Maung Htay in Pyinmana, U Myat Hein in Dakkhinathiri, U Win Htay in Lewe, and U Maung Maung Ohn in Tatkone.

Although the result has not yet been officially confirmed, some parties say the USDP could also win a seat in National Assembly Constituency No. 6, which covers the entire Union Territory and is elected under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system. Regarding the two seats in Constituency No. 3, which includes all of Yamethin District and the Union Territory, U Hla Thein said, “We will have to wait.”

Like the USDP, the People’s Party (PP), which contested all eight townships in Naypyidaw, said it was dissatisfied with the election results, citing irregularities.

U Kyaw Kyaw Htwe, Secretary 1 of the People’s Party, said, “In some cases, the ballots were invalid. For example, there was no stamp on the back of the ballot paper, no stamp from the polling station officer, or no official marking at all.” However, he added that the party had not yet filed a formal objection.

The USDP previously won the 2010 general election and formed the government at a time when the NLD did not participate. It also won all eight townships in Naypyidaw during that election.

In contrast, during the 2015 and 2020 elections, the NLD won all constituencies in Naypyidaw except Zeyarthiri Township, where the military headquarters is located. The NLD also won four Naypyidaw constituencies in the 2012 by-elections.

With the NLD excluded from the 2025 junta–organized election, the USDP has once again won all constituencies in Naypyidaw, according to party claims.

The election was held amid reports that junta civil servants and civilians were pressured to vote. The polls have not been recognized by resistance groups, domestic civil society organizations, or international bodies, including the United Nations.

The election was held amid ongoing conflict, with polls unable to take place in 65 of the country’s 330 townships. The junta said nearly 4,000 wards and village tracts were also unable to hold elections even in townships where voting had been planned.

Results from the first phase of the election will only be released for Pyithu Hluttaw and Region/State Hluttaw seats contested under the first-past-the-post system. Results for Amyotha Hluttaw seats and remaining proportional representation (PR) constituencies will be announced only after all three phases are completed.

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