Union Solidarity and Development Party

The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is a political party in Myanmar. It is one of the two main parties in the country, along with the National League for Democracy. The USDP is closely linked to the military and supports strong military leadership.

The party began as a group linked to the military government and later became a political party to take part in elections. Many of its leaders are former military leaders. It was started by Prime Minister Thein Sein to take part in the 2010 Myanmar general election.

Since 2022, the party has been led by Khin Yi, who supports the military leader Min Aung Hlaing. The USDP plays an important role in Myanmar's politics because of its strong ties to the military.

History

The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) started on 29 April 2010, led by Thein Sein and former military officers, just before the 2010 Myanmar general election. The military allowed its previous group, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, to give all its resources to the USDP.

In the 2010 election, which many opposition groups did not join, the USDP won. Thein Sein became the party's leader in 2012 but later passed the role to Shwe Mann in 2013. In the 2015 election, the USDP did not do well, winning less than 30% of the votes and only a small number of seats.

After the National League for Democracy won big in the 2020 general election, the USDP falsely claimed there were problems with the vote and supported the 2021 military coup d'état. The party took important positions in the new military government. In 2022, new leaders took over the party, and by 2023, the USDP was the first to register for the upcoming 2025–26 general election.

Ideology

The USDP is known as a conservative and far-right party. It strongly supports the military, with many of its leaders being retired generals. The party is also seen as authoritarian and very focused on protecting Buddhist traditions.

Leadership

As of October 2022, the Union Solidarity and Development Party is led by several key people. The chairman is Khin Yi. The vice chairmen are Myat Hein, Hla Tun, and Myo Zaw Thein. The general secretary is Thaung Aye, and the joint general secretary is Tin Aung Chit.

Funding

The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) owns many businesses, including gem mining, construction, and farming. These businesses started in 1995 with an investment of US$500,000 and grew to earn US$2.7 million in the first year. Over the years, money from these businesses helped support the party.

In 2020, it was reported that the USDP made about US$11.5 million by renting special machines to the Customs Department. Party members also pay a yearly fee, adding about US$3.5 million each year to the party’s funds. Some of these activities may not follow the rules for political parties in Myanmar.

Presidents

Speakers

Pyithu Hluttaw (People's Assembly)

Amyotha Hluttaw (Assembly of Nationalities)

Election results

House of Nationalities (Amyotha Hluttaw)

House of Representatives (Pyithu Hluttaw)