Myanmar's military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claims a significant lead in the first phase of the country's general election, reportedly winning 88 of 102 lower house seats contested. The election, the first in five years, is being conducted in three phases due to ongoing armed conflicts, with the final results expected by late January. The military automatically holds 25% of legislative seats, and the party securing a majority will form the next government.