Exclusive: Myanmar military proxy USDP postpones congress amid leadership rivalry

A leadership dispute inside the military-backed USDP has forced it to postpone a key party congress as Min Aung Hlaing seeks to tighten his grip on the regime’s political proxy. The USDP was scheduled to hold its party congress on October 28 in Naypyidaw, but the event has been postponed due to disagreements among party factions, according to party officials. No new date has been announced. The USDP was the main political proxy party of the military regime that won the 2010 general election and led the transition to civilian rule in 2011. However, since the February 2021 coup, the party has been operating under the military regime's control, and its influence has declined. The postponement of the party congress is seen as a sign that Min Aung Hlaing is seeking to reshuffle the USDP leadership and consolidate it with his loyal supporters. However, there are still factions within the party that support the old leadership, and internal conflict appears to be ongoing. The leadership dispute within the USDP is drawing attention as a sign of the fragility of the military regime's political base. The regime has faced strong resistance from the public since the coup, and it is in a difficult situation to ensure political stability.