The opening of the registration for the sixth Asian Electoral Stakeholder Forum (AESF-VI) and the releasing of the final report on ANFREL's observation of the elections in Thailand and Timor-Leste were among the highlights of the third quarter of 2023.

ANFREL opened the registration for AESF-VI where various electoral stakeholders can register their interest in participating for the event. AESF-VI will take place in Kathmandu, Nepal on 6-7 December 2023. Registration deadline in on 16 October 2023.

ANFREL also released the comprehensive final report on their international election observation mission to the 2023 Thai General Election and the 2023 Timor-Leste Parliamentary Election. ANFREL hopes these reports would serve as a guide to further consolidate gains and improve on processes to strengthen and protect democracy.

In another development, Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan, two officers of ANFREL's member in Bangladesh, Odhikar, were sentenced to two years in prison with a fine of 10,000 Bangladeshi Taka under the draconian digital security law. Like-minded organizations were quick to condemn the attack against human rights defenders in Bangladesh and demanded their immediate release.

To know more about ANFREL news and updates in the third quarter of 2023, visit ANFREL Newsletter e-Bulletin (July-September 2023).