A collective stand for electoral integrity

From the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) to its members across the region, democracy’s heartbeat is present in the relentless vigilance of its observers.

In the Maldives, the month began with a ‘triple test’ on 4 April, when voters navigated simultaneous polls for local councils, women’s development committees, and a constitutional referendum. Over 294,000 registered voters across 226 constituencies decided who governs their islands for the next five years. 

In the Philippines, proposals surfaced to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections due to a national energy emergency in the country. 

The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) and Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) swiftly rejected the move, arguing that democracy is not a fiscal convenience to be traded for administrative ease.

In Pakistan, data from the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) showed that while women hold only 18% of Senate seats, they are responsible for 20% of the legislative agenda. 

The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) launched on 9 April the Polling Station Review Study in Sri Lanka. 

Here are the programs and activities that ANFREL members implemented and conducted in January 2026:

• [Bangladesh] Odhikar organized a rally in front of the National Press Club, Dhaka in protest against the government’s decision not to present 16 Ordinances issued during the interim government period, as Bills before Parliament.
• [Cambodia] COMFREL convened 25 voter education network members from 10 municipalities for a two-day strategy session on election abnormalities and ballot confidentiality at its central headquarters. 
• [Indonesia] PERLUDEM, civil society coalition urges the government and the House of Representatives to revise the Election Act immediately.
• [Maldives] Transparency Maldives raised concerns over restrictions on freedom of media, expression and assembly amid ongoing political protests.
• [Nepal] NEOC launches election observation report in Kathmandu.
• [Philippines] NAMFREL calls on Congress and the Executive to uphold the constitutional mandate for periodic, timely elections.
• [Sri Lanka] PAFFREL launched the Polling Station Review Study and officially handed over to the Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka.

Know more about the programs and activities that ANFREL members implemented and conducted in the April 2026 issue of the ANFREL Members Roundup. Subscribe here to get the latest updates!