Elections, Elections, Elections

Recent political developments in several countries in Asia have paved the way for elections amid emerging issues and challenges. People also hope that the elections would pave the way to push the country forward after mass protests that toppled the ruling political elite.

Hoping to gain stability and a stronger mandate, Japan and Thailand held snap elections on the same day, 8 February 2026. Based on the initial and unofficial results, the electorate has expressed support for conservative sector which seems to affirm the global trend of seeking stability and certainty in an increasingly volatile political tide.

Bangladesh will hold elections on 12 February 2026 while Nepal will hold elections on 5 March 2026. For these countries, the mass protests and uprising of young, disillusioned electorate demanding change provided a window of opportunity to chart a new course.

Seemingly, the youth have increased engagement and participation in the electoral process but whether or not those translate into votes and later reforms that they seek, is something yet to be seen.

ANFREL is mounting international election observation missions to the elections in Thailand, Bangladesh and Nepal. International election observers were, are and will be deployed to monitor the electoral process, engaging various electoral stakeholders as we seek to ensure electoral integrity.

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

• [Bangladesh] Odhikar trains 50 electoral violence monitors
• [Indonesia] PERLUDEM hosts Indonesia Electoral Reform Outlook Forum 2026 | Click links to watch sessions 1, 2, and 3
• [Nepal] NEOC hosts series of provincial level youth and political party dialogue | Click links to know more: Lumbini Province, Far-Western Province and Jhapa-Damak
• [Philippines] LENTE issues statement on anti-political dynasty bills
• [Philippines] NAMFREL urges Congress to adopt ‘unified scope’ in anti-political dynasty legislation

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