ANFREL members stand up against rights restrictions, boost electoral literacy

Member organizations of the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) are continuously defending democracy across the region. While some challenge the restriction on civil rights, others lead creative initiatives to ensure that voters remain informed, engaged, and ready to cast their ballots in an increasingly complex electoral landscape.

In Malaysia, Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) Executive Director, Asraf Sharafi, was stopped by Sabah Immigration from entering the state. Sharafi was barred under a Sabah Warning Notice (NAS) while traveling back to his family in Kota Kinabalu, and authorities gave no clear reason for the entry ban.

In Myanmar, the crackdown on online expression is intensifying. 

Following the 8 June arrest of Facebook user “Nang Akari” in Taunggyi for allegedly posting political opinions online, the New Myanmar Foundation (NMF) issued a statement calling the detention “a serious violation of fundamental rights.” 

Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, monitoring groups focused on local accountability and using new ways to reach voters amid ongoing delays surrounding local polls. 

In the Philippines, citizens’ groups also shared creative approaches to help the public understand complex upcoming polls. 

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) stepped up its educational work for the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections coming up on 14 September 2026. 

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

• [Bangladesh] Odhikar released a trend analysis report documenting systemic human rights violations committed by the Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) along the Indo-Bangladesh border, 19 June 2026.
• [Maldives] Transparency Maldives conducted a legal awareness session covering employment law, occupational health and safety rights, and whistleblower protection, June 2026.
• [Philippines] LENTE concluded its first round of voter education activities for the 2026 BARMM Elections in Basilan and Maguindanao del Sur, 4 June 2026.

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