Consolidating Democratic Gains

There has been an increasing distrust in public institutions amid issues of corruption and government excesses. On the other hand, the public engagement in collectively speaking up against these issues signals democratic resilience.

In Bangladesh, the upcoming elections will test whether institutions can deliver credible processes amid concerns about fairness and political competition. In Nepal, democratic consolidation depends on how well reforms strengthen governance and representation after years of transition. Thailand continues to balance reform efforts and restrictions on civic space, while Indonesia faces calls to curb the abuse of state resources and ensure transparency in campaign financing. In Sri Lanka, the demand for accountability and justice remains central as citizens seek stronger institutions after years of crisis.

Across these countries, consolidating democratic gains requires:

• Independent election management bodies that ensure impartial processes and collaborate with citizen observers;
• Transparent political finance and anti-corruption reforms;
• Protection of civic and media freedoms; and
• Inclusive participation of women, youth, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ANFREL and its members continue to support these efforts through impartial election observation, regional dialogue, and training for citizen observers and journalists.

Here are the programs and activities that ANFREL members implemented and conducted in October 2025:

• [Bangladesh] 31 Years of Struggle for the Establishment of Human Rights” Odhikar’s Statement on Its Founding Anniversary
• [Malaysia] Bersih seeks support to mobilize election monitoring team for PRN Sabah
• [Maldives] Transparency Maldives launches the Environmental Activism Archive
• [Nepal] NEOC organizes ‘Orientation cum Farewell’ for 2024 Professional Fellows Program 2024 cohort
• [Philippines] LENTE expresses disagreement with Supreme Court rulings related to the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act, calls on COMELEC to fulfill mandate to administer elections, urges BTA to enact new redistricting law
• [Philippines] NAMFREL commemorates 42nd anniversary, celebrates four decades of unwavering vigilance in safeguarding Philippine democracy
• [Philippines] PPCRV expresses outrage over rampant corruption in the Philippines, demands swift justice
• [Sri Lanka] PAFFREL conducts a series of meeting with political parties, discusses key aspects of electoral reforms in Sri Lanka

Know more about the programs and activities that ANFREL members implemented and conducted in the October 2025 issue of the ANFREL Members Roundup. Subscribe here to get the latest updates!