ANFREL, NDI Release Pre-Campaign Statement ahead of First BARMM Parliamentary Elections The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) released a joint pre-campaign statement, seeing the First Regular Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parliamentary Elections (BPE) as an important milestone in regional governance. As the first
The Push for Electoral Reform, Accountability Across Asia Continues Member organizations of the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) carried out a wide range of civic and advocacy initiatives across Asia throughout July 2026. Civic groups engaged directly with electoral authorities and legislative bodies to advocate for legal reforms and democratic safeguards.
PRE-CAMPAIGN STATEMENTCotabato City, July 30, 2026 The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) have concluded the first phase of their joint Technical Assessment Mission (TAM) ahead of the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parliamentary Elections (BPE) scheduled for September 14, 2026. The elections mark
Bangladesh is at a critical juncture in its democratic journey. The political transformation that resulted from the student-led mass uprising in July 2024 and the eventual ouster of the Awami League has created an opportunity for democratic renewal. The establishment of an interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, mandated to oversee
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) are deploying a joint Technical Assessment Mission (TAM) for the 14 September 2026 First Regular Parliamentary Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines – the region’s first parliamentary elections since the ratification of the Bangsamoro
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
Executive Summary The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), in partnership and coordination with the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), deployed the Tibet International Expert Election Observation Mission (TIEEOM) to observe and assess the 2026 elections for the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. The mission examined the electoral process within the distinctive context of
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) will launch the final election observation report on the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Elections on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 via Zoom at 9:00 AM (Bangkok time). ANFREL, in coordination with the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), deployed an independent International Expert Election Observation Mission (IEEOM) to
ANFREL elects new EC officers for 2026-2029 The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) wrapped up an intensive second quarter for 2026, marked by back-to-back international observation missions, critical post-election advocacy, and a transition in organizational leadership during its General Assembly. ANFREL’s activities from April to June 2026 echoed civil society's enduring
Power and Protection in Asian Elections There is a collective struggle to challenge power structures that shut out ordinary citizens and democracy in Asia. Elections monitoring groups are drawing a direct line between the concentration of political power and the rising danger they face as watchdogs. Democratic watchdog organizations in Asia issued
Executive Summary On 8 February 2026, Thailand reached a significant political milestone as voters simultaneously participated in a general election and a constitutional referendum for the first time in the country’s history. The elections produced a government with the strongest electoral mandate since the 2014 military coup and marked the first parliamentary
Electoral integrity cannot be achieved by a single organization acting in isolation. Lessons on strategic collaboration and cross-sectoral alliances are what the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) hopes to share with the region to the seventh Asian Electoral Stakeholders Forum (AESF-VII). In an interview, PPCRV Executive Director Maribel Buenaobra highlighted
From mobilizing hundreds of thousands of citizens on the ground to deploying cutting-edge mobile apps, the evolution of election monitoring tells a powerful story of civic duty matching pace with modern technology. Ahead of the seventh Asian Electoral Stakeholders Forum (AESF-VII) in Manila, we talked to the National Citizens' Movement for Free
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,
Election day is often seen as the climax of democracy, but for the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), the real work happens in the systems and structures built long before the first ballot is cast. In a recent discussion with LENTE Executive Director Atty. Ona Caritos, the organization outlined the critical
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) deployed an independent International Expert Election Observation Mission (IEEOM) to assess the 2026 elections for the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE). This mission, conducted in coordination with the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), marks ANFREL’s first standalone and fully independent observation of the Tibetan electoral process.
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), together with its members and partners, calls on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to formally recognize and protect citizen election observers as human rights defenders. Citizen election observers serve on the frontlines of democratic participation. Through independent and non-partisan observation, they help safeguard
COMELEC, ANFREL put AESF-VII preparations on hold The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the Philippines’ Commission on Elections (COMELEC) have postponed the seventh Asian Electoral Stakeholder Forum (AESF-VII), originally set for 21 to 23 April 2026 in Manila. The Philippines recently declared a state of national energy emergency, following the
Crossroads for Asian democracy Across Asia, electoral participation is no longer the central challenge; citizens are increasingly assertive in demanding accountability. However, recent elections reveal a widening gap between these rising democratic expectations and the ability of institutional safeguards to keep pace. While voters are turning out with clear expectations that their