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
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.
https://www.youtube.com/live/6RM18xiyKUE?feature=shared Youth participation and engagement in elections and democracy building are important for the sustainability and growth of democracy. Believing and investing in the power of the youth and hopefully inspiring the young generation in engaging in elections, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) has implemented youth-centered programs like the Asian
Election campaigning in the Philippines officially started on 11 February 2025 signaling a more intensified effort among ANFREL members to monitor the electoral process.ANFREL members LENTE, NAMFREL and PPCRV joined in an episode of The Election Observer podcast to discuss campaigning in the 2025 Philippine national and local elections.In India, Lokniti provided
https://www.youtube.com/live/e_4MVGj-2SA?feature=shared The deadly 2024 protests in Bangladesh ousted Prime Minister Sheik Hasina and ended her 15-year rule. An interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, was then formed. Efforts to reform government and other institutions ensued including the formation of the Electoral Reform Commission. Bangladesh has consistently ranked low
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and International IDEA co-hosted a panel discussion on the 2024 Sri Lankan Presidential Election in Colombo, 24 September 2024. ANFREL presented interim findings and recommendations from its International Expert Election Observation Mission to the Sri Lankan election. ANFREL said the Election Day (21 September 2024)
Press ReleaseColomboSeptember 19, 2024 The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) urges the citizens of Sri Lanka to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming Presidential Election on September 21, 2024, and remain vigilant in ensuring a credible election process. This election is particularly significant due to the highly competitive nature
The election of 37-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra is a noteworthy development in Thailand's political landscape. Her rise to the position of Prime Minister not only highlights her family's ongoing influence but also contributes to increased female representation at the highest levels of government. At 37, she has become the youngest and only the
The People's Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) urged the President of Sri Lanka to resolve problems concerning the post of Inspector General of Police and ensure the people's right to vote. In a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe on 1 August 2024, PAFFREL said the "Acting Inspector General of Police
As Sri Lanka gears up for its upcoming presidential elections, the digital landscape is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping political campaigns and voter engagement. In an era where social media platforms have become a powerful tool for communication, understanding the extent of digital penetration among Sri Lankans is essential.
ANFREL member Transparency Maldives released a handbook to help the youth in Maldives "ignite positive change" in their community. The "Youth Civic Handbook" contains information exploring fundamentals of democracy and human rights, with particular focus on political parties, elections and climate governance. The handbook also contains useful tools to address local and
ISLAMABAD, February 14, 2024: As many as 60.6 million voters exercised their right to vote in Pakistan’s 12th general elections (GE) on February 8, 2024. Nearly 5.8 million more people voted in GE-2024 as compared to 2018 when 54.8 million had cast their votes. Despite the increase in the absolute number of
Between 13 and 26 November in Bangladesh, a series of significant political events unfolded, including the announcement of the election schedule for the upcoming election, reflecting the country's tense and dynamic political climate. The period began with the police filing a case against two deceased BNP leaders for violence on October 29.1
Political tensions, rallies, arrests, and the beginning of violent clashes between the Awami League (AL), the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and law enforcement were observed from 16 to 29 October 2023. The United States (US) emphasised the need for a dialogue among the political parties to ensure a free, fair and participatory
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) is publishing a biweekly briefer called "Bangladesh in Focus" which sheds light on the situation in Bangladesh. "Bangladesh in Focus" seeks to raise awareness on the political situation and electoral environment in the country. Summary (2-15 October 2023) Between the 2nd and 15th of October,
Article 4 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives stipulates that the power of the State of the Maldives is derived from and remains with the people. Article 262 (b) of the Constitution further stipulates that amendments proposed to Chapter II of the Constitution (The Maldivian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,
Maldives headed to a runoff election on 30 September 2023 after no presidential candidate was able to secure enough votes to win. Transparency Maldives (TM) said the election was relatively peaceful with a few isolated cases of reported violence at polling stations. TM observed a few number of voters weren't able to