The Election Observer

Various forms of e-voting systems have been adopted in different jurisdictions in Asia like the Philippines and India. Other countries like Indonesia and Nepal have been looking into e-voting systems, particularly online voting for overseas voters. In this episode of “The Election Observer” podcast, ANFREL will discuss key considerations, factors and risks in deploying and implementing e-voting sy...

The shortage of ballot papers in the recently concluded local elections in South Korea that has led to doubts in the electoral process with people calling for a redo of the elections puts a spotlight on the value of sufficient preparations and sound voter experience. Similar and parallel incidents in elections in Asia have been unfortunately observed that have raised doubts about the integrity of...

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) has been monitoring electoral developments and the state of democracy in key areas in Asia where actions to push back against democratic backsliding have been noted. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, ANFREL deployed international election observation missions to elections in Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal and the elections of Tibetan diaspora communitie...

The Southeast Asian region, particularly the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is at a crossroads as to how it could handle the changing geopolitical environment, reinforce democratic norms and values while maintaining its non-interference principle. With elections coming up in the Philippines this year and a new cycle of elections for other countries in the region in the coming year...

For the first time, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) deployed an independent international expert election observation mission to Tibetan settlements in India to assess the conduct and integrity of the 2026 elections for the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE). Season 3 Episode 6 of The Election Observer podcast, sheds light on the plight of the Tibetan diaspora community in pursu...

In the second part of the discussion on empowering citizen engagement and participation in elections and democracy, we'll talk with seasoned electoral analysts who have observed elections in Asia. Joining us in this episode of "The Election Observer" podcast are Jyoti Mishra, assistant professor at Amity University Punjab, Atty. Ona Caritos, the executive director of the Legal Networ...

In Season 03 Episode 04 " The Election Observer " podcast, the Asian Network for Free Elections discusses necessary institutional reforms and improvements in civil liberties towards empowered electoral and democratic participation and engagement of citizens. Joining us are Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, central chairperson of the National Election Observation Committee in Nepal and Mr. Pong...

Bangladesh is set to hold parliamentary elections and referendum on 12 February 2026. With the upcoming elections marking the first competitive national vote in 15 years, civic spaces and opportunities for independent assessment of the elections are opening up. In this episode of "The Election Observer" podcast, we’ll discuss the central issues that are shaping the electoral environment in Banglad...

Amid the ongoing armed conflict, human rights violations and restrictive environment, the military junta in Myanmar proceeded with their planned elections since they staged a coup in 2021 after the 2020 general elections. Staged in three phases – first on 28 December 2025, second 11 January 2026 – the third phase will take place this Sunday, 25 January 2026. It came as no surprise when the militar...

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) launched in 2025 the third iteration of its media fellowship program on reporting elections focused on the Myanmar Junta's staged elections. Since the military staged a coup in 2021 after the 2020 general election, the Myanmar junta is organizing elections in three phases: (1) 28 December 2025, (2) 11 January 2026, and (3) 25 January 2026. The elec...

Amid the repressive electoral and political environment, the Myanmar military junta is proceeding with its planned elections in three phases later this year and early in 2026. With the current situation, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) did not seek accreditation or engage with the junta-controlled election commission in Myanmar despite its previous efforts to support the democratizat...

Corruption and excesses of elected government officials are once again at the center of attention in several countries in Asia as public outrage continues to grow. In this episode of The Election Observer podcast, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) will discuss the power of the electorate beyond the ballot box to demand accountability against erring elected public officials and drive ch...

A diverse representation in politics and governance is important to ensure that every voice is heard and a wide range of issues are addressed. There are sectors, however, like the LGBTQIA+ community that continue to be underrepresented but whose issues and challenges are as equally important to be heard and addressed as the rest of the population. While there has been progress in the visibility an...

In this episode of The Election Observer podcast, the team at the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) reflected on democracy and elections in Asia based on the experiences, lessons and insights they have gained and picked up through their engagement with various electoral stakeholders in ANFREL programs and activities. ANFREL Senior Program Officer Tharindu Abeyrathna, Senior Program Officer...

Interim government head of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus announced on 5 August 2025 that he will write to the Election Commission chief requesting to hold elections before Ramadan in February 2026. In this episode of The Election Observer podcast, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) discussed what preparations are being done for the next elections and the reforms that have been implemented t...

The “Great Recall” in Taiwan has been considered as an unprecedented effort to recall sitting representatives in the national-level legislature with no other recall efforts worldwide having been recorded as extensive as what happened in Taiwan. In Season 2 Episode 6 of "The Election Observer" podcast, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) will discuss what the results of the “gre...

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 Academy for Electoral Integrity. ANFREL is al...

In a special episode of The Election Observer, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) discusses monitoring social media during the 2025 national and local elections in the Philippines with Brizza Rosales of ANFREL and Olivia Leu and Dan Richardson of The Carter Center.

The military junta in Myanmar that staged a coup in 2021 after the 2020 general election is pushing to hold elections in the country by the end of 2025.In this episode of The Election Observer podcast, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) invited Progressive Voice founder and chairperson Khin Ohmar to unpack the junta's planned elections in Myanmar.

Japan heads to the polls for the House of Councillors Elections on 20 July 2025. While Japan's electoral laws have been generally regarded as fair and well enforced, there are electoral issues that need to be addressed including low voter turnout, gender gap and representation, increasing public distrust on the government and overall dissatisfaction with the state of democracy. In this episode...

Civil society organizations and human rights defenders collectively expressed concerns over the undermining of electoral processes in Southeast Asia, among others, during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Peoples @ ASEAN 2025 in May 2025. The convention coincided with the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and where the participants issued three main calls for ASEAN including...

As we commemorate the annual World Press Freedom Day every May 3, Episode 10 of “The Election Observer” podcast will discuss informing the electorate through election reporting, addressing press freedom issues and challenges and navigating technological advancements. Carmela Fonbuena, Executive Director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and Arthur Rochereau, advocacy officer of...

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) is preparing to observe the elections in the Philippines and is working to support the democratization in Bangladesh. Key elections in 2025 include the national and local elections and Bangsamoro parliamentary elections in the Philippines, the local council elections in Sri Lanka and the general election in Bangladesh. The military junta in Myanmar has...

Nonpartisan and independent citizen election observation and monitoring deters electoral fraud and irregularities, promotes transparency and accountability among election officials and government institutions and boosts public confidence in the electoral process therefore enhancing electoral integrity. The work, however, comes with risks as a number of groups have experienced forms of violence, in...

Proactive voter participation is among the key indicators of a vibrant democracy where effective voter and civic education programs play a key role. Episode 07 of "The Election Observer" podcast will discuss how voter and civic education programs contribute to making the electorate better informed towards ensuring electoral integrity.