The Election Observer

The Voter Experience: Building Confidence and Trust in Elections

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 electoral process and contributed to voter disenfranchisement. These issues include delays in the delivery of election paraphernalia, poor queue management, malfunctioning vote counting machines where electronic voting systems are in place, accessibility issues of polling stations and ballot secrecy concerns. In this episode of “The Election Observer” podcast, ANFREL will discuss the importance of sufficient preparations in improving the voter’s experience on Election Day towards building public confidence and trust in the electoral process.Joining us in this episode are Transparency Maldives executive director Aishath Rizna and PERLUDEM executive director Heroik Mutaqin Pratama.

Asian Elections: Anecdotes and Reflections

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 communities in India. These elections have offered lessons about the challenges that electoral stakeholders continue to face in upholding electoral integrity but more importantly, most of them displayed glimmers of hope and resilience towards democratic consolidation. Throughout ANFREL’s engagements with these elections, we’ve invited guests on the show that have provided valuable insights on the democratization processes in these countries and lessons the recent electoral exercises offered towards regional standard setting and democratic norms building as well as national cooperation and collaboration among various electoral stakeholders. In this episode of “The Election Observer” podcast, we are turning the tables as we talk to people behind the scenes where they share anecdotes and reflections on these recent engagements through a lighthearted conversation.

Lessons from Elections in Southeast Asia and Moving Forward

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 years, this episode of “The Election Observer” podcast, seeks to identify lessons from the recent developments in the elections in the region and how regional efforts could be consolidated to redirect the region’s democratic transformation amid the trend of democratic regression.In this episode of "The Election Observer" podcast, ANFREL will discuss lessons from elections in Southeast Asia and the role ASEAN could play in ensuring electoral integrity in the region.

Democracy Without Borders: Observing the 2026 Tibetan General Elections

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 pursuit of self determination. Joining us in this episode are Majesh Rana, ANFREL senior program officer for IEOM, and Bhuching K. Tsering, research and monitoring unit head of International Campaign for Tibet.

Empowered Citizen Engagement and Participation in Elections and Democracy (Part 2)

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 Network for Truthful Elections and Asanka Senadeera, Senior Project Officer of PAFFREL.