Empowered Citizen Engagement and Participation in Elections and Democracy

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.

Empowered Citizen Engagement and Participation in Elections and Democracy

In Season 03 Episode 04 "The Election Observer [https://anfrel.org/tag/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. Pongsak Chan-on, director of We Watch in Thailand.

2026 Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections and Referendum

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 Bangladesh and review key areas of the elections drawing from ANFREL's pre-election assessment as ANFREL prepares to observe the upcoming elections. ANFREL senior program officer for campaigns and advocacy Tharindu Abeyrathna and 2026 Bangladesh Elections IEOM electoral analysts Asanka Senadeera and Carlo Africa joined us in this episode.

Unpacking Myanmar's Junta-Planned Elections

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 military backed Union Solidarity and Development Party claimed most seats winning 182 seats after the first and second phases of the staged elections. For context: Across the different parliamentary levels, USDP only won 71 seats while Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won 920 seats during the 2020 elections, according to an ANFREL report. After the new Political Parties Registration Law was enacted in January 2023, NLD has since been banned.  The current staged elections have been characterized by low voter turnout and reports of intimidation amid tightened security. In the lead up to the staged elections, those who oppose the elections have been met with harsh punishment under the new Law on the Protection of Elections from Interference and Disruption. Throughout these phases, voting was limited to selected areas under military control, while large parts of the country, particularly conflict-affected and ethnic regions, were excluded. As we mentioned, political parties operated under restrictive registration laws, voters faced coercion and legal uncertainty, and the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) continued without transparency, independent verification, or public education. At the same time, the junta tightly managed narratives around turnout, security, and legitimacy, while restricting independent observation and media access. In this episode of "The Election Observer" podcast, we’ll discuss more about the military junta staged elections in Myanmar and gather insights from organizations monitoring the situation in the country.