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Asia elections

Asia elections
The latest news, analysis and videos on the elections in Thailand, Indonesia, India, Philippines, Australia and Japan.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt hands out leaflets while campaigning trail in the Thai capital. Photo: Aidan Jones
Thailand

Exclusive | Bangkok’s ‘Hulk’ governor wants a second chance to smash it

Chadchart Sittipunt has won fans with his dog parks and flood alerts. Now he says he needs four more years to finish the job.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Umno pulled into royal row ahead of Johor vote

Malaysia

Malaysia’s fight for Malay votes becomes a multiparty scrum

Myanmar

Myanmar’s junta says things back to normal. Yangon clubbers don’t believe that

Despite the lifting of curfew five years after the military coup, party-goers still wait until dawn to sneak home.

People sleep on a sofa in a nightclub in Yangon while others dance to loud music on May 16 Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Can Singapore-linked growth deliver votes for Johor’s ruling party?

Living costs and economic strides form the undertones of influence in Johor and Negeri Sembilan when voters head to the polls on July 11 and August 1.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s got political talent: Bersama seeks poll candidates through audition

Led by two ex-ministers who left Anwar Ibrahim’s PKR, Bersama says it will take ‘about two weeks’ to finalise names.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s opposition bloc in turmoil as PAS cuts ties with Bersatu

The Islamist party’s break with Muhyiddin Yassin’s Bersatu guts the Perikatan Nasional coalition with key elections looming.

PAS supporters gather in Pekan, Malaysia, on election nomination day in 2018. Photo: AFP
South Korea

K-drama stars IU, Lee Dong-wook dragged into South Korean ballot protest

Protesters have called on IU to send coffee to them, in reference to her support during the 2024 rallies against ex-president Yoon.

Japan

Japanese IT head says he made AI videos to smear Takaichi’s rivals during poll

The Sanae Token developer says he used generative AI to create 1,000 to 1,500 short videos criticising contenders Koizumi and Hayashi.

South Korea

South Korean protesters demand ‘election re-run’ after ballot shortage

The shortage prevented some citizens from voting in the local elections this week, prompting the National Election Commission chief to resign.

Demonstrators hold signs reading “Rerun election”, as people surround a vote-counting centre during a protest in Seoul on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Opinion | Can Malaysia’s unity government survive a state poll fight?

Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional might find it easier to compete locally and maintain a lukewarm federal alliance.

A motorcycle passes campaign flags of Malaysia’s Barisan Nasional (blue) and Pakatan Harapan (red) coalitions displayed in Kuala Lumpur in 2022. Photo: AP
South Korea

South Korea’s Lee scores ‘flawed’ poll win, setback for his property tax plan

The defeat in the Seoul election came after the incumbent mayor promised to act as a counterbalance to Lee’s administration.

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South Korea

South Korea’s ruling party set for local election gains

The vote is widely seen as an assessment of President Lee Jae-myung’s first year in office.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Umno banks on Johor state election to lure Malay votes in stronghold

The Umno-led BN coalition defends its decision not to partner with PH in Johor, saying the election is to win the voters’ mandate again.

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Supporters of Malaysia’s Barisan National coalition led by Umno, wave flags outside the nomination centre in Langkawi Island in November 2022. Photo: AP
Malaysia

Snap polls in Malaysia’s Johor set up clash between Anwar’s ruling allies

The state contest is set to pit federal partners PH and BN against each other despite their power-sharing pact in Putrajaya.

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An Umno flag outside the party’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur in July 2021. Johor, Umno’s birthplace and a traditional Barisan Nasional stronghold, will hold a state election within 60 days after its legislature was dissolved on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Cambodia

Video | Cambodia’s Hun Sen pardons detained opposition leader

Many political opponents were convicted during Hun Sen’s time in power while Sam Rainsy, the co-founder of Sokha’s party, CNRP, remains in self-exile in France.

Cambodia

Hun Sen pardons detained Cambodia opposition leader Kem Sokha

Many political opponents were convicted during Hun Sen’s time in power while Kem Sokha’s CNRP co-founder Sam Rainsy remains in self-exile in France.

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India

India orders new deportation centres days after BJP election victory

The Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party has ordered detention centres for undocumented migrants in West Bengal state, sparking fear of arbitrary expulsions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) congratulates newly elected Chief Minister of Assam state Himanta Biswa Sarma (centre), and elected minister Atul Bora after the oath taking ceremony in Guwahati, India, on May 12. Photo: AP
Malaysia

Spoiler alert: why Malaysia’s Anwar should be wary of Rafizi’s Bersama party

Bersama may not have political clout to bring down the prime minister but may chip away support among his reformist base, analysts say.

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India

Young Indians protest through parody ‘cockroach’ party

The Cockroach Janta Party echoes a broader trend across South Asia, where youths have played a central role in anti-government movements.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s ruling coalition commits to staying united until ‘end of its term’

The communications minister’s remarks are aimed at easing concerns over the stability of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.

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Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends the BIMP-EAGA summit in the Philippines on May 7. Photo: AP
Malaysia

Can Malaysia’s PM afford a snap poll as the fuel bill burns?

With his coalition crumbling and former allies defecting, Malaysia’s prime minister has a fast-narrowing window to secure a fresh mandate.

A worker repairs a signboard at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 12. Photo: EPA
Malaysia

Why Malaysia’s election ‘war drums’ could be the end for Anwar’s coalition

Rival-turned-ally Umno – and allies-turned-rivals Rafizi and Nik Nazmi – may force the prime minister to call an early election.

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Malaysia

Malaysian ex-ministers resign from Anwar’s party, snap election rumoured

Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad resigned from cabinet last year after losing leadership posts in internal party elections.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, ex-ministers challenge Anwar’s attempt to project strength

Rafizi and Nik Nazmi are holding an event to announce a new ‘political direction’ on the same day as Anwar’s party meets.

Rafizi Ramli accompanies Anwar Ibrahim as he speaks during a news conference on October 26, 2022. Photo: AP
Japan

Japan’s Takaichi backs aide over smear claims against LDP rivals

Analysts say Japan’s prime minister used an ‘excellent non-answer’ to shield an aide against claims of orchestrating a smear campaign.

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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has said that personal attacks are not her “approach”. Photo: Pool via AP
The Philippines

Philippine VP’s impeachment trial delayed after Senate leadership coup

The leadership change could prove critical as the Senate leader presides over the trial of an impeached vice-president.

Thailand

Video | Thailand’s ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra released from prison

Thaksin has served 8 months since September 2025 for an abuse of power conviction.

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