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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.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto prepares to welcome Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence before their meeting in Jakarta in November. Photo: AP
Indonesia

Indonesia’s Prabowo hits 80% approval in 100 days. Will the ‘honeymoon’ last?

Analysts and activists say Prabowo Subianto’s high approval rating may falter if cabinet discord and militarisation issues persist.

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Singapore

Singapore takes first step towards election, analysts predict midyear polls

Myanmar

‘No chance’: in Myanmar, Asean’s pleas for peace fall on deaf ears

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s ex-leaders told to vacate luxury government homes

The luxury bungalows are being converted into hotels or museums, with the Rajapaksas receiving a modest rent allowance instead.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa (right) and his brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa, will be forced to leave their luxury lodgings under a new government order. Photo: AFP
Pakistan

Pakistan jails ex-PM Imran Khan for 14 years over land corruption case

The verdict is the biggest setback for Khan and his party since a surprisingly good showing in the 2024 general election.

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Singapore

1 in 4 Singaporeans undecided on who to vote for ahead of election: survey

More voters worried about cost of living, economy and MPs’ performance than political scandals.

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India

Is Kejriwal the next Modi? Delhi polls could shape future of Indian politics

Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, appears set to win a third term as Delhi’s chief minister despite corruption allegations.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal speaks during an even in Amritsar in 2023. Photo: AFP
Singapore

‘Passions run high’: Singapore parties’ walkabout row marks pre-polls tensions

Volunteers from the ruling PAP and the opposition PSP have alleged harassment by the other party, prompting ministers and ex-MPs to weigh in.

India

Indian Hindus gather for Kumbh Mela, 400 million take a plunge for salvation

On the banks of the Ganges River, the largest gathering of people in the world began in India’s Prayagraj, in northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Indonesia

Indonesia court ruling shakes up presidential race rules: ‘victory for democracy’

The ruling removes the 20 per cent seat and 25 per cent vote threshold, paving the way for more diverse candidates and a more competitive political landscape.

A woman casts her ballot for Indonesia’s presidential and legislative elections at a polling station in Banda Aceh on February 14, 2024. Photo: AFP
Thailand

Thai ex-PM Thaksin under fire for alleged racist jibe at African women

Former leader says Thai women have ‘natural beauty’ and his Pheu Thai party will promote them to become supermodels.

Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets his supporters after landing at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport on August 22, 2023. Photo: AFP
Thailand

Thai opposition leader outpolls incumbent in preferred PM survey

Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, was selected by 29.9 per cent of 2,000 respondents.

India

Former Indian Prime Minister cremated in New Delhi, mourned worldwide

Singh was known as a mild-mannered technocrat and was widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation.

The Philippines

Philippine VP’s US$10 million snack-name scandal: a recipe for impeachment?

Complaints over confidential funds given to individuals seemingly using aliases derived from food brands fuel calls for transparency.

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Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio holds a press conference in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, on December 11. Photo: EPA-EFE
North Korea

Revolution, elections and a baby hippo, this was the year in Asia

From climate change to political storms and a Taylor Swift world tour, Asia in 2024 was characterised by turbulence and surprises.

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Students and other activists carry Bangladesh’s national flag during a protest march to mark one month since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down after a mass uprising, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on September 5. Photo: AP
Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces election uncertainty amid unrest and weakened police force

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, plans to hold elections next year, but restoring order and public trust in the police is essential for credibility.

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India

Priyanka Gandhi’s Palestinian bag sparks political firestorm in India

Her gesture has ignited a debate about India’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing criticism from the ruling BJP for allegedly appeasing Muslims.

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Indonesia

Prabowo’s proposal to scrap regional polls stirs fears for Indonesian democracy

Critics say the Indonesian president’s proposal to have local legislatures appoint regional leaders echoes Indonesia’s authoritarian past.

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A man votes at a polling station in Tanjung Gusta, North Sumatra province, last month during Indonesia’s regional elections. Photo: Xinhua
Bangladesh

Bangladesh inquiry recommends feared police unit disbanded

Toppled Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina was accused of widespread human rights abuses, including disappearances carried out by the unit.

Indonesia

‘One-man party’: is ‘kingmaker’ Widodo planning a political comeback?

Speculation is mounting whether the former Indonesian president might form a new political party to expand his clout.

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The Philippines

Will AI enhance or undermine Asia’s elections?

Deepfakes and disinformation aside, artificial intelligence also holds the potential to strengthen electoral integrity, a new report says.

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AI is already revolutionising Asia’s elections and politics, changing how campaigns are run and reshaping the electoral process. Photo: Shutterstock
Indonesia

With self-branded aid, Indonesia’s Gibran steals a page from Widodo’s playbook

Indonesia’s new vice-president has come under fire for distributing aid packages featuring his name, echoing his father’s populist tactics.

Gibran Rakabuming Raka hands out free milk and books to children during an impromptu visit to a Jakarta neighbourhood in July. Photo: AFP
India

India’s political landscape is shifting, with parties vying for women’s votes

Indian political parties are targeting women voters with financial aid and empowerment schemes, acknowledging their increasing electoral influence.

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The Philippines

In Philippines, could an influential church shape the fate of VP Sara Duterte?

The Iglesia ni Cristo, known for its disciplined bloc voting, plans to protest against moves to impeach Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

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Indonesia

Opposition candidate wins Jakarta governor race in blow to Indonesia’s Prabowo

The result was an unexpected victory for Indonesia’s sole opposition party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle.

Pramono Anung (left), Jakarta’s next governor, greets supporters at a press conference last month. Photo: EPA-EFE
Bangladesh

Bangladesh Nationalist Party supporters march in protest of attacks in India

Thousands marched towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka to denounce attacks on a diplomatic mission.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) attend a march against India as they submit a memorandum at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Sunday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Thailand

Asian Angle | Thaksin’s return at Udon Thani election sparks play for national influence

The return of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra turned a local election into a national political stage, aiming to motivate Pheu Thai’s voter base.

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The Philippines

Impeaching Philippine VP Sara Duterte is ‘now or never’, analysts say

Delaying impeachment proceedings, which can be highly politicised, is likely to bolster Duterte-Carpio’s 2028 presidential run, observers note.

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