TOPIC

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
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
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.

videocam
Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces election uncertainty amid unrest and weakened police force

videocam
India

Priyanka Gandhi’s Palestinian bag sparks political firestorm in India

videocam
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.

videocam
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.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.

videocam
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.

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.

videocam
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.

videocam
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio (left) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. Photo: AP
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.

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.

videocam
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.

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio. Photo: Reuters
India

India’s BJP-led alliance tested by deal making to form Maharashtra government

Despite the coalition’s electoral win in the state, analysts say negotiations over government roles reveal the alliance’s weaknesses.

videocam
Maharashtra’s chief minister contender and Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis (C) shows a victory sign after winning a majority in the Maharashtra state assembly elections, at the BJP head office in Mumbai, India, on November 23. Photo: EPA-EFE
Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s new government faces backlash over IMF debt repayment plan

President Dissanayake has chosen to continue with the current IMF programme, raising concerns about its impact on economic growth and relief for the population.

videocam
Indonesia

Prabowo’s coalition set to sweep regional polls, Jakarta slipping away

Opposition-backed candidate Pramono Anung is leading in the election for the Jakarta gubernatorial seat based on quick-count results.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Bangladesh

My Take | ‘Worse than before’: Bangladesh’s turmoil grows as Yunus tries to restore order

Muhammad Yunus faces challenges in restoring order and reviving Bangladesh’s economy amid ethnic tensions and urgent calls for new elections.

videocam
Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, speaks to members of the media at the COP29 UN Climate Summit on November 13. Photo: AP
Japan

China’s ‘wolf warrior’ envoy sparks row by backing Japanese leftist party

The incident has led to calls for the expulsion of Xue Jian, China’s consul general in Osaka.

videocam
4
Singapore

Singapore’s PAP goes from ‘faceless monolith’ to the forefront of activism

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pushes for more direct engagement with Singaporeans to address changing electoral landscape and voter expectations.

videocam
The Philippines

Is Sara Duterte’s anti-Marcos tirade a ‘ploy’ to boost support for her family?

The vice-president’s backtracking of her comment about hiring an assassin to kill Marcos Jnr is linked to midterm elections, analysts say.

videocam
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte talks to reporters in Quezon City on Monday. Photo: AP
India

Big win in Maharashtra polls signals BJP’s renewed dominance of Indian politics

After losing its outright parliamentary majority earlier this year, analysts say the victory bodes well for the future of the ruling party.

Bharatiya Janata Party supporters shower confetti and flower petals as Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, centre, arrives to address them at the party headquarters after winning the state elections in politically significant Indian state of Maharashtra, in New Delhi on Saturday. Photo: AP
Singapore

Lee Hsien Loong to step down as PAP secretary general after 20 years at the helm

Tributes poured in on Saturday for Lee, after he handed over the prime minister position to his successor Lawrence Wong in May this year.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s new leftist government sticks within IMF ‘guard rails’

The IMF reached an agreement with the administration of President Dissanayake to continue the four-year loan negotiation last year.

India

How US indictment of Adani could affect India’s Modi and ruling BJP

The bribery scandal could cast a shadow over coming state elections and be used as political fodder for opposition parties, analysts note.

12
Indian tycoon Gautam Adani has been charged in the United States with bribery and fraud. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

‘Jokowi still wants action’: Indonesia polls a test of ex-leader’s clout

The country’s former president is back in the political spotlight campaigning for candidates in regional elections.

videocam
Joko Widodo returns to his hometown in Solo after completing his second term as Indonesia’s president. Photo: ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Sri Lanka

Opinion | In Sri Lanka, China and India have a chance to join hands

The island nation could benefit from the expertise of Beijing and New Delhi, which would do well to help Colombo resist Western influence.

videocam
The Philippines

Filipinos back ICC probe of Duterte’s drug war, but will it sway midterm voters?

While his anti-narcotics campaign once had widespread support, a survey indicates 59 per cent now approve of the investigation into it.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement