Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region presents diverse challenges and opportunities for ensuring democratic processes, with many countries seeing an increase in mis- and dis-information and closing of political space, while a small number have seen opening of civic space and an increase in free and fair elections. Given the diversity across the region, as well as the global pandemic and continued rise of anti-democratic forces, IFES has worked to remain adaptable and creative to ensuring IFES’ partners are supported in their work. Partnering global expertise with local solutions through collaboration with a variety of partner organizations, our efforts in the Asia-Pacific region showcase IFES’ excellence in inclusion and participation.
Related Experts See All IFES Experts
Regional Director, Asia-Pacific
Deputy Regional Director, Asia-Pacific
Related Content
20 Feb 2014 | Multimedia
On February 2, 2014, the world watched Thailand’s general election unfold within a tenuous political environment. One-tenth of polling stations throughout Thailand were closed on Election Day,...
31 Jan 2014 | Election FAQ
On February 2, 2014, Thailand will hold General Elections. IFES' Frequently Asked Questions shed light on the polls.
15 Jan 2014 | News and Updates
The integrity of an election is dependent on a range of factors, including the quality and credibility of the election administration. However, decisions made long before Election Day can also have a...
15 Jan 2014 | Multimedia
Yusdiana, IFES’ and Indonesia Disabled People's Association's Senior Disability Rights Adviser, used her experience, intelligence and optimism to advance the inclusion of persons with...
30 Dec 2013 | News and Updates
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is deeply saddened by the passing of Senior Disability Rights Adviser Yusdiana (“Diana”) of Indonesia. She died of complications...
15 Nov 2013 | News and Updates
In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney sent a letter to the Philippines Ambassador to United States Jose L. Cuisia Jr. extending IFES’ deepest condolences to the...
14 Nov 2013 | Election FAQ
On November 19, Nepalis will elect members to form a Constituent Assembly (CA), which will be charged with drafting a new constitution for the South Asian country. IFES' frequently asked questions (...
25 Oct 2013 | Publication
All too often, persons with disabilities are not included in the political lives of their country on an equal basis with others. Accessible Elections for Persons with Disabilities in Five...
19 Oct 2013 | News and Updates
From October 18-23, 2013, IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney is in Myanmar meeting with donors, partners and the IFES team. He shares his thoughts and experiences while in the country that is making...
16 Oct 2013 | News and Updates
Alexandra Matthews, a graduate student at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, tells us what she learned about empowering the vulnerable while at IFES, and how this work inspired her studies.
3 Sep 2013 | Election FAQ
Maldivians will head to the polls in the second democratic presidential election in the nation's history on September 7, 2013.
31 Jul 2013 | News and Updates
On Sunday, July 28 Cambodians cast ballots for 123 members of the National Assembly. This race saw the merger of two major opposition parties, the Sam Rainsy Party and the Human Rights Party, into...
19 Jul 2013 | Survey
Cambodians head to the polls on Sunday July 28 to elect a new National Assembly. In April and May, IFES commissioned a nationally-representative survey of 1,752 voting-age citizens and 10 focus...
19 Jul 2013 | Election FAQ
Cambodians head to the polls on Sunday, July 28 to elect a new National Assembly. Elections in Cambodia: July 28 National Assembly Elections answers frequently asked questions on the...
24 Jun 2013 | Publication
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (1973) envisages a federal parliamentary form of government with autonomy for the four provinces, with each province having its own elected...
24 Jun 2013 | Publication
The President of Pakistan is the ceremonial head of the country, with the role of representing the unity of the Republic.
24 Jun 2013 | Publication
The Election Commission of Pakistan must publish the official schedule for elections to the National and/or Provincial Assemblies in the National Gazette no more than 30 days after the President...
24 Jun 2013 | Publication
The local government system in Balochistan has a rural-urban divide; separate institutions have been designed for rural and urban populations of the province.
24 Jun 2013 | Publication
Preparation of accurate and credible electoral rolls is a key step towards inclusive, free, fair and transparent elections. In Pakistan, the voter list is tied to the civil registry, which...
24 Jun 2013 | Publication
With the possibility for snap elections and by-elections during the tenures of the Parliament and Provincial Assemblies, the Election Commission of Pakistan must be ready to mobilize to conduct...
24 Jun 2013 | Publication
The local government system in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has a rural-urban divide; separate institutions have been designed for rural and urban populations of the province.
20 Jun 2013 | News and Updates
Pakistan’s May 11, 2013, general elections were historic, marking the first transfer of power between two democratically-elected civilian governments after completion of a full term. These...
4 Jun 2013 | News and Updates
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) congratulates Pakistan on its first transfer of power between two democratically elected civilian governments after completion of a full term...
22 May 2013 | News and Updates
The Philippines held midterm elections on May 13, 2013. These polls marked the second time a nationwide automated election system was used. In addition to fine-tuning the technology used during the...
17 May 2013 | Multimedia
The May 13, 2013, midterm elections in the Philippines were significant, as they marked the second time Filipinos participated in nationwide automated elections. Many believe these midterm polls will...
15 May 2013 | Multimedia
Pakistan held elections on May 11, 2013. This was the first time in the country’s history that one elected government completed its full term and handed power to another civilian government....
15 May 2013 | News and Updates
Pakistan held general elections on May 11, 2013, marking the first time in the nation's history that a civilian government has carried out the full length of its term and handed power to another...
11 May 2013 | Multimedia
The Philippines is holding midterm elections on May 13, 2013. The polls are significant as they will be the second time the Philippines uses a nationwide automated election system and the midterm...
9 May 2013 | Election FAQ
The May 13 national and local elections in the Philippines will see more than 70,000 precincts open nationwide for voters to cast their ballots. IFES' frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Elections...
6 May 2013 | Multimedia
The Philippine Election Commission (COMELEC) recently finished final testing and sealing of the precinct count optical scanners (PCOS) – a week before local and national elections on May 13....
6 May 2013 | Election FAQ
The May 11 general elections in Pakistan will mark the first time in the nation's history that a civilian government has carried out the full length of its term and handed power to another civilian...
21 Mar 2013 | Multimedia
Women continue to lack equal access, despite making up more than half of the world's population. This video shows women from every region of the globe sharing their thoughts on why it is important to...
7 Mar 2013 | Multimedia
Today, Friday, March 8, IFES celebrates 2013 International Women’s Day. For over 25 years, IFES has worked to ensure all individuals, men and women, participate equally in the political process...
14 Feb 2013 | Multimedia
The peace process now unfolding in Myanmar after decades of ethnic insurgency has opened the space for civil society advocates to join the national discourse. As a result, IFES’ program in the...
14 Feb 2013 | Publication
IFES’ 2012 Hybl Fellow Geoffrey Macdonald focuses on the influence of election rules in preventing the rise of ethnic parties in Indonesia in this Democracy Fellowship Paper.
22 Jan 2013 | Multimedia
While elections and democratic transitions are significant to a country’s advancement, some events have the potential to make not only a regional impact, but a global impact as well.
This...
20 Dec 2012 | Multimedia
Southeast Asia is home to an estimated 60 million persons with disabilities – 15 percent of the total population in the region. In Southeast Asia, and throughout the world, persons with disabilities...
18 Dec 2012 | News and Updates
Many women’s issues cannot be addressed adequately without women’s involvement. Sokunmealea Yim, IFES program coordinator in Cambodia, talks about efforts to promote women's leadership.
18 Dec 2012 | News and Updates
Although increasing women’s political, economic, social and legal influence is needed for the development of Nepal, women in general – poor women, in particular – are discriminated...
18 Dec 2012 | News and Updates
Discrimination against women in the Pacific Islands takes many forms. Women do not have the same economic opportunities as men, and women are not treated equally in the workplace. Lauren Sauer...
28 Nov 2012 | Multimedia
Christian Monsod is renowned for his work ensuring Filipinos' voices are heard through the electoral process. In this podcast, Monsod talks about his life's work, why credible elections matter...
29 Oct 2012 | News and Updates
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is pleased to announce that Christian S. Monsod, former chairman of the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC), founder and honorary...
18 Oct 2012 | Multimedia
In this podcast, Vasu Mohan, IFES deputy director for Asia, and Alan Wall, country director in Nepal tell us about IFES' work to empower underrepresented populations.
17 Oct 2012 | Multimedia
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees all individuals the freedom to partake in their nation’s government and political processes, including elections. Yet, many individuals...
2 Oct 2012 | News and Updates
On September 20, 2012, the capital city of Jakarta held its second round of elections for governor. The first round of this important poll took place on July 11, 2012.
Operations Coordinator...
12 Sep 2012 | Multimedia
Stakeholders gather to discuss electoral, management and logistical issues from recent election.
10 Aug 2012 | News and Updates
Young persons can be powerful change agents in their communities. Disseminating information on the electoral cycle, volunteering in voter registration drives, observing elections to ensure rights are...
10 Aug 2012 | News and Updates
Young persons can be powerful change agents in their communities. Disseminating information on the electoral cycle, volunteering in voter registration drives, observing elections to ensure rights are...
10 Aug 2012 | News and Updates
Young persons can be powerful change agents in their communities. Disseminating information on the electoral cycle, volunteering in voter registration drives, observing elections to ensure rights are...
10 Aug 2012 | News and Updates
Young persons can be powerful change agents in their communities. Disseminating information on the electoral cycle, volunteering in voter registration drives, observing elections to ensure rights are...
10 Aug 2012 | News and Updates
Young persons can be powerful change agents in their communities. Disseminating information on the electoral cycle, volunteering in voter registration drives, observing elections to ensure rights are...