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Since the Stockholm Founding Conference in 1995, International IDEA has worked to deliver policy-relevant knowledge, capacity development, advocacy and dialogue facilitation to advance and protect sustainable democracy globally.

In 2023, International IDEA and the Australian Election Commission partnered to host a series of virtual seminars aimed at bringing together electoral practitioners from around the world to discuss topics relating to electoral integrity. These seminars were designed to stimulate discussion and exchanges on key themes underpinning public trust in elections, such as operational integrity, security of the process and the information environment around elections.

To strengthen parliamentary communication, two workshops were held in Paro (14–16 April) and Haa (5-7 May) for Members of the National Assembly and the Secretariat staff of Bhutan’s Parliament. These back-to-back capacity-building events were respectively on Media Engagement and Digital Tools, and Parliament Communication Planning.

This regional report on Asia applies the globally informed framework developed in International IDEA’s 2023 report Designing Resistance: Democratic Institutions and the Threat of Backsliding. Through case studies examining eight countries—India, Indonesia, Mongolia, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand—the report

A five-day workshop on Strengthening Parliamentary Budget Scrutiny in Bhutan was held at the Namgay Heritage Hotel in Thimphu from 31 March to 4 April 2025.

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Read this statement in Myanmar language.

On 8 March, as the world observes International Women's Day and marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, it is essential to recognize the key roles women continue to play in Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement since the illegal 2021 military coup.

The Sekolah Reformasi Programme deepened understanding of democracy beyond education. It challenged participants to actively shape Malaysia's democratic space, reimagining democracy as dynamic and requiring constant individual engagement for relevance and justice.

The National Forum on Women in Politics brought together diverse voices to explore how Temporary Special Measures (TSMs) can foster inclusive governance in Fiji.

This discussion paper is a result of the work performed at the Democracy in South Asia Outlook Forum in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 28–30 November 2024, convened by International IDEA and the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA). The forum brought together a multidisciplinary group of experts from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

View this joint statement in Myanmar. 

Voter Turnout (VT) is determined by matching the total number of votes cast during an election against the total number of eligible voters. VT levels can be indicative of public attitudes and perceptions – high turnout can reflect high levels of interest and trust, while low VT can be a sign of disinterest or negative views of elections. 

This case study examines the enfranchisement of Bhutan’s international and internal migrants. Compared with other South Asian countries, Bhutan stands out for adopting absentee voting policies and processes that aim for

Migration in Sri Lanka has seen significant growth in the past two decades, with approximately 1.7 million citizens working abroad and nearly 3 million living overseas. Despite this demographic shift, Sri Lanka’s electoral system has struggled to adapt, continuing to leave its absent voters disenfranchised. 

This case study explores Bangladesh’s migration trends, highlighting its status as the sixth-largest source of international migrants in 2020 and underscoring the significant impact of migratory movements on the nation.

This case study examines the challenges and prospects for enfranchising migrants and displaced populations in any future elections should democracy one day be restored in Afghanistan. Drawing on historical context and legal
frameworks, the case study identifies the reasons behind the exclusion of displaced populations and how their electoral rights, guaranteed by the 2004 Constitution, have been largely unrealized.

Pakistan’s history and geographic location have made it a major migration hub. From the mass movements triggered by partition to ongoing internal and international population flows, migration has shaped—and continues to shape—the country’s political, social and economic landscape.