The Ballot Box: Why Elections Matter for Asia

Democracy is shaping the world in 2024 with elections in over 40 countries worldwide. As this convergence of pivotal political choices unfolds, follow here for exclusive insights into what the campaigns, the votes, and the results reveal — and why it matters for Asia.

Stay informed and stay engaged with our expert coverage of elections in Bangladesh, Taiwan, Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, the United States, and more.

Related Report

Red or Blue: What’s at Stake for Asia for the 2024 U.S. Election

The Asia Society Policy Institute investigates what the upcoming U.S. Presidential and Congressional elections mean for Asia.

Country Election Briefs

paper

Ishiba Takes the Helm: A New Kind of Leader for Japan

Emma Chanlett-Avery explores what Japan's new prime minister means for the U.S.-Japan alliance.

paper

Sri Lanka’s Political Shift: Dissanayake’s 2024 Victory Marks New Era

Farwa Aamer writes on the outcomes of Sri Lanka's presidential election and what it means for the future.

paper

Modi 3.0 in the Age of Geoeconomic and Geopolitical Rivalry

Akshay Mathur details what Modi's third term means for India's role in global governance.

paper

A Closer Look at South Korea's 22nd National Assembly Elections

Emma Whitmyer explores South Korea's National Assembly elections and what it means for the country.

paper

From Jokowi to Prabowo: Will Reputation Matter for Indonesia?

Natalie Sambhi analyzes the outcomes of Indonesia's election and what it means for the country and region.

People monitor latest election results live on a television at a tea shop, a day after Pakistan's national elections in Lahore on February 9, 2024. Candidates linked to jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan were running a close race with the party of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif on February 9 as election results trickled in after a long delay that added to accusations of poll rigging.

paper

Navigating Pakistan's Political Labyrinth: Post-Election Insights

Farwa Aamer unravels Pakistan's post-election maze, such as the evolving power dynamics amidst allegations of vote rigging, and explores Pakistan's economic, political, and diplomatic challenges as she sheds light on the path ahead.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - JANUARY 13: Confetti flies over the stage and crowd as Taiwan's Vice President and presidential-elect from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Lai Ching-te (L) and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim speak to supporters at a rally at the party's headquarters on January 13, 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan. Taiwan voted in a general election on Jan. 13 that will have direct implications for cross-strait relations.

paper

Taiwan’s Democracy on Full Display

Lyle Morris unpacks what Taiwan's recent elections mean for the people of Taiwan, Taiwan-Mainland China affairs, and Taiwan-U.S. relations.

This photo taken on January 9, 2024 shows a voter leaves after casting his vote at a polling station during the general elections in Thimphu. Former prime minister Tshering Tobgay's party won Bhutan's election on January 9, media reported, after polls dominated by economic threats challenging the Himalayan kingdom's longstanding policy of prioritising "Gross National Happiness" over growth.

paper

Bhutan's 2024 Elections: Economic Complexities and Regional Dynamics

Rishi Gupta analyzes the impact of the Bhutan election on the country and the region.

policeman walks past a portrait of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in Dhaka on January 8, 2024. Hasina won re-election for a fifth term on January 7, officials said, following a boycott led by an opposition party she branded a "terrorist organisation".

paper

Bangladesh’s Political Odyssey

Farwa Aamer analyzes the outcome of the Bangladesh election and its implications.

Related Analysis

article

Gender Parity in Southeast Asia: An Imperative for Democracy, Political Empowerment, and Growth

Farwa Aamer writes about the factors limiting female engagement in politics and the economy in Southeast Asia in an op-ed for 9DashLine.

Demonstrators hold up a poster reading "Vote for Climate" in the design of the EU flag

article

Bridging the Gap: How Political Transitions in the UK, the EU, and France impact Asia's Climate Finance Priorities

Meera Gopal takes a closer look at the election outcomes in the United Kingdom, the EU, and France and explores how these political transitions impact their respective approaches to international climate cooperation.

paper

Political Turmoil in Bangladesh

Rishi Gupta explores the political turmoil in Bangladesh and Sheikh Hasina's rise and fall.

article

From Participation to Power: A Gender-Inclusive Vision for South Asian Democracy

Farwa Aamer and Ambika Vishwanath discuss gender and democracy in South Asia.

Solomon Islands electoral officers count votes

article

Geopolitical Shifts and Local Priorities: Unpacking Solomon Islands 2024 Elections

Lincy Pende explores the outcomes of the Solomon Islands elections.

article

India’s Election Manifestos: An Analysis of Major Parties’ Foreign Policy Stances

Rishi Gupta explores India's major parties' foreign policy stances.

Related Video

Policy

/ New York

India's Foreign Policy in 2025: Navigating a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

Farwa Aamer, Akshay Mathur, Nirupama Rao, and James Crabtree explore the Modi government's strategy for managing international relations, regional dynamics, and upcoming geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges.

Watch Now

Bangladesh's Political Challenges: What's Next

Policy

/ India

Bangladesh's Political Challenges: What's Next

Sreeradha Dutta, Michael Kugelman, Sara Hossain, Shafqat Munir, and Farwa Aamer discuss the developments following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.

Watch Now

Policy

/ New York

What Lies Ahead for India: A Foreign Policy Perspective

Lisa Curtis, Farwa Aamer, Vikram Singh, and Akshobh Giridharadas explore India's post-election landscape, and what it means for India’s foreign policy outlook.

Watch Now

Insights into the Indian Elections with Dr. Ronojoy Sen

Policy

/ New York

Insights into the Indian Elections with Dr. Ronojoy Sen

Ronojoy Sen speaks with Farwa Aamer regarding the key factors shaping the Indian elections, voter perceptions on the ground, and the priorities for the new government.

Watch Now

Rapid Reactions to the Taiwan Presidential Inauguration

Policy

/ New York

Rapid Reactions to the Taiwan Presidential Inauguration

Simona Grano, Rorry Daniels, and Lyle Morris share their insights on what Lai Ching-te’s inaugural address might mean for Taiwan, China, and the United States.

Watch Now

Charting the Course: Modi 3.0 and India's Engagement with South and Southeast Asia

Policy

/ New York

Charting the Course: Modi 3.0 and India's Engagement with South and Southeast Asia

Natalie Sambhi speaks with Farwa Aamer about India’s general elections and what they mean for the region.

Watch Now