The Ballot Box: Why Elections Matter for Asia | Asia Society

The Ballot Box: Why Elections Matter for Asia

The Ballot Box: Exploring Global Elections

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.

Country Election Briefs

Ballot box Korea
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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.
Indonesia Elections
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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".
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Bangladesh’s Political Odyssey

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

Related Analysis

India Elections 2024
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India’s Election Manifestos: An Analysis of Major Parties’ Foreign Policy Stances

Rishi Gupta explores India's major parties' foreign policy stances.
Bangladesh flooding
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Climate Tides in Politics: 2024 Asian Elections

Betty Wang analyzes how climate issues have shown up in recent elections in Asia and how electoral outcomes will influence future climate progress.
bri
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The Electoral Equation: China's BRI Investments Amid Political Transitions

Farwa Aamer and Blake Berger explore China's BRI investments amid political transitions.
Iran Ballot Box
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Perspectives on Iran's Elections: Examining Ties with the United States, China, and South Asia

Read our latest conversation-style piece that brings together experts, Sanam Vakil, Ghazal Vaisi, and Arif Rafiq, to address Iran's election outcomes.
Stacked cars waiting to be loaded onto a ship
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How Will the Next U.S. President Tackle the China Economic Challenge?

Wendy Cutler writes about the important similarities and stark differences between the Biden and Trump approaches to China.
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Taiwan's 2024 Elections and Regional Security Dynamics

On the sidelines of the Asia Spotlight: 2024 conference, the Asia Society Policy Institute convened a private roundtable of experts from Asia and the United States to discuss cross–Taiwan Strait relations in a regional context.

Related Video

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.
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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.
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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.
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Political Developments in Pakistan: Implications for India
Policy
 /  India

Political Developments in Pakistan: Implications for India

C. Raja Mohan speaks with Rishi Gupta about Pakistan's recent elections and its new government.
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Deciphering Pakistan’s Future: A Post-Election Analysis
Policy
 /  New York

Deciphering Pakistan’s Future: A Post-Election Analysis

Arifa Noor, Zahid Hussain, and Farwa Aamer discuss one of the biggest upsets in the South Asian country's election history.
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