As we commemorate the annual World Press Freedom Day every May 3, Episode 10 of “The Election Observer” podcast will discuss informing the electorate through election reporting, addressing press freedom issues and challenges and navigating technological advancements.Carmela Fonbuena, Executive Director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and Arthur Rochereau, advocacy officer of the Reporters without Borders are joining this episode.

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) is preparing to observe the elections in the Philippines and is working to support the democratization in Bangladesh.Key elections in 2025 include the national and local elections and Bangsamoro parliamentary elections in the Philippines, the local council elections in Sri Lanka and the general election in Bangladesh. The military junta in Myanmar has also made pronouncements of holding elections later in 2025. Other anticipated elections include elections for the House of Councillors in Japan, the general election in Singapore and the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong.In Episode 09 of "The Election Observer" podcast, ANFREL will discuss how election observation, capacity building and campaigns and advocacy efforts in countries holding elections in 2025 promote electoral integrity drawing lessons and best practices from the experience during the 2024 super election year and previous elections.

Nonpartisan and independent citizen election observation and monitoring deters electoral fraud and irregularities, promotes transparency and accountability among election officials and government institutions and boosts public confidence in the electoral process therefore enhancing electoral integrity.The work, however, comes with risks as a number of groups have experienced forms of violence, intimidation and coercion, legal challenges, and restrictions. With the recent global developments in the ever changing geopolitical landscape, support for the work of groups and organizations in the democratization space has also been affected.Episode 08 of ANFREL's “The Election Observer” podcast will discuss promoting citizen observer rights and the issues and challenges that election observers and monitors face in strengthening and protecting democracy.

Proactive voter participation is among the key indicators of a vibrant democracy where effective voter and civic education programs play a key role. Episode 07 of "The Election Observer" podcast will discuss how voter and civic education programs contribute to making the electorate better informed towards ensuring electoral integrity.

Speaking truth to power and engaging in democratic processes, the youth continues to reinvigorate democracy through the hope and promise they bring. Episode 06 of "The Election Observer" podcast will discuss youth empowerment in participating and engaging in elections and democracy building.

After the campaign promises have been said, have your elected representatives kept their word? Parliamentary monitors are independent groups that conduct comprehensive review of the performance of the members of parliament. Episode 05 of "The Election Observer" podcast will discuss parliamentary monitoring approaches and the value of holding power to account.

In celebration of International Women's Day, the Asian Network for Free Elections invited women leaders in civil society organizations to discuss the issues and challenges that women face in engaging and participating in democratic processes like elections and identify possible solutions to improve representation and inclusion in governance and policy making.

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) will discuss the electoral reform prospects in Bangladesh amid calls for elections in an era of transition and transformation towards realizing the democratic aspirations post-authoritarian rule.ANFREL senior program officer Tharindu Abeyrathna and Dr. MD Abdul Alim of the Electoral Reform Commission of Bangladesh will speak in the new episode of The Election Observer.

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) invited the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), the National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) to discuss the campaigning in the 2025 national and local elections in the Philippines.

The Asian Network for Free Elections or ANFREL is soft launching a new podcast series titled “The Election Observer”. The series will be inviting election observer groups and democracy advocates to discuss and provide insights about contemporary electoral issues and challenges in the region.

The special pilot episode features ANFREL executive director Brizza Rosales who will discuss about ANFREL's international election observation mission to the 2024 Sri Lankan Parliamentary Elections. She will provide insights on the importance of election observation and the significant contribution of election observer groups to ensure electoral integrity and push for electoral reforms.