Election

Indonesia, the third largest democracy in the world, has experienced a vibrant and stable democratic consolidation since the fall of the authoritarian regime in 1998. However, it is now facing an accelerated downfall – its democratic veins have been drained. Ironically, from the hands of its most lauded progeny. 

Preventing the opposition from meaningfully participating in this election has once again ensured the landslide victory for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP).

Malaysia’s highly anticipated 15th General Election (GE15) on 19 November 2022, originally intended as a way to end the prolonged political instability over the last two and a half years, had resulted in everything but that for the initial few days. There was no clear resolution – until the King stepped in issuing a call for a unity government. The PH, BN and GPS coalitions ultimately came together to form a federal government, and on Thursday 24 November, Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister was appointed and sworn in: Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

As soon as the Supreme Court Justice will swear in the new president of the republic, the Duterte regime will finally come to an end. Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., the son of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. is leading the unofficial count and more likely to be the President-elect of the Philippines. But will Marcos Jr. remain a president for long?

The road to presidency of the late dictator’s son is built on a campaign that embraces the influencer culture of good vibes and toxic positivity while evading demands for accountability. 

Elections in the Philippines is a time of alliances, pundits, politicking within and across party lines. A range of candidates have put themselves forward for the upcoming 2022 elections, though their agendas and positions may still be too cloudy for voters to make a clear bet. Persistent problems around politics are present, although reform via the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is slowly taking place. There’s still plenty of time ahead for unpredictability, by prospective candidates and the voting population.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent decision to overturn a nationwide moratorium on new mining projects, which had been in place since 2012, was lauded by mining and business entities and criticized by environmental and human rights groups. Aside from allowing new mines to open in the country, Executive Order No. 130 (EO 130), which was signed on 14 April 2021, calls for a number of reforms.

Rodrigo Duterte’s term as President of the Philippines ends on June 30, 2022. Many Filipinos and foreigners who have witnessed Duterte’s shocking antics, including presidents, pope, magistrates who have been the subject of Duterte’s abrasive talk and behavior over the past five years wonder how the Duterte presidency will end, and what is in store for the Philippines beyond?