Asia This Week: October 4, 2024

October 4, 2024

A weekly review of key news and analysis of elections in Asia and the Indo-Pacific, usually posted on Fridays and occasionally updated throughout the week.

The ramparts and moat of Japan’s Osaka Castle, which was built from 1583-1597. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Brandon1122334455 (public domain)

Upcoming Asia/Pacific Elections

Kiribati Presidential Election: October 25, 2024

Don Wiseman, Radio New Zealand, (October 2, 2024): Kiribati boycott planned after presidential vote becomes a one horse race

Don Wiseman, Radio New Zealand (September 29, 2024): Kiribati to vote for president on 25 October

Japan Snap Parliamentary Elections: October 27, 2024

In August 2024, Japan’s then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced he was stepping down in the wake of a slush fund scandal in the governing Liberal Democratic Party. The party helped a leadership election on September 27, which former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba won. Following the election, Ishiba called a snap election for October 27, a move that had been widely expected. 

Chatham House (October 4, 2024): Japan’s snap election: Why Ishiba’s gamble might pay off

Robert Ward, IISS (October 1, 2024): Tough challenges ahead for Japan’s new prime minister

Sakura Murakami, Reuters (September 30, 2024): Explainer: What to expect as Japan prepares for Oct. 27 election

River Akira Davis, New York Times (September 29, 2024): Stocks in Japan Tumble After Party’s Election of New Prime Minister

Helen Regan, Junko Ogura and Yumi Asada, CNN (September 27, 2024): Fifth time’s a charm as former defense minister finally wins Japan ruling party leadership contest and will become country’s next leader

Sri Lanka Snap Parliamentary Elections: November 14, 2024

Sri Lanka held its first presidential election since the 2022 financial crisis on September 21. Marxist Anura Kumara Dissanayake won, defeating a number of establishment political figures. He then called snap parliamentary elections, in a bid to consolidate his power. Sri Lanka remains a key site of geopolitical competition, with China constantly seeking to expand its influence and India continuing to play a role.  

Tamanna Salikuddin and Nilanthi Samaranayake, U.S. Institute of Peace (October 1, 2024): Sri Lanka’s New President Faces Daunting Challenges and High Hopes

Sophie Landrin, Le Monde (October 1, 2024): Newly elected Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expected to distance himself from India

B. Skanthakumar, Jacobin (September 30, 2024): Sri Lanka Is Experiencing a Political Earthquake

Indonesia Regional Elections: November 27, 2024

Ananda Teresia, Reuters (October 4, 2024): Poll shows Indonesia president’s approval rating falls after protests, but still popular

Philippines Midterm Legislative and Local Elections: May 12, 2025

Mong Palatino, The Diplomat (October 4, 2024): Midterm Elections and the Prospect of Impeachment in the Philippines

Yuki Fukita, Nikkei Asia (October 3, 2024): Philippine pastor arrest adds fuel to Marcos-Duterte feud

Karen Lema ande Mikhail Flores, Reuters (October 1, 2024): Marcos-Duterte battle looms as Philippines prepares for midterm election

Sebastian Strangio, The Diplomat (October 1, 2024): Philippines Opens Candidate Registration Period for Mid-term Elections

Bangladesh Snap Elections: Forthcoming

Anis Ahmed, Voice of America (October 3, 2024): VOA Interview: Muhammad Yunus on restoring order in Bangladesh

Charlie Campbell, Time (October 3, 2024): How Bangladesh’s Ousted Leader Sheikh Hasina Could Stage an Unlikely Comeback

Sarah Zaman, Voice of America (October 3, 2024): Pressure to hold elections motivating, Bangladesh student leader tells VOA

Past Asia/Pacific Elections

India, Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir: September 18-October 1, 2024

Muheet Ul Islam, Voice of America (October 2, 2024): Turnout for local assembly elections in Indian Kashmir sets record

Fahad Shah, Foreign Policy (September 30, 2024): Kashmir Holds First Regional Elections Since Losing Statehood

Arunoday Mukharji, BBC (September 29, 2024): Kashmir hopes for a voice after first election in 10 years

Hong Kong Legislative Elections: December 19, 2021

Chan Long Hei aned Kanis Leung, AP (September 28, 2024): A decade later, Hong Kong’s massive democracy protests remain an enduring memory

Elections On Deck

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