Formed in November 1997 in Bangkok, Thailand, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) Foundation has established itself as the preeminent civil society organisation in Asia working on elections. It was, from the beginning, designed to leverage the knowledge and resources of like-minded members across Asia working on the same issues. ANFREL’s main focus is on observing pre- and post-electoral processes, and developing and training civil society groups that are actively working on democratisation in their own countries. ANFREL also advocates on good governance issues in Asia.
Since its formation, ANFREL has operated in more than 40 elections in 15 countries across Asia, from Timor-Leste to Afghanistan. ANFREL draws its observers from a network of 22 partner civil society organisations in 16 Asian countries. ANFREL’s long-term aim is to build expertise on elections and governance in the region, entrenching a culture of democracy that is locally developed rather than externally imposed. Through observing elections internationally, observers have developed a strong understanding of international best practice that can be applied in their respective countries.
ANFREL is also working with local organizations on electoral reforms, voter awareness and conducts other capacity building measures, e.g. developing training manuals and training curriculum for domestic election observers, civil society groups and media on election observation, parliamentary watch and conflict resolution.
