“Asia is important for the future of democracy globally” – CALD E.D.

“Given the geographic size, geopolitical importance and economic clout of Asia, the way democracy flourishes or flounders in this part of the world will have significant implications for the future of democracy globally.”

These were the concluding words of CALD Executive Director Lito Arlegue in the Asia Forum of the Global Democracy Coalition (GDC) held in Seoul, South Korea on 14 March 2024. With the theme, “Asia’s Democratic Landscapes: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities”, the event delved into perspectives on democracy in Asia, as well as the challenges, opportunities and future directions for democratic governance in the region.

Arlegue spoke in the first panel with Vanna Hay of Khmer Movement for Democracy, Elise Pham of the Vietnamese Nationalist Party, Wen Lii of Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan (via video message) and Leena Rikkilä Tamang of International IDEA.  Hay and Pham tackled the immense challenges faced by democracy activists in Cambodia and Vietnam, respectively, in the face of autocratic regimes in these countries.  Lii, on the other hand, highlighted Taiwan’s democratic achievements while still recognizing the threats coming from its giant neighbor.  Tamang took a regional perspective, citing common challenges in Asia such as the role of armed forces and political dynasties, restricted civic space and curtailed elections, and the exclusion of minority groups, women and the youth in politics.

Like Tamang, Arlegue also looked at the issues from a regional standpoint, noting that the challenges to democracy in Asia come from both authoritarian and democratic-turned-populist leaders.  He also pointed out the people’s dissatisfaction with democracy and the corresponding failure to advance the democratic narrative, as well as the role of money in politics.  He asked: “Why do the military in Thailand or Myanmar intervene in politics? Why are political dynasties or political families widespread in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia or Cambodia? Why is corruption rampant in both the public and private sector in South Korea, Malaysia and others? It is because military, political and business elites have economic interests to protect, and they look at politics as a means to protect those interests.”

The second panel focused on the narratives and strategies for democracy in Asia, and featured the following speakers: Ian Walker of the New Democracy Foundation, Anil Verma of the Association for Democratic Reforms, James Gomez of Asia Centre and Seonhee Kim of the East Asia Institute.  After their presentations, there were short group discussions which aimed to synthesize the key points so they could be organized and presented — first in the GDC Global Forum (15 March), and eventually, to the 3^rd Summit for Democracy (18-20 March).

Despite the gravity of the democratic challenges that Asia is facing, the forum ended on a positive note by emphasizing the opportunities that democracy activists and supporters can harness.  These include: (1) the power of elections to bring about political change; (2) the increasing importance of countervailing institutions; (3) the use of new and clever ways of expressing dissent; (4) the continuing public confidence on democracy despite its perceived failure; and (5) the strength of the youth and broader civil society in the region.

“Asia’s democratic prospects still depend on how we navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities as democracy supporters and activists”, said Arlegue. “In this process, what we can be certain of is that we have the people on our side, and they are counting on us to make democracy work and succeed for the future of the region.”