SOUTHEAST AND EAST ASIA

Guarding Democracy

Southeast and East Asia has been constantly facing challenges from authoritarian and populist leaders to undermine liberal democracy. As former vice president of the Philippines Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo declared in her speech delivered on 3 August at the “Growing Your Network” session of the CALD Transformative Academy in Singapore, “The fight didn’t end with the elections. The fight is still there.”

Elections are not the end goal but a stepping stone to further expand an open society. Understanding this political process very well, CALD has adopted a network approach, where it supports its member  parties and expands its alliances to nurture an international liberal democratic society- empowering women and youth to take on leadership roles across the region.

Network Approach to Fledging Liberal Democracy

In her keynote speech at the “Knowing Your Values” session of the CALD Transformative Academy for Developing Empowered Leadership (CTADEL), held on 2 August 2024 in Singapore, Leila de Lima shared a powerful message.

"Today is my 36th day of unconditional freedom. I would like to thank all of the officials and members of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, as well as Liberal International, for supporting me all throughout my ordeal in prison. Your support and constant reminder to the world of my plight and my fight for the cause of human rights in the Philippines truly kept me alive and hopeful for the future."

CALD’s unwavering support towards individual politicians, like de Lima, reflects CALD’s commitment towards defending justice and freedom in Southeast Asia. Its consistent backing of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), despite pressures from China, further underscores its steadfast commitment to strengthening democracies beyond the region.

Mardi Seng, the chairperson of CALD, emphasized this further, “… continued partnerships and dialogue with other liberal and democratic parties will help build stronger, more resilient democracies.”

In May, Taiwan’s President William Lai echoed this call for international solidarity in advancing democracy and the liberal network. “My administration will continue using Taiwan’s democratic vitality as a force for good, to promote national development and deepen international cooperation.”

CALD, from high level meetings to grassroots forums, facilitated a lot of political dialogues, conversations and discussions to prove that liberal ideologies are not abstract but substantial. Its presence in numerous international political conversations, such as “Building Synergy and Intergenerational Solidarity: Asian Political Parties and Civil Society for Democracy” in South Korea, reflects Asian liberals’ enduring relevance of liberal values in tackling modern political challenges. Such effort further solidifies the network to thrive above rising populism and authoritarianism.

In addition, CALD’s recent mission to Japan has strengthened the Council’s relations with its observer-member the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), fledging the liberal network deeper into East Asia.

When Women Rise, Liberal Democracy Thrives

Prospering liberal democracy cannot be complete without gender inclusion. CALD and its member parties are dedicated to increasing women participation in political leadership.  

Former Vice President Maria Lenor ‘Leni” Robredo shared her own path to public service with the support of her Liberal Party, following her husband’s death.  “There were six of us vying for the post, and I was the lone female. I was running against five incumbent senators. My main rival then is now our president. I beat him by a hairline after a very controversial election in 2016.”

As a human rights lawyer thrusted into politics, Mrs. Robredo became a beacon of democratic values as a Vice President under an authoritarian Duterte. She managed to work with many youth to thrive her career in government amidst a competitive and patriarchal political environment of the Philippines. She calls for all women to “keep excelling in things” that they do. 

CALD has always believed that when women rise, their communities and countries rise with them. Women’s Caucus Chair Jaslyn Go appeared in many regional political events, upholding CALD’s respect and values on women rights. One significant occasion was with the Southeast and East Asia Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), commencing Women-Up Democracy Conference in Bangkok. Attended by more than 150 guests of varying backgrounds, ranging from politics to civil society, the conference painted a vibrant picture of realities women in politics are now facing. 

Jaslyn Go encouraged women to pursue leadership consistently. “Change doesn’t come overnight. It requires courage to break stereotypes and commitment to keep going, even when the odds are against you.”

Leila de Lima, a symbol of a woman leader at the forefront in fighting justice and freedom, called for women to shift their perspectives and embrace their full potential. “But I assert that our fight has shifted. We are no longer merely surviving; we are thriving, leading and demanding our rightful place at the table, because indeed, women hold half the sky,”

These women leaders are among the most prominent figures featured in CALD’s 2024 Annual Report, each representing the network’s commitment to inclusive and transformative leadership.

Youth as Resilience towards Democracy

CALD also recognizes youth power as central in its battling against authoritarianism in the region. Its Youth Caucus proactively represents and promotes liberal democratic values, leading for a meaningful change in politics and civil society.

Jeremiah Tomas, CALD Youth Chair, has been actively representing the values of liberal democracy in international events such as election monitoring in Taiwan and Indonesia. The Youth Vice Chair Samady Ou has mobilized massive 20,000 people to a protest which pressured Hun Sen to back down from Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area Project. Other youth leaders also take part in their party affiliated work to show that the new generation is indeed a driving force to turn the tide against populism and authoritarianism in Southeast and East Asia.

Embracing Technology to Safeguard Democracy

CALD is not afraid to embrace new technology to safeguard democracy. Its willingness to integrate new technology in their work so that liberal democracy can prosper is vividly seen in its research on AI in elections.

The paper identifies AI’s potential use in voter engagement, voter-data analysis, party mobilization, and election administration, but also warns of risks such as bias, misinformation, digital divide, and cybersecurity threats. CALD is committed to implementing the findings of the report in the name of guarding democracy in the region.

In short, resilience doesn’t emerge in isolation. It results when like-minded individuals and networks work together to turn the tide collectively. As the tides of authoritarianism and populism rise, CALD continues to stand firm, reminding the world that liberal democracy is not just an aspiration, but a living, breathing movement—driven by women, youth, technology, and unwavering solidarity.

Please read CALD’s activities and member speeches here in this annual 2024 report.

*Hnin Wint Naing is the regional communications officer of the Southeast and East Asia Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.