A gold-bar scandal pits Indonesia’s army against its police – The Economist

Gold-Bar Scandal Sparks Fierce Clash Between Indonesia’s Army and Police

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A gold-bar smuggling scandal has ignited a fierce rivalry between Indonesia’s military and police, unveiling deep-rooted tensions and making the fight against corruption within the country’s security forces even more challenging

Bhutan: Freedom in the World 2026 Country Report – Freedom House

Discover Bhutan’s Path to Freedom: Insights from the 2026 Report

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Freedom House’s 2026 report celebrates Bhutan’s steady strides in political rights and civil liberties, showcasing its determined efforts to deepen democracy despite ongoing challenges in media freedom and civic engagement

Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar: Civil Society Organization and Community Scoping Study – The Asia Foundation

Exploring the Impact of Civil Society and Community Initiatives in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar

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The Asia Foundation unveils an insightful new scoping study on civil society organizations in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar, shedding light on the unique challenges and exciting opportunities for community engagement and development throughout the region

Mongolia’s Long Struggle to Ensure Accountability in Governance – The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific

Mongolia’s Ongoing Battle for Transparent and Accountable Governance

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Mongolia remains steadfast in its ongoing battle to achieve true accountability in governance, despite facing persistent challenges like corruption and political instability. The country is pushing forward with vital reforms designed to boost transparency and rebuild public trust

Why Has East Timor Built the Strongest Democracy in Southeast Asia? – Council on Foreign Relations

How East Timor Became Southeast Asia’s Strongest Democracy

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East Timor has risen as Southeast Asia’s beacon of democracy, standing tall against regional challenges with robust institutions, inclusive leadership, and vibrant civic participation-an inspiring political triumph in a complex landscape

What Afghanistan’s rotten apples tell us about its non-profit sector – Al Jazeera

What Afghanistan’s Rotten Apples Reveal About the Challenges Facing Its Non-Profit Sector

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Al Jazeera dives deep into corruption within Afghanistan’s non-profit sector, uncovering how a handful of bad actors sabotage aid efforts, shatter public trust, and create major hurdles for humanitarian work amid ongoing crises

Sudani’s legacy in question as new Iraqi PM clamps down on corruption – Amwaj.media

Sudani’s Legacy at Stake as New Iraqi PM Launches Fierce Anti-Corruption Drive

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Iraq’s new Prime Minister is ramping up the fight against corruption, putting Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s legacy under scrutiny. This bold crackdown seeks to rebuild public trust amid persistent political turmoil

Rights advocate: Syria’s parliament legitimacy depends on independence – ANHA

Rights Advocate: Syria’s Parliament Legitimacy Hinges on True Independence

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A rights advocate told ANHA that Syria’s parliament can only be truly legitimate if it operates free from executive control. The expert stressed that authentic representation and transparent procedures are essential to rebuilding public trust

Sri Lanka jails ex-minister in anti-graft drive – myRepublica

Sri Lanka Imprisons Former Minister in Major Anti-Corruption Crackdown

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Sri Lanka has taken a bold step in its sweeping anti-corruption campaign by jailing a former minister, authorities confirmed. This decisive action highlights the government’s renewed commitment to rooting out graft and responding to the public’s rising call for transparency

What’s Behind Electoral Reform in Kyrgyzstan? – Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Unpacking the Drive for Electoral Reform in Kyrgyzstan

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Kyrgyzstan is boldly advancing electoral reforms designed to boost transparency and amplify voter representation during a time of political uncertainty. This initiative marks a determined effort to fortify democracy and tackle corruption as the nation prepares for its upcoming elections

Bills should not be drafted without involving users: Speaker Aryal – Nepalnews.com

Bills should not be drafted without involving users: Speaker Aryal – Nepalnews.com

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Speaker Aryal emphasized that bills should not be drafted without involving users, stressing the need for inclusive legislation to ensure laws reflect the public’s needs and concerns. The call aims to enhance transparency and democratic participation.

Sri Lanka’s Elusive Democratic Renewal – Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Sri Lanka’s Elusive Democratic Renewal – Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

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Sri Lanka’s path to democratic renewal remains uncertain amid political instability and economic challenges. The Carnegie Endowment highlights deep-rooted institutional issues hindering effective reforms and sustainable governance.

Pakistan’s Military Consolidation Under Munir Faces Critical Challenges – Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Pakistan’s Military Consolidation Under Munir Faces Critical Challenges – Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

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Pakistan’s military consolidation under Chief Justice Munir faces critical challenges, including internal dissent and political opposition, raising concerns about the future stability of the country’s civil-military balance.

Myanmar’s authoritarian creep – Lowy Institute

Myanmar’s authoritarian creep – Lowy Institute

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Myanmar’s military regime tightens control amid escalating repression, undermining democratic progress. The Lowy Institute warns of deepening authoritarianism threatening regional stability and human rights.

The Lessons Sri Lanka Can Learn from India’s AAP – Part 1 – Groundviews

The Lessons Sri Lanka Can Learn from India’s AAP – Part 1 – Groundviews

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Sri Lanka can draw valuable lessons from India’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in grassroots mobilization and anti-corruption strategies. Part 1 of this series explores how AAP’s model could inspire political reform in Sri Lanka.

A new digital blueprint to accelerate digitilisation of Bhutan’s justice sector – UNDP

A new digital blueprint to accelerate digitilisation of Bhutan’s justice sector – UNDP

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UNDP has unveiled a new digital blueprint aimed at accelerating the digitisation of Bhutan’s justice sector, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and access to justice across the country.

Lao PDR Country Profile – March 2026 – ReliefWeb

Discover Lao PDR: Key Insights and Developments – March 2026

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Lao PDR continues to grapple with persistent flooding and food insecurity, as highlighted in the March 2026 ReliefWeb Country Profile. Humanitarian initiatives are actively driving disaster response and promoting sustainable development to uplift and protect vulnerable communities

Over 20 years since independence, how can Timor-Leste’s fragile stability be transformed into development? – 笹川平和財団

Turning Timor-Leste’s Fragile Stability into Lasting Development After 20 Years of Independence

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Over two decades after achieving independence, Timor-Leste stands at a pivotal crossroads-transforming fragile stability into lasting prosperity. Experts from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation delve into innovative pathways for driving economic growth and advancing social progress

Kazakhstanis vote in referendum on new constitution that would cement president’s grip on power – AP News

Kazakhstanis Head to the Polls in Referendum to Strengthen President’s Hold on Power

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Kazakhstanis voted Sunday in a referendum on a new constitution that would significantly strengthen President Tokayev’s control, sparking concerns over democracy and power consolidation. Results are pending.