This article was written by two youth of NetMission.Asia, as part of a collaboration with EngageMedia’s Youth Communications and Advocacy and Greater Internet Freedom projects.
2024 stands out as a pivotal moment for democracies, with over 80 countries around the world preparing to cast their votes – a crucial test for democratic resilience in the face of rising authoritarianism and threats to electoral integrity.
Recent electoral outcomes in various South and Southeast Asian nations highlight these pressing issues. In Cambodia, the Cambodian People’s Party solidified its hold on power amid allegations of voter intimidation. In Bangladesh, the Awami League’s success came amid an opposition boycott, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process. Meanwhile, Indonesia faces scrutiny with Mr. Prabowo’s presidency, his controversial human rights record casting doubt on his commitment to safeguard democratic values. The political landscape is further complicated by developments in India and Pakistan, where the formation of coalition governments after narrow victories signals fragmentation. The Bharatiya Janata Party aligned with its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners in India, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz secured power with support from the Pakistan Peoples Party. In contrast, Bhutan experienced relative stability under the People’s Democratic Party.
Deriving insights from the Asia Pacific Policy Observatory’s report titled “Polls, Politics, and Policies: Assessing Impact of 2024 Elections on Digital Development and Internet Governance,” valuable perspectives can be gained regarding the potential and the challenges of digital development in the South and Southeast Asia (SSEA) region as it relates to electoral processes. We take a look at Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia as they conduct their respective elections in 2023 and 2024 to illustrate how the youth reacts to distinct challenges to democracy and fair elections in the digital era.
In Indonesia, the widespread use of AI-generated content and deepfakes in political campaigns represents a new frontier of disinformation that obstructs meaningful voter information and undermines the integrity of the electoral process. The shift in Bangladesh towards youth-led digital activism championing alternative visions of governance highlights the growing importance of online spaces as a battleground for political discourse, prompting a rethinking of campaign strategies and regulations to ensure that these emerging voices are adequately represented and their concerns addressed. Finally, the Cambodia case study illustrates how authoritarian regimes are increasingly exerting control over the digital realm, using laws and decrees to restrict online civic space and silence critical voices, posing a grave threat to freedom of expression and the ability of citizens to participate meaningfully in the political process. Taken together, these shake-ups paint a picture of dominant party rule, democratic backsliding, and the multifaceted challenges facing democracy in the digital age.
How tech influences – and is influenced by – the 2024 elections
The last decade has been buzzing with digital innovations and technological advancements. These advancements have empowered young activists but have also introduced significant challenges like deepfakes, surveillance, misinformation, and threats to privacy and cybersecurity, among others. These challenges have been exacerbated by controversial leaders exploiting technology to manipulate youth and first-time voters through targeted messaging, sponsored advertising, personalized content, echo chambers, and youth radicalization.
The 2024 elections in Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Cambodia saw how technology and the internet directly impact democracy, as well as attempts by the government to control and influence it.
It’s New! It’s Fun! It’s Online!
The internet – and its tech-savvy young users – has been a priority in many candidate’s promises and campaign strategies across the region. For example, Indonesian candidates strategically leveraged K-Pop influencers to attract approximately 100 million eligible voters on February 14, with more than half under the age of 43. Similarly, in Bangladesh, political parties harnessed the power of social media to sway young voters, crafting narratives carefully tailored to resonate with their target audience. Sri Lanka’s major political parties have established youth wings – an example includes NPP’s Aluth Parapura (New Generation) – to engage and mobilize young voters. These wings focus on organizing events, rallies, and campaigns designed to resonate with young voters and address issues that matter most to them, encouraging their participation in the political process.
Additionally, governments have also adopted strategies to signal their commitment to address digital developments and emerging technologies, as seen in the formation of national plans such as the Smart Bangladesh vision, Bhutan’s Digital Drukyul Flagship Program, Cambodia’s Digital Agenda, and Indonesia’s National AI Strategy. This emphasis on recognizing the transformative impact of technology on governance and citizen engagement is seen as part of governments’ attempt to win over tech-savvy electorates.
Disinformation… but make it advanced
As the digital landscape evolves, so do the tactics to exploit it to push forward certain narratives and political agendas. Technology has been weaponized to create deepfakes and targeted disinformation campaigns. According to a report, the Asia-Pacific region saw a 1530% increase in AI-driven deepfakes from 2022 to 2023, amplifying the spread of manipulated content. Fraudsters are increasingly leveraging advanced technology to create realistic fake identities, making it more challenging to detect.
Deepfakes can be used to create misleading videos of public figures, including politicians, that distort their messages or actions, leading to public distrust. These can be weaponized to sway voter opinions by spreading false narratives. For instance, Bangladesh’s election deepfake video showed an opposition leader wavering in support of Gazans – a potentially damaging stance in a Muslim-majority country with significant public sympathy for Palestinians. A fake video of Indonesia’s current President Jokowi speaking Mandarin spread like wildfire among those eager to portray him as pro-China and stir up anti-China sentiment among conservatives and nationalists. Cambodia’s opposition party viz., The Candlelight Party and the Khmer United Great Nation Party (KUGNP) were barred from participating in the elections, and the Cambodian People’s Party spread online disinformation to bolster its own campaign.
The impact of AI-driven deepfakes is worsened when combined with the algorithms employed by social media platforms that often prioritize content based on user preferences and virality of content, creating echo chambers and hastening the spread of false information.
Silencing Voices: how ICT policies contribute to the closing of online civic spaces
One must also consider the broader context in which digital tools are used to stifle dissent and silence voices critical of those in power. The suppression of free expression through internet restrictions further compounds the challenges to democratic engagement and transparency. The political participation of the youth and first-time voters is increasingly pivotal, but this participation is often tempered by internet shutdowns, blocking of websites, internet throttling, and content moderation, among others.
Read more: 2024, Year of Elections (and Hopefully Not Internet Shutdowns)
The Digital Security Act, 2018 of Bangladesh, the Information Technology Act, 2000 of India, The Online Safety Act, 2024 of Sri Lanka, and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law 2001 of Indonesia, which passed a second amendment in 2024, are examples of how political powers legally manipulate freedom of expression to serve their interests. Many of these legislations lack clear definitions and are susceptible to overregulating online content, thus restricting freedom of expression. Some of these regulations are also approved so close to the election period, raising the possibility that these regulations may be used to gain political advantage.
These policies and government bodies mandated to enforce them heavily impact online civic spaces: for instance, the Indonesian ITE law was used as the basis for the arrest and prosecution of activists due to a video calling out a military general in the government. The Cambodian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, under its mandate to pursue appropriate action against all businesses that go against the code of conduct, posted a censorship order for independent outlets such as Cambodia Daily, Radio Free Asia and Kamnotra for a supposed license discrepancy issue. Addressing these challenges requires a balanced approach that protects digital freedoms while ensuring security and transparency.
Report: EngageMedia – ICT Policies and Implications on Digital Rights
The Kids Weigh In: Youth Involvement Across South and Southeast Asia
Amid these challenges, the engagement of the youth population in elections and politics in general is important. Despite having limited political representation, these young voters actively take part in policy decisions, with the main focus on ‘electoral integrity’ – ensuring that elections are conducted in a fair, transparent, and inclusive manner to uphold the quality and credibility of the electoral process.
In Bangladesh, for example, a growing youth population actively refused to participate in the election due to increasing distrust and frustration with the system, which they viewed as a one-party show. Such frustration carried over to the latest student-led protest over demands to abolish the quota system in government jobs, which reserves 30% for children of independence war veterans (and which they argue favours supporters of the ruling party). This protest traces back to April 2018, back when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina promised to abolish the system. This year, however, students witnessed a very drastic change in her tone as she dismissed students’ concerns, saying they were “wasting their time unnecessarily in the name of the movement”. The job quota system is viewed by many as an attempt by the ruling party to further capture state institutions; the Bangladesh judiciary and military are widely seen as politicized due to the inclusion of people with Awami League credentials in key positions and their role in suppressing political opposition, especially during elections. The uprising for quota system reform in Bangladesh is linked to the broader democratic movement and reflects a demand for more transparency, fairness, and equal opportunities in government institutions. This movement highlights the importance of inclusive policies in governance and underscores the complex interplay between social movements, governance, and democratic processes.
In Indonesia, students protested against President Joko Widodo’s perceived lack of neutrality in the 2024 elections. Accusations included meddling in the election to favour his son Gibran Raka, who is Mr. Subianto’s running mate and the youngest vice president in the country’s history. This move was made possible thanks to the Constitutional Court decision – led by Mr. Widodo’s own brother-in-law – to lower the age threshold for vice president. Many young people yearning for more substantial political discourse had initiated a youth-targeted portal for political information and analysis. Many have also participated in various discussions of the election – whether held independently or as part of the campaign. While Mr. Subianto did win the election, various youth movements for political accountability and transparency continue to grow, vowing to monitor the government beyond election cycles.
Prior to the 2023 elections, the Cambodian Prime Minister closed the independent media outlet Voice of Democracy (VOD). Young Cambodians filed a petition to reinstate VOD, arguing that its closure has deprived citizens of reliable news ahead of the elections. In past elections, Cambodian youth had also supported The Clean Fingers campaign, a call to boycott the fraudulent election and delegitimize election results.
The decision-making process of these digital natives relies heavily on digital means, particularly through social media and online platforms. But their participation goes beyond just being a spectator; with a collective voice and digital savviness, young voters are active participants demanding accountability and reform in their regions. They are highly informed and actively participate in political discussions, advocacy campaigns, and community-organized efforts more in digital than physical spaces. The energy and passion that young activists bring to the political arena can turn digital engagement into tangible political action.
Upcoming Sri Lanka Presidential Election
Sri Lanka, which heads to the polls on September 21, has the opportunity to draw valuable lessons from the electoral processes of Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Cambodia. By addressing issues of electoral integrity, engaging young voters, and ensuring the provision of reliable information, Sri Lanka can work towards strengthening its democratic foundations.
The upcoming presidential election is crucial for the country’s future, especially in the context of the economic and political turmoil that has characterized recent years. The presidency of Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who won with 69% of the vote, was marked by a severe economic crisis in 2022. This crisis led to a shortage of necessities, triggering the ‘Aragalaya’ protests primarily organized by youth and supported by political activists and civil society. These protests ultimately forced the resignation of the executive president.
The current President Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe – who was subsequently selected through a parliamentary election to fill in the vacancy – will enter the polls as an independent candidate. His appointment to replace Mr. Rajapaksa did not win the majority of public support; his party had only one seat in parliament, and he was the sole parliamentarian from his party in the 2019 general election. Leftist politician Dr. Dayan Jayathilaka highlighted the growing disjointment between President Wickramasinghe government’s politics and the people it represents, and urged for a shift in political course for a meaningful governmental change. President Wickramasinghe has called to postpone the election before as he faces immense pressure from protestors seeking solutions to the country’s pressing issues. This upcoming presidential election provides an opportunity for the people to confirm their choice and seek leadership that can address their concerns effectively.
Running against the currently-ruling SLPP, political parties such as the NPP, UNP, and SJB have begun targeted campaigns addressing the concerns of voters, including youth; all three leading coalitions are championing their visions for democracy – from SJB’s economic and social justice to UNP’s vision of future governance and development. NPP, one of the country’s upcoming opposition coalition, has continued to make space for new and promising politicians, prominence for women, and international recognition. However, the opposition faction remains fragmented.
Presently, campaigns in Facebook and WhatsApp groups present a battleground for these competing parties. These digital campaigning methods are at their pinnacle since they are the most cost-effective and simple to implement. However, many of these campaigns contain disinformation; a recent video featuring a voice mimicking former US President Donald Trump supposedly endorsing the NPP candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) shows an example of manipulated media or “shallowfake”. This video has been posted on platforms such as WhatsApp. Troll farms, a problem since the 2019 election, have also continued to muddle online discourses with suggestive and propagandist posts, impacting voters’ opinions.
Guide: Hashtag Generation – Fantastic Trolls and how to fight them
Nearly 47% of respondents aged 18 to 26 plan to abstain from voting due to distrust in politicians and frustration with the reappearance of old political figures. While there is a growing trend towards new political parties that seem to align with youth concerns, the majority of young people are still undecided about which party to support. There is a disconnect between the aspirations of the youth and the actions of the political establishment, leading to a notable shift towards supporting new political movements, especially against governing parties (SLFPP and UNP).
However, not all are disinterested. Fact-checking efforts are being run by many youth initiatives such as Hashtag Generation – a youth movement led and run by a group of young tech-savvy, socially conscious Sri Lankans – to battle disinformation amid the upcoming election. A new political party movement has also emerged by activists from the 2022 Aragalaya (People’s Struggle) movement. The government has also increased the youth quota for local government to 25%, in hopes that more youth are willing to directly participate in the governance of the country.
Conclusion: Safeguarding Democracy in South and Southeast Asia
The 2024 elections test the resilience of democracy in various South and Southeast Asia countries. Youth voters play a pivotal role in these elections, and their engagement is a beacon of hope for democracy despite various challenges.
The significant attention paid to youth voters in the recent elections were prominent in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Cambodia. In Bangladesh, the ruling party tried wooing first-time voters with the “Digital Bangladesh” project, promising a “smart Bangladesh” by 2041 and 15 million new jobs for young people by 2030. In Indonesia, a heavy influx of social media campaigns – often using generative AI and adapting youth interests such as K-Pop – hoped to attract young social media users. In Cambodia, the ruling CPP had specifically addressed its youth chapter to encourage fellow youngsters to vote in the election. With the upcoming elections in Sri Lanka in September, the increased youth quota for local government positions is hoped to attract youth to contribute to governance.
And what does the youth say?
This article highlighted growing discontent between young people and their current governments. Bangladesh youth’s increasing frustration in the election; Indonesian youth’s yearning for more substantial political discourse; Cambodia’s youth activism for democratic principles under a one-party rule; and Sri Lanka’s new youth-led political movement show that young people have continued to express their demands for transparency, accountability, and innovative changes using various means, piercing through the noise of old-school politics.
To safeguard electoral integrity, young voters should stay ‘correctly’ informed and actively participate. Ensuring digital literacy among the youth is essential to help them navigate and understand complex digital manipulations. Empowering youth to make informed decisions and counter misinformation effectively is important and initiatives like ‘fact-checking clubs’ in educational institutions can be useful.
However, the responsibility does not rest solely on young voters. It is evident that future elections in these countries will be influenced by technological advancements such as AI-driven campaigns, deepfakes, and targeted digital strategies. To mitigate these risks, governments must prioritize the development and implementation of robust and ethical data protection laws and cybersecurity measures to prevent the malicious use of technology during political campaigns.
Protecting digital rights and fostering ethical use of technology in politics is a shared responsibility among governments and citizens, including the youth. Together, they must work to create an open, transparent, and accountable digital environment where human rights are protected and youth are empowered to drive positive change. By doing so, young people can transform their digital engagement into tangible political action, ensuring a more democratic and just future for South and Southeast Asia.
Writers’ Bio:
Ankita Rathi is a lawyer based out of New Delhi, India. She has also worked extensively with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology under the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Parliament of India and also as a Policy Researcher with the Asia Pacific Policy Observatory under NetMission. Asia.
Maheeshwara Kirindigoda is a dynamic and versatile professional at the intersection of academia, technology, media and social progress based in Sri Lanka. Maheeshwara, armed with a degree in Social Sciences, embarked on a prosperous career in entrepreneurship and information technology in the year 2002. He honorably served as Media Secretary to the esteemed Government of the Central Province, and previously served a similar position in Uva Province. During his tenure as President of the Internet Society, he played a pivotal role in initiating groundbreaking programs such as IoT Sri Lanka, Sig Sri Lanka, IGF Sri Lanka and fostered informed digital policy discussions in Sri Lanka and beyond. His visionary outlook encompasses the creation of a safer global environment through the harmonious integration of technology and society.
