Summer School

General elections in Southeast Asia, encompassing Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, reflect a diversity of political systems and unique political dynamics in each country. In 1998, Indonesia transitioned away from the New Order era, adopting a multi-party democratic system with regular presidential and legislative elections, fostering a dynamic political stage. Malaysia's constitutional monarchy and parliamentary system play a role in elections, with power alternating between party coalitions. Meanwhile, Thailand experiences fluctuations between civilian and military governments, occasionally impacting political stability and election execution. The Philippines, with its presidential political system, actively engages voters, with issues like poverty and corruption central to electoral debates. Shared challenges across the region include election transparency, economic concerns like poverty, and the intricate dynamics of ethnicity and religion that can influence election outcomes. Each country has a unique political history, shaping the context that influences general elections and potential future political changes. Therefore, active participation in discussions, assessments, and problem-solving initiatives is crucial. In this program, students can openly express their understanding of elections in Southeast Asia.