ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Burma splinter democracy group to run in poll, BBC News (2010).

This article discusses breakaway group from National League for Democracy (NLD), the National Democratic Force, which is preparing to run in Myanmar elections

Philippines: Comelec not keen on postponing barangay, SK polls, The Philippine Star (2010).

This article discusses rejection for proposal to postpone barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections by Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Japan elections setback to new prime minister, The Los Angeles Times (2010)

This article comments the unofficial results of Sunday's parliamentary elections in Japan. Apparently, the ruling Democratic Party lost was defeated. Prime Minister Naoto Kan's party, however, still holds a majority in the lower chamber.

Australian PM may call election within days, International Business Times (2010)

This article reports on the latest opinion poll in Australia. The poll shows that Prime Minister Julia Gillard holds the support of the majority of the voters (the Labor Party gained 52%), and unofficial sources say that she might call for an election soon. Ms Gillard is the first woman Prime Minister in Australia's history.

Governor-General delays trip as election speculation mounts, ABC News (2010)

This article discusses the decision of the Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce to postpone an official trip to next week, due to speculations about a possible call for elections. Last week, Prime Minister Julia Gillard hinted that she could call for a federal election within days.

Japan's ruling party loses key election as public's faith wanes, Xinhua (2010)

This article reports on the latest results of the Sunday parliamentary elections in Japan. The ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lost many seats in the upper house, to the advantage of the opposing Liberal Democratic Party. The DPJ still hold a majority in the house of representatives.

Japan PM: to stay after upper house election loss, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the Japanese Prime Minister's decision to stay in office despite the loss in the Sunday elections of the upper house. The government's ability to pass new reforms, however, is seriously weakened.

Japan whips incumbents, The Wall Street Journal (2010)

This article discusses the political effects of the recent election results in Japan. The ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lost seats in the upper house (from 54 to 44 seats out of 121), after only 10 months in power. Sunday's elections demonstrated the people's disenchantment with the DPJ's reforms so far.

Japan: Photos: Election Day, The Wall Street Journal (2010)

This is a slideshow of a series of pictures taken on Election Day in Japan. Voting operations and vote counting procedures are thoroughly documented.

Two opposition members in Dominica win by-elections, Taiwan News (2010)

This article reports on Friday's by-elections in Dominica. Two members of the opposition United Workers Party regained their seats. The two parliamentarians lost their seats because they failed to attend three sessions in a row, while boycotting the Parliament to raise awareness on suspected fraud in the last general elections.

Dozens of international monitors to oversee Solomons’ election, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

The Solomon Islands' government has invited more than 50 international observers to oversee next months' national election.

UN to lead Solomon Islands election efforts, Australia Network News (2010)

The United Nations will coordinate the efforts of international observers who will monitor next month's national election. The election will take place August 4, as announced by the Governor General.

Solomon Islands:Election awareness a big hit in Gizo and Malaita , The Solomon Star (2010)

The Electoral Commission began the Western province leg of its voter education program and attracted a large turnout. A drama group helped to inform voter of the single-ballot system and ballot box security.

Nauru state of emergency extended, Parliament adjourned until further notice, Radio New Zealand (2010)

This article discusses the caretaker President's decision to extend the state of emergency in Nauru. The President, Marcus Stephen, also decided to adjourn the Parliament until further notice. This announcement came after the opposition started a boycott on Friday. The country has gone through months of political stalemate, as the divided parliament is not able to elect a President.

Politicians 'fare better after favourable sports results', The Telegaraph (2010)

A study conducted by researchers at Standford University found that incumbent politicians perform better when a sporting teams are doing well. The study was conducted using the results of American football teams.

Italy's Berlusconi: Elections needed if budget vote fails, The Wall Street Journal (2010)

This article reports on Italian Prime Minister's statement about a possible early election. PM Silvio Berlusconi announced that if the parliament will not pass the government's austerity plan, new elections shall be called. The center-right government's support has recently declined to 41% from 50%.

Policy and Practice Brief: Strategies to Prevent and Manage Electoral Violence, ACCORD (2010)

The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) is a civil society organization based in South Africa. This organization works to find creative solutions to the various conflict-related challenges in the African continent. In 2010, ACCORD launched a new series of resource material, the 'Policy and Practice Brief'. This document is the first publication of the series and focuses on “Strategies to prevent and manage electoral violence.” ACCORD acknowledges the importance of preventing election-related violence to strengthen the democratic processes in the continent, and studies new strategies in a long-term perspective. Finally, this brief provides recommendations to governments and the civil society, as well as security personnel.

Ireland: Avoiding the electorate, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the failure to hold by-elections in Ireland. Lawmakers are accused of not calling the by-elections to fill up three vacancies in the Dáil, one of which have been there for a year. The government risks to lose all three seats and to weakened its majority.

Guinea Politician Expects Parties to Accept Court Ruling on Vote, VOA (2010)

Twenty of the twenty-three parties who participated in the first round of the presidential elections in Guinea filed complaints regarding voting irregularities. The second round of the election has been delayed while the court hears the complaints, the parties are expected to accept the court ruling.

Philippines: E-voting no threat to old-style ballot, Philippine Daily Inquirer (2010).

This article discusses electoral automation in 2010 Philippines General Elections.