ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Thailand: Coalition parties plan alliance, The Nation (2011)

This article discusses the plan of two coalition parties, Bhum Jai Thai and Chart Thai Pattana, to announce their "political alliance" after the general elections at length.

Thailand: PM-EC meeting Friday's noon to set poll date, The Nation (2011)

This article highlights the plan of the Thai PM to meet with the Electoral Commission on 11 March 2011 to discuss several issues in connection to holding early elections in Thailand, such as the completion of the drafting of the amended organic laws on election, the redrawn constituencies, etc.

Thailand: PM: Friday meeting to ease EC worries, Bangkok Post (2011)

This article notes that the coming meeting between the Thai PM with the Election Commission on 11 March 2011 is expected to ease some of the concerns of the EC regarding legal obstacles to holding early elections.

Madagascar's ousted leader to head back home, Mail and Guardian (2012)

It is reported that the ousted Madagascan president, Marc Ravolamanana will return to Madagascar over the weekend. In his statement, he said: "I am going back to make peace, not war."

)Kenya: Polls will be on 4th March 2013 , IEBC (2012

The press statement released by the IEBC talks of the considerations that the Commission took into account to reach on the election date of 4th March 2013 and to announce the election date.

South Korea: Election fines drop by 71.7 percent, Korea Times (2010)

The Korean authorities presented a report about the election fines in the last June 2nd elections. The total amount of fines, mostly attributed for bribery or other violations of the electoral law, diminished radically compared to the last 2006 elections.

South Korea: Foreign-natives cast ballots nationwide, Korea Times (2010)

This article presents the latest reports from the June 2 elections in Korea. The number of naturalized Koreans and foreigners voting in these elections doubled since the last 2006 local elections.

Belgium: Our first woman Prime Minister? Flanders News (2010)

This article presents the candidacy of Marianne Thyssen as Prime Minister of Belgium for the upcoming elections. Ms Thyssen is the leader of the Flemish Christian Democrats and, if elected, she would become the first woman Prime Minister in the country's history.

South Korea opposition puts up fight in polls, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the new strategy of the Democratic Party in the current elections in South Korea. In recent polls the ruling Grand National Party seemed to be the likely winner, but the electoral race is still open.

Ortega Threatens to Dissolve Congress, Fuels Talk of Civil War in Nicaragua, Honduras Weekly (2010)

"President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua suggested Wednesday [May 26] that he may dissolve that nation's Congress as a way to overcome the ongoing constitutional crisis between him and the legislative body."

Dominican Republic: Ex president Mejia’s presidential bid bolts from the starting gate, Dominican Today (2010)

"In addition to Mejía, Miguel Vargas, Luis Abinader, Eligio Jáquez, Ramon Alburquerque and Guido Gomez Mazara dispute the PRD’s presidential candidacy [in the 2012 elections]."

Lobo Reverses Stance on Honduran Coup, The Huffington Post (2010)

"Lobo's belated recognition of the coup suggests that the pressure to normalize relations with the international community may be getting to him. He has now reversed his earlier position, and in doing so, risked putting himself at odds with allies throughout the Honduran political establishment."

Nicaraguan leader threatens to dissolve congress, KSNT.com (2010)

"Nicaragua's leftist leader has threatened to dissolve congress as a political struggle rages over presidential powers and term limits."

Hot Topic: Puerto Rico’s Vote, New Haven Advocate (2010)

"Congress ponders giving Puerto Ricans a right to choose their status: statehood, independence or territory"

Ortega Re-Election Negative, Say Nicaraguans, Angus Reid Global Monitor (2010)

"Most Nicaraguans say an eventual re-election of current president Daniel Ortega would not be good for the country, according to a poll by CID-Gallup published in La Prensa. 56 per cent of respondents say a new Ortega term would have a negative impact on Nicaragua, down two points since November."

Setback for South Korea's president in local elections, BBC News (2010)

This article presents the latest updates from the June 2 local elections in South Korea. The president's party, the Grand National Party, might have lost percentage points over the opposition party, the Democratic one.

South Korea opposition party gains ground, The Wall Street Journal (2010)

This article reports on the vote counting procedures in South Korea. The opposition Democratic Party seems to be gaining the voters' support.

Afghanistan: Observation Report, Presidential and Provincial Elections, NDI (2009)

This report from the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) focuses on participation in the August 20, 2009 presidential and provincial election in Afghanistan. The report notes that in spite of the risks, many Afghan citizens participated in the election. It also includes recommendations made by the NDI to build the integrity of future elections.

Dutch muslims fear impact of far-right vote, Channel News Asia (2010)

This article discusses the impact of the political campaign on the immigrant communities in the Netherlands. In particular, these communities fear the impact of campaign of the far-right Party for Freedom, whose leader, Geert Wilders, is currently under trial for religious insult and inciting anti-Muslim sentiments.

Twitter debate - Dutch tweets dominate today, Radio Netherlands Worldwide (2010)

This article addresses a new trend in the electoral campaign in the Netherlands. During the last campaign for the upcoming June elections, Dutch politicians relied much more on social networks, leaving messages to their "fans" and even holding debates.