ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Central African Republic: elections set for May, foxnews (2010)

The president of Central African Republic says elections in the world's second poorest nation will be held May 16.

Elections and Minorities: Present Problems and Alternatives for the Future, Centre for Policy Alternatives CPA (2010)

This report briefly highlights some of the obstacles faced by minorities in voting during the Presidential Elections and problems that may arise in future elections. The report gives recommendations to the Government, political parties, donors, humanitarian agencies, civil society and others.

Kyrgyz President Won't Back Down, As Opposition Claims Power, RFE/RL (2010)

The article writes about the deadly protests in Kyrgyzstan on 08 April 2010, and informs that by 4pm, president Bakiyev was still refusing to resign and was claiming that he will not relinquish power to an opposition coalition that said it was forming an interim government in the wake of a violent uprising. A video of the protest in avaiable, too.

Opposition Forces In Kyrgyzstan Claim Power, Form Interim Government, RFE/RL (2010)

The articles writes that five-year-old government of Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev appears to have been ousted by opposition forces following two days of clashes between antigovernment protesters and police that left as many as 40 people dead and 400 wounded. Opposition leader Roza Otunbaeva is heading a temporary "caretaker government" after Bakiev was forced to flee the capital of Bishkek.

Kyrgyzstan: experts voice concern about possibility of prolonged strife, RFE/RL (2010)

The article expresses concern about the situation in Kyrgyzstan, saying that with marauding bands continuing to rule the night in Bishkek, and Kurmanbek Bakiyev making mischief in his southern stronghold, country’s new leaders are facing the prospect of a prolonged period of strife in the Central Asian state. Some experts are worried that continuing disorder in the country could exacerbate long-simmering regional tension. The interim government headed by Roza Otunbayeva is struggling to bring order to the capital, which erupted in mob violence on April 7, causing the collapse of the Bakiyev administration.

Kyrgyzstan: Not the Tulip Revolution All Over Again, TOL (2010)

The article analyses sismilarities and differences of April 2010 protests and March 2005 "Tulip Revolution" in Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyz opposition claims power: analysts' view, Reuters (2010)

The article presents views of analysts on recent events in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan's opposition said on Thursday, April 8, it has taken over the government after protests forced President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to flee the capital. The unrest, which killed dozens of people in Bishkek on Wednesday, was sparked by growing discontent over corruption and rising prices in a nation where a third of the 5.3 million population live below the poverty line. Here are some analysts' comments on the unrest.

Armenia: ex-president Kocharian preparing for a return to Yerevan politics?, EurasiaNet, (2010)

The article writes about increasing visibility of ex-Armenian president Robert Kocharian. He is voicing criticism of the current government’s economic policies. His statements, taken together with recent visits abroad, are stirring speculation that the 56-year-old politician is planning a return to Armenian politics.

Georgian Police Briefly Arrest Opposition Leader, RFE/RL (2010)

The article writes that Georgian police briefly arrested opposition leader Aleksandr Shalamberidze in Tbilisi, as he and some colleagues tried to enter the Tbilisian Publishing House offices, which have been sealed by authorities. Opposition leaders say local authorities are putting pressure on the publishing house because it prints their election campaign materials ahead May 30 local elections.

Growing number of Australians could shape 2010 election, Reuters (2010)

Explosive population growth is shaping as a pivotal issue for Australian elections later this year, with most voters not sharing Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's preference for a "Big Australia," a survey showed on Thursday 8 April

Dutch elections = greater terrorism threat, Radio Netherlands Worldwide (2010)

There is a greater chance of political violence in the Netherlands or against Dutch nationals abroad in the run-up to the Dutch parliamentary elections on 9 June. That’s the warning from the country’s National Anti-terrorism Coordinator Erik Akerboom. However, he says there are no concrete indications so far of any preparations for such violence.

Bolivia:Bolivia’s Regional Elections: A Setback for Evo Morales, American Quarterly (2010)

Evo Morales suffered a significant setback. That’s the simplest way to interpret the results from Bolivia’s regional and municipal elections on April 4. Nonetheless, he was quick to emphasize that his party had achieved significant gains.

Sri Lanka's President Rajapaksa's party looks set for election victory, Guardian (2010)

According to the latest statements from election officials, President Rajapaksa's United People's Freedom Alliance won 117 out of the 225 contested seats in the first legislative elections since the end of the war against the Tamil Tigers. While the main opposition party secured 46 seats, the major group representing Tamils won 12. General Fonseka's party secured only 5 seats, as this main contender of President Rajapaksa from the recent presidential elections, still remains jailed.

Sri Lanka: Record low turnout marks Lanka polls, Hindustan Times (2010)

According to the election monitors, the voter turnout in the parliamentary elections was one of the lowest in Sri Lanka's history, with only 50-52%, which is more than 20% lower than in the last, 2004, parliamentary elections as well as the January presidential elections, where the turnout was around 70%. The turnout was even lower in the Tamil dominated North. Additionally, allegations of unfair electoral practices and sporadic violence have been reported.

Trinidad gov't dissolves parliament for election, Reuters (2010)

President Richards dissolved parliament one day ahead of a no confidence motion against Prime Minister Manning. Although no specific date for the elections has been set up yet, the vote will have to take place sometime in next three months. The Prime Minister has ruled Trinidad and Tobago for the past 13 years, but is now facing growing criticism for alleged corruption.

Bolivia:Elections in Bolivia: Evo Morales Win but the opposition celebrates, Momento 24 (2010)

Evo Morales, Bolivia’s president, claimed himself victorious in the regional elections of this Sunday, because according to the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS), ‘now he controls six of the nine governors and three mayors of the ten largest in the country. “

Tanzania: Voter registration exercise takes off in Dar smoothly, The Citizen (2010)

The updating of the permanent voter registered has officially started in Dar es Salaam with no major difficulties and relatively encouraging turnout. The exercise will last for 6 days and it is the final update before the October elections.

Colombia:Bishops encourage Colombians to vote in upcoming elections, CNA (2010)

"The Bishops of Colombia are urging citizens to vote in the country's upcoming presidential elections. In a letter to Catholics in the country, the prelates asked that when casting their votes, the faithful take into account both respect for the human person and the search for the common good."

Hong Kong: Low voter turnout expected for HK by-election, after snubbing by major parties, Channel News Asia (2010)

A total of 26 candidates are contesting for 5 seats that were resigned by pan-democrats frustrated with the slow pace of democratic reforms in Hong Kong. The by-election will take place on May 16 and the pan-democrats hope to get a bigger share of the votes. The pro-Beijing DAB party and the pro-business Liberal Party are snubbing the elections, and voter turnout is expected to be between 25-30%.

Colombia:Colombia Political Opponents Define Candidatures, InsideCostarica (2010)

Major political adversaries on the way to the May 30 presidential elections in Colombia on Monday define their choices of candidatures.