ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

France: Strauss-Kahn sex case throws open election race, Reuters (2011)

The chief of the International Monetary Fund and the person hitherto considered most likely to run again Nicolas Sarkozy in the next French national election has been caught in a criminal scandal the likes of which promise to jeopardize his candidacy potential. The article describes the event as well as touches on several opinions about how this will all affect the future presidential race.

Kazakhstan: Nazarbayev Landslide Fails to Win Over Foreign Observers, EurasiaNet (2011)

The article reports that Kazakhstan's leader Nazarbyev won in the April 3 elections with 95.5% of votes, and declaring more than 90% turnout. Although Nazarbayev asserted Kazakhstan is democratizing, international observers are critical of the electoral process and indicated that the accuracy of numbers is of suspect.

Georgia: Opposition Plans New Proposals 'to Save Electoral Talks', Civil.ge (2011)

The article reports that talks over the electoral system in Georgia between the governmental and opposition political forces have come to deadlock. The issue of majoritarian MPs turned into one of the most serious sticking points in talks between the ruling party and the group of eight opposition parties. In the current system, the MPs are elected by winner takes it all principle, while the opposition is pushing for a list proportional system.

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Putin eases to third Presidential term, euronews (2012)

Vladimir Putin wins presidential elections in Russia with nearly 64 percent of the vote. Putin’s nearest rival Gennady Zyuganov managed 17 percent of the vote. Opponents are planning protests today in Moscow.

Russia election: Vladimir Putin celebrates victory, BBC News (2012)

The electoral commission said that with more than 99% of the votes counted, Vladimir Putin won 63.75%. A leading independent election watchdog Golos said the polls could not be considered fair and open. Opposition groups alleged fraud and plan a protest rally in Moscow.

Russian Election: Reaction From Candidates and Their Allies, wsj (2012)

The article provides different opinions of candidates after Russia’s presidential elections where Vladimir Putin won the majority of votes.

Russia’s presidential election marked by unequal campaign conditions, active citizens’ engagement, international observers say, OSCE (2012)

The international observers concluded a statement regarding presidential election in Russia. Heidi Tagliavini, the Head of the Election Observation Mission of the OSCE Office says: “Although the authorities made some effort to improve transparency, there remained widespread mistrust in the integrity of the election process”.

Russia: OSCE/ODIHR Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions, OSCE (2012)

Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions regarding 4 March 2012 Presidential Election in Russian Federation.

Egypt to select constitutional panel March 3, SF Chronicle (2012)

This news article says that Egypt's ruling military council pushed ahead Sunday with plans to begin drafting a new constitution before transferring power to civilian rule, announcing that parliament will meet this week to select the panel tasked with writing the document.

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Elections Results - New Zealand Electoral Commission

This Link leads to the electoral results database from the official New Zealand Electoral Commission website.

Philippines: House approves ARMM poll postponement , Philippine Daily Inquirer (2011)

This article notes that the Philippines’ House of Representatives approved the postponement of the election in ARMM, scheduled in August 2011, until May 2013.

Malaysia: Sarawak polls to be model for the rest, The Star Online (2011)

This article notes that the Election Commission of Malaysia intends to make the Sarawak State election a model for other states and the general election in Malaysia, as it was believed to be the best poll model.

Malaysia: Allegation That EC Moves Polling Centres Farther From Original Ones Not True – Liew, Bernama (2011)

This article notes the EC’s refutation against the allegation of moving the poling centers farther from the original ones fixed for voters. The EC clarified that the EC had adjusted electoral roll in the Electoral Roll Master Index which caused redelineation of electoral boundaries.

Electoral Justice: The International IDEA Handbook (2010)

An effective electoral justice system is a key element in the unfolding of a free, fair and genuine democratic process. Without a system to mitigate and manage inequality or perceptions of inequality, even the best management of an electoral process may lead to mistrust in the legitimacy of the elected government. This Handbook examines the concept of electoral justice and how to prevent electoral disputes. Using examples from countries such as Afghanistan, Argentina, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, France, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States, it will assist any country with the design and implementation of an electoral justice system that best suits their situation.

President denies problem with Ukraine press freedom (AFP, 2010)

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has a little questionable connection toward the Medias. Is that true that nothing had changed?

Ukraine to have next parliamentary election in October 2012 (Itar-Tass, 2010)

The Constitutional Court of Ukraine has passed a resolution saying the next parliamentary election in Ukraine is due in October 2012, Alexander Yefremov, the leader of the Regions Party’s faction in parliament said Thursday.

South Africa: Malema’s push for young blood, IOL (2011)

The article reports on the currently underway ANC youth league elective congress. The conference started yesterday and it is expected to end Sunday.