ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Nigeria: INEC: South-West AC faults Jega’s appointment, The Punch (2010)

This article discusses the Action Congress' objections to the nomination of Attahiru Jega as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Nigeria:‘Senate to screen new INEC boss next week’, The Punch (2010)

The Senate will begin the screening of President Goodluck Jonathan's nominee for chairman of the Independent National Electoral Comission (INEC) Attahiru Jega.

Niger Politician Pledges Party Support for Electoral Body, VOA (2010)

Bazoum Mohammed, leading member of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism announced that his party is ready to work with the new Independent Electoral Commission (CENI). The elections need to be organized in time to allow the president to be sworn in by March 1 2011.

Nigeria:Giving Impetus to Electoral Reforms, All Africa (2010)

This article discusses the new nominations to posts in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and concerns over credibility for the presidential elections scheduled for 2011.

Ethiopia: Supreme Court to hear election challenge, The New York Times (2010)

This article reports on the Ethiopian Supreme Court's decision to reconsider the results of the May 23 elections. The opposition accused the Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, of voter harassment and intimidation. The ruling party won 99% of the seats in the parliament.

USA: Gay alliance set to make voice heard in elections, The Washington Times (2010)

This article presents the platform of the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, a newly-established party running in the Washington D.C. municipal race. Two openly gay politicians have been serving in the city Council so far, but the Alliance would like to have more. This Alliance presented their controversial agenda, which includes decriminalization of prostitution.

Ireland: Number of migrants voting in local elections rises 44%, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on a campaign by the Africa Centre and the New Communities Partnership aimed at encouraging immigrants to register and vote. Since the last local elections, there was a great increase in the immigrants registered to vote, 44%, and a rise of immigrant candidates.

Pakistan: LG polls after preparation of new computerized electoral lists early next year, The Associated Press of Pakistan (2010)

This article discusses decision of the Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan to postpone local government elections. This delay will allow the Commission to prepare new computerized electoral lists.

Nigeria:INEC: AC, others accuse Jonathan of appointing PDP members, The Punch (2010)

President Goodluck Jonathan is being criticized for some of his nominations to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as they are members of the People Democratic Part

Ethiopia opposition mounts court challenge to election, Reuters Africa (2010)

Ethiopia's opposition parties have filed an appeal after their case was rejected by the National Electoral Board (NEB). They claim that there was intimidation during the polls held in May.

American Samoa call for autonomy referendum, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

A member of the US Congress from American Samoa, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, believes it is time to call for an autonomy referendum. In the upcoming constitutional convention, American Samoa will discuss autonomy, a very divisive issue in the country, and a possible referendum would show the people's opinion on this.

Iran Opposition Leader Urges Prosecution in Vote Fraud and Abuses, The New York Times (2010)

Opposition leader, Mir Hussein Moussavi, has called for the prosecution of the agents of election fraud and violence on the one-year anniversary of the June 12 elections.

Ugandan vote boss says won't resign despite pressure, Reuters Africa (2010)

The Uganada's election commission, Badru Kiggundu, has said he will not resign despite increasing pressure. Opposition parties have said they will block the upcoming elections unless Kiggundu leaves the post.

Solomon candidates told to get ready for polls, Radio New Zealand International

The Electoral Commission in Solomon Islands warned candidates for the upcoming elections to be ready for the polls. Although the Governor General has not yet made an official proclamation, the elections should be on August 4.

Policies at stake in Japan's upper house election, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates for the Japanese upcoming elections. The economic issues are at the centre of the electoral campaign, together with foreign policy issues (specifically, the U.S. military base in Futenma).

Jamaica: Local elections postponed, Jamaica Observer (2010)

This article reports on government's decision to postpone the local elections in Jamaica until next year. Elections were due this month, but the government believes that there should be a local government reform first. The opposition People's National Party strongly disagrees with this decision.

Nigeria:British Envoy Wants INEC to Address Vital Issues, This Day (2010)

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria Bob Dewar discusses some of the things necessary for the INEC to address to accomplish credible elections.

Nigeria:Voters register update: INEC Commissioner, top directors absent at briefing, The Nation (2010)

This article discusses the disputes within the outgoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over updating the voter register.

Burundi Police Deny Attempt to Arrest Opposition Leader, VOA (2010)

Burundi police have denied that they were attempting to arrest an opposition leader. The opposition is boycotting the June 28th presidential elections, because they claim there were many irregularities during May's municipal elections.

EU deplores lack of competition in Burundi's presidential elections due on June 28, The People's Daily (2010)

An EU envoy has expressed disappointment over the lack of competition in the upcoming presidential elections, but insisted that opposition parties boycotting the race should still be allowed to participate in the campaign.