ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

South Africa:More independent candidates for KZN, IOL (2011)

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa in KwaZulu-Natal has reported a large number of independent candidates in the province for the upcoming local government elections.

South Africa: IEC ordered to accept NPP candidate list, IOL (2011)

The article reports on Court order from the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein to the Independent Electoral Commission to accept the National People's Party's candidate list. It is reported that the IEC refused the list stating that NPP,leader Badih Chaaban missed the 5pm deadline on March 25.

South Africa: Cape Town hotly contested amid municipal elections, SABCNews (2011)

The article reports on the city Cape Town, which is likely to be one of fiercely cities contested. It is reported that thirty two political parties and many more candidates will contest for the city.

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Georgia: Opposition Waiting for Ruling Party’s Response, Civil.ge (2011)

The article reports that Georgian opposition is still waiting for response from the ruling party regarding its new proposal on the draft election code amendments. The amendments tackle the issue of a new electoral system, which is the main reason of disagreements between the opposition and the ruling party. On April 13 Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) will discuss a draft resolution on honouring of obligations and commitments by Georgia. One of the issues raised in the draft resolution deals with the electoral system talks saying that the 2012 parliamentary and 2013 presidential elections “will be the litmus test for the consolidation of a mature, more inclusive and robust democratic system in Georgia."

Jordan’s king urges Islamists to take part in elections despite dissatisfaction with reforms, Washington Post (2012)

In this news article, Jordan’s king urged his country’s Islamist opposition Sunday to take part in upcoming elections, despite their dissatisfaction with reforms. Abdullah has changed 42 articles, or one-third of Jordan’s 60-year-old constitution, giving parliament a say in appointing Cabinets — a task which used to be his sole prerogative. He also created an independent electoral commission to supervise the vote, taking over the role from the Interior Ministry. Other moves included a political parties law that encourages a multiparty system and a municipalities law that allows Jordanians to govern their towns by electing mayors and city councils.

Nigerian Ruling Party to Choose Presidential Candidate Thursday Voanews (2011)

This Thursday January 13th the PDP (People Democratic Party) in Nigeria is going to elect the person who is going to represent them for the April election. There are three people running the incumbent Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, the former VP Mr. Atiku Abubakar and Mrs Sarah Jibril.

Côte d'Ivoire:Troops Surround Hotel of Internationally-Recognized Winner of Ivory Coast Vote Voanews (2011)

Ivory Coast has two presidents. One is internationally recognized Mr. Alassane Ouattara, and the other is Laurent Gbagbo who was proclaimed President by the constitutional court and living in the presidential palace. Meanwhile Mr. Ouattara lives in the Gulf Hotel known as the “Republic of the Gulf”.

Philippines: Brillantes urged to ‘green’ elections, Philippine Daily Inquirer (2011).

This article discusses challenge post for newly appointed Commission on Elections (COMELEC) chairman from environmental advocates to make future elections environmentally-responsible.

Mexican electoral court dismisses election challenge, upholds presidential vote, StarTribune (2012)

"In a unanimous ruling Thursday [August 30] night, the seven-member Federal Electoral Tribunal dismissed the case and opened the door for the Institutional Revolutionary Party to retake the presidency it lost in 2000. It had ruled Mexico without interruption from 1929 to 2000."

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Mexico: Mexican Senate approves political reforms, Fox News Latino (2011)

Mexico's Senate has voted to allow a constitutional reform package that allows citizens to run for any office, including the presidency, as independent candidates and opens the way for the re-election of lawmakers to move forward.

Malaysia: No Need To Amend Constitution To Use Idelible Ink, PSC Told, Bernama (2011).

This article discusses the change of election regulation to allow use of indelible ink in Malaysia’s election.

Malaysia: Expand Media Campaign To Attract More Young Voters, Bernama (2011).

This article discusses the mass media campaign to young voters to register for the 13th general elections.

Five Kyrgyz parties pass election threshold, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the elections in Kyrgyzstan. According to the preliminary results, five parties out of 29 have passes the 5% threshold to enter the parliament. The Central Election Commission also announced that Ata Zhurt, a party supported by the southern regions of the country, is leading the race, but votes are still being counted. This elections mark the end of a 20-year authoritarian regime.

Austria’s far-right gains in elections, The Financial Times (2010)

This article reports on the rise of the far-right Freedom Party in Austria. The recent municipal elections in Vienna show that the party is gaining popularity: the incumbent Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) won 44.2% (losing the absolute majority), while the FPÖ won 27.2% of the votes. Vienna used to be a SPÖ stronghold, and many expert believe that this is an anticipation of the next federal elections.

Kyrgyz president hails ‘first free election’, The Financial Times (2010)

This article discusses the outcomes of the Sunday elections in Kyrgyzstan. Roza Otunbayeva, the Kyrgyz interim president, celebrated the elections as a an historic vote for the country. The voter turnout was lower than expected (56.59%), but the number of electoral malpractices witnessed in the past decreased radically.

No clear winner in Kyrgyzstan poll, Aljazeera (2010)

This article reports on the vote counting operations in Kyrgyzstan. The preliminary results show that, as expected, no party won a clear majority and the country will probably be ruled by a coalition government. Despite some episodes of violence in the weeks before the elections, election day was peaceful and no major incident was reported.

Myanmar plans to free 11,000 prisoners for vote: officials, Channel News Asia (2010).

This article discusses the release possibility of 11,000 prisoners by Myanmar's military regime ahead the November 7 elections.

Myanmar's junta-backed party announces platform, The Jakarta Post (2010).

This article discusses the platform announced by The Union Solidarity and Development Party as published in the New Light of Myanmar state newspaper.