ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Zambia: Shikapwasha joins calls to shift poll date from Saturday, Zambian Watchdog (2010)

This article reports on the Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha request to postpone the by-elections in Zambia. As a matter of fact, the Chief government spokesperson asked the Electoral Commission of Zambia to reconsider the dates for the forthcoming by-elections scheduled for Saturday, October 30, due to religious holidays of the Seventh Day Adventist church. General elections in Zambia are scheduled for 2011.

USA: New York violating MOVE Act, FOX News (2010)

This article reports on the voting abroad operations in the United States. American citizens abroad are already casting their ballots, as the 2009 MOVE Act states that ballots must be sent out 45 days before the elections. Much criticism has been raised against the state of New York, which still has not sent out the ballots. New York City alone has more than 50,000 men and women voting from abroad (most of them are serving in the army).

Haitian candidates stump in US, hoping good words reach home, The Boston Globe (2010)

This article reports on electoral campaign aimed at Haitians living in the United States. Many candidates are in fact campaigning in Massachusetts, Florida and New York, and they hope to influence the results of the elections. Haitians abroad are not allowed to vote, but they can raise funds and they can influence the public opinion back at home.

USA: Lawmakers urge clinton to ensure Haiti elections are inclusive, The New York Times (2010)

This article reports on the decision of a group of U.S. lawmakers to speak up in support of the Haitian elections. This group stated that the November 28 elections must include all political parties and expressed his concerns about the exclusion of some candidates. The Provisional Electoral Council excluded, for example, the Fanmi Lavalas party, loyal to the exiled President Aristide, and Wyclef Jean, a popular Haitian-American singer. Currently, 66 political parties are competing, and a total of 19 presidential candidates.

Fiji interim PM says 2014 election on track, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the statements by the Fiji's interim Prime Minister about the elections in 2014. The Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimaramama stated that the preparations for the elections are going smoothly. The regime established the calendar for the upcoming political reforms, including the drafting of a new constitution by 2013.

Samoa PM welcomes election challenge in his seat, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates for next year's elections in Samoa. The Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, welcomed the new candidate that will be competing with him for the candidacy in the Lepa seat. Mr Tuilaepa held his seat for 25 years.

Zimbabwe minister doubts polls this year, News24 (2012)

Zimbabwe's constitutional affairs minister had on Wednesday told journalists that the referendum will most likely be held in August or September. This has also cast doubts on bids to hold elections this year.

Zim suspends NGOs as election looms, News24 (2012)

Reports coming from Zimbabwe are that 29 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been suspended. This is seen by many as the same crackdown similar to that preceded elections in 2008.

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Egypt election results show opinion poll failures, Ahram Online (2012)

Ahram Online charts show popular surveys were completely off-target when it came to predicting the true levels of support for the country's main presidential contenders.

Libya elections postponed, The Voice of Russia (2012)

This news says that Elections in Libya for a constituent assembly, originally set to be held by June 19, are to be postponed, possibly until July 10, for logistical reasons, France Presse reports, citing electoral commission members in Tripoli.

Sri Lanka: Final Report, Presidential Election, Commonwealth (2010)

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, released the Final Report of the Commonwealth Expert Team which observed the 26 January Presidential election in Sri Lanka. The report included the teams conclusions and recommendations based on the topics discussed within the report: Political background, Electoral framework and administration, Electoral campaign and Media, Voting, Counting and the results.

Russians vote in regional elections, The Voice of Russia (2011)

This article reports on the local elections in Russia. Citizens in 12 regions cast their ballots to elect regional legislatures. Polls closed on March 13.

Russia: 90 complaints come to CEC during single election day, ITAR-TASS (2011)

This article reports on the local elections in Russia. On Election Day, the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) received 90 complaints, a slight increase since the last local elections in 2010 (76 complaints).

Russia: Putin expected to hold majority following elections, The Irish Times (2011)

This article comments the outcomes of Sunday's local elections in Russia. The polls were considered a major test for prime minister Vladimir Putin’s ruling party, and an anticipation of December's parliamentary elections. The next presidential elections, on the other hand, will be held on March 2012. United Russia, the ruling party, is expected to win in most of the 12 regional elections.

In Tver, United Russia bombards voters with billboards, The Moscow Times (2011)

This article discusses the conduct of the electoral campaign in Russia. In Tver, the ruling United Russia party carried out an intensive - and controversial - campaign, covering the city with billboards and posters. "A Just Russia" candidates accused the United Russia of taking down other parties' posters. The average turnout in the 12 regions was between 40 and 44%, while only 32% of the eligible voters cast their ballots in Tver.

Ruling party is accused of fraud in Russian vote, The New York Times (2011)

This article reports on the elections in Russia. On Election Day, the opposition parties submitted complains accusing the ruling United Russia of ballot-stuffing and fraud. A recent poll showed that the ruling party was supported by less than 50% of the people, its lowest figure since 2007.

Russians vote in elections expected to damage Putin's party, The Telegraph (2011)

This article reports on the possible outcomes of the March regional elections in Russia. These polls involved regions where in the past months a series of opposition protests were held, and this could pose a threat to the ruling party. On Sunday, March 13, 24 million citizens were eligible to vote in the polls.

Angola: Nation at Approval of Gaborone Declaration on Elections, All Africa (2011)

The article reports on the GEO that was held in Gaborone, Botswana recently. It is reported that the Declaration of Elections was adopted during the conference.

Angola: Opposition UNITA party working to reinforce democracy - Politician, Angop (2011)

The article reports on the commitment by the Angola’s main opposition UNITA party to promiting democracy in the country.