ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Thailand: EC draws up rules on monarchy, Bangkok Post (2011)

This article reports that the Election Commission is drawing up regulations to ban politicians from mentioning the monarchy during election campaigning and that they would be issued under the organic law governing the election of MPs and senators.

Singapore: GE: Members of committees that certify minority candidates appointed, Channel News Asia (2011)

This article reports that the Singaporean President has appointed members of two key committees that will be responsible to declare whether or not the minority candidates in the coming election belong to the communities. It also notes that such an announcement from the government indicates that the election and the dissolution of the House are near.

Thailand: Senator denies using delay tactics over election bills, Bangkok Post (2011)

The article reports that Deputy Senate Speaker denied the allegation that the senate was trying to delay deliberation of three organic bills governing elections. The Senate would be able to begin reading the three organic bills on 23 April 2011.

Thailand: PM confirms election in June or July, Bangkok Post (2011)

This article reports that Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva confirmed that the government will hold an election in June or early July after the House dissolution scheduled in May 2011.

Thailand: PM confirms early May for House dissolution, Bangkok Post (2011)

This article reports that the Thai PM confirmed he would submit for royal approval a decree for the House's dissolution in the first week of May 2011. The decree would specify the poll date.

Libya to hold June election on time, Ahram Online (2012)

In this news article, Libya will hold its first election for a constituent assembly on schedule in June.

Egypt delays announcing date for presidential elections, France 24 (2012)

In this news article, the judicial committee overseeing Egypt’s first presidential election since Hosni Mubarak’s ouster last year said it had postponed plans to schedule a final vote date on Sunday, although a committee member said it would be in the first week of June.

Yemen: Saleh’s 33-year rule ends with party-benefiting vote, Bloomberg Business week (2012)

Yemenis vote today 21 Feb, in a presidential election that formally ends the 33-year rule of Ali Abdullah Saleh. Polls opened at 8 a.m. local time, with about 12 million eligible voters. Turnout may be low because of the sole candidate and boycott calls by secessionists in the south and Houthi rebels in the north. More than 100,000 soldiers have been deployed to provide security. Troops clashed yesterday with members of the separatist Southern Movement in Shabwa province after the militants stormed the elections commission office.

Botswana: BMD leadership seeks guidance from members, Mmegi (2012)

Just before Christmas, opposition parties in Botswana failed to reach agreements on the formation of co-operations. It is now reported that Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) has called a special conference to report back to its members and seek direction. The conference is expected to take place in in Ramotswa, Botswana on the first week of February.

Latvians Reject Russian As Second Language, rferl (2012)

The February 18 referendum became the most popular referendum in Latvian history. The majority of voters (75%) had rejected the plan to change the constitution and introduce Russian as an official second language in the country.

North Kosovo Referendum: Not Binding, No Surprise But It Changes Everything – Analysis, eurasiareview (2012)

99.74% of people said “no” to the question whether accept living under Pristina authority In referendum held in Northern Kosovo. Although the referendum has no legal character and calls for no actions, it is important politically.

Thousands rally for Putin before Russian election, thesundaily (2012)

Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in cities across Russia in support of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin two weeks before a March 4 presidential election. Opponents say state workers are pressured to attend the pro-Putin rallies.

160 CIS observers to monitor Armenian elections , panarmenian (2012)

CIS observing mission continues monitoring of the election campaign ahead of the elections to the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. the Mission Headquarters leadership held meetings in the Armenian government, as well as with OSCE/ODIHR mission head to discuss the current election campaign.

Russian parliament approves direct elections of governors, peopledaily (2012)

Russia's State Duma approved in the final and the third reading a bill re-introducing the direct elections of governors. Russia's State Duma, or the lower house of parliament, on Wednesday approved in the final and the third reading a bill re-introducing the direct elections of governors.

Electoral commission sets list for parliamentary polls, B92 (2012)

The Republic Electoral Commission (RIK) has determined the comprehensive list for the May 6 parliamentary elections.

Kosovo: Serbian election, tensions mount in the north, ansamed (2012)

Tensions continue to rise in northern Kosovo in view of the elections on May 6 in Serbia.

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Opposition Parties Unite For Ukrainian Election, rferl (2012)

Six opposition parties in Ukraine have announced that they will join forces for parliamentary elections in October parliamentary elections.

Guatemala: Ex-Guatemalan First Lady Can't Run for President Despite Divorce, Fox News Latino (2011)

The former Guatemalan first lady's marriage is over – and so, it appears, is her political career. Sandra Torres' bid to succeed her ex-husband, Alvaro Colom, came to an end late Monday when the constitutional court ruled her ineligible to run because of her relationship to the president.

Guatemala: Electoral Violence Escalates in Guatemala, In Sight (2011)

It is estimated that 38 people have died so far in the run-up to the Guatemalan 2011 general elections, an even higher number than was recorded during 2007 contest.