ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Kenya: Official accused of derailing by-election, Daily Nation (2010)

One of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission members has been accused of derailing by-elections in South Mugirango due to his alleged partisanship. Despite this fact, the by-elections should take place as scheduled.

Togo's president to run for new term, Independent Online (2010)

Togo's President Gnassingbe was named a presidential candidate of the ruling Togolese People's Rally for the February 28 election. Gnassingbe is the son of Gnassingbe Edayema who ruled Togo for 38 years until his death in February 2005.

A look at Ukraine's top presidential contenders (The Washington Post, 2010)

A resume collecting to the top candidates of Sunday's presidential election in Ukraine.

Orange leaders face shutout in Ukraine election (The Washington Post, 2010)

A wealthy businessman has made surprising gains against the two front-runners in Ukraine's presidential race, suggesting a possible shutout for both pro-Western leaders of the 2004 Orange Revolution.

Ukraine presidential candidates use every chance to lure voters (Itar Tass, 2010)

Ukraine is living through the last two days of election advertising, following which “the day of hush” will come on Saturday.

Australia opposition opens election fight on climate, Reuters (2010)

As Australian Prime Minister Rudd is expected to call elections in second half of 2010, the conservative opposition has already opened its campaign, mostly focusing on environmental issues. Among other things, leader of the opposition Abbott has promised a referendum on national government takeover of state-governed rivers and he also promised $699 million a year to recruit 15, 000 environmental workers.

CUF: Postpone Zanzibar elections, The Citizen (2010)

The opposition Civic United Front has called for postponement of the Zanzibar election scheduled for October this year for at least two years, so that peace initiatives could be consolidated. The CUF leader Maalim Seif has said that Zanzibar problems have a root in elections and therefore problems should be solved before elections take place. He also appealed to President Karume to accept the extension of presidential term for another two years so that peace initiative gets a chance.

Armenia Opposition Bloc 'Satisfied' With Election Performance, RFE/RL (2010)

The article reports that after January 10 parliamentary by-elections in Yerevan, main opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) has said it is satisfied with its performance despite candidate Nikol Pashinian's defeat in a vote it claims was marred by reports of fraud and violence. According to official results, the opposition candidate received 37.5% and the main pro-governmental candidates received 57% of votes. Opposition is going to challenge election results in the court.

Ukraine - President: January 17th election will be democratic (Isria, 2010)

New Years' annual reception for diplomatic corps by Victor Yushchenko - he says, the upcoming elections are going to be democratic.

Ukraine election focuses European minds on gas (BBC, 2010)

As Ukrainians prepare to go to the polls to elect a new president on Sunday, European leaders will be aware that the outcome could affect the continent's vital energy supplies.

President hopes Central Election Commission reconsiders denying registration to Georgian observers to the election (Press Office of President, 2010)

President hopes Central Election Commission reconsiders denying registration to Georgian observers to the election.

Ukraine: The Road from Democracy (Business Week, 2010)

As Ukraine votes Jan. 17, disappointment with the Orange Revolution and Viktor Yushchenko is deep—and likely to result in a new government

Campaigning Ends In Ukraine Ahead Of Presidential Poll (Radio Free Europe, 2010)

Campaigning ends today in Ukraine ahead of the January 17 presidential election.

Swedish government extends lead befor Sept. 19 vote, Bloomberg (2010)

This article reports on the latest opinion polls in Sweden. According to the polls, the ruling center-right coalition appears to be leading the race (48.7%), while opposition coalition led by the Social Democrats are losing ground (45.3%). On the other hand, it is this unclear whether or not the anti-immigration Swedish Democrats will reach the 4% threshold to enter the parliament (4.4%).

Security concerns make Afghan elections dangerous for politicians, voters alike, The Washington Post (2010)

This article reports on the electoral campaign in Afghanistan. Security is still a major issue in the campaign: candidates fear for their lives, voters are scared and suspicious. Last week, the election officials announced that more than 900 polling stations will remain closed for security reasons, but international observers are criticizing the electoral commission for not implementing other measures against fraud for example.

American Samoa's Chief Election Officer announces general election date, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the announcement of the American Samoa's Chief Election Officer. The Chief Election Officer announced the date for the territory general elections (November 2). This is a very important date for the country: voters will elect the delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, the 20-seat American Samoa House of Representatives and whether or not to revise the Constitution with the amendments approved by the Constitutional Convention. Candidates will able to register until September 1st.

Top businesswoman in Samoa turns down running for parliament, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the decision of Samoan businesswoman not to run for Parliament in next year's general elections. Lemalu Sina Lima, daughter of Prime Minister Misa Telefoni, announced her decision yesterday, stating that it is inappropriate for a father and a daughter to be members of the parliament at the same time. Ms Lemalu is the president of the Chamber of Commerce and runs a major car rental company.

Yemeni election must be carried out in its scheduled time, British secretary says, Yemen News Agency SABA

Yemen's election has to be carried out in its scheduled time, the second secretary in the Political Section at the British Embassy in Yemen said here on Sunday to the state-run 26 September Weekly.

Wyclef Jean challenges ruling on Haitian election application, VOA News (2010)

This article reports on Wyclef Jean's decision to challenge the ruling that rejected his candidacy for the Haitian presidential elections. The popular U.S-based singer declared that Haiti's election officials discriminate against Haitians who have lived outside the country. Mr Jean will appeal to the Haitian government, as there is no procedure or mechanism to appeal to the electoral council.

What does the election result mean for Australia's politics? Xinhua (2010)

This article comments the results of the August 21 Australian elections. Neither the Labor, nor the Coalition, won a majority of the seats and the country will now have a hung parliament, the first in 70 years. Coalition talks are currently being held with the minor parties, mostly with the Greens.