ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Germany: Wulff likely to win vote for presidency, The Financial Times (2010)

This article presents the latest updates in the German presidential elections. Christian Wulff, supported by the center-right majority, will probably elected the next federal president of Germany. His main opponent is Joachim Gauck, a independent candidate proposed by the opposition parties, the Social Democrats and the Greens.

Brazil election poll confirms Rousseff's lead, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the electoral campaign in Brazil and presents the results of the latest opinion poll. The Brazilian general elections will be held on October 3rd. Lula's former chief of staff, Dilma Rousseff is the most popular candidate (40% of the potential votes), while his opponent, Jose Serra, would gain 35% of the votes.

Mexico opposition seeks candidate after murder, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the political situation in Mexico. After the murder of the its gubernatorial candidate in Tamaulipas state, the main opposition party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party, is looking for a new candidate. The Electoral Officials stated that they will go ahead with the scheduled Sunday election.

Ousted Kyrgyzstan president calls Sunday referendum illegitimate, CNN (2010)

President Kurmanbek Bakiev who was ousted in April has called the referendum on the constitution illegitimate. The referendum to change the constitution with the aim of reforming the electoral system passed with more than 90% support.

Kyrgyzstan:Back on Track in Bishkek, The Wall Street Journal (2010)

This article discusses the recent constitutional referendum held in Kyrgyzstan and the implications for electoral system reform in the country. The reforms which are the first step to establishing a parliamentary system in the country had more than 90% support in the vote.

Guinea:First election results due amid allegations of fraud , RFI (2010)

The preliminary results in the presidential election are expected Wednesday evening. Leading candidates in the race have alleged electoral fraud, but the electoral commission says the claims are unfounded.

Haiti's leader rejects U.S. election proposals, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses President Preval's decision to reject the the U.S. support in restructuring the Provisional Electoral Council in Haiti. The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee issued a report suggesting possible reforms of the electoral system, mostly to allow participation of the Fanmi Lavalas Party (loyal to exiled former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide). President Preval replied that the electoral council will be discussed with national partners only.

Haiti: Préval closes door on elections panel revamp, Miami Herald (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates in the preparation of the November elections in Haiti. President Préval announced that he will reform the Provisional Electoral Council together with national partners.

UN: Afghan election preparations proceeding, VOA News (2010)

This article reports on the preparations of the September's legislative elections in Afghanistan. The UN officials announced that despite the security issues, preparations are going well. More than 2,500 candidates (400 women) will be running for the 249 seats in the parliament.

Afghan women candidates rise 22% for September vote, UN says, Bloomberg BusinessWeek (2010)

This article discusses the gender issue in the upcoming elections in Afghanistan. The women candidates for September's legislative election rose 22% since five years ago. 400 women will be running (out of the 2,635 candidates) this year, while 328 women presented themselves in the 2005 elections.

Brother of slain Mexican candidate to run in vote, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the candidacy of Egidio Torre in the Tamaulipas gubernatorial elections in Mexico. Egidio Torre is the brother of the murdered Institutional Revolutionary Party's candidate Rodolfo Torre. Torre's Party had a 67% support in the state, compared to the Calderon's National Action Party's 25%. On Sunday, voters in Mexico will elect 12 governors.

Cook Islands group forms to encourage women to go into politics, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on an initiative to involve women in politics in Cook Islands. Teina McKenzie announced that a committee will be formed to discuss strategies of advancing women into politics and parliament. In the 24-member parliament, there are only 3 women MPs.

Solomon Islands: Grassroots election awareness gets off, Solomon Star (2010)

The Electoral Commission in Solomon Islands launched its provincial grassroots campaign for the upcoming general elections. The awareness team (actors, athletes, and officials) will travel all around the country to distribute information and answer questions about the voting operations.

Half of New Zealanders back governing national, Angus Reid Global Monitor

This article presents the results of the latest opinion poll in New Zealand. The governing conservatives are supported by 50% of the voters, while the opposing Labour party follows with 33%.

Angela Merkel's candidate wins German presidency after three rounds, The Telegraph (2010)

This article reports on the election of the German president. Angela Merkel's coalition rejected her candidate, Christian Wulff, twice in the German Parliament. Eventually, however, Mr Wulff won 625 votes (over 1,244 MPs and regional representatives).

Brazil's opposition names Jose Serra's running mate in presidential election, Xinhua (2010)

This article reports on the nomination of Indio da Costa as running mate of presidential candidate Jose Serra in the upcoming Brazilian elections. Indio da Costa will run with the Social Democratic Party (PSDB) in the October general elections.

Rousseff keeps her lead over Serra in Brazil Vox Populi poll, Fohla says, Bloomberg (2010)

This article presents the result of a recent opinion poll in Brazil. The poll shows that presidential candidate Dilma Rousseff maintains her lead (40%) over former Sao Paulo Governor Jose Serra (35%).

Mexico: Brother of Mexican politician Torre to run in his place, BBC (2010)

The brother of a politician murdered as he campaigned for governor in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas is to run in his place in Sunday's election.

Papua New Guinea census may unsettle 2012 elections, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the effects of delay of the census on the 2012 elections in Papua New Guinea. The authorities decided to delay the census for logistical problems.

Hungary: Think-tank says Fidesz to benefit from new local election system, Politics.hu (2010)

The Republikon Institute, a think tank, has indicated that the new local election system would likely negatively effect smaller parties and organizations who receive less than 20 percent of the vote.