ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Threats prompt Solomons women to stay clear of politics, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Delma Nori, leader of the Twelve Pillars to Peace and Prosperity in Solomon Islands, denounced some political threats to women in the country. Ms Nori stated that her party reported threats against women running for the upcoming elections. Ms Nori called for these women to be strong and go on with their campaigns.

Lithuania: Zenonas Vaigauskas to continue heading Central Electoral Commission, 15min.lt (2012)

Zenonas Vaigauskas candidacy for another 4 year term of office was approved by Lithuanian Parliament in second ballot on Thursday.

Montenegro leader hints ar early vote, EU talks loom, TrustLaw (2012)

In case of launched talks with EU in regards of membership, the largest party of Montenegro will seek for an early parliamentary elections.

Romania: Dead Mayor elected in the local council, romaniantimes.at (2012)

One of the candidates in Romanian municipality elections died 10 days before the opening of polls, however, since the candidacy couldn’t be canceled he was still elected to the municipal council.

Russia: Putin appoints 'The Magician' to investigate election fraud claims, The Telegraph (2012)

Recently elected Russian president Vladimir Putin promises to investigate on alleged violations during the elections.

Russians turn out in their thousands to protest against Vladimir Putin, The Guardian (2012)

Thousands of russians gathered to protest Putins election while opposition leaders were summoned for questioning by Russian authorities.

Serbian Election Campaign fails to address environmental concerns, ThinkBrigade (2012)

During the electoral campaign and the day of elections in Serbia, the lack of concern towards environmental issues requires appropriate attention.

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Ukraine: Yanukovych invites OSCE observers to monitor parliamentary elections, Ukrinform.ua, (2012)

President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych invited observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 28, 2012 in Ukraine.

Philippines: House panel endorses bill on incumbents' candidacy, The Philippine Star (2011)

This article reports that a panel at the House of Representatives has endorsed Bill 2877 which declares that an elective official ipso facto resigned from his office upon the filing of his certificate of candidacy. The objective of the bill is said to prevent incumbents from using government resources to promote their candidacy.

Nigeria: Jega partners population agency for 2011 elections, NEXT (2010)

This article reports on the decision of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, to cooperate with the National Population Commission to organize the upcoming elections in Nigeria. Mr Jega decided to seek a partnership with the NPC because of the scale of organization required. The INEC will be able to use the NPC offices as operational bases in 36 states, as well as to work with NPC officials in the voter registration activities.

India: High post poll security by EC in West Bengal, IBN (2011)

The article reports that, under the cover of an unprecedented amount of security personnel, India's West Bengal region has witnessed a record voter turnout. These security forces will be remaining in "sensitive areas" of the state for ten more days to prevent any post poll violence.

New Zealand: Harawira resigns from parliament, TVNZ (2011)

The article reports that New Zealand independent MP Hone Harawira has resigned from parliament. Electoral rules state that a by-election is now required, a fact which some MPs say is a waste of public money. Both The Labour and Maori party confirmed that they will run for the new seat.

UK: Annabel Goldie resigns after Tory election 'disaster', The Telegraph (2011)

The article reports that the Scottish Conservative Party leader Annabel Goldie has resigned after an upsetting performance in the last election. This promises to have a noticeable impact on the makeup of the Scottish Tories. Some believe that the party would have performed even worse if Goldie had not participated while others believe that, if the Tories are to fare better in the next election, the party needs the type of significant restructuring that starts with a change of leadership.

Elections Canada probing hoax calls to voters, CBC (2011)

Canada's electoral organization body, Elections Canada, is investigating a report based on a troubling number of complaints that voters received fraudulent automated telephone calls that told them their regular polling station had changed. The calls are considered as conscious efforts to discourage citizens from voting. Although it has not yet commented on the specifics of its investigation, the electoral body is required to issue "a report within 90 days of the May 2 election chronicling all of the complaints and abuses reported during the course of the 2011 campaign."

Palestinian cabinet 'resigns' as part of reshuffle, BBC (2011)

In this news article; ministers in the Palestinian government have resigned as part of a cabinet reshuffle, officials say. On Saturday, 13 Feb; the Palestinian Authority led by Mr Abbas said it wanted to hold presidential and legislative elections by September.

Egypt army dissolves parliament, suspends constitution, Reuters (2011)

In this news article; Egypt's new military rulers said on Sunday 13 Feb, they would keep control of the country for six months or until parliamentary and presidential elections are held following constitutional amendments.

India: Pakistan has twice as many women MPs, The Times of India (2010)

Reservation to ensure fair representation of women in national legislative bodies seems more the norm than the exception globally, with almost 100 countries having some kind of quota system or the other in place. India happens to be in a minority group of over 20 countries that have no system at all to ensure a more gender-balanced national legislature.

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US Calls for International Observers at Burma By-elections, The Irrwaddy (2012).

This article discusses the US delegation’s request for Burmese government to allow international observers to oversee the by-elections in April.