ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Ireland: Martin calls for political reform, The Irish Times (2011)

This article presents the newly elected Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. Mr Martin called for major political reform, and he confirmed his willingness to cooperate with other political parties and engage in discussions on this issue. Mr Martin expressed his concerns on the system used to select candidates, which could create certain degree of "elitism".

Ireland: Party leaders clash over election debates format, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the discussions over the three-way television debate among candidates in Ireland. Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny is opposing the idea of having such a debate, which was presented by the new Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. Mr Kenny, however, would be willing to have a five-way televised debate with the leaders of all the political parties.

New Zealand: It's an election year, Stuff.nz (2011)

This article reports on the political situation in New Zealand. The 2011 election campaign is under way: Prime Minister John Key and Labour leader Phil Goff are both campaigning and making keynotes speeches.

UK: Tories and LibDems in 2015 election pact, The Herald Scotland (2011)

This article reports on the Tory-LibDem pace that is being planned for the 2015 General Election in the UK. A recent poll revealed that the Liberal Democrats have reached their lowest level of support since 1989.

Canadians don’t want spring election: Harper, The Toronto Sun (2011)

This article reports on the statements of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the possibility to hold early elections. The Prime Minister stated that a federal election this spring is not inevitable, and that the Canadian people do not want an election.

Mexico's presidential campaign: Saddling up for the trail to Los Pinos, The Economist (2011)

This article discusses the election year ahead in Mexico. The election will be in July next year, but according to the author the long and rough campaign started when a party activist was beaten into a coma earlier this month. Opinion polls show that the Institutional Revolutionary Party is leading the presidential race by 20% over its main opponent the conservative National Action Party. There will be also six gubernatorial elections this year (the first on January 34th).

Guerrero election kicks off weighty Mexico political year, The Los Angeles Times (2011)

This article discusses the upcoming election year in Mexico. On Sunday there will be the first of six gubernatorial elections planned, which will set the tone for the 2012 presidential elections. On Sunday, voters in Guerrero will cast their ballots for a new governor. The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) is battling to recapture the state, as a first step towards the ultimate goal of re-gaining the presidency after 12 years.

Peru:The second BRIDGE TTF in Peru, Bridge (2009)

The second BRIDGE TTF in Peru, and the 4th in Latin America, took place in Lima on 12 – 19 October 2009, two years after the first one. This article describes that event.

Peru:BRIDGE supports women’s political participation in Peru, Brigde (2009)

A good two years after BRIDGE was first introduced in Peru (TtF in Nov 2007), BRIDGE came back to this fascinating and complex country in October this year for a series of two BRIDGE Workshops. One of these was a week-long course titled “Towards the strengthening of equal opportunities for political participation in Peru”, held in Lima from 5 - 9 October. This article describes that event.

Malaysians To Observe Uzbekistan Parliamentary Elections, Bernama (2009).

This article notes the Malaysian observer team led by Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman who are part of International Observer Group for the Uzbekistan's parliamentary elections that will be held on December 27 2009.



Kenya: PNU wants fresh elections held once new constitution is enacted, The Standard (2009)

wants fresh elections called immediately the new constitution comes into effect. Presenting its official position to the Committee of Experts yesterday, the PNU coalition said Kenyans would feel shortchanged if CoE extended the coalition’s tenure after the constitution goes through.

Kenya: PSs back hybrid system with powerful president, Daily Nation (2009)

Top civil servants Thursday backed a hybrid system of government, but with a proposal that the president wields executive powers. In their submission to the Committee of Experts on Thursday, the accounting officers in the Public Service said the PM should be the country’s “chief operating officer” with the duty of running the day-to-day functions of government.

Armenia: By-election campaign starts in Yerevan, Armenian Reporter (2009)

The article writes about the start of a by-election campaign to fill a vacancy in Armenia's National Assembly created by the resignation of opposition politician Khachatur Sukiasian, who represented Yerevan's central district. An opposition candidate Nikol Pashinian is campaigning from jail, in pretrial detention in connection with his role in the bloody confrontations between law enforcement forces and demonstrators on March 1, 2008. He issued a statement on December 8 arguing that he should be released under a provision of the electoral code that prohibits the arrest and prosecution of candidates for office without the permission of the Central Electoral Commission.

Armenian Opposition Politician Calls For Renewed Protests, RFE/RL (2009)

The article reports that a popular Armenian opposition leader stressed that resignation of the incumbent president and holding of new elections remain on top of the opposition agenda. He also mentioned that his party has no intention to leave the opposition alliance, Armenian National Congress.

Malaysia: Electoral reforms soon, says Malaysia PM Najib, The Straits Times (2011).

This article discusses statement from Malaysia Prime Minister on the government commitment for electoral reforms and parliamentary democracy.

Thailand: Two re-elections, one recount, same results, Bangkok Post (2011).

This article discusses the re-election and recount of MPs-elect that were given yellow card by the Election Commission due to vote-buying offense.

Thailand to open new parliament, The Straits Times (2011).

This article discusses the opening of Thailand new parliament. The 500-seat lower house chamber is set to vote Thailand's prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Singapore: Presidential hopefuls out and about, on a mission, Today Online (2011).

This article discusses Singapore presidential candidates’ activities to reach out voters ahead of the Presidential Election.

Myanmar sets Aug. 22 as 2nd parliamentary sessions date, Xinhua (2011).

This article reports the second regular sessions of the Union Parliament, Parliament House of Representatives (Lower House) and Parliament House of Nationalities (Upper House) that will be held on August 22. Post-election period gathering between Myanmar's Union Election Commission and political parties leaders were held on July 27 in which the commission addressed observance of state constitution, regulations, and orders.

Zimbabwe: COPAC to tighten security following disruption by war vets, SW Radio Africa (2012)

It is reported that security will be increased in the offices of Constitution Select Committee (COPAC) in Harare. This comes after angry war vets last week disrupted a joint briefing.