ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Kenyans approved new constitution in referendum, early counting indicates, Bloomberg (2010)

This article discusses the first results of the constitutional referendum in Kenya. Most of the voters (67%) approved the modifications to the constitution. However, final results may not be ready until 48 hours after the vote.

Kenya's social media atweet with referendum chatter, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the role of social media in the August 4 referendum in Kenya. Mobile phones have been incredibly useful in these elections, providing a continuous stream of updates. Internet is also very popular (and increasingly cheap and accessible) among Kenyans, and Twitter in particular.

Italy minister says snap polls possible in autumn, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the possibility of early elections in Italy. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Interior Minister Roberto Maroni announced the possibility to hold early elections in the fall. A no-confident motion failed yesterday, but only because 75 MPs of Berlusconi's coalition abstained.

Italy: Early elections possible, News 24 (2010)

This article reports on the Italian Interior Minister's statement about the possibility of an early election in the coming months. There is no precedent of elections in the fall, Minister Roberto Maroni admitted, but if the government's political crisis continues they will be forced to call new elections.

Former Gitmo detainee runs for Afghan office, The Seattle Times (2010)

This article discusses the candidacy of Izatullah Nasrat Yar for the Afghan Parliament. Mr. Yar is a former "enemy combatant" prisoner from Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and he now decided to run in the upcoming September elections to change the political situation in his country. 2,500 candidates will be competing as well. The International Crisis Group urged the Afghan government to postpone the elections, as many issues that undermined last year's Presidential elections are still unsolved.

Rap star to seek Haitian presidency, Aljazeera (2010)

This article discusses Wyclef Jean's candidacy for the upcoming Presidential elections in Haiti. Analysts believe Mr. Jean could win the November 28 elections, as he is very popular among the youth (who make up the majority of the population in Haiti). Wyclef Jean's involvement in the Haitian political arena started in 2005, when he established the Yele Haiti Foundation to provide humanitarian aid: this organization was strongly criticized for bad management. The singer plans to surround himself with the best analysts and politicians, as he admitted that he is not a political expert.

Rwandan President vows to crush troublemakers ahead of Monday's vote, VOA News (2010)

This article discusses Paul Kagame's announcement that he will crush any attempt to undermine Monday's elections in Rwanda. This statement was a response to the opposition leaders' and his former intelligence chief's call for an uprising against Mr. Kagame's government.

Latvia: Law on the Central Election Commission as amended on 1 December 2009

Law on the Central Election Commission, adopted by the Saeima on 13 January 1994, modified by amendments adopted on 5 December 1996, 14 May 1998, 2 November 2000, 13 June 2002, 12 February 2004, 6 April 2006, 15 May 2008, 17 July 2008, 12 December 2008 and 1 December 2009

Latvia: The Saeima Election Law as amended on 31 May 2007

The Saeima Election Law, adopted by the Saeima on May 25, 1995. Modified by amendments adopted on 26 March 1998, 27 May 1998, 9 May 2002, 30 May 2002, 5 March 2003, 4 September 2003, 9 March 2006, 6 April 2006 and 31 May 2007.

Latvia: The Election Law On City and Town Councils, District Councils and Pagasts Councils as amended in 2004

The Election Law On City and Town Councils, District Councils and Pagasts Councils, adopted in the Saeima on January 13, 1994 with amendments of 2004.

Latvia: Voters’ Register Law, adopted on January 22, 2004

Voters’ Register Law, adopted by the Saeima on January 22, 2004

Latvia: Law on National Referendum and Initiation of Legislation as amended on 21 February 2008

Law on National Referendum and Initiation of Legislation, adopted by the Saeima on 31 March 1994. Modified by amendments adopted on 26 July 1995, 3 September 1998, 8 May 2003, 4 September 2003, 18 September 2003, 6 April 2006, 21 February 2008.

Latvia: Instruction on operation of the polling station commissions during the Saeima elections (13 June 2006)

Instruction on operation of the polling station commissions during the Saeima elections, approved by Decision No. 8 of the Central Election Commission of 13 June 2006

Latvia: Instruction on counting of votes in the Saeima election (13 June 2006)

Instruction on counting of votes in the Saeima election, approved by Decision No. 9 of the Central Election Commission of 13 June 2006

Election-Related Disputes and Political Violence: Strengthening the Role of the African Union in Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict, International Peace Institute (2010)

This report was released by the International Peace Institute (IPI) in partnership with the African Union. This is the the first publication of the African Union Series. The AU decided to focus on election-related violence: the Panel of the Wise has chosen to dedicate its first thematic reflections to developing strategies for the prevention of election-related violence. In doing so, the Panel acknowledged the growing importance of electoral processes in the continent, and of their role in the consolidation of democracy. This report identifies the weaknesses in the governance of elections and recommends mechanisms to prevent election-related disputes and conflicts in a long-term approach.

Two-thirds of Kenyans vote for new constitution, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the preliminary results for the August 4 constitutional referendum in Kenya. The referendum promoted constitutional changes that would curb presidential powers and historical land disputes. Election officials said that 69% of the voters approved these changes.

Ghana:We Know Politics II Launched, Ghana Government News (2010)

The Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) has launched a programme to encourage and facilitate the participation of women in politics and raise women's issues at a national level. The project also aims to ensure 40% representation in party positions and elections for women.

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Ivory Coast Sets October 31 Election Date , VOA (2010)

A date has been set for the the long delayed election in Côte d'Ivoire. The elections originally scheduled to be held in 2005 are now set for October 31, but the electoral commission has said that many conditions will have to be met before the election can be held.

Vote counting in Solomon Islands election slower than expected, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Due to the slow vote counting in some areas the chair of the Electoral Commission has expressed doubts that all the results will be in on Sunday as expected. The first results in some areas have already been declared.