ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Benigno Aquino sworn in as new Philippine president, BBC News (2010).

This article discusses Benigno Aquino who has been sworn in as the 15th president of the Philippines.

Election to proceed in northern Mexico despite killing, VOA (2010)

The Electoral Officials in Mexico announced that the Sunday election will still be carried out, despite the murder of notorious candidate Rodolfo Torre. Mr Torre was a gubernatorial candidate in the state of Tamaulipas, and he was murdered by drug gangs along with his aides in a town close to the U.S. border.

South Korea: 48 civil servants face discipline for election campaign, Korea Times (2010)

This article reports on the Ministry of Public Administration and Security's decision to demand action against 48 public officials engaged in illegal campaign activities during the June 2 elections. The accused government official participated in the campaigning, violating the Civil Servant Law.

USA: Supreme Court affirms a ban on soft money, The New York Times (2010)

This article discusses the Supreme Court's decision to affirm a ruling upholding a ban on the 'soft money' contributions to political parties in the United States. This ruling limits individual contributions to political parties, even if these funds are not spent on election-related activities.

Election Commission of Pakistan decides to use EVMs in election process, Daily Times (2010)

This article comments the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to introduce Electronic Voting Machines in the country. The ECP, which predicts that it will take approximately 5 years to implement this decision, believes that this will guarantee transparency to the whole electoral process.

Indonesia: KPU Ethics Council recommends Andi Nurpati`s dismissal, Antara News (2010).

This article discusses decision by Ethics Council of the General Elections Commission (KPU) on dismissal recommendation for KPU member Andi Nurpati on violation of Law Number 22/2007 and KPU Regulation Number 31/2007.

Indonesia: Constitutional Court Finds Major Violations in Surabaya Election, The Jakarta Globe (2010).

This article discusses Constitutional Court's decision to annul the results of Surabaya mayoral elections and ordered the recount of ballots at polling stations.

Indonesia: West Sumatra holds simultaneous election Wednesday, The Jakarta Post (2010).

This article discusses West Sumatra's gubernatorial and simultaneous regional elections in 13 municipalities and regencies with 68 pairs candidates.

Myanmar: New Ethnic Party Leaders a Varied Lot, The Irrawaddy (2010).

This article discusses 22 new ethnic political parties that will participate in Burma's 2010 election.

Thailand: Army on alert for violence in by-election, Bangkok Post (2010).

This article discusses army troops on alert for violence that could erupt in Bangkok's Constituency 6 by-election.

Thailand's charter rewrite framework expected in Oct., Xinhua News (2010).

This article discusses framework for constitutional amendments that are expected to be finished on October 2010.

Philippines: Comelec inclined to proclaim 17 party-list groups this week, The Philippine Star (2010).

This article discusses Commission on Elections (Comelec) who are expected to proclaim 17 winning party-list organizations after earlier proclaimation of 28 party-list organizations that won 33 seats.

Guinea court gives more time for election result, Reuters Africa (2010)

Due to logistical problems the Supreme Court of Guinea has granted an additional 48 hours for vote counting in the presidential election, results were originally due on Wednesday. In spite of some opposition claims of irregularities international observers have stated that they were generally satisfied with the fairness of the vote.

ECOWAS Urges Calm as Vote Counting in Guinea is Extended, VOA (2010)

The Supreme Court has extended the deadline for election results in Guinea's presidential election. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged calm as the process continues.

EU observers regret single-candidate Burundi poll, Reuters Africa (2010)

President Pierre Nkurunziza has been re-elected following a one candidate race. International observers have expressed regret over the lack of competition.

Grenade Blasts After One-Man Presidential Vote in Burundi, VOA (2010)

After a relatively calm period during the single-candidate presidential election there have been grenade attacks in Burundi. A Human Rights Watch observer has said that these attacks are partly the result of police inaction to attacks during the May municipal elections.

Opposition Calls Election in Burundi a ‘Masquerade’, The New York Times (2010)

The opposition in Burundi, who boycotted the presidential election, have denounced the process and said they will not recognize President Pierre Nkurunziza who was re-elected in the vote. The parties boycotted the race in protest of the May municipal elections, which they say were rigged.

Somaliland Ruling Party Calls For Delay in Election Results, VOA (2010)

Opposition parties in Somaliland have asked that the announcement of the election results be delayed due to irregularities in the vote. International observers said that though some irregularities were noted that the election was mostly free and fair in the self-governing, but internationally unrecognized region.

Venezuelan Socialists Train Election Activists, Radio Cadena Agramonte (2010)

The United Socialist Party of Venezuela has started training members to mobilize voters ahead of September's legislative election.

Uganda:Election date set, Daily Monitor (2010)

A road-map for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections have been unveiled by the Electoral Commission in Uganda. The elections will be held between February 12 and March 1 and the candidate nomination process will begin on October 25.