ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Fatah Clearly Ahead of Hamas Among Palestinians, Angus Reid Global Monitor (2010)

A recent poll indicates that if the election were to take place today that more people would vote for Fatah than Hamas. Both Hamas and Fatah had agreed to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in January 2010, but a timing for new elections has not yet been set.

Albania: Pre-Election Report, Local Elections, ICG (2000)

This report from the International Crisis Group discusses the political tensions in Albania ahead of the local elections in 2000. The elections were and important test of popular support for the governing Socialist-led coalition. The report concludes that successful elections are important for regional stability.

Albania: Observation Report, Parliamentary Elections, ICG (2001)

An observation report from the International Crisis Group (ICG) on the four rounds of voting that took place in the parliamentary elections of 2001. Four rounds were held due to accusations of voter fraud but the report indicates that the final process were peaceful and produced a decisive victory for the ruling Socialist Party.

Nigeria:S’West speakers express doubt about success of 2011 elections, The Punch (2010)

Speakers of the Houses of Assembly in the South-West of Nigeria have insisted that electoral reforms are necessary for credible elections in 2011.

Somaliland opposition head wins presidential poll, Reuters Africa (2010)

With 49.59% of the vote the leader of the opposition party Tulmiye (Unity), Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo has won the presidency of the self-governing region of Somalia. Some in Somaliland hope that the success of democratic processes within the region will help Somliland to be recognized internationally.

Guinea Awaits Sunday’s Election Results Friday After Delays, VOA (2010)

The Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) has confirmed that it will release the provisional results from Sunday's presidential election on Friday. The results were scheduled to be released on Wednesday, but the Supreme Court granted additional time for vote counting due to logistical problems.

Otunbayeva officially becomes Kyrgyz President, Voice of Russia (2010)

While announcing the official results of the referendum on the Constitution the Chairman of the Central Election Commission in Kyrgyzstan also declared Roza Otunbayeva the transitional president until 2011.

Ukraine:Parliament sets elections to local councils for October 31, Kyiv Post (2010)

Ukraine's parliament has voted on a resolution which scheduled the local elections for Sunday, October 31, 2010. They also instructed the Central Election Commission to offer support.

Jordan: Announcing nomination early 'customary, if legally unclear', Jordan Times (2010)

It is unclear whether the practice of reporting unofficial announcements of candidacy or intention to run in an election is legal. The law prohibits campaigning outside of the thirty days before the election, scheduled this year for November 9.

Nauru edges closer towards political deal, Radio Australia News (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates from Nauru's political impasse. The parliament has elected a speaker, Aloysius Amwano. Mr Amwano stated that he will accept this position only after the resignation of the caretaker president, Marcus Stephen. Political talks are under way to elect the new President.

Nauru extends state of emergency, ABC News (2010)

This article reports on the political crisis in Nauru. The state of emergency was due to end this week, but it was extended until Tuesday. The political deadlock is still unsolved, as the parliament has not been able to elect the new president since the elections on June 19.

Celebrity candidates face tough road in Japan poll, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the candidacy of Olympic medalist Ryoko Tani to the July 11 elections. Observers believe that fame alone will not let him her win these elections. The article also discusses the (not always successful) relationships between celebrities and politics.

Law No 3-2012 On the Establishment of the High National Elections Commission

 

Zanzibar approves power-sharing in referendum, VOA (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates from Zanzibar Saturday's referendum. Election officials announced that two-thirds of the voters approved the idea of a unity government: ministries will be divided proportionally between the two main parties and there will be two vice presidents. No major accident was reported during the elections.

Central African Republic vote delayed to January 23, International Business Times (2010)

This article comments the presidential decree that announced the delay of presidential and legislative elections until January 23 in the Central African Republic. President Francois Bozize changed the election schedule three times already (originally in April, then May and October) due to security issues, staying in power well beyond his mandate terminated in June. The country also requested 7 billion CFA francs from the European Union.

Haitian musicians seek presidency, Miami Herald (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates on Haiti's presidential elections. Popular musician Michel Martelly, aka Sweet Micky, decided to run for president of his native Haiti. Martelly is not the only musician interested in that office: last week, Wyclef Jean, Fugee's singer, also announced his intentions to run.

Zimbabwe: Next election 2 year away? The Zimbabwean (2010)

This article discusses the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission's announcement of a possible elections timetable. ZEC declared that it needs at least one year to finalize the existing voter's lists. This unsettles President Mugabe's plan to hold elections in 2011. Observers believe that it will take approximately 2 years to prepare and hold new elections in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe: Mugabe has no power to set fresh election dates - Tsvangirai, The Zimbabwe Mail

This article reports on Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's statement against President Mugabe. Tsvangirai declared that Mugabe has no power to set the dates for new elections without first consulting him. The Prime Minister did not attend Mugabe's sister's burial in protest (the Party declared Sabina Mugabe a National Hero).

DRC: New Congolese electoral body to organize next year's election, VOA (2010)

This article discusses President Joseph Kabila's decision to create a panel that would form a new Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). The new CENI will be organize next year's general election. The panel will replace the old leadership of the electoral body, institute with the 2002 peace accord and chaired by Father Apollinaire Malu-Malu.

Kenyans mixed on whether election violence could repeat, Gallup (2010)

This article reports on the latest Gallup opinion poll in Kenya. Kenyans will vote on a new constitution on Wednesday, August 4, they are currently divided on whether or not violence will occur. The majority (53%) believe that there will be no election-related violence, while 44% believe it will. In the 2007 presidential elections, election-related violence broke out and more than 1,300 people were killed.