ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Sao Tome opposition wins poll, seeks coalition gov't, Reuters Africa (2010)

According to provisional results the opposition party in Sao Tome and Prinicipe have won the election but failed to secure a majority. They will likely seek partners to form a coalition, it is likely that ADI leader Patrice Trovoada will be the next Prime Minister.

Five million to vote in Rwanda polls, The Daily Nation (2010)

This article reports on the elections in Rwanda. The National Electoral Commission declared that five million people registered to vote, for the upcoming presidential elections.

Rwanda's Paul Kagame center of controversial election, VOA (2010)

This article discusses the controversial election campaign in Rwanda. In the past few weeks, journalists and opposition leaders have been either incarcerated or murdered. Paul Kagame, who won the 2003 presidential elections with 95% of the votes, is virtually the only real candidate.

Kanyans edgy ahead of charter vote, Aljazeera (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates from Kenya. The Kenyan authorities are making the final preparations for the upcoming referendum for the new constitution. Politicians and observers believe that the polls will be mainly peaceful, but special attention is given to the Rift Valley region, where riots broke out during the 2007 elections.

Uganda: Kayihura reveals Police's 2011 polls plan, The New Vision (2010)

This article reports on the Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura's decision to release the security plan of action for next year's elections. Maj. Gen. Kayihura stated that a series of new strategies have been developed to prevent violence during the elections, but also to guarantee a lawful and proportional use of force. The Irish government will assist in the training of the Police officers.

Azerbaijani party intensifies preparations for parliamentary elections, News.Az (2010)

This article comments the opposition Party of National Independence of Azerbaijan's decision to start the preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Elections in Azerbaijan will be held on November 4.

Malaysia: Election Commission not keen to register new voters via Internet, The Star (2010).

This article discusses the statement by election commission deputy chairman regarding the use of online voter registration.

Myanmar: Dividing Political Parties into Groups, The Irrawaddy (2010).

This article discusses Myanmar’s 39 political parties to contest the scheduled 2010 General elections, in which 17 will be contesting nationwide and 22 will intend to contest in ethnic areas.

Thailand: City Council Election Campaign, Bangkok Post (2010).

This news article provides photos during a campaign to encourage voters to vote in the city council and district council elections held August 19, 2010.

Kenya pledges transparent vote on new constitution, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the Kenya's electoral authority's statement about the transparency of the upcoming referendum. The referendum will be the first national poll since the riots triggered by the 2007 elections, when 1,300 people were killed.

Kenyans vote in referendum on new constitution, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the election day in Kenya. The referendum will be a test for democracy in the country, after the 2007 elections. Kenyans will vote on proposed constitutional changes, important to avoid post-elections violence. People started queuing up early in the morning, as 12.5 million people have registered to vote.

Kenya braced for poll clashes in first vote since deadly 2007 elections, The Telegraph (2010)

This article reports on the referendum in Kenya. This is the first elections since the 2007 one, where riots broke out and 1,300 people died. Violence is not expected, the electoral commission reported, but some provinces are on high alert. According to the latest opinion polls, most people support the new constitution: this will curb presidential powers and devolve responsibility to the regions.

Will Kenya's constitutional referendum lead to violence? TIME (2010)

This article comments the political situation in Kenya on the eve of the August 4 constitutional referendum. People is Kenya are still shocked by the violence that followed the 2007 elections, and many of then are fleeing their homes. The new constitution would weaken the president's powers, divide the legislature in two houses, and establish independent for the executive, legislative and judiciary branches. Devolution of powers to the regions would also follow.

Solomons’ general election proceeding peacefully, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

Voting has begun peacefully in the Solomon Islands. Security forces and election observers are present in the country and they hope that the violence that followed the 2006 elections will be avoided.

Polling begins in Solomon Islands, The Sydney Morning Herald (2010)

Polling has begun peacefully in the Solomon Islands. There have been reports of some problems such as names missing from voting roles it has been a generally calm atmosphere.

Uganda: Parties want constitution amended to delay 2011 elections, The New Vision (2010)

This article discusses the Ugandan political parties' request to change the Constitution to postpone elections from February to July. The parties are worried that the dismantling of the Electoral Commission might destabilize the elections.

Kyrgyzstan: Final Report on Constitutional Referendum, 27 June 2010, OSCE/ODIHR (2010)

This is the final report of OSCE/ODIHR limited referendum observation mission, on 27 June 2010 constitutional referendum in Kyrgyzstan.

Wyclef Jean to run for President of Haiti, TIME (2010)

This article discusses Wyclef Jean's decision to confirm rumors about his candidacy as President of Haiti. The popular Haiti-born singer told the TIME that he will be announcing his candidacy soon, before the August 7 deadline. Jean, who grew up in New York City, sees no contradiction between his life and career as a singer and his political ambitions.

Nigeria:2011: Oni charges INEC on credible elections, The Nigerian Tribune (2010)

Governor Oni of the Ekiti State called on the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize credible elections in 2011. While hosting a new Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oni urged the INEC to learn from past elections.

Tsvangirai threatens to boycott next election, The Zimbabwe Guardian (2010)

This article discusses Morgan Tsvangirai's threat to boycott the next presidential elections in Zimbabwe if "outstanding issues" with President Mugabe will not be solved. The "issues" relate to the Global Political Agreement: appointment of Governors, the Reserve Bank Governor, and the Attorney General, as well as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.