ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Haitian election protesters clash with riot police: The Telegraph (2010)

This article reports on the protests that followed the elections in Haiti. About 1,000 protesters marched in the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, to demand the cancellation of the troubled elections. The results will be released this week.

Haitian police fire teargas at election protesters, CBC News (2010)

This article reports on the protests that followed the November 28 elections in Haiti. About 1,500 protesters marched in the streets, together with most of the presidential candidates, asking for the results to be annulled. Riot police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, while the protesters responded throwing stones and burning tires.

Haiti candidates lead protest to nullify election, The Washington Post (2010)

This article reports on the protests that were triggered by the November elections in Haiti. Four of the 19 presidential candidates are leading the protests, denouncing electoral officers and fraud. At first, the two front-runners, Mirlande Manigat and Michel Martelly, protested as well, but now reversed their positions in favor of the elections. The two candidates will compete in the January 16 second-round vote.

Caricom observers don’t want Haiti election results cancelled, The Jamaica Observer (2010)

This article reports on the statements of the Organization of American States/Caribbean Community (Caricom) Joint Election Observation Mission in Haiti. The Joint Mission visited the country during the presidential and parliamentary elections, and recently released a preliminary statement. The observers believe that the elections should be nullified and invited all candidates to appeal to the legal remedies available in the electoral law: to challenge the results within 72 hours of the posting of the results.

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Irish elections: Fianna Fáil's slip before the fall, International Business Times (2010)

This article discusses the political situation in Ireland, and the possibility to hold early elections. The author also explains and discusses the electoral system.

Afghanistan government arrests 4 on Election Panel, The New York Times (2010)

This article reports on the arrest of four officials of the Afghan Independent Election Commission. The government decided to execute the arrest, and the chief electoral officer approved it: the head of the commission's logistics department and three lower-level employees were charged with abuse of official office and corruption in purchasing related to the 2009 presidential election.

Tongan Democratic Party only got a third of election votes, Radio Australia (2010)

This article discusses the results of the latest elections in Tonga and presents an interview of the Secretary of Information in the caretaker government. According to the Secretary, the Democratic Party is not as popular as many people think: its victory, he argues, is mostly due to the independent candidates.

American Samoa’s Chief Election Officer certifies general election results, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the final results of the general elections in American Samoa. On December 3, the Chief Electoral Officer certified the results of the November 2 elections. The High Court dismissed a complaint filed by challenger Lopa Seti, against incumbent Galumalemana Bill Satale. The winners will be sworn into office on January 4, 2011, for a two year term.

New Order-Style Elections for Indonesian Governors Get 2nd Look, The Jakarta Globe (2010).

This article discusses the direct elections of governors and the discourse of possibility of returning to the previous system of governors appointed by regional legislatures.

Advance By-Elections Begin In Thailand's Five Provinces, Bernama (2010).

This article discusses a two day advance by-elections in capital of Bangkok, northeastern provinces of Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima and Surin, and the central province of Ayutthaya.

Malaysia: Gerakan Youth Wants Voting Age Lowered To 18 Years, Bernama (2010).

This article discusses the call out to the Malaysian government to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 years.

Philippines: Comelec to evaluate recent polls, The Philippine Star (2010).

This article discusses post-election evaluation that will be conducted by Comelec of the 2010 general elections and the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Singapore: Likely to have more Opposition candidates this time, Today Online (2010).

This article discusses commentary by Singapore Foreign Minister regarding the prediction of opposition candidates to run in the next Singapore general election.

Botswana: 'BNFL backs opposition cooperation', The Monitor (2011)

It is reported that Botswana National Front Youth League (BNFYL) gives thumbs-up to the opposition cooperation project. The BNFYL is reported to have been few steps ahead of the mother body in since last year calling for cooperation talks with other parties.

Botswana: E-card for BNF members, The Monitor (2011)

It is reported that Botswana National Front (BNF) has introduced machine-readable cards for its members. The party has since informed its members to re-apply because the new development has rendered existing membership cards obsolete and note that this will not come cheap.

Election date won’t deter Zambians – HH, Lusaka Times (2011)

Opposition party leader, Hakainde Hichilema says president Rupiah Banda’s delay in announcing the election will not deter Zambians from achieving their goal of changing government.

Zambia: Government Printers didn’t bid to print ballots-ECZ, Lusaka Times (2011))

The Electoral Commission of Zambia outsourced the printing of ballot papers for this year’s elections. A South African company was awarded the tender to do the job and now opposition parties are demanding that a Zambian company get the tender. Some opposition even went on to say the tender process was not transparent.

Colombia:Colombia elections face potential fraud by 'electoral mafias': Registrar, Colombia Reports (2010)

Colombia's national registrar Carlos Ariel Sanchez acknowledged on Thursday that the risk of fraud during Sunday's presidential election has not been eliminated and that there may still exist "electoral mafias" wishing to sabotage the election, reported Colombian media.

Colombia:Colombia restricts media on election day, Colombia Reports (2010)

Colombian press are prohibited by law to report on electoral irregularities during this Sunday's presidential elections, without prior confirmation of the news by an official government source, reported Colombian media on Thursday.