ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Singapore: PE: Candidates debate role of President in Channel NewsAsia forum, Channel News Asia (2011).

This article discusses the television debate of four presidential candidates in Channel News Asia Forum.The debate was dominated on the role and function of the Elected President.

Polling stations open in preparation for referendum on Saeima’s dismissal, Latvinas Online (2011)

Polling stations in Latvia and abroad began work July 13 in preparation for a referendum that could result in dismissal of the 10th Saeima.

Zatlers forms think tank as party gains momentum, The Baltic Times (2011)

Former Latvian President Valdis Zatlers has officially formed a "Reform Think Tank" to advise his newly formed party, the Reform Party, as it rockets in popularity.

Rwandan officials promise free, fair and transparent election monday, VOA News (2010)

This article reports on the Rwandan authorities' belief that the Monday presidential elections will be free and fair. The Rwanda National Electoral Commission (NEC) announced that everything is ready in term of preparation.

Presidental polls open in Rwanda, Aljazeera (2010)

This article reports on the opening of the polls in Rwanda. On Monday, August 9, Rwandan voters will be electing the President. The African Union monitoring team declared that they did not find evidence to support the latest claims of intimidation made by the opposition parties. Rights groups and foreign diplomats, on the other hand, denounced pre-poll intimidation and a general climate of fear.

Rwanda: record turnout in nordic states as diaspora vote, AllAfrica (2010)

This article reports on the voting operations of Rwanda voters living abroad. Rwandans from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland cast their ballots today, and the voter turnout is expected to be very high. Many Rwandans will vote for the first time in their lives.

Learn from Kenyan elections, The New Vision (2010)

This article reports on the final consideration on the election day in Kenya. The referendum was carried out peacefully and the results were accepted by all political parties. The 'Yes' won the majority of the votes, so the constitution will be modified.

High profile upsets in Solomons election, The Sydney Morning Herald (2010)

This article discusses the vote counting operations in the Solomon Islands. So far only 29 of the 50 seats have been assigned, as vote counting is taking longer than expected. Final results are expected on Monday, and then coalition talks will begin. Solomon's police is on high alert to prevent the type of violence that erupted after the release of the results of the 2006 elections.

No legal provision for recount in Solomon's constituency where votes destroyed, Radio New Zealand (2010)

This article comments the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission's admission about the impossibility to recount votes in the constituency where ballot papers were destroyed. As a matter of fact, ballot papers were burnt by an angry crowd in Malaita on Friday. Candidates will now have to file a petition to the High Court, the only body that had the authority to call a new elections.

New structure needed in Papua New Guinea to discourage election cheating, Radio New Zealand (2010)

This article reports on a new study commissioned by the PNG's National Research Institute. The study suggests the need for a new structure for the election process in the country: rather than introducing penalties, new incentives are needed to make sure that rules are followed.

Ireland's ranking for female politicians is dismal, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the latest discussion on the introduction of gender quotas for political parties in Ireland. Last week, the Joint Committee on the Constitution issued a report encouraging political parties to present more women candidates and many discussions followed, as most of the women in the Dáil rejected the quota system.

Crowded race for Haiti presidency, BBC News (2010)

This article discusses the latest updates from Haiti's electoral campaign. August 7 was the final deadline to present the necessary documents to register as a presidential candidates for the November elections, and many candidates did so. Popular singer Wyclef Jean registered himself as well: political experts believe that he is has good possibility to win.

OAS and Haiti sign observation mission agreement for elections in November, ISRIA (2010)

This article discusses the agreement for an OAS-CARICOM Electoral Observation Mission to Haiti. The mission (180 people) will observe the November 28 presidential elections in the country. The Chief of Mission is already carrying out a preliminary visit to the Caribbean island, but the first observers will come in September.

Portal Electoral Website

Portal Electoral is a non-profit informational website, managed by a group of journalists and university professors interested in politics and electoral processes. Those participating in this project believe that every initiative aiming at educating and informing citizens contributes to the consolidation of the quality of democracy. The portal provides comprehensive information about electoral knowledge, legal framework and electoral news in Spain. The portal clearly explain the structure of the EMB, shows the latest results of the elections and included useful links. (It is available only in Spanish)

Rwanda election set to return Kagame as president, The Guardian (2010)

This article reports on the election day in Rwanda. 5 millions people will head to the polls, but no incidents has been reported so far. President Paul Kagame will likely be re-elected. During his 16-years government, the country flourished: it has seen great improvements in health and education, as well as in the empowerment of women and the fight against corruption.

Indonesia: All Major Parties Now Back Increasing the Legislative Threshold, The Jakarta Globe (2010).

This article discusses support by four major political parties in the parliament to double the parliamentary threshold.

Thailand: Democrat dissolution trial begins, Bangkok Post (2010).

This article discusses the opening trial for Democrat dissolution case in the Constitution Court.

Malaysia: EC Allocates RM30 Million To Conduct Upcoming Sarawak Election, Bernama (2010).

This article discusses the voter registration process and budget to conduct the 10th Sarawak state election according to the Electoral Commission.

Burma Warns 'Subversives' ahead of Elections, The Irrawaddy (2010).

This article discusses commentary in The New Light of Myanmar newspaper regarding punishment for electoral crimes according to the new election laws.

Civil society enters Myanmar's election fray, Asia Times Online (2010).

This article discusses the civil society organizations in Myanmar who are conducting pre-election activity to give political education programs.