ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Burma sets 7 November date for first poll in 20 years, BBC News (2010).

This article discusses the announcement of first general election in two decades in Myanmar that will be held November 7, 2010.

Myanmar enters into pre-election period, Xinhua News (2010).

This article discusses series of announcement following the official designation of November 7 as election date which include registration of candidates, deadline for withdrawing candidates, and designation of constituencies.

Malaysia: Sarawak Political Parties Ready To Help EC Register New Voters, Bernama (2010).

This article discusses efforts by political parties and Election Commission to ongoing registration of new voters.

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ECOWAS to Send More Observers to Monitor Liberia Run-off Voanews.com

Due to the importance of the second round of the presidential election in Liberia, the ECOWAS is going to send more international observers “to make sure that the observation is flawless”.

Haitian President marks Independence with pledge of fair elections, VOA News (2010)

As Haiti celebrated Independence Day, President Rene Preval pledged that the upcoming legislative elections will be fair. The promise comes after several controversial decisions have been made, including a ban of former President Aristide's party as well as a disqualification of about a dozen other political groups from the election process.

Cote d'Ivoire: Gbagbo reassures Ivorians elections will hold, Afrique en ligne (2010)

Addressing members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Cote d'Ivoire, President Gbagbo re-assured the public that he intends to let the presidential elections be held within two months, asking the Prime Minister, the Independent Electoral Commission and the electoral officials to make sure that all eligible voters are registered.

Cote d'Ivoire: Gbagbo: Let's not rush to hold election, Afrique en ligne (2010)

While President Gbagbo re-assured the public of his intentions to let the presidential elections take place, he also stated that elections should only take place when all conditions for free and transparent vote have been met, which is still not the case. The President also acknowledged difficulties faced by the Independent Electoral Commission which is yet to settle complaints, make polling cards as well as ID cards before the election takes place.

Guinean military junta asks opposition to name Prime Minister, Bloomberg Press (2010)

Guinea's interim leader, General Konate, called for the opposition parties to nominate a prime minister to lead a transitional administration which should prepare the country for free and fair elections, which are scheduled for January 31, but will most likely be postponed.

Anguilla: General election set for February, Jamaica Gleaner News (2010)

The retiring Chief Minister Fleming set February 15, 2010 as a date for general elections in Anguilla. Fleming as well as two other senior members of the ruling Anguilla United Front (AUF) announced earlier that they will not be contesting in the elections. Two other political parties: the Anguilla United Movement and Anguilla Progressive Party will be contesting with the AUF.

Comoros: Sambi's coalition in landslide victory in Comoran Parliament, Afrique en ligne (2010)

The Comoran elections were won by President Sambi's coalition that can claim 19 out of 24 seats in the Parliament. The opposition managed to win 4 of the remaining 5 seats; 3 seats in Moheli and 1 in the Greater Comoros Island.

UN unable to send election observers for Sri Lanka Elections, Business Week (2010)

Due to time constraints and the lacking mandate from the General Assembly, the UN will not be able to send election observers for the January 26 presidential election in Sri Lanka.

Madagascar: Political tensions escalate in Madagascar, Mail and Guardian (2009)

Madagascar's security forces fired tear gas at opposition leaders and hundreds of their supporters outside Parliament on Tuesday as political tensions escalated on the Indian Ocean island.

Sri Lanka: Tamil group backs former general, BBC News (2010)

The Sri Lankan Tamils announced their support to the former army chief Fonseka in the upcoming presidential elections, as they refused to back the current president Rajapaksa due to his alleged human rights abuses record and the failure to secure national reconciliation.

Taiwan: Referendum drive against U.S. beef imports moving into second phase, Taiwan News (2010)

Cabinet's Referendum Screening Committee moved the referendum initiative on the U.S. beef imports one step further by designating it in conformity with law. The civic campaign for the proposed referendum will ask the voters to veto the government's November decision to open Taiwan's market to U.S. beef and demand that the government re-negotiate the trade protocol. Central Election Commission is now expected to check if those who signed the petition were eligible voters.

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Dominica: Opposition prepares to challenge election results in court, Dominica News Online (2010)

Setting January 11 as a deadline, the opposition United Workers Party has prepared petitions challenging the December 18th election results, in which the Dominica Labour Party won an 18-3 majority. At least one of the petitions is going to deal with the issue of dual citizenship, which represented one of the main election clashes between the two parties.

Bahamas: Voters ready for by-election, The Bahama Journal (2010)

Following a resignation of one of the long serving members of the House of Assembly, by-elections will be held in Bahamas' Elizabeth constituency in late February 2010. The registration process for the constituents has already been launched.

Legislation sought to allow Koreans overseas to vote by mail, The Korea Times (2010)

After passing a bill last year enabling Koreans overseas to vote, the ruling Grand National Party is now seeking to pass a law that would allow the overseas Koreans to vote by mail while increasing the number of overseas polling stations. This measure should make the polling procedures for Koreans overseas easier, so that they would not have to travel to one of the currently existing 166 diplomatic centres recognized as polling stations. The new law should be passed as soon as possible, so that all changes are in place for the 2012 general elections.

Call for new elections in the Cook Islands after latest political turmoil, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

As several major divisions in the ruling Democratic Party have materialized over Christmas, including the fact that Prime Minister Marurai was sacked from the Party, the opposition Cook Islands Party is calling for early elections, even though the regular next elections are scheduled for the end of 2010.