ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Philippines: Total gun ban takes effect Jan. 10 , The Philippine Star (2010).

This article notes the total gun ban nationwide by The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) that will be enforced for six months starting 10 January 2010.

Burma leader Than Shwe gives election warning, BBC News (2010).

This artcle discusses the message by Burma's military leader Than Shwe which was for the people to make correct choices in the election that will be held in 2010.

Indonesia: Court: Half the elections may end in legal battle, The Jakarta Post (2010).

This article notes the prediction by the Constitutional Court that half of the regional elections in 2010 will end in legal battles.

Indonesia: Outlook 2010: Chaos threatens upcoming regional elections, The Jakarta Post (2010).

This article discusses the preparations in central and regional level for local direct elections scheduled for 2010 that will be held in 246 regions, including seven provinces, in Indonesia.

Indonesia: KPU Opposes Change to Election Of Governors, The Jakarta Globe (2010).

This article notes the comment from KPU’s member (The election commission) who opposes the plan to abolish the direct election of governors by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Croatia’s ruling party expels former PM (The Financial Times, 2010)

Jadranka Kosor, the prime minister who took over six months ago, announced Mr Sanader’s expulsion from the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) following a gruelling nine-hour meeting of the party presidency on Monday.

Croatian socialist in strong position ahead of presidential run-off (EurActiv, 2010)

According to analysts, the first round of elections offers three clear indications on the evolution of Croatian politics.

Controversies Precede Ukranian Election (The Epoch Times, 2010)

Questions about the integrity of the Ukranian election process are being raised, two weeks before polling day on Jan. 17.

Philippines: Cell phones won't be allowed in precincts, ABS CBN News (2010).

This article notes the prohibition for the use of cell phone in polling precincts for voters based on the General Instructions (GI) issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the synchronized national and local elections on May 10, 2010.

Philippines: Group formed to oversee tracking of poll materials, GMA News (2010).

This article notes the technical working group formed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to plan and oversee the logistics and tracking of the ballots, ballot boxes, and the machines.

Indonesia: Boediono’s Office Moves To Resolve Election Spat, The Jakarta Globe (2010).

This article discusses the mediation of conflict between the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Elections Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) by the vice-presidential office.

Myanmar election could spark rise in refugees, Reuters (2010).

This article discusses Myanmar elections that scheduled to be held in 2010 that might increase refugees from Myanmar.

Taiwan: DPP, KMT fight to win 3 seats in legislators' re-election, Radio Taiwan International (2010)

Legislators' re-elections will be held in 3 counties on January 9, 2010. While the ruling Kuomintang hopes to win all 3 seats, the Premier called the campaign tight and the Democratic Progressive Party has some chances to win.

Afghan parliament vote confirmed for May, Reuters (2010)

The date for the election of the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) was confirmed for May 22, 2010 - the latest possible date under the current constitution. The critics, including some Western countries say however, that this date does not give enough time to introduce the needed electoral law reforms, which would ensure that another flawed election result would be averted.

Japan PM eyes crucial election as problems mount, Reuters (2010)

As the voter support for the ruling Democratic Party has slid below 50% since the general election in August 2009, the upcoming upper house election this year is seen as crucial by both main parties.

Dominica: Labour Victory: Can't stop this party, Dominica News Online (2010)

The ruling Dominica Labour Party won the third consecutive term in the December 2009 general election, getting 17 out of the 21 seats. The other 4 seats were claimed by the main opposition United Workers Party that had ruled from 1995 to 2000.

Has The 2013 Georgian Presidential Campaign Already Started?, RFE/RL (2010)

The article argues that presidential race for 2013 elections has already started in Georgia. Incumbent Mikheil Saakashvili's second term will expire in 2013, but the preparations for municipal elections in late May 2010, including that for Tbilisi mayor, already increasingly resemble the first stage in what promises to be a no-holds-barred fight to succeed him. The elected mayor of the capital city is considered to be the most probable presidential successor.

Reporters Face Obstacles in Covering Armenia’s Tense By-Election, RFE/RL (2010)

On 10 January, 2010 parliamentary by-elections were held in the Central district of Yerevan, Armenia. Three candidates ran for elections, including Nikol Pashinian, an opposition member and newspaper editor currently in jail while his trial on charges related to the 2008 post-election clashes is continuing. Representatives of several media met with obstacles while performing their professional duties at some polling stations as they were covering the vote in the tense by-election.

Nikol Pashinian lost by-elections to Armenian Parliament, Aysor (2010)

On January 10, 2010 parliamentary by-elections were held in the central district of Yerevan, Armenia. Less than 25% of turnout was reported. According to the preliminary results, the main opposition candidate Nikol Pashinian lost to the representative of National Unity party.

Only 19 women to run in parliamentary elections in Tajikistan through proportional party list system, Asia-Plus (2010)

In February 2010, parliamentary elections will be held in Tajikistan. 127 candidates have been nominated to run in parliamentary elections through a proportional, party list system from a single, countrywide constituency and only 19 of them are women. The reporter mentions that the majority of political parties in Tajikistan nominate women just for appearances' sake to show that they do not have gender quality problems.