ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Egypt's presidency: The revolution within the Ikhwan, Aljazeera (2012)

This news report says that despite wide criticism, the brotherhood along with its political arm - the FJP - ups the ante on the presidential elections.

Egypt: Court ruling brings constitutional crisis to climax, Ahram Online (2012)

This news article says Tuesday's Supreme Administrative Court ruling abrogating the Constituent Assembly is greeted with approval by liberals but triggers mixed reactions by Brotherhood; critics question the legitimacy of the judiciary's decision. As a result, more than two dozen members announced their resignation from the assembly, including virtually all liberal and leftist representatives. Several popular demonstrations, meanwhile, were staged in the capital by activists opposed to the domination of the constitution-drafting process by a single political force.

Guinea postpones presidential vote, CNN (2010)

This article reports on the acting President General Sekouba Konate's announcement about the postponement of the presidential elections. The poll was scheduled for Sunday, but no new date has been announced. Konate stated that the delay is due to logistical and managerial issues of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Experts believe that this elections is taking an ethnic dimension (involving the Peul and Malinke groups), and the threat of ethnic violence is more serious than ever.

Guinea presidential candidate unhappy with postponed election, VOA News (2010)

This article reports on the reaction to interim President General Konate's decision to postpone the elections. Members of the Union of Democratic Forces in Guinea stated that Guineans and the international community are disappointed with this decision. The junta leader, they continued, should have announced the new date to assure the people, as well as the donors.

Afghan electoral workers slain by Taliban, CNN (2010)

This article reports on the killing of two people from the Afghan election body. The two electoral worker were killed by a Taliban attack in the northern Balkh province. According to the Independent Election Commission, 21 electoral workers and campaign staff have been killed so far, and 26 have been wounded.

Bar set low for Afghan parliamentary elections, The Los Angeles Times (2010)

This article discusses the international community's attitude towards the Saturday elections in Afghanistan. According to the author, all actors are trying to dampen expectations in advance of the vote. The head of the United Nations mission in Afghanistan, Staffan de Mistura, stated that these elections will not be perfect. Experts believe that the process is still highly vulnerable to vote-rigging and fraud.

Australians at risk during Afghan poll, The Sydney Morning Herald (2010)

This article reports on the security issues in Afghanistan. The authorities announced that special measures have been implemented to ensure that the elections will be peaceful, and Afghan and international military personnel will support the election commission. The Australian defense personnel will provide security assistance during the elections.

Afghanistan election threatened by more than the Taliban, VOA News (2010)

This article discusses all the obstacles that threaten to disrupt the Afghanistan's parliamentary elections. Security is the main challenge, as the Taliban military groups have pledged to set up many attacks against electoral officials and voters. Electoral fraud is certainly another issue, as last year's presidential elections were marred by vote-buying and corruption. According to international experts, this year it will be even harder to detect fraud because of the large number of candidates.

Tea Party fights back with claim it can win national elections, The Telegraph (2010)

This article discusses the latest updates from the Tea Party in the United States, which is gradually gaining popularity. Within the Republican party, however, tensions are rising, as inexperienced candidates from the Tea Party are winning the Republican primaries. Experts believe that if the Tea Party prevails, the Reoublican party will have fewer chances of regaining control of the Congress in the November 2 midterm elections.

Swedish nationalist group surges amid protests, Bloomberg BusinessWeek (2010)

This article reports on the latest opinion polls in Sweden. According to most poll, the far-right Sweden Democrats will likely reach the 4% threshold to enter the Parliament for the first time. Protesters all around Sweden tried to disrupt the nationalist group's campaign rallies, and the speeches of the party's leader, Jimmie Akesson. In poll released on September 13, the Sweden Democrats had 7.5%, with a 3% margin of error.

New poll shows Swedish govt with majority in vote, Reuters

This article reports on the latest opinion poll in Sweden. According to the most recent polls, 51.2% of the people interviewed support the center-right governing "Alliance", while only 42.3% would vote for the "Red-Green" opposition coalition. 4.3% of the people support the far-right anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, which would then reach the 4% threshold to enter the Parliament.

The rise-fall-rise journeys of Sahlin and Reinfeldt, The Swedish Wire (2010)

This article discusses the trends of the Swedish electoral campaign. It has been a tight race between the two main candidates, Fredrik Reinfeldt and Mona Sahlin. The article present the two candidates, as well as their personal and political stories.

Independent media is crucial for Nigeria’s election, NEXT (2010)

This article discusses one of the main ingredients to have a free and fair election: independent media. According to the author of the article, there can be no transparent election without a strong, fair, dedicated and responsible media. Television, for instance, is considered the most important instrument for electoral campaigning. Radio, press, Internet and television will play a major role in the 2011 elections in Nigeria: they will contribute to to the formation of a public opinion in the country presenting the candidates and parties to the public.

Austria: Use of electronic voting and upholding existing election standards focus of OSCE expert meeting, APA.az (2010)

This article reports on the expert meeting on the use of electronic voting in OSCE participating States started in Vienna yesterday. The meeting brings together officials from national election authorities, international experts and civil society representatives. The main discussion topic will be the problems associated with the use of electronic voting machines and the introduction of new technological solutions.

Tuvalu completes voting in national elections, Radio Australia (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates from Tuvalu's election day, September 16. Six thousand people registered to vote (out of a population of around 11 thousand) to elect the 15 members of the national parliament. Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia, in power since the last elections in 2006, has brought a period of political stability to this small country, but it is not clear whether he will be reelected.

Elections in Tuvalu, Radio New Zealand (2010)

This article reports on the voting operations in Tuvalu. The elections were held on September 16, and 26 candidates are competing for the 15-members national parliament.

Five new MPs for Tuvalu, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the initial results of the elections in Tuvalu. Ten former MPs have been returned, including the Prime Minister, while five new MP entered the parliament. The new government is expected to be set up by the end of the month.

Tonga candidate registration on two days in October, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the preparations for the elections in Tonga, The schedule for the candidate registration has been set: October 21st and 22nd. The Electoral Commission will will take care of these operations. The candidates must pay a 200$ fee, collect 50 signatures of registered voters from their constituency and prove that they have no criminal record. Elections are due on November 25th.

Record number of election petitions filed in Solomon Islands, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the election petitions received by the Solomon Islands Electoral Office. The petitions involve 18 out of the 50 newly elected members of parliament. The Chief electoral officer stated that most of these petitions attack the transparency and integrity of the voters list.

Spending limits for election candidates in Solomons likely to increase, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the Solomon Islands chief electoral officer's statement about the spending limit for candidates. According to the chief officer, Polycarp Haununu, the current spending limit (6,400$) is unrealistic, and led many candidates in the past elections to not disclose their expenditures.