Election Updates & News:

In Democracy Kuwait Trusts, But Not Much

Posted: 05/08/2008
Overshadowed by the economic achievements of its neighbors, all absolute monarchies, Kuwaitis are wondering whether democracy is living up to its promises.

Read full story. Source: Africa & Middle East - International Herald Tribune

Kenya: Flaws In Presidential Election Revealed

Posted: 05/08/2008
Loopholes that give returning officers unlimited powers to determine the results announced in tallying centres during presidential elections were exposed on Wednesday.

Read full story. Source: AllAfrica News: Latest

Myanmar Referendum To Proceed Despite Cyclone

Posted: 05/08/2008
Military rulers announced Tuesday that the constitutional referendum in Myanmar will proceed as planned on Saturday, despite the deadly cyclone that ravaged the southern region of the country last weekend. The referendum will be the first election held in over two decades in Myanmar. The government announced the referendum will still take place in all but the 47 townships hardest hit by the cyclone, and these will vote two weeks later. Pro-democracy opposition groups have stated it is unacceptable to hold a referendum under these circumstances. The draft constitution is the result of a 14-year National Convention and was released one month before the scheduled referendum. The 194-page document is written in Burmese and English; however, many citizens are ethnic minorities who do not speak either language. The referendum comes just 8 months after nationwide pro-democracy protests in September were stopped with military force, and days after the cyclone left widespread destruction and, according to some reports, up to 100,000 people dead. Aid from the military rulers has been slow to reach the victims and international aid groups are having trouble receiving permission and access to the country.

Read more ElectionGuide News. Source: ElectionGuide

PUTIN Sworn In As Russian Prime Minister

Posted: 05/08/2008
Former President Vladimir PUTIN was confirmed as prime minister of Russia on Thursday. The State Duma, where PUTIN’s United Russia Party holds 315 of 450 seats, approved PUTIN with a 392-56 vote. In one of his first acts as president, MEDVEDEV formally nominated PUTIN Wednesday. PUTIN’s confirmation was anticipated due to the long-time alliance and friendship between PUTIN and President Dmitry MEDVEDEV. Barred by constitutional term limits from running for president in the March 2008 vote, PUTIN announced Dmitry MEDVEDEV as his favored successor in December 2007 and he won the presidency with 71% of the vote in March 2008. PUTIN addressed MPs this morning and laid out the new government’s priorities, highlighting a commitment to solving economic problems such as Russia’s rising inflation rate. It is expected that PUTIN will remain a dominant force in Russian politics and could run again for president in 2012.

Read more ElectionGuide News. Source: ElectionGuide

Zimbabwe: UN Chief Calls For Free And Fair Run-Off

Posted: 05/07/2008
Voicing concern over reports of politically-motivated violence and intimidation against the backdrop of Zimbabwe's ongoing stalemate, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for the next phases of the Southern African nation's elections to be free and fair.

Read full story. Source: AllAfrica News: Latest

Serbian President Receives Death Threats Before Crucial Election

Posted: 05/06/2008
In the week leading up to parliamentary elections Sunday, Boris Tadic received a letter accusing him of "treason" and warning that he would "receive what he deserves - a bullet in the forehead."

Read full story. Source: Europe - International Herald Tribune

Zimbabwe Announces Need For Runoff

Posted: 05/05/2008
After more than a month, Zimbabwe on Friday announced results of the elections, saying that the opposition candidate had won the most votes, but not enough to avoid a runoff election against Mugabe.

Read full story. Source: Africa & Middle East - International Herald Tribune

Conservatives Win Iran Elections, But Ahmadinejad Critics Make Gains

Posted: 05/05/2008
While the conservatives' victory was expected, critics of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also made a strong showing, suggesting he could face opposition in the presidential campaign next year.

Read full story. Source: Africa & Middle East - International Herald Tribune

Zimbabwe: Govt Finally Admits Attacks On Opposition

Posted: 04/30/2008
The Zimbabwe government today said soldiers had killed an opposition supporter and wounded two others following skirmishes near a military training camp.

Read full story. Source: AllAfrica News: Latest

What is RSS?