Stories about Elections from May, 2013
Is There Still a President in Madagascar ?
Patrick Rajoelina argues that [fr] by law, if the president of the transition Andry Rajoelina still wants to run for the upcoming presidential elections in Madagascar, he can no longer be...
The “Brave” Democrats of Russia's Growing Civil Society
Last week, when Surkov-ally Alexey Chesnakov quit United Russia and publicly criticized the party, few in the English-speaking world noticed, but the event—like Surkov's ouster weeks earlier—could just as easily represent an important moment for Russian society.
A Thin Line Between Democracy and Independence in French Polynesia
On the heels of French Polynesian anti-independence politician Gaston Flosse's victory in the islands' presidential elections earlier this month, the United Nations has adopted a resolution calling on France to grant its territory of French Polynesia full independence.
Philippine Elections Tainted by Allegations of Automated Fraud
In spite of claims by the Commission on Elections of a peaceful, orderly, and ultimately successful elections, poll watchdogs are alleging that the Philippine midterm polls were tainted by automated fraud, massive vote buying, violence, and other irregularities.
Iran's Regime Bars Two Top Candidates from Election Race
Once again the Islamic regime's desire for absolute control of political life in Iran surprised many when it announced their selection of only eight shortlisted presidential candidates out of more than 600 hopefuls.
How Big Is Alexey Navalny's Army?
As Navalny's show-trial for lumber embezzlement continues, such questions are perhaps more important than ever. Here are some data-points which could be used to make a rough approximation:
The Eccentrics and the Women Who Run for President in Iran
Hundreds of hopeful Iranians, including thirty women, have registered as candidates to replace President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the forthcoming election even though they have no chance whatsoever of being elected.
Bolivia's Evo Morales Approved for Re-Election Bid
Amid protests and strikes by workers seeking better pensions, Bolivian lawmakers approved legislation that allows President Evo Morales to run for re-election in December 2014.
Group to UN: Probe South Korean Election
South Korean civil rights group Fight For Voters’ Rights (FFVR) filed a petition to the United Nations requesting them to investigate suspected election fraud. A series of investigations into South Korean spy agency's illegal...
Chilean Michelle Bachelet's Bid for Presidency
Center-left coalition leader and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet looks for a second Presidential term, focusing on themes of inequality, universal education, and tax reform. But have lessons been learned...
‘Black 505’ Post-Election Rallies Spread in Malaysia
The Opposition-led ‘Black 505’ rallies are spreading in Malaysia. In the past week, hundreds of thousands gathered in Kuala Lumpur and in other parts of the country to protest the outcome of the recent election. ‘Black 505’ refers to the May 5 General Election which was tainted by allegations that the ruling coalition committed massive electoral fraud to remain in power.
Pakistanis Vote in Huge Numbers Despite Threats, Alleged Poll Rigging
Amid threats of terrorism and reports of rigging, determined voters in Pakistan turned out in high numbers and braved chaotic polling stations and long lines on May 11, 2013 to have their say in the country's first ever democratic transition of power.
Is Iran's Most Believable Presidential Candidate a Fictional Character?
The iron fist of Iran's regime allows no chance for opposition candidates to run in the presidential election, but in the virtual realm, a new graphic novel character is the champion of a free and fair election.
‘What Else Do the Chinese Want?’ Election Headline Enrages Malaysians
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak blamed Chinese voters for the slim majority of the administration party in the general elections. He called it the 'Chinese Tsunami.' Then, a Malay newspaper ran an article titled ‘Apa lagi Cina mahu?’ (What else do the Chinese want?), immediately causing backlash in Malaysia
Pakistan Election Updates and Results Online
Mehwish khan at ProPakistani compiles a list of sites which are providing live updates and results of the Pakistan general elections 2013.
RuNet Apprehensive over Surkov's Dismissal, End of Political Era
"Before there was trickery, now it has been replaced with criminal charges and prison sentences. Surkov, whatever you may think of him, is, first of all, a political aesthete, who won't break pots with a hammer"
Conservative Pundit Sues South Korea's Saturday Night Live TV Show
Political satire in South Korea is having a rough go of it these days. The country's version of American comedy show Saturday Night Live faces a lawsuit filed by a conservative pundit who was lampooned on the program. And earlier this year, the wildly popular sketch-comedy show Gag Concert was reprimanded by authorities for addressing the South Korean president in too casual a manner.
Watchdog Social Media Monitor Pakistan's Historic Elections
As Pakistan nears its first democratic transition of power with the country's historic elections only days away, social media is empowering Pakistanis to take a more active role in the vote. We take a look at two new platforms that are monitoring elections and raising awareness through social media: Pak Votes and Pak Voter.
‘Malaysian Tsunami’ Protests Election Irregularities
Tens of thousands in Malaysia gathered in Kelana Jaya stadium near the country’s capital last May 8 to protest the final vote tally of the 13th General Elections. The government warned that some of the speakers in the rally could be charged for sedition. The Opposition announced that more rallies will take place in the coming days.
Politically Divided Pakistan Rallies Around Injured Imran Khan
Popular cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, whose hopeful campaign promise of a "New Pakistan" has drawn large crowds of young people and urban voters to his rallies, fractured three vertebrae and a rib after falling off a 15-feet high forklift just before a scheduled speech. The incident has appeared to united the bitterly divided country ahead of elections this week.
A Push for Political Ethics in Trinidad & Tobago
However you want to define it – principles, a moral code, character – ethics boils down to doing the right thing. With Trinidad and Tobago falling to the number 80 ranking in Transparency International‘s 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index, a few local bloggers have been discussing the issue of integrity.
