Stories about Elections from January, 2013
Nepal: Wither Democracy?
Siromani Dhungana at United We Blog! for a Democratic Nepal opines that recent political events strongly suggest that Nepal is on its way to being ruled by an autocratic political system. Additionally the incumbent Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has been accused of misusing numerous costly helicopter rides for his...
Latinos Were Key Figures at Obama's Inauguration
The inauguration of the president of the United States Barack Obama last January 21st, was filled with a passionate speech that foreshadows what could be the next years of his administration. The prominence of Latino figures such as federal Superior judge Sonia Sotomayor and Richard Blanco were some of the highlights of the event.
Opposition Party Attacks Russian eDemocracy
Just Russia has always been a conflicted political entity. Nominally, it's a social-justice-oriented opposition party with members in the Russian parliament. During the past year, Just Russia has gained a reputation for rebelliousness, after several of its high profile members began moonlighting as leaders of the unofficial opposition. The party's leadership is now demanding an end to the rebellion.
Jordanians Elect New Parliament
Jordanians went to the polls today [Jan 23, 2013] to elect a new Parliament. 7iber provides updates in this live blog post.
Tobago's Election Results Send Message: Hit the Road, Jack!
Tobago's election results have come in and bloggers don't seem surprised. The incumbent, Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London, won by a landslide, while the main challenger, Ashworth Jack, representing the Tobago Organisation of the People, which has links to the country's current administration, failed to win even one seat.
An “OMG Law” for Lebanon During Election Year?
This year a parliamentary election year in Lebanon and this means that once again, electoral law debates make headlines in a country marked by institutionalized sectarianism.
Rajoelina Steps Aside for Madagascar's Presidential Race
With interim president Rajoelina announcing that he withdraws from a bid to run for the presidential elections following a similar announcement by former President Ravalomanana in December 2012, Malagasy people are likely to have a new president in 2013, provided that elections take place as planned in the electoral agenda. Many of the observers are skeptical about the elections timeline in light of the statements of Rajoelina after his announcement and his wishes to change the electoral agenda.
2012: A Year of Revolt and Social Change in Francophone Countries: Part 2
This second part of our 2012 review in the Francophone world features civil rebellion and governance problems in Togo, Chad and Madagascar, citizen initiatives in Senegal, fight for more transparency in public affairs in Cameroon and ongoing debates on social issues in France.
Director of Films Denouncing President Sata Arrested in Zambia
Chanda Chimba III, a freelance filmmaker who made documentaries denouncing Michael Sata, while he was the opposition Patriotic Front leader and before he became the President of Zambia, has been arrested. Once reviled, the documentaries are now hits on YouTube as most of the things that Chimba predicted are now a reality.
“Silly Season” with Tobago's Elections
Tobago will be holding its Tobago House of Assembly elections on Monday, January 21 - and though these are not national elections, it is still an important vote, as the result will determine who will steer the semi-autonomous body which governs several key functions of what Trinidadians refer to as “the sister isle”. One political blogger examines the issues...
South Korean TV Networks Shun Politically Active Actress
One of South Korea’s most outspoken actresses revealed through Twitter that two networks cancelled her booked TV appearances after a political candidate she openly supported lost the recent presidential election.
Malaysians Gather for the ‘Uprising of the Citizens’
Tens of thousands joined the ‘Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat’ (Uprising of the Citizens) rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia organized mainly by Opposition forces. The rally highlighted the campaign for clean elections, free education, and environment protection.
Richard Blanco: America's First Latino Inaugural Poet
The President of the United States, Barack Obama, requested his inaugural poem from Richard Blanco, son of Cuban immigrants and the first Latino, Spanish speaker, and gay man to receive this honor.
Kenya: Prime Minister Raila Odinga Leads in Opinion Poll
Ken Opalo analyzes latest opinion poll on the electorate’s preferred president and running mate in Kenya, which shows the Odinga/Musyoka ticket leads the Kenyatta/Ruto ticket ahead of the March 4th 2013 general election.
South Korea: The Secret Agent's Illegal Electioneering
The police launched another round of investigation on a secret agent for conducting illegal electioneering in a progressively-oriented humor site with using 16 different IDs. The Marmot's Hole blog, though dismissive of the claim that this is a part of an organized political effort, briefly summarized the incident and linked back to related articles.
Technology Helps Kenyans Reveal Electoral Registration Fraud
As Kenya gears up for presidential elections, technology helped reveal that political parties stole National Identification details of unsuspecting Kenyans and registered them as their members with the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission.
Italy: #iostoconmarco, hunger strike against inhuman jail conditions
Marco Pannella, long-standing Radical Party leader, went on hunger-and-thirst strike demanding better living conditions in Italian jails -- with great support and lively discussion on social media. Now the hope is to see these topics included in political parties' programs leading up to February 2013 general elections.
