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June 8, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in the greater Middle East and North Africa, usually posted on Tuesdays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
A cable car on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, birthplace of Naftali Bennett. Bennett will become Israel’s next prime minister if his coalition passes a Knesset vote later this month, thus ending Benjamin Netanyahu’s record 12 years in office. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Gilabrand (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Algeria Snap Legislative Elections: June 12, 2021, followed by local elections later this year
Algeria will hold snap elections on June 12, 2021, following more than two years of protests by the Hirak movement. However, the government’s election plan has not actually satisfied the Hirak, who continue to take to the streets and have decided to boycott the elections. The absence of the Hirak, who are mostly secular, from the elections has paved the way for Islamist parties to become the main opposition.
The Movement of Society for Peace in #Algeria is affiliated to the international Muslim Brotherhoodhttps://t.co/j5F39XYxKt
— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) June 8, 2021
Simon Speakman Cordall, The Independent (June 7, 2021): ‘Clear escalation’ in government repression as Algeria heads to the polls after a time of protest
Luke Shrago, France24 (June 7, 2021 – video): Algeria Prepares for Legislative Elections
Ahead of the 12 June legislative elections, #Algeria’s authorities stepped up repression against the Hirak protest movement, quashing demonstrations and arresting scores.
☛ https://t.co/Cq8wMDxFu2 pic.twitter.com/Ej0Y7q3JFj
— Crisis Group (@CrisisGroup) June 4, 2021
Abdelkader Abderrahmane, Atlantic Council (June 3, 2021): Algeria’s parliamentary elections: A bumpy road ahead
Iran Presidential and Local Elections: June 18, 2021
Iran has scheduled its next presidential election for June 18, 2021, with concurrent local elections. While Iran is far from a free country, and the elections are largely rigged, voters do have a degree of choice. For this election, the Guardian Council (which must approve all candidacies) has allowed seven candidates on the ballot, and mostly excluded moderates and establishment figures, including a number of prominent names. This seemed to be calculated to clear the way for hardline judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi to win. More
Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera (June 8, 2021): ‘Game show’: Iranian candidates slam debate format, trade barbs
Reuters (June 8, 2021): Iran says nuclear talks policy won’t change after presidential vote
Shabnam von Hein, Qantara.de (June 7, 2021 – photo essay): Iran’s presidential election: Contest of losers
Bahar Makooi, France24 (June 6, 2021): Iran’s presidential race: Who is ultra-conservative favourite Ebrahim Raisi?
Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Elections: June/July 2021 (proposed)
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), part of the Pakistan-administered portion of the disputed region of Kashmir, is due to hold legislative assembly elections soon. These follow elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, the other part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The elections were originally due by April 2, 2021, but have been delayed. AJK’s election commission has said it hopes to hold the polls in June.
The region is a geopolitical hotspot. Tensions with India (India and Pakistan have fought three wars, including two over Kashmir) are growing and both sides are upping their military presence. Moreover, the area is a centerpiece of China’s Belt and Road, which further inflames Pakistan’s relations with India.
Tariq Nasqash, Dawn Pakistan (June 4, 2021): Minister claims PML-N will sweep next AJK elections
Libya Parliamentary and Presidential Elections: December 24, 2021 (tentative)
Libya’s national elections are overdue and have been postponed indefinitely due to the political crisis and civil war. However, in November 2020, Libyan stakeholders participating in UN-sponsored talks proposed December 24, 2021 for presidential and parliamentary elections. More
Wolfgang Pusztai, Atlantic Council (June 4, 2021): Libya’s fragile ceasefire: A lost opportunity?
Noha Elhennawy, AP (June 4, 2021): Rights group urges abolition of restrictive NGO law in Libya
Daily Sabah with AFP (June 3, 2021): Former Libyan Minister Bashagha urges govt not to delay polls
Palestinian Authority Presidential and Legislative Elections: Long overdue, postponed indefinitely
The Palestinian Authority has postponed its long overdue elections for the legislature and president, which had been scheduled for May 22 and July 31, respectively. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is currently in year 16 of a four-year term. Similarly, the last Legislative Council elections took place in 2006.
Since the announcement of the delay, the conflict between Hamas and Israel reignited. Following 11 days of fighting, the parties reached a ceasefire on May 20. More
Hugh Lovatt, The New Arab (June 7, 2021): Why Gaza’s future depends on elections, not Abbas
Jacob Magid, Times of Israel (June 7, 2021): Blinken surmises that Abbas delayed Palestinian elections over fears of Hamas gains
Griff Witte and Sufian Taha, Washington Post (June 4, 2021): Palestinian support for Hamas surges after its confrontation with Israel
Israel Parliamentary Elections, Take 4: March 23, 2021
On March 23, 2021, Israel held its fourth general election in two years after the collapse of the unity government of Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz. Neither Netanyahu’s allies nor his opponents won a majority, so if anyone wants to form a government, they will need to get creative. Netanyahu, whose conservative Likud party won the most seats, had the first chance to form a coalition, but he failed. Subsequently,Yair Lapid from the centrist Yesh Atid formed a broad coalition with conservative Naftali Bennett, with Bennett as prime minister for a time before rotating the position to Lapid. A number of other parties are in the coalition, which has to pass a Knesset vote on June 14. More
Robert Zaretsky, Forward (June 7, 2021): Why the new Israeli coalition seems like something out of an ‘Avengers’ movie
Jeffrey Heller, Reuters (June 6, 2021): Netanyahu alleges Israeli election fraud, accuses rival of duplicity
Isabel Kershner, New York Times (June 6, 2021): ‘Fear and Vigilance’: Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox Face a Fall from Power
New York Times (June 3, 2021): Wide-Ranging Israel Coalition Reaches Deal to Form Government
Algeria Snap Parliamentary Elections: June 10, 2021
Iran Presidential and Local Elections: June 18, 2021
Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Elections: June/July 2021 (proposed – date not set yet)
Jordan Local and Gubernatorial Elections: August 2021 (due)
Morocco Legislative, Provincial, and Local Elections: September 8, 2021
Iraq Parliamentary Elections: October 10, 2021
Qatar Shura Council Elections: October 2021 (proposed)
Libya Presidential and Parliamentary Elections: December 24, 2021
Lebanon Parliamentary Elections: May 2022 (due)
Bahrain Parliamentary Elections: November 2022 (due)
Algeria Local Elections: November 2022 (due – earlier elections possible)
Egypt Local Elections: Due and discussed, but not scheduled
Oman Municipal Elections: Due, but postponed due to COVID-19
Palestinian Authority Presidential and Legislative Elections: Long overdue, postponed yet again, no date set
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content, and their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
June 7, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in Africa, usually posted on Mondays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
A street in Bahir Dar, capital of Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Ethiopia holds elections this month. Photo credit: Wikimedia/O.Mustafin (CC0 1.0)
Ethiopia General Elections: June 21, 2021
Ethiopia will hold general elections on June 21, 2021, after several postponements. These elections are taking place in the context of increasing ethnic violence that has reached crisis levels. More
Nic Cheeseman and Yohannes Woldemariam, Mail and Guardian (June 7, 2021): Five reasons Ethiopia’s elections will do more harm than good
APA (June 7, 2021): AU to deploy observers to Ethiopia’s general elections
AFP (June 3, 2021): ‘It was a war’: Ethnic killings cloud Ethiopia’s election buildup
Zambia General Elections: August 12, 2021
Zambia has scheduled general elections for August 12, 2021. Zambia used to be a model democracy in the region, with regular, competitive elections and a vibrant civil society. However, under Edgar Lungu, elected in 2015 to complete the term of Michael Sata (who died in office), Zambia began to regress toward authoritarianism. The 2016 elections were marred by political violence and allegations of vote-rigging but ultimately judged credible. However, there are fears that Lungu could try to rig the 2021 elections. More
Taonga Clifford Mitimingi, Bloomberg (June 3, 2021): Zambia Suspends Election Rallies as Covid-19 Cases Surge
Nigeria, Anambra State Gubernatorial Election: November 6, 2021, followed by Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 23, 2023
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, holds elections in February 2023, but potential candidates have already begun jockeying for position. Since the return to civilian rule, vote-rigging and violence have plagued elections. While the 2015 polls – which handed the opposition its first-ever victory – were considered credible, international and Nigerian observers found that the 2019 polls fell short. The country is in the midst of several security crises.
Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw, Wall Street Journal (June 4, 2021): Twitter’s Operations Are Suspended in Nigeria: Government action comes after social media giant suspended the president’s account for a tweet the company said violated its policies
Mali Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 27, 2022 (following coup)
Mali has set presidential and legislative elections for February 27, 2022, following the August 2020 coup. In the coup, soldiers removed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, dissolved parliament (which had just been elected in April, in elections marred by fraud and intimidation) and established a transitional government. Before that, there will be a constitutional referendum on October 31, 2021 and local and regional elections on December 26.
On May 25, Mali had another coup, but leaders have stated that the elections will remain on the calendar for 2022. Nonetheless, the situation remains fluid.
Julia Marnin, Newsweek (June 7, 2021): Assimi Goita Sworn In as Mali’s President Following Second Coup in 9 Months
Lara Marlowe, The Irish Times (June 7, 2021): Army colonel sworn in as Mali president as tensions with Paris grow
Lisa Bryant, Voice of America (June 7, 2021): Will Promises of Democratic Transition in Mali Convince France?
Ethan Hajji and Fraser Jackson, France24 (June 5, 2021 – video): Hundreds rally in Bamako in support of Mali opposition movement
Franec24 (June 2, 2021 – video): African Union announces ‘immediate suspension’ of Mali after second coup
Kenya General Elections: August 9, 2022
Kenya is due to hold general elections on August 9, 2022. The last elections, in August 2017, were disputed, and the presidential poll was re-run in October 2017. President Uhuru Kenyatta won re-election after opposition leader Raila Odinga encouraged his supporters to boycott the re-run. Kenyan politics is highly polarized with a strong ethnic component.
Al Jazeera (June 2, 2021): Kenya gov’t appeals ruling against BBI constitutional changes
Chad Elections: By December 2022 (tentative, post-coup)
Chad held a presidential election on April 11, 2021. President Idriss Déby, seized power in a rebellion in 1990, won a sixth term. However, on April 20, he was killed by rebels.
Although the country holds elections, there has never been a change in power by a free or fair vote. Long-delayed long-delayed parliamentary elections had been set for October 24, 2021 and local elections for April 2022. Originally due in 2015, the legislative elections have been delayed multiple times. However, Deby’s death could lead to further delays – the military has said it plans to rule the country for 18 months. More
AFP (June 8, 2021): Chad Junta Authorizes Key Opposition Party
Somaliland Parliamentary and Local Elections: May 31, 2021
Somaliland held its long-overdue parliamentary and local elections on May 31, 2021. The two main opposition parties, Waddani and UCID, together won more seats in parliament than the governing Kulmiye party. Waddani and UCID will team up to choose a parliament speaker and on local councils (where they also won). Somaliland is a presidential system, so there’s no PM. President Muse Bihi Abdi from Kulmiye remains head of state. But it is significant for democracy that the opposition won the “midterms.”
Somaliland has de facto but not internationally-recognized independence from Somalia, and has a much more developed democracy, with direct elections. More
Michelle Gavin, Council on Foreign Relations (June 8, 2021): Recognizing Somaliland’s Democratic Success
Matthew Gordon, World Politics Review (June 8, 2021): Somaliland’s Moment of Reckoning
AFP (June 7, 2021): Somaliland Opposition Joins Forces to Grab Control of Parliament
RUSI (June 4, 2021): Somaliland: The Power of Democracy
Uganda General Elections: January 14, 2021
Uganda held presidential and legislative elections on January 14, 2021. President Yoweri Museveni has held power since 1986, but this time faced possibly his biggest challenge yet in the form of 37-year-old pop star Bobi Wine. Following the elections, the government launched a brutal crackdown on the opposition. More
Jason Burke and Samuel Okiror, The Guardian (June 6, 2021): Hundreds detained without trial in Uganda in new wave of repression
Miriam Frost, The Hill (June 7, 2021): The quiet symptoms of democratic backsliding in Africa
Torinmo Salau, Foreign Policy (June 3, 2021): Twitter’s Presence in Africa Won’t End Internet Censorship
Ethiopia General Elections: June 21, 2021
Mauritius Local Elections: June 2021 (due – delay likely)
Sao Tome and Principe Presidential Election: July 18, 2021
Zambia Presidential, Legislative, and Local Elections: August 12, 2021
Somalia Indirect Presidential and Legislative Elections: By August 2021 (due, following agreement)
Cabo Verde Presidential Election: October 17, 2021
South Africa Municipal Elections: October 27, 2021
Nigeria, Anambra State Gubernatorial Election: November 6, 2021
Gambia Presidential Election: December 4, 2021
Angola Local Elections: Overdue, might possibly happen in 2021
Senegal Local Elections: January 23, 2021
Mali Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 27, 2022 (following coup)
Gambia Parliamentary Elections: April 2022 (due)
Burkina Faso Local Elections: May 2022 (due)
Lesotho Parliamentary Elections: June 2022 (due)
Republic of Congo Legislative Elections: July 2022 (due)
Senegal Legislative Elections: July 2022 (due)
Kenya Presidential and Legislative Elections: August 9, 2022
Angola Legislative Elections: August 2022 (due)
Sao Tome and Principe Parliamentary Elections: October 2022 (due)
Equatorial Guinea Parliamentary Elections: November 2022 (due)
Sudan General Elections: Late 2022 (due)
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content. That is to say, their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
June 5, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in the Americas, usually posted on Saturdays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
A bus in Aguas Calientes, Peru, the closest access point for Machu Picchu. Peru holds a crucial presidential election runoff on June 6. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Jennifrog (CC BY 2.0)
Peru Presidential Runoff: June 6, 2021
Peru held general elections for April 11, 2021. These elections are coming on the heels of snap legislative elections that took place on January 26, 2020, and in the context of political turmoil – including the impeachment of President Martín Vizcarra and the subsequent “week of three presidents” – and an economic crisis brought on by COVID-19.
The presidential runoff will pit self-described Marxist Pedro Castillo against right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, who is currently in prison for various crimes (Keiko is also currently facing criminal charges). Castillo came out of nowhere to win the first round. However, none of the 18 candidates received more votes than the number of blank ballots cast – a sign of voters’ deep frustration. More
Camilo Gómez, BBC (June 5, 2021): Peru election: Country on edge ahead of unpredictable run-off
Ryan Dube, Wall Street Journal (June 5, 2021): Peru to Choose Far-Left Teacher or Right-Wing Politician as Next President
Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times (June 5, 2021): Charges, communism, COVID-19 and a controversial name in Peruvian politics define an election
Mexico Legislative, Gubernatorial, and Local Elections: June 6, 2021
Mexico holds high-stakes midterm legislative elections, as well as gubernatorial elections in 15 of Mexico’s 31 states, and local elections, on June 6, 2021. In total, more than 21,000 offices are at stake – the biggest elections in Mexico’s history.
These elections will be a key test for left-wing populist firebrand Andrés Manuel López Obrador (frequently called AMLO) ahead of the 2024 presidential election. AMLO, who has been governing in an increasingly authoritarian manner, wants to transform Mexico by jettisoning the market economy. If he is to succeed, his MORENA party will need to win a super-majority in the legislature.
Meanwhile, political violence is on the rise, with at least 88 politicians killed and hundreds of candidates targeted. More
Rafael Romo, CNN (June 5, 2021): Mexico goes to the polls in elections marred by violence against candidates
Vanda Felbab-Brown, Brookings Institution (June 4, 2021): The profound issues at stake in Mexico’s midterms
Maria Elena Little Endara, Voice of America (June 4, 2021): The Risky Job of Covering Local Elections in Mexico
Francesco Manetto, El País (June 1, 2021): The battle for northern Mexico: border states check president’s electoral power
Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times (May 31, 2021): AMLO wants to transform Mexico. An election may stop him
Argentina Provincial Elections in Misiones: June 6, 2021 and Jujuy: June 27, 2021, followed by Midterm Legislative Elections: November 14, 2021 (postponed from October)
Argentina’s Misiones Province in the far north of the country holds provincial elections on June 6, and nearby Jujuy on June 27. Although most of the country’s 23 provinces hold their elections at the same time as presidential elections (which last took place in 2019 and are due again in 2023), a few are due to hold elections this year, ahead of midterm legislative elections due this fall.
Argentina’s 2021 elections – both provincial and legislative – are happening in the context of an economic crisis, which the leftist government and COVID-19 have exacerbated.
Argentina: Today voters in Misiones are going to the polls for the province’s legislative elections, the first of the year in the country. Half of the deputies of the provincial parliament are up for reelection, along with half of the councilors of 12 municipalities.#Argentina
— America Elects (@AmericaElige) June 6, 2021
The Economist (June 5, 2021): Covid-19 is inspiring separatism in Argentina’s winelands
MercoPress (June 3, 2021): Argentine Senate passes bill to postpone primary, mid-term elections
Haiti Parliamentary Elections: September 19, 2021 and Presidential Election: Due in November 2021 (delays possible)
Haiti plans to hold long-overdue legislative elections on September 19, 2021, and also has a presidential election due later this year. However, the country is currently in a political crisis related to allegations of fraud followed Haiti’s presidential 2015 election. The international community, including the United States government, has called on Haiti’s officials to set a date for elections and end the crisis.
Haiti plans to hold a constitutional referendum on June 27, although the United States has raised concerns that it would just cause more political turmoil while helping President Jovenel Moise consolidate power. The opposition has called for protests against the referendum, which it deems unconstitutional, and a boycott. More
Vatican News (June 2, 2021): Haiti bishops oppose proposed changes to Constitution
Nicaragua General Elections: November 7, 2021
Nicaragua holds general elections on November 7, 2021. President Daniel Ortega, who has been in power for 20 years, will seek another term, and under his rule, Nicaragua has become increasingly authoritarian, with rule of law and fundamental freedoms under assault.
José de Córdoba, Wall Street Journal (June 6, 2021): Nicaragua Detains Second Opposition Presidential Candidate: Arturo Cruz’s detention comes days after Nicaraguan police placed a leading Ortega opponent under house arrest
Tiziano Breda, World Politics Review (June 4, 2021): As Ortega Tightens His Grip, Nicaragua Braces for Volatile Elections
Arzu Daniel, Axios (June 4, 2021): Nicaragua: Us State Department Urges Daniel Ortega Regime To Release Opposition Leader Christiana Chamorro
Chile Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 21, 2021
Chile holds presidential and legislative elections in November (with presidential primaries on July 4). These elections follow the May 2021 local elections, and importantly, elections to the Constitutional Assembly.
Incumbent president Sebastian Pinera, from the center-right Chile Vamos coalition, is not running for another term. He currently has low approval ratings, posing a challenge for his party’s candidate (who will be chosen in the July primary election). Moreover, the conservatives failed to secure even one third of the Constitutional Assembly.
These elections are taking place in the context of a year of protests and riots, including violent looting, arson, and vandalism. Furthermore, an intense debate over the new constitution continues. More
Fitch Ratings (June 2, 2021): Chile Constituent Assembly Highlights Political Fragmentation
Al Jazeera (June 1, 2021): Chile president urges open dialogue in drafting new constitution
Venezuela Regional and Local Elections: November 21, 2021
Venezuela has scheduled regional and local elections for November 21, 2021. In December 2020, Venezuela held legislative elections despite members of the opposition and international community calling for a delay in order to ensure credible, fair elections. Ultimately, most of the opposition boycotted; however, opposition parties appear willing to participate in the elections this year.
Alex Vasquez, Bloomberg (June 6, 2021): Why Maduro Rival Now Wants to Talk to, Not Topple Him: QuickTake
Cody Weddle and Andrea Torres, WPLG Local 10 (June 4, 2021): Venezuelan opposition gears up for regional elections in November
The Economist (June 5, 2021): Venezuela’s strongman wants better relations with the United States: Nicolás Maduro might even go easier on the opposition in exchange
Colombia Legislative Elections: March 13, 2022 and Presidential Election: May 29, 2022
Colombia is due to hold presidential and legislative elections in spring 2022. Conservative Ivan Duque, elected president in 2018, is constitutionally barred from running for re-election. One of the frontrunners to replace him is former left-wing guerilla Gustavo Petro, who placed second in 2018. The country has been rocked by riots in recent weeks. The proximate cause was a tax bill, but the protests have grown – and grown violent – and dozens have died.
Cody Weddle and Andrea Torres, WPLG Local 10 (June 3, 2021): Colombian protests continue: Leftist politician accused of turning mob against ambulances
Stefano Pozzebon, CNN (June 1, 2021): Amid escalating violence, Colombia sends in troops
Brazil Presidential and Legislative Elections: October 2, 2022
Brazil holds general elections in October 2022. Jair Bolsonaro, the right-wing populist firebrand president, is up for re-election. Former president Lula da Silva, himself a populist firebrand of the left-wing variety, will run against him. The country remains deeply polarized between right and left, although some are searching for a third candidate to challenge both Bolsonaro and Lula. More
Anthony Boadle, Reuters (June 2, 2021): Analysis: Politicking general puts Bolsonaro at odds with army leaders
Mexico Midterm Legislative Elections and Some Gubernatorial Elections: June 6, 2021
Peru Presidential Runoff: June 6, 2021
Argentina Misiones Provincial Elections: June 6, 2021
Aruba Parliamentary Elections: June 25, 2021
Argentina Jujuy Provincial Elections: June 27, 2021
Haiti Constitutional Referendum: June 27, 2021
Saint Lucia Parliamentary Elections: July 5, 2021 (tentative)
Haiti Presidential and Legislative Elections: September 19, 2021
Paraguay Municipal Elections: October 10, 2021
Nicaragua Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 7, 2021
Argentina Midterm Legislative Elections: November 14, 2021
Chile Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 21, 2021
Venezuela Regional and Local Elections: November 21, 2021
Honduras Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 28, 2021
Guyana Local Elections: Due in 2021
Costa Rica Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 6, 2022
Colombia Legislative Elections: March 13, 2022
Colombia Presidential Election: May 29, 2022
Bahamas Parliamentary Elections: May 2022 (due – snap elections possible)
Brazil Presidential and Legislative Elections: October 2, 2022
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content. That is to say, their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
June 4, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in Asia and the Pacific, usually posted on Fridays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
A vigil for the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in Hong Kong in 2020, right before the brutal crackdown began in Hong Kong itself. The government banned a memorial this year. But as the writer and critic Lu Xun (1881-1936) said, “Lies written in ink can never disguise facts written in blood.” Photo credit: Wikimedia/Strand News (free to use)
Mongolia Presidential Election: June 9, 2021
Mongolia, a free though imperfect democracy, has scheduled its presidential election for June 9, 2021, following parliamentary elections in June 2020 and local elections in October 2020. The country is stable, and economic growth continues, largely driven by mining. However, concerns have recently been raised about freedom and democracy. More
Shannon Tiezzi, The Diplomat (June 1, 2021): Bolor Lkhaajav on Mongolia’s Messy Presidential Election
Japan General Elections: On or Before October 22, 2021
Japan is due to hold general elections by October 22, 2021, but they could happen earlier. In addition, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who replaced Shinzo Abe last year, faces a leadership contest in his conservative Liberal Democratic Party ahead of the general elections.
Elliot Waldman, World Politics Review (June 3, 2021): An Olympic-Size Headache for Japan’s Suga
Leika Kihara, Reuters (June 2, 2021): Japan PM Suga seen calling snap election after Tokyo Games – Asahi
Hong Kong Legislative Elections: December 19, 2021
Hong Kong plans to hold elections to the Legislative Council on December 19, 2021, after more than a year’s delay. These elections are taking place in the context of Beijing’s determination to gut Hong Kong’s democracy. More
AFP (June 5, 2021): Israeli hosting firm Wix removes Hong Kong democracy website after police order
John Ruwitch and Emily Feng, Hong Kong Free Press (June 4, 2021): Hong Kong’s Tiananmen Square Vigil Is Banned As Authorities Arrest Organizers
Zen Soo, AP (June 4, 2021): Hundreds gather near Hong Kong park despite vigil ban
Reuters (June 4, 2021): What people are saying about Tiananmen anniversary and vigil ban in Hong Kong
Paul Mozur, New York Times (June 3, 2021): In Hong Kong, Short-Lived Censorship Hints at a Deeper Standoff
Reuters (June 3, 2021): The impact of the national security law on Hong Kong
Candice Chau, Hong Kong Free Press (June 2, 2021): Pro-democracy party says it won’t take part in Hong Kong elections following overhaul ordered by Beijing
India, State Elections in Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand: February/March 2022 (due)
Five Indian states are due to hold elections in early 2022. These elections will be a key test for the national parties – and PM Narendra Modi –
Divya Subramanian, The Nation (June 2, 2021): Is Mahua Moitra India’s AOC? The MP from West Bengal says she knows how to defeat Modi.
PTI (June 1, 2021): India’s election commission is confident of holding five state polls in 2022 on time, even as the pandemic continues to spread
Shruti Kapila, The Print (May 31, 2021): Every election now is a plebiscite on Modi. India’s party system is crumbling
Philippines Presidential Election: May 9, 2022
In 2016, populist firebrand Rodrigo Duterte won the presidency, claiming to be an outsider. He has governed with an iron fist. Although he is banned from seeking a second term, critics fear that he will seek to consolidate illiberalism in the form of a handpicked successor. Meanwhile, a broad coalition of opposition figures have formed 1Sambayan (One Nation) in the hopes of defeating Duterte’s allies with a united front.
Bloomberg (June 3, 2021): Manny Pacquiao emerges as obstacle to Philippine President Duterte’s succession plans
Rob Jenkins, Just Security (June 3, 2021): A Pending Decision Pits Peace vs. Democracy in the Philippines: Is Duterte Right This Time in Seeking a Three-Year Delay for Bangsamoro Elections?
Andreo Calonzo, Bloomberg (May 31, 2021): Duterte Gets Party’s Push to Stay in Power After Term Ends
Cambodia Local Elections: June 5, 2022 and Parliamentary Elections: July 2023 (due)
Cambodia is due to hold local elections in 2022 and general elections in 2023. Although Cambodia has held elections in the past that had some element of competition, the 2018 election – neither free nor fair – signified the closing of Cambodia’s political space. They have been called “the death of democracy.”
The main pro-democracy opposition, Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), was dissolved and banned from fielding candidates, and its leader, Sam Rainsy, was sent into exile, so its supporters boycotted the polls, resulting in the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) taking 58 out of 62 seats in parliament, and allowing Prime Minister Hun Sen to consolidate even more power while extending his three decades in power.
Mu Sochua, The Diplomat (June 2, 2021): How the US Can Help Cambodians Restore Their Country’s Democracy
Radio Free Asia (June 2, 2021): Cambodia Opposition Hopeful For Election Bid Following Visit by US Diplomat
Shaun Turton, Nikkei Asia (June 1, 2021): US flags ‘serious concerns’ over Cambodia’s China-backed navy base
Malaysia Possible Snap Parliamentary Elections and Sarawak State Elections: To be called shortly after the COVID-19 state of emergency ends
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has indicated that he will call early general elections once the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Meanwhile, several of Malaysia’s states are due to hold elections in the next year. Specifically, Sarawak is due to hold state elections this summer, or very shortly after the federal government lifts the COVID-19 state of emergency.
The country’s politics have been turbulent since the historic defeat of UMNO – which had ruled since 1957 – in the 2018 elections. UMNO is back in power but hanging on by a thread. More
Chin Huat Wong, East Asia Forum (June 3, 2021): The splintering of Malaysia’s political spectrum
P Prem Kumar, Nikkei Asia (May 31, 2021): Malaysia locks down as vicious COVID wave fogs election timing
Samoa (Election re-run that had been set for May 21 was cancelled)
Samoa held general elections on April 9, 2021, and the post-election situation has been rather eventful. A new opposition party, Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST, “Faith in the one true God”), posed a new challenge to the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), which has been in power since 1982. Ultimately, both FAST and HRPP got equal numbers of seats, with an independent MP breaking the tie and agreeing to support FAST. However, the plot continues to thicken as HRPP was given an additional female MP since the party did not meet its quota for women.
As a result of the deadlock, the prime minister has called new elections for May 21, but a court decided to block the new elections, reinstate the results, and overturn the decision to give HRPP an additional MP. As a result, FAST was declared the winner of the elections.
These elections took place in the context of controversy over proposed changes to the county’s constitutional framework and judiciary, involving questions of Samoan identity, as well as potential geopolitical shifts away from China. More
Radio New Zealand (June 1, 2021): Samoa election crisis: Win for Fast party as court rejects appeal over extra seat
Joshua Mcdonald, The Diplomat (June 1, 2021): Pacific States Watch Samoa’s Political Turmoil Carefully, Quietly
Burma General Elections: November 8, 2020
Burma, also called Myanmar, held general elections on November 8, 2020. Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) won in a landslide. However, on February 1, the military staged a coup, claiming election fraud (despite a lack of evidence). Protests against the coup continue. The military claims it will hold new elections will take place within two years. More
Radio Free Asia (June 4, 2021): Myanmar’s Shadow Civilian Government Pledges to Grant Rohingya Citizenship on Return to Power
The Irrawaddy (June 2, 2021): To Disband NLD, Myanmar Junta to Probe for ‘Violations’ of Parties’ Registration Pledges
Ralph Jennings, Voice of America (June 2, 2021): ASEAN Ignores Pressure to Censure Myanmar on Human Rights, Analysts Say
Tom O’Connor, Newsweek (June 1, 2021): China Faces World’s Longest Civil War in Neighboring Myanmar, A Crisis It Can’t Avoid
Mongolia Presidential Election: June 9, 2021
Macau Legislative Elections: September 12, 2021
Japan Parliamentary Elections: By October 2021 (snap elections possible)
Timor-Leste Municipal Elections: October 2021 (due)
Nepal Snap Parliamentary Elections: November 12 and 19, 2021
Tonga General Elections: By November 30, 2021
Hong Kong Legislative Council Elections: December 19, 2021
Sri Lanka Early Provincial Elections: Late 2021 (proposed)
India, State Elections in Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand: February/March 2022 (due)
South Korea Presidential Election: March 9, 2022
Timor-Leste Presidential Election: March 2022 (due)
Philippines Presidential and Legislative Elections: May 9, 2022
Australia Parliamentary Elections: May 2022 (due – snap elections possible)
Cambodia Local Elections: June 5, 2022
Papua New Guinea Parliamentary Elections: June 2022 (due)
Nauru Parliamentary Elections: August 2022 (due)
India, State Elections in Himachal Pradesh: October 2022 (due)
Fiji Parliamentary Elections: November 2022 (due)
India, State Elections in Gujarat: December 2022 (due)
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content. That is to say, their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
June 3, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in Eurasia, usually posted on Thursdays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
Nevsky Prospect, the main street of Saint Petersburg. Russia has continued its crackdown on the opposition and civil society ahead of elections due in September. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Ninara (CC BY 2.0)
Armenia Snap Parliamentary Elections: June 20, 2021
Armenia is holding snap parliamentary elections on June 20 in an effort to defuse a political crisis following a defeat in the recent Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Despite a large number of parties running for Armenia’s upcoming elections, the polls currently suggest a two-way race between Pashinyan and Kocharyan. But beyond the party leaders, who is running in each party’s list?
Analysis by @AvetissianAn 👇https://t.co/3XttJgB3XC
— OC Media (@OCMediaorg) May 31, 2021
Christian Mamo, Emerging Europe (June 1, 2021): Armenia’s fruitless search for allies on which it can count
Ani Mejlumyan, Eurasianet (June 1, 2021): Armenian top diplomats resign
Institute for War and Peace Reporting (June 1, 2021): Border Tensions Signal Fresh Danger for Armenia and Azerbaijan
RFE/RL (June 1, 2021): France’s Macron Calls For Azerbaijani Troop Pullout From ‘Armenian Territory’
Moldova Snap Parliamentary Elections: July 11, 2021
Moldova is holding snap parliamentary elections on July 11, which pro-Europe center-right president Maia Sandu had been trying to call for months. Sandu trounced pro-Kremlin leftist Igor Dodon, who had been the incumbent, in the November 2020 presidential election However, no party currently has a clear majority in parliament (and Sandu’s allies are outnumbered by pro-Russian parties). The resulting political instability was reaching crisis levels. More
Andrei Chirileasa, Romania-Insider.com (May 31, 2021): Radical Romanian party to run in Moldova’s July 11 elections as well
Madalin Necsutu, Balkan Insight (May 28, 2021): Moldova President Accuses Police of Pursuing Family, Allies
Russia Parliamentary Elections: By September 19, 2021
Russia is due to hold parliamentary elections by September 19, 2021. Russian elections are neither free nor fair. Nonetheless, the opposition has been making some gains in recent regional elections, helped by opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s “Smart Vote,” a campaign of tactical voting, in which they developed a list of candidates the best chance of beating Vladimir Putin’s United Russia. Consequently, the Kremlin has launched a brutal crackdown on the opposition, including imprisoning Navalny. More
Svetlana Erpyleva and Oleg Zhuravlev, openDemocracy (June 3, 2021): What’s new about Russia’s new protests?
Voice of America (June 2, 2021): Russian Parliament Passes Bill Barring Navalny Associates from Running in Elections
AP (June 1, 2021): Russian authorities ramp up pressure on opposition ahead of parliamentary elections
Mary Ellen Cagnassola, Newsweek (June 1, 2021): Russian Activist Mikhail Khodorkovsky Says Kremlin Trying to ‘Sanitize’ Politics Ahead of Elections
Samuel Chamberlain, New York Post (May 30, 2021): Steven Seagal joins pro-Putin party in Russia
Georgia Local Elections: October 2021 (due)
Georgia is due to hold local elections in October 2021, and they are particularly important because – as a result of a deal to resolve the political crisis following last year’s parliamentary elections – they could spark new parliamentary elections if the ruling Georgian Dream party wins less than 43 percent of the proportional vote. The political climate is tense, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic fallout. More
Civil.ge (June 3, 2021): U.S. Senators Talk Russian Occupation, Georgia’s Western Integration, Reforms
Christian Mamo, Emerging Europe (June 3, 2021): Georgian politics set for shake up as former PM launches new party
JAMNews (June 1, 2021): Ex-PM Gakharia launches his own political party
RFE/RL (May 30, 2021): Georgia’s Main Opposition Ends Monthslong Boycott Of Parliament
Kyrgyzstan Parliamentary Elections Take 2: Fall 2021 (expected)
Kyrgyzstan’s leader has proposed re-running the parliamentary elections that took place in October 2020. Those elections and allegations of fraud led to political turmoil, followed by a snap presidential election in January 2021 and a constitutional referendum (alongside local elections) in April 2021. The new constitution, which passed, grants the president vastly expanded powers. Its critics have dubbed it the “Khanstitution.” The political climate was tense heading into the October 2020 parliamentary elections. It subsequently exploded following said elections. More
Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, Eurasianet (June 3, 2021): Kyrgyzstan: Japarov plays politics with detentions
Lillian Posner, Atlantic Council (June 2, 2021): The gathering threat to the US in Kyrgyzstan
Repeat elections in three cities scheduled for July 11 in Kyrgyzstanhttps://t.co/ZY5FxT5VFO pic.twitter.com/0vhKaa8t72
— eng24.kg (@Eng24Kg) May 28, 2021
Belarus Presidential Election: August 9, 2020
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9, 2020. In a vote widely deemed not free and not fair, incumbent Alexander Lukashenko declared victory. However, the opposition declared that Svetlana Tikhanovskaya had in fact won. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have taken to the streets in protest to demand free and fair elections, even in the face of assault and arrest by security forces. Protests continue. More
BBC (June 2, 2021): Belarus bans most citizens from going abroad
Ray Furlong, RFE/RL (June 2, 2021): Who Is The Man Who Cut His Own Throat In A Belarusian Court?
Brian Whitmore, Atlantic Council (June 2, 2021): Putin’s Belarus strategy: Arsonist and firefighter?
Peggy Hollinger, Financial Times (June 2, 2021): Belarus incident threatens aviation’s culture of safety
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic (May 28, 2021): The Ryanair Hijacking Pierced the Delusion of Flight: Flying over a foreign country has, until now, felt to most people like teleporting past it.
Alana Wise, NPR (May 28, 2021): White House Slaps Sanctions On Belarus Following Brazen Arrest Of Opposition Figure
Stephanie Van Den Berg, Reuters (May 28, 2021): Nationwide strike planned in Belarus, opposition leader says
Armenia Snap Parliamentary Elections: June 20, 2021
Moldova Snap Parliamentary Elections: July 11, 2021
Russia Parliamentary Elections: By September 19, 2021
Georgia Local Elections: October 2021 (due)
Kyrgyzstan Parliamentary Elections Take 2: Fall 2021 (expected)
Uzbekistan Presidential Election: October 24, 2021
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content. That is to say, their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
June 2, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in Europe, usually posted on Wednesdays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
The historic city hall in Daugavpils, Latvia, the biggest city that will hold local elections on Sunday. Photo credit: Wikimedia/alinco_fan (CC BY 3.0)
Latvia Municipal Elections: June 5, 2021
Latvia holds municipal elections on June 5, 2021, with the exception of Riga, which held a snap city council election last year, and two other cities. These are Latvia’s first local elections since the county enacted regional administrative forms that significantly reduced the number of local government bodies, from 119 to 42.
Latvia has been a democracy since regaining independence in 1991 (of note, none of the three Baltic nations ever actually recognized the Soviet occupation), and is a member of NATO and the European Union. These elections are happening in a heated geopolitical climate.
Last year’s Riga snap elections surprised political observers by knocking, Harmony, the party that Latvia’s Russian community supports, from the top spot. Harmony has historically been strong in Riga, the capital, but last year’s Riga elections surprised political observers by knocking Harmony down from the top spot. Instead, an alliance of the liberal Development/For! party and social democrat environmentalist Progressives won the most seats and formed the local government.
In addition, parliamentary elections are due in October 2022. More
LETA (June 2, 2021): Up to four ministers may be replaced in the Latvian government
Silvija Smagare, LSM (June 1, 2021 – in Latvian): 10 lists are fighting for power in the “unstable” twilight mayor in Daugavpils
Germany Saxony-Anhalt State Elections: June 5, 2021, and Bundestag Elections: September 26, 2021 (plus other state elections throughout the year)
Germany is due to hold several sets of elections next year, culminating in the September 26, 2021 federal parliamentary elections that will determine who succeeds Angela Merkel as chancellor. Additionally, five states hold elections. The year 2021 is thus a “Superwahljahr” (Super election year) in Germany.
Following an intense fight, CDU and CSU have nominated CDU leader Armin Laschet to be their candidate for chancellor. He defeated the Bavarian Markus Söder, who is more popular with voters. Meanwhile, over the past year, the Greens have taken SPD’s place as the main center-left party. They have portrayed themselves as responsible and mainstream, and have governed as such when in state governments. Consequently, Annalena Baerbock could become the first Green head of government in the history of the world. However, despite his unpopularity, Armin Laschet remains the favorite to succeed Merkel as chancellor. Nonetheless, German voters have a real choice and Baerbock, who comes from the party’s “realo” (moderate) wing as opposed to the “fundi” (radical) wing – has an actual shot at the top job. More
AFP (June 3, 2021): Crucial test for Merkel’s conservatives in Germany regional vote
Best known as an anti-migrant party, Germany's far-right AfD has seized on the coronavirus pandemic to court a new type of voter ahead of regional elections in the state of Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday: anti-shutdown activists. https://t.co/twMqof6UWU
— The Local Germany (@TheLocalGermany) June 2, 2021
Erika Solomon, Financial Times (June 2, 2021): Germany’s Greens lose their lustre as election heats up: Rivals seize on party missteps to beat back a Green lead in the polls
Ben Knight, DW (June 1, 2021): Germany’s far-right AfD poised to spoil narrative of Green party rise
Constanze Stelzenmüller, Brookings Institution (June 1, 2021): East German political winds ruffle feathers in Berlin
Imanuel Marcus, Berlin Spectator (May 30, 2021): Saxony-Anhalt: Can Reiner Haseloff Keep the Right-Wing Extremists at Bay?
France Regional Elections: June 13, 2021 and Presidential Election: April 2022 (due)
France holds regional elections on June 13, 2021, with a second round on June 20. These come ahead of next year’s presidential and legislative elections, where President Emmanuel Macron potentially faces a formidable challenge from the far-right. More
AFP (June 2, 2021): Macron’s ‘grand tour’ of France gets underway ahead of regional elections
James Harrington, TheLocal.fr (June 2, 2021): EXPLAINED: The very precise rules of French election billboards
Rebecca Rosman, Business Insider (May 27, 2021): French generals wrote a letter warning of ‘civil war.’ It was ignored — until the far-right saw an opportunity
Finland Local Elections: June 13, 2021 (postponed from April)
Finland is holding municipal elections on June 13, 2021, delayed from April due to COVID-19. Following the 2019 parliamentary elections, a left-leaning coalition came into government nationally. More
YLE (May 31, 2021): More than 10% of Finland cast early votes in local elections
Bulgaria Snap Parliamentary Elections: July 11, 2021
Bulgaria is holding fresh parliamentary elections on July 11 after no party formed a government following the April 4 elections. In those polls, PM Boyko Borissov’s center-right GERB won the most seats, but lost ground and failed to win a majority. New parties running against the establishment did surprisingly well – in fact, a party called There Is Such a People, led by TV star Stanislav Trifonov, came in second and ruled out forming a coalition with GERB. Trifonov’s main platform was anti-corruption – indeed, corruption was the biggest issue in the election. More
Tsvetelia Tsolova and Daphne Psaledakis, Reuters (June 2, 2021): U.S. blacklists 3 Bulgarians, 64 companies over corruption
Boryana Dzhambazova and Lili Bayer, Politico (June 2, 2021): US sanctions top Bulgarians for graft. EU does zilch.
Aleksandar Malinov, New Eastern Europe (May 31, 2021): Stuck in post-election limbo, Sofia holds the key to developments in the Black Sea and the Balkans
Austria, Upper Austria State and Municipal Elections: September 26, 2021
Austria’s Upper Austria (whose capital is Linz, home of the Linzertorte cake) state holds elections in September.
Austria’s federal government fell in a no-confidence vote – the first in Austria’s history – in May 2019 nfollowing the “Ibiza-gate” scandal involving the far-right Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ), which had been part of the coalition headed by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of the center-right Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP). FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache was filmed on the Spanish island of Ibiza offering state contracts in exchange for money to a woman who claimed to be the niece of a Russian oligarch. Subsequent snap elections gave ÖVP the most seats, and the FPÖ saw a 10 percent loss in its vote share. Ultimately, ÖVP formed a coalition with the Greens, and Kurz once again became chancellor.
Austria is due to hold a presidential election by April 2022, but the role is largely ceremonial, with the chancellor instead holding most executive power.
James Franey, DW (June 1, 2021): Austrian far-right leader Norbert Hofer resigns as FPÖ chief
Hungary Parliamentary Elections: By Spring 2022 (or earlier)
Hungary is due to hold parliamentary elections by Spring 2022, although snap elections are possible. Prime Minster Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has become increasingly authoritarian, to the concern of many both in Hungary and in the international community. A number of opposition parties plan to hold a primary to field a single candidate for prime minister. Gergely Karácsony, the liberal mayor of Budapest, is seen as a leading candidate to challenge Orbán.
Rhonda Kwan, Hong Kong Free Press (June 3, 2021): Budapest names street ‘Free Hong Kong’ in protest over new Chinese university campus
The China issue is poised to become one of the key topics of the upcoming elections in Hungary. 👇 https://t.co/6fsr69cP1F
— MapInfluenCE (@MapInfluenceEU) June 2, 2021
Hungary Today (June 2, 2021): Opposition Launches Primary Election Website
Vlagyiszlav Makszimov, Euractiv (May 31, 2021): Formerly far-right party Jobbik backs leftists in Budapest in opposition primaries
Tim Gosling, Al Jazeera (May 28, 2021): Plans for a Chinese university in Hungary fuel concerns
Patrick Wintour, The Guardian (May 27, 2021): Viktor Orbán to become second EU leader hosted at No 10 after Brexit
Slovenia Parliamentary Elections: By June 5, 2022 – snap elections possible
Slovenia is due to hold elections in June 2022, but snap elections are possible. The current government is a conservative minority coalition headed by populist Janez Janša. It came to power in January 2020 after the center-left minority government of Marjan Šarec collapsed.
Gasper Andrinek, DW (June 2, 2021): Slovenia’s STA — a symbol of resistance within the country
Reuters (May 28, 2021 – video): Thousands rally in Slovenia for snap elections
AP (May 28, 2021): Thousands rally against Slovenian PM ahead of EU presidency
Cyprus Parliamentary Elections: May 30, 2021
Cyprus held parliamentary elections on May 23, 2021. The center-right DISY – currently in the majority – maintained its majority, defeating the center-left AKEL, the main opposition party (with a number of smaller parties also competing). Notably, the far-right ELAM doubled its vote share from the 2016 elections, winning 6.8 percent of the vote.
Cyprus is a presidential system (the only full presidential system in the EU), so these elections function as more of a test for the parties ahead of the 2023 presidential election. The current president is President Nicos Anastasiades (from DISY). This is all happening in the context of the ongoing Eastern Mediterranean crisis. More
Evie Andreou, Cyprus Mail (June 2, 2021): Akel starts soul-searching process after poor showing in elections
Michele Kambas, Reuters (May 30, 2021): Cyprus sees nationalists gain in parliament vote
Helena Smith, The Guardian (May 30, 2021): Cyprus election: far-right party linked to Greek neo-Nazis doubles vote share
Croatia Local Elections: May 16 and 30, 2021
Croatia held local elections for on May 16, and with runoffs on May 30, 2021. These elections got a bit of a shakeup when Milan Bandic, the mayor of Zagreb, died in February after a combined 20 years in office (according to some reports, he was the world’s longest-serving mayor). Although Bandic had a devoted following, he was also controversial, and embroiled in a number of scandals. A former communist, he joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) when Croatia began holding multiparty elections in 1990, but later broke off to start his own party.
Anja Vladisavljevic, Balkan Insight (May 31, 2021): Green-Left Candidate Wins Zagreb Mayoralty, Promises Change
Joe Orovic, Euronews (May 27, 2021): In Zagreb, an election pits a far-right pop singer against an environmentalist… and a dead man
Latvia Local Elections: June 5, 2021
Germany, Saxony-Anhalt State Elections: June 6, 2021
Finland Municipal Elections: June 13, 2021
France Regional Elections: June 13, 2021
Bulgaria Fresh Parliamentary Elections: July 11, 2021
Norway Parliamentary Elections: September 13, 2021
Iceland Parliamentary Elections: September 25, 2021
Austria, Upper Austria State and Municipal Elections: September 26, 2021
Czech Republic Parliamentary Elections: October 8-9, 2021
Italy Municipal Elections, plus regional elections in Calabria: October 10-11, 2021
Estonia Local Elections: October 17, 2021
North Macedonia Local Elections: October 2021 (due)
Portugal Local Elections: October 2021 (due)
Bulgaria Presidential Election: October/November 2021 (due)
Denmark Regional and Municipal Elections: November 16, 2021
Kosovo Local Elections: Due in 2021
Serbia Presidential and Parliamentary Elections: March/April 2022
France Presidential Election: April 2022 (due)
Austria Presidential Election: April 2022 (due)
Hungary Parliamentary Elections: April 2022 (due)
Slovenia Parliamentary Elections: By June 5, 2022
Malta Parliamentary Elections: June 2022 (due – snap elections possible)
Sweden Parliamentary Elections: September 11, 2022
Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential and Legislative Elections: October 2022 (due)
Latvia Parliamentary Elections: October 2022 (due)
Slovenia Presidential Election: October/November 2022 (due)
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content. That is to say, their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
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