Middle East

February 7, 2023

A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in the greater Middle East and North Africa, usually posted on Tuesdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.

A collapsed building in Diyarbakır, Turkey, following the February 6 earthquake. Photo credit: Wikimedia/VOA (public domain)

Ongoing Middle East Elections

Lebanon Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament): Continuing

Lebanon’s fractious parliament is in the process of selecting a president. As part of Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system, the president is always a Maronite Christian (and conversely, a Sunni serves as prime minister and a Shi’ite as speaker of the parliament). 

The last parliamentary elections took place in May 2022 in the context of a political and economic crisis exacerbated by the August 2020 explosion in the port of Beirut. In those elections, Hezbollah and its allies lost their majority in parliament, and a number of independents won seats. 

The fragmented parliament has not been able to pick a new president, leaving a vacuum following the end of Michel Aoun’s term in October 2022. Aoun was a strong ally of Hezbollah. Michel Moawad, an anti-Hezbollah candidate, has won the most votes on several ballots, but not a majority. Voting will continue until someone can break the stalemate. 

Naharnet (February 6, 2023): Cabinet convenes as Lebanon enters fourth month without president

Michael Fitzpatrick, RFI (February 6, 2023): Paris summit in effort to lift Lebanon out of political paralysis

Raya Jalabi, Financial Times (February 6, 2023): Re-opening of Beirut blast probe reignites feud inside Lebanon’s judiciary

Najia Houssari, Arab News (February 4, 2023): Lebanese Christian bloc leader rallies nation against electing pro-Hezbollah president

Michael Young, The National UAE (February 1, 2023): Hezbollah’s presidential pick shows how little power Lebanon’s Christians have left

Upcoming Middle East Elections

Turkey General Elections: May 14, 2023

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been in power since 2003, and although the party initially ran on a reformist platform, it has become increasingly authoritarian. A 2017 constitutional change, with passed very narrowly in a referendum, replaced the parliamentary system with a presidential system, and gave the presidency new powers.

While Turkey remains a member of NATO, it has in recent years moved closer to Russia and other authoritarian countries.

An earthquake ravaged the Turkey-Syria borer on February 6, striking Gaziantep province and killing more than 7,000 people and injuring tens of thousands.

Orhan Coskun and Birsen Altayli, Reuters (February 7, 2023): Analysis: Turkey’s quake response could shape tough election for Erdogan

Quentin Sommerville and Anna Foster, BBC (February 7, 2023): Turkey earthquake: Erdogan announces three-month state of emergency in quake area

Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor (February 6, 2023): How will Turkey’s killer earthquakes impact the country’s politics?

Jared Malsin and Elvan Kivilcim, Wall Street Journal (February 5, 2023): Ukraine War Makes Unexpected Winner of Turkey’s Erdogan: The president has leveraged his closeness with Putin to expand his international influence and bolster the country’s faltering economy

Simon Tisdall, The Guardian (February 5, 2023): Turkey’s two-faced ‘sultan’ is no friend of the west. It’s time to play hardball

Pakistan General Elections: October 12, 2023 (due – snap elections possible and increasingly likely)

Following Pakistan’s turbulent 2018 general election, former cricket star Imran Khan – seen as the military’s preferred candidate – became prime minister when his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won the most seats. However, Khan was ousted in an April 2022 vote of no confidence and former opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif became prime minister.

Sujitha Sundaram, Foreign Brief (February 7, 2023): Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan expected to be indicted

Faseeh Mangi, Bloomberg (February 6, 2023): Why Pakistan Is Struggling to Get Another IMF Bailout

Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker (February 5, 2023 – interview): Imran Khan’s Double Game

AP (February 5, 2023): Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s ex-president who aided U.S. war in Afghanistan, dies at 79

Adnan Aamir, Nikkei Asia (February 1, 2023): Deadly Peshawar mosque attack clouds Pakistan election timeline

Regional Elections

Dunya News (February 4, 2023): ECP says no decision on date of Punjab, KP elections

Palestinian Authority General Elections: Long Overdue

The Palestinian Authority is long overdue to hold general elections. President Mahmoud Abbas is currently in year 18 of a four-year term. Similarly, the last Legislative Council elections took place in 2006. However, local elections did take place in 2021 and 2022.

International Crisis Group (February 1, 2023): Managing Palestine’s Looming Leadership Transition

Past Middle East Elections

Tunisia Legislative Runoffs: January 29, 2023

Tunisia began transitioning to democracy in 2011, amid the Arab Spring protests, and in 2019, held the third national elections since the fall of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.  Political outsider and populist Kais Saied won the presidency. The results indicated a rejection of the main political parties and post-Ben Ali political ideologies (Islamism and secular liberalism). However, Saied took the country down an authoritarian path and took actions that his opponents said subvert democracy. As a result, protests have been taking place. 

AFP (February 1, 2023): US urges Tunisia democratic efforts after paltry voter turnout

Carter Center (February 1, 2023): Post-election Statement: Low Turnout in Tunisia Election Reaffirms Need for Broad-Based Consensus

Israel Snap Parliamentary Elections: November 1, 2022

Israel has held five sets of general elections over the past four years. The most recent returned Bibi Netanyahu to power, this time heading the country’s most right-wing government to date.

Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs (February 7, 2023): The Third Intifada? Why the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Might Boil Over Again

Herb Keinon, Jerusalem Post (February 6, 2023): Is Benjamin Netanyahu the Tom Brady of Israel?

Emanuel Fabian, Times of Israel (February 3, 2023): Shin Bet says it foiled election day bomb plot by 2 Arab men enlisted by Hamas

Iran Presidential Election: June 18, 2021

Iran is a key geopolitical player in the region, exerting influence on politicians in numerous countries, routinely stoking sectarian tensions, and engaging in military aggression. To be clear, Saudi Arabia and the Sunni powers against whom Iran is fighting also do all these things. 

Key questions regarding these protests include: Will they lead to the collapse of the theocratic regime? If so, how will that alter Iran’s foreign policy? And if they don’t lead to the regime’s collapse, will that lead to an even more aggressive foreign policy?

This wave of protests – which lasted about five months – has stopped/been crushed by a brutal crackdown. But grievances remain, and it is unclear whether protests will start back up.

NPR (February 6, 2023): The look from inside Iran after nationwide protests

Astha Rajavanshi, Time (February 6, 2023): Why Iran’s Unofficial Protest Anthem ‘Baraye’ Won a Grammy

Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs (February 6, 2023): Iran’s Hard-Liners Are Winning: How Months of Protest Forged an Even More Intransigent Regime

Norbert Röttgen, European Council on Foreign Relations (February 6, 2023): Iran’s revolution of freedom

AP (February 5, 2023): Iran pardons some protesters, revealing ‘tens of thousands’ detained

Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs (February 2, 2023): The Long Twilight of the Islamic Republic

Regional Analysis

Shadi Hamid, Brookings Institution (January 31, 2023): The end of the Moroccan “model”: How Islamists lost despite winning

Middle East Elections Coming Up in 2023

Turkey and Pakistan are due to hold elections that determine who runs the government. In addition, long-overdue elections in the Palestinian Authority and Libya could take place in 2023, but don’t hold your breath.

Lebanon Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament): continues in February 2023

Turkey Presidential and Legislative Elections: May 14, 2023

Lebanon Local Elections: May 31, 2023 (postponed from 2022 – additional delays possible)

Tunisia Local Elections: May 2023 (due)

Kurdistan (Iraq) Presidential and Parliamentary Elections: September 2023 (due – delayed from 2022)

Pakistan General Elections: October 12, 2023 (due – snap elections possible)

Israel Local Elections: October 2023 (due)

Oman Consultative Assembly Elections (advisory body with limited power): October 2023 (due)

United Arab Emirates Federal National Council Elections (indirect elections, advisory body with limited powers): October 2023 (due)

Iraq Regional Elections: December 2023 (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.

Africa

February 6, 2023

A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in Africa, usually posted on Mondays and occasionally updated throughout the week.

The iconic Zuma Rock just outside of Abuja, Nigeria. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Nzenwa Chinomso (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Upcoming Africa Elections

Nigeria General Elections: February 25, 2023

Nigeria, the “Giant of Africa,” as Nigerians call the continent’s most populous country, has a history of military coups, and 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, with low turnout, fraud, and violence. The country is in the midst of several security crises.

The presidential front-runners include the nominees of the two biggest parties: Bola Tinuba from the governing “sort of left” All Progressives Congress Party (APC) and Atiku Abubakar from the main opposition “sort of right” People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In addition, Peter Obi from the Labour Party has gathered momentum among younger voters and is seen as a possible contender. Somewhat ironically, his supporters call themselves “Obidients,” despite positioning themselves as an anti-establishment movement.

Nigeria is the second-biggest oil and gas producer in Africa, and also arguably has the biggest economy on the continent.

Voice of America (February 6, 2023): HRW: Thick Veil of Violence’ Around Nigeria’s Elections

Wilfred Okiche and Eromo Egbejule, Al Jazeera (February 4, 2023): Nigeria’s Peter Obi started a movement. Can he become president?

"He is proof that charisma, competence and credibility can win elections regardless of ethnicity."

For many young people in Nigeria, Peter Obi is perceived as the brightest hope for a country in the doldrums ⤵️ https://t.co/aY0DbuHoyI

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) February 4, 2023

Nick Westcott, The Africa Report (February 3, 2023): Oligarchs, Oil and Obi-dients: The battle for the soul of Nigeria

BBC (February 3, 2023): Nigeria election 2023: Who are the presidential candidates?

The Economist (February 2, 2023): Nigeria’s presidential race goes down to the wire

Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR (February 2, 2023): Gunmen destroy 800 ballot boxes in Nigeria, the latest in a series of attacks

Al Jazeera (February 2, 2023): Fuel, cash shortages cause fury among Nigerians ahead of election

Eswatini Parliamentary and Local Elections: August 2023 (due)

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is an absolute monarchy. The country does hold parliamentary elections, but the parliament does not actually have much power, and the elections are tightly controlled, without much choice for voters.

Daily Maverick (February 3, 2023): Thulani Maseko’s murder exposes the political wrangling hobbling Eswatini’s march to democracy

Liberia Presidential and Legislative Elections: October 10, 2023

Liberia’s last elections, in 2017, brought the first peaceful transition of power since 1944, but the country still faces some challenges as it seeks to consolidate democracy. President George Weah, a former football player, won the last presidential election in 2017 and plans to run for another term.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address yesterday, Liberia’s President George Weah announced that he will be vying for a second term in this year’s elections.
The polls are set to take place in October. pic.twitter.com/UXm2cG1Hze

— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) January 31, 2023

Al Jazeera (January 31, 2023): Under pressure Liberia President George Weah to seek second term

Democratic Republic of the Congo Presidential and Legislative Elections: December 20, 2023

The DRC’s last elections, in December 2018, took place after multiple delays and were mired in controversy and dispute. Nonetheless, they did produce the first peaceful transfer of power in the history of the country’s independence, with former opposition leader Félix Tshisekedi being declared the winner of the presidential poll (even though election observers from the highly-trusted Catholic Church said their data indicated a victory for another opposition leader, Martin Fayulu). 

The DRC faces numbers political and security crises, exacerbated by conflicts over massive mineral wealth. By some estimates, the country has untapped reserves worth $24 trillion, and with increased interest in electronic vehicles and other technologies that require rare earths, this has become a subject of increased interest internationally. 

Due to its size and central location, conflicts from neighboring countries spill over into the DRC. The horrific conflicts happening in the eastern part of the country send shockwaves through the entire region.

Patrick Ilunga and AFP, The East African (February 4, 2023): Pope avoids thorny issue of elections in ‘Pilgrimage of Peace’

UPDATE: Cardinal Ambongo, head of DR Congo Catholic Church tells @Pontifex the country is suffering from armed conflict in east, economic crisis & social misery. As President Tshisekedi watched, Ambongo said Congolese are seeking for "free, transparent and peaceful elections" pic.twitter.com/smAFREtMS7

— The Chronicles (@ChroniclesRW) February 1, 2023

Sudan General Elections: 2023 (following coup – delays possible)

Sudan plans to hold general elections in 2023, the culmination of a transition to democracy that began with the July 2019 removal of dictator Omar al-Bashir following several months of protests. Al-Bashir was removed in a military coup, and a junta ruled briefly, but entered into an agreement with a coalition of opposition groups to transition the country to democracy, which has been rocky, to say the least.

However, another coup in October 2021 returned Sudan to military rule and produced a standstill. In 2022, the military signed yet another deal with political groups, but many stakeholders have rejected the deal. The road ahead remains unclear.

“Holding credible elections means more than the elections themselves being free and fair,” writes Sami A. Saeed of @Int_IDEA about #Sudan.

“It also means that the parameters defining the body to be elected must be broadly accepted and legitimate.” https://t.co/wjwL39biys

— Atlantic Council (@AtlanticCouncil) January 30, 2023

Khalid Abdelaziz, Reuters (January 31, 2023): Explainer: How regional power play complicates Sudan’s political transition

International Crisis Group (January 31, 2023): Sudan: Rebooting an Endangered Transition

South Sudan Elections: December 2024 (proposed)

South Sudan plans to hold elections in December 2024, after multiple delays, the first since independence in 2011. Salva Kiir had been president of the semi-autonomous region while it was still part of Sudan, and he remained in office following independence. The legislature’s mandate expired in 2015 (it had been elected in 2010, before independence), and has been extended several times. 

Fred Oluoch at The East African notes: “Despite optimism from government operatives, South Sudan faces challenges in holding credible and peaceful elections and may need external support in areas such as election administration, security, voter education and outreach, and dispute resolution.” 

Additional election delays are possible.

Ngala Killian Chimtom, Crux (February 6, 2023): Pope in South Sudan unleashes hope for future beyond tribalism

Fred Oluoch, The East African (February 5, 2023): UN to advise South Sudan on best practice for polls preparations

Past Africa Elections

Tanzania General Elections: October 28, 2020

Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has been in power since independence, and has won every election since multiparty elections began in the 90s. The country took an authoritarian turn under John Magufuli, who was elected president in 2015. 

However, following Magufuli’s death in 2021, the new president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has opened up the political space. She lifted a ban on opposition rallies and secured the release of Freedman Mbowe, leader of the main opposition Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema). In addition, Chadema’s vice chair, Tundu Lissu, has returned from exile. There is hope that Tanzania will continue to move toward greater freedom and democracy. 

The Citizen (February 6, 2023): Samia’s leadership style in focus as CCM clocks 46 years

Nicodemus Minde, The Conversation (February 3, 2023): Samia Suluhu Hassan is reforming Tanzania – it’s winning her fans but boosting the opposition

Regional Analysis

Shannon Bond, NPR (February 1, 2023): A pro-Russian social media campaign is trying to influence politics in Africa

Colin P. Clarke, New York Times (January 31, 2023): Russian Mercenaries Are Destabilizing Africa

Joseph Siegle and Candace Cook, Africa Center for Strategic Studies (January 31, 2023): Africa’s 2023 Elections: Democratic Resiliency in the Face of Trials

Africa Elections Coming Up in 2023

Seven countries in Africa are scheduled to elections that will determine who heads the government: Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Gabon, Liberia, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In addition, Sudan has talked about holding long-delays general elections in July, but additional delays are possible. 

Djibouti Legislative Elections: February 24, 2023

Nigeria General Elections: February 25, 2023

Nigeria, Gubernatorial Elections in Most States: March 11, 2023

Cameroon Indirect Senate Elections (by members of local councils): March 12, 2023

Mauritania Legislative and Local Elections: May 13, 2023

Gambia Local Elections: May 13, 2023

Mauritania Legislative and Local Runoffs: May 18, 2023

Sierra Leone Presidential and Legislative Elections: June 24, 2023

Mali Local Elections: June 2023 (due – delays possible)

Zimbabwe General Elections: July 2023 (due)

Sudan General Elections: July 2023 (tentative – delays possible)

Gabon Presidential, Legislative, and Local Elections: August 2023 (due)

Eswatini Parliamentary and Local Elections: August 2023 (due)

Gabon Legislative Elections: September 2023 (due)

Liberia Presidential and Legislative Elections: October 10, 2023

Mozambique Local Elections: October 11, 2023

Nigeria, Gubernatorial Elections in Imo State, Kogi State, and Bayelsa State: November 11, 2023

Madagascar Presidential Election: October 2023 (due)

Mali Legislative Elections: October 2023 (due – delays possible)

Democratic Republic of the Congo Presidential and Legislative Elections: December 20, 2023

Togo Legislative and Regional Elections: December 2023 (due)

Côte d’Ivoire Local Elections (due in 2023)

Comoros Gubernatorial Elections (due in 2023)

Ghana Local Elections (due in 2023)

Guinea-Bissau Local Elections (due in 2023)

Guinea Local Elections (due in 2023 – delays possible to to coup situation)

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.

Americas

February 4, 2023

A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in the Americas, usually posted on Saturdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.

A sea lion in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador, in the Galapagos Islands. Photo credit: Wikimedia/MusikAnimal (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Upcoming Americas Elections

Ecuador Regional and Local Elections: February 5, 2023

Ecuador holds local and regional elections on February 5, as well as a referendum on constitutional amendments backed by President Guillermo Lasso. Lasso, who is center-right, was elected in a close runoff in 2021 in one of the handful of Latin American elections that resisted the “pink tide.” He is up for re-election in 2025.

Crisis24 (February 3, 2023): Ecuador: Disruptions, increased security likely through at least Feb. 6 due to local elections and a national referendum

Bnamericas (February 3, 2023): Activists advance toward plebiscite on mining northwest of Quito

Marina E. Franco, Axios (February 2, 2023): Ecuador to vote on constitutional reforms

Haiti Presidential and Legislative Elections: Long overdue, but could happen in 2023 (delayed from November 7, 2021, no new date set – don’t hold your breath)

Vanda Felbab-Brown, Brookings Institution (February 3, 2023): Haiti in 2023: Political abyss and vicious gangs

Megan Janetsky and Pierre Richard Luxama, AP (January 31, 2023): In Haiti, gangs take control as democracy withers

Mexico, Some Gubernatorial Elections: June 4, 2023, followed by General Elections: July 2024

Some Mexican states are holding gubernatorial elections this year, but the country’s politicos are all gearing up for the big presidential election in 2024. Populist firebrand Andrés Manuel López Obrador (often called AMLO) stormed to election in 2018, but he is barred from seeking another term. There had been some talk of him potentially trying to run again anyway, but he now says he will not. But concerns about growing authoritarianism remain.

Drazen Jorgic, Reuters (February 3, 2023): A Mexican soccer icon entered politics. Prosecutors say narcos followed

Eyder Peralta, NPR (February 3, 2023): Mexico’s president says he won’t seek an unconstitutional second term

Alex Vasquez, Bloomberg (February 2, 2023): Ebrard Confident of Clinching Mexico Presidential Nomination

Venezuela Presidential Election: Due in 2024

Mary Triny Mena and Fabian Koh, Channel News Asia (January 31, 2023): Venezuela returns to global oil stage, as US lifts sanctions amid world’s energy crunch

Past Americas Elections

Antigua and Barbuda Snap Elections: January 18, 2023

Global Americans (February 3, 2023): Antigua and Barbuda: Elections Over, yet Challenges Remain

Brazil General Elections: October 2, 2022

Rodrigo Pedroso, CNN, (February 2, 2023): Brazilian senator says Bolsonaro participated in a meeting to overturn election and didn’t discourage the proposed plan

Filipe Porto, The Diplomat (February 1, 2023): Lula and Latin America’s Great China Debate

Hans von der Burchard, Politico (January 31, 2023): Brazil’s Lula snubs Olaf Scholz with Ukraine war remarks

Bloomberg (January 31, 2023): Bolsonaro Resurfaces in Orlando, Vowing to Stay in Politics

Peru General Elections: April 11, 2021 (early elections could be set for April or December 2024)

Peru is in the middle of a political crisis, with massive protests calling for new elections. While the president and many others have repeatedly called for new elections, the legislature has repeatedly blocked any plans to actually hold them. 

Voice of America (February 4, 2023): New Elections Blocked in Peru

Editorial Board, Washington Post (February 4, 2023): Peru could spin out of control, unless its leaders act

Daniel Flatley, Bloomberg (February 2, 2023): Peru’s Top Diplomat Sees 2023 Elections as the Way to End Crisis

Andrea Moncada, Americas Quarterly (February 2, 2023): Is This Peru’s “Constitutional Moment”?

Reuters (February 1, 2023): Peru’s Congress fails to agree on holding early elections

Regional Analysis

Carin Zissis and Luisa Leme, AS/COA (February 2, 2023 – podcast): LatAm in Focus: Will the Anti-Incumbency Wave Reach Argentina and Guatemala?

Carmen Colosi, Stratfor (January 31, 2023): Is Latin America Experiencing Another Leftist Wave?

Americas Elections Coming Up in 2023

Ecuador Regional and Local Elections: February 5, 2023

Jamaica Local Elections: February 2023 (long overdue – date still not set)

Guyana Local Elections: March 13, 2023

Argentina, Gubernatorial Elections in Corrientes and Neuquen: March 26, 2023

Paraguay Presidential, Legislative, and Gubernatorial Elections: April 30, 2023

Chile Constituent Assembly Elections: April/May 2023 (expected)

Canada, Alberta Provincial Elections: May 29, 2023

British Virgin Islands Assembly Election: May 2023 (due)

Mexico, Some Gubernatorial Elections: June 4, 2023

Guatemala General Elections: June 25, 2023

Argentina Presidential Primary: August 13, 2023

Guatemala General Election Runoffs: August 27, 2023

Canada, Prince Edward Island Provincial Elections: October 2, 2023

Canada, Manitoba Provincial Elections and Northwest Territories Territorial Elections: October 3, 2023

Argentina Presidential and Legislative Elections: October 22, 2023

Colombia Regional Elections: October 29, 2023

Argentina Presidential Runoff: November 19, 2023

Dominica Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament): October 2023 (due)

Chile Constitutional Referendum: November/December 2023 (expected)

Trinidad and Tobago Local Elections: December 20, 2023

Haiti Presidential and Legislative Elections: Long overdue, but could happen in 2023 (delayed from November 7, 2021, no new 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. That is to say, their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.

Asia

February 3, 2023

A weekly review of key news and analysis of elections in Asia and the Indo-Pacific, usually posted on Fridays and occasionally updated throughout the week.

Fortifications at Mandalay Palace in Burma. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Jialiang Gao (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Upcoming Asia Elections

India, State Elections in Tripura: February 16, 2023 and in Nagaland and Meghalaya: February 27, 2023 (followed by more state elections later this year and parliamentary elections next year)

India’s states have their own elected governments that have significant devolved power. Roughly one-third of them hold elections in 2023. First up: the northeastern states of Tripura, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, followed by votes in Karnataka, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana (and possibly Jammu & Kashmir) later this year.

These state elections will set the tone for next year’s Lok Sabha (parliamentary) polls, which determine who runs the government. Narendra Modi’s BJP is campaigning for a history-making third term.

Mimansa Verma, Quartz (February 1, 2023): In India’s budget plan, Modi has one eye trained on his 2024 re-election

Bibhudatta Pradhan and Abhijit Roy Chowdhury, Bloomberg (January 30, 2023): Gandhi Walks 2,000 Miles to Challenge Modi in 2024 Election

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, The Wire (January 29, 2023): All You Need to Know About the Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura Elections

Bangladesh Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament – largely symbolic role): February 19, 2023, followed by Parliamentary Elections: December 2023 (due)

In recent years, Bangladesh has emerged as a bigger player in regional and global politics. Under the government of Sheikh Hasina Wazed and her Awami League (AL) party, the economy has really taken off. But she and the AL have governed in an increasingly authoritarian manner. 

Freedom House notes: “Sheikh Hasina was sworn in for her third term as prime minister in early 2019 following the AL’s overwhelming victory in the 2018 elections, which were marked by violence, intimidation of opposition candidates and supporters, allegations of fraud benefiting the ruling party, and the exclusion of nonpartisan election monitors.”

Hasina’s bitter political rival (and the only other person to serve as prime minister since 1991) is Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Khaleda Zia, who was jailed for a time and is currently effectively barred from participating in politics. Hasina and Zia come from rival families that each played a key role in Bangladesh’s early days as a country. 

Anu Anwar, The Diplomat (February 2, 2023): Does Anyone Want to Solve the Rohingya Crisis?

Smruti S Pattanaik, Kathmandu Post (February 1, 2023): Dhaka and the geopolitical game: Bangladesh-US ties have been problematic since Sheikh Hasina assumed power in 2009.

Stratfor (January 31, 2023): Bangladesh: International Monetary Fund Approves $4.7 Billion Package

PTI (January 29, 2023): Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina likely to attend G-20 summit: India invited Bangladesh as the only non-member country in South Asia to the summit, to be held on September 9-10

New Age Bangladesh (January 28, 2023): Next election to be held with AL govt in power: Hasan Mahmud

Nepal Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament): March 9, 2023

Following general elections in November 2022, Nepal’s two main communist parties formed a government headed by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, a former Maoist insurgent leader. Prachanda replaced Sher Bahadur Deuba from the social democratic Nepali Congress as prime minister (Nepal’s political parties are mostly various flavors of leftist). Deuba had sought to move Nepal farther away from China and closer to India, but the various communist parties now in power all have strong ties to Beijing.

Nepal’s presidency is a largely ceremonial role.

Michael Kugelman, Foreign Policy (February 2, 2023): Why the United States Is Courting Nepal: Beijing’s growing influence in Kathmandu has prompted high-level diplomacy from Washington.

Online Khabar (January 30, 2023): Nepal presidential election on March 9, 2023

Ajeyo Basu, Firstpost (January 28, 2023): China increases activities in Nepal as Maoist govt takes over

Thailand General Elections: May 7, 2023

Thailand has been led by Prayuth Chan-ocha since 2014. Prayuth initially came to power in a coup, and then became prime minister following elections in 2019. The May elections are likely to pit Prayuth against the populist faction of exiled former billionaire prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced her intention to run for prime minster this year. 

Prayuth’s coup in 2014 removed the government of Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra. As Reuters notes: “Administrations loyal to Shinawatras have each been removed by the military or judicial rulings, adding fuel to a seemingly intractable political crisis that has ebbed and flowed in Thailand for over 17 years.”

Reuters (January 31, 2023): Activists urge Thailand’s opposition to scrap royal insult law if elected

Francesca Regalado, Nikkei Asia (January 30, 2023): Prayuth to run against deputy as Thailand primes for elections

Bloomberg (January 28, 2023): Thaksin Daughter Says She’s Confident of Landslide Thai Election Win for Her Party

Burma Parliamentary Elections: August 2023 (proposed – tentative, post-coup, widely considered likely to be a sham)

Jonathan Head and Oliver Slow, BBC (February 2, 2023): Myanmar coup anniversary: ‘Silent strike’ marks two years of military rule

Reuters (January 31, 2023): U.S. and allies mark anniversary of Myanmar coup with more sanctions

Margaret Besheer, Voice of America (January 31, 2023): UN Rights Expert Warns Myanmar Military Planning Sham Elections

International Crisis Group (January 31, 2023): Myanmar: Post-Coup Crisis and a Flawed Election

Edith M. Lederer, AP (January 30, 2023): UN chief backs democracy for Myanmar 2 years after takeover: Two years after Myanmar’s military seized power, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is voicing support for the democratic aspirations of Myanmar’s people

Luke Hunt, Voice of America (January 29, 2023): Pressure Mounts on ASEAN Chair Indonesia to Act on Myanmar

Maldives Presidential Election: September 9, 2023

Maldives is due to hold a presidential election in September 2023. The idyllic archipelago was under a brutal dictatorship for decades, but began a remarkable transition to democracy in 2008. The road to democracy has been somewhat rocky and the former dictator and his family remain involved in politics.

On January 28, the pro-democracy, center-right Maldivian Democratic Party (currently in power) held a primary to decide its presidential candidate. Incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih defeated former president Mohamed Nasheed. However, the campaign was bitter and Nasheed has not yet accepted the results or endorsed Solih, which threatens to split the pro-democracy vote ahead of the general election.

Meanwhile, another former president, Abdulla Yameen, who is also brother-in-law of the former dictator, will be the candidate for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). Former defense minister Mohamed Nazim is also running. 

The country, in the strategically-important Indian Ocean, has been part of geopolitical competition between India and the democratic world on the one hand and China on the other hand. MDP is broadly pro-India while PPM is broadly pro-China.

AP (January 29, 2023): Maldives President Solih to run again after winning primary

Zaheena Rasheed, Al Jazeera (January 29, 2023): Maldives on edge after bitterly fought presidential primary: Ruling party says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won the vote, but his rival has alleged fraud and is yet to concede.

New Zealand General Elections: October 14, 2023

New Zealand’s October general elections got a bit more interesting following the surprise resignation of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, considered a star on the global stage but under increasing pressure in New Zealand due to her authoritarian tendencies and failure to deliver on basic campaign promises. 

Ardern cited personal reasons for her resignation, but under her leadership, the Labour Party lost a lot of support. Currently, the center-right Nationals are favored to win the elections, but a lot can happen in a few months. 

Bloomberg (January 31, 2023): New Zealand PM Hipkins reshuffles Cabinet to focus on key election issues

Tess McClure, The Guardian (January 30, 2023): New Zealand’s Labour party sees boost in polls after Ardern resignation

Taiwan Presidential Election: Early 2024 (due)

Taiwan’s presidential election is due next year. The governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had a poor showing in last year’s local elections, leading to President Tsai Ing-Wen stepping down as party leader.

The DPP is generally seen as more pro-independence than the opposition Kuomintang (KMT). 

Brian Hire, The Diplomat (February 2, 2023): Taiwan Cabinet Reshuffle Sets the Stage for 2024 Presidential Elections

AP (February 1, 2023): Taiwan activates defenses in response to China incursions

Manoj Kumar Panigrahi, Observer Research Foundation (January 30, 2023): Taiwan’s 2022 local elections: What lies ahead? To emerge victorious in the 2024 presidential elections, KMT will have to assure its people that it is not pro-China and intends to preserve the status quo

Indonesia General Elections: February 14, 2024

Indonesia has scheduled presidential and legislative elections for February 14, 2024, followed by provincial elections on November 27, 2024, ending speculation that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) would seek to delay the election and extend his term.

In Indonesia’s April 2019 elections – the biggest single day of voting in the history of the world – Joko Widodo (Jokowi), widely seen as a reformer, was re-elected, defeating challenger Prabowo Subianto. Prabowo initially refused to accept the results, and rioting subsequently ensued. Prabowo ultimately did accept the results, but tensions remain, particularly regarding the role of religion in politics. 

As researcher Evan A. Laksmana notes: “Indonesia could tilt the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific. It’s the largest archipelagic state in the world and sits at the heart of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The country’s growing economic power, tradition of regional leadership, and control over critical sea lanes seem to predestine it to be a strategic fulcrum in the era of U.S.-Chinese great-power competition.” However, Indonesia has not yet taken a side, instead maintaining “pragmatic equidistance” between the U.S. and China.

Bloomberg (February 2, 2023): Jokowi’s Dynasty Takes Shape With Another Son Entering Politics

Chris Barrett and Karuni Rompies, Sydney Morning Herald (January 30, 2023): ‘Jokowi’s crown prince’: The son of a policeman leading the field to be Indonesia’s next president

Past Asia/Pacific Elections

Hong Kong Legislative Elections: December 19, 2021

Hong Kong’s 2021 elections to the Legislative Council took place in the context of Beijing’s determination to gut Hong Kong’s democracy. A draconian new national security law has led to the imprisonment of pro-democracy candidates, activists, and journalists.

In the 2021 elections, only candidates deemed “patriotic” were permitted, and as a result, the legislature is now overwhelmingly pro-Beijing. Hong Kong has a history of vigorous debate and democratic politics and Beijing’s measures are not popular. In that vein, over 89,000 residents left Hong Kong in the year after the national security law took effect.

Now, 47 pro-democracy Hong Kong politicians are on trial for subversion because they organized a primary ahead of the 2021 elections.

Eric Lai, The Diplomat (February 4, 2023): Hong Kong’s Democratic Primary Trials Show a Dark Truth

Asia/Pacific Elections Coming Up in 2023

India, State Elections in Tripura: February 16, 2023

Bangladesh Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament – largely symbolic role): February 19, 2023

India, State Elections in Nagaland and Meghalaya: February 27, 2023

Micronesia Parliamentary Elections: March 7, 2023

Sri Lanka Local Elections: March 9, 2023

Nepal Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament): March 9, 2023

Australia, New South Wales State Elections: March 25, 2023

Bhutan National Assembly Elections: March 2023 (due)

Sri Lanka Provincial Elections: March 2023 (due)

Japan Unified Local Elections: April 2023 (due)

Thailand General Elections: May 7, 2023

New Zealand, Niue General Elections: May 2023 (due)

India, State Elections in Karnataka: May 2023 (due)

Hong Kong District Council Elections: June 2023 (due)

Tonga Local Elections: June 2023 (due)

Cambodia Parliamentary Elections: July 23, 2023

Burma Parliamentary Elections: August 2023 (proposed – tentative, post-coup, widely considered likely to be a sham)

Maldives Presidential Election: September 9, 2023

Tuvalu General Elections: September 2023 (due)

Singapore Presidential Election (largely ceremonial role): September 2023 (due)

New Zealand General Elections: October 14, 2023

Philippines Village Elections: October 30, 2023

Bhutan Parliamentary Elections: October 2023 (due)

Marshall Islands Parliamentary Elections: November 2023 (due)

India, State Elections in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Mizoram: November 2023 (due)

Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections: December 2023 (due)

India, State Elections in Rajasthan and Telangana: December 2023 (due)

Philippines Village Elections: December 2023 (due)

India, Elections in Jammu and Kashmir: Proposed for 2023

Malaysia, State Elections in Six States: Due in 2023 (could be held in July)

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.

Eurasia

February 2, 2023

A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in Eurasia, usually posted on Thursdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.

Kvatakhevi Monastery in Georgia’s Shida Kartli region. Georgia’s pro-West opposition held a leadership election that risks leaving the party divided ahead of elections due next year. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Paata Vardanashvili (CC BY 2.0)

Upcoming Eurasia Elections

Kazakhstan Snap Parliamentary Elections: March 19, 2023

In January 2022, a series of violent protests broke out in Kazakhstan, and in the aftermath, something of a political realignment took place with the sidelining of former president Nursultan Nazerbayev, who had previously exercised a great deal of influence behind the scenes. 

The country held a constitutional referendum in June 2022 that President Kassym-Jomart claimed would make Kazakhstan more representative, although in reality, the changes were largely cosmetic. A series of snap elections (for president, senate, and now parliament) similarly probably will not produce real reform. 

Kazakhstan is a major oil producer and has historically been one of Russia’s closest allies, but has snubbed Moscow on several occasions since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Almaz Kumenov, Eurasianet (February 2, 2023): New parties, old rules in Kazakhstan’s parliament-to-be

Russia, Gubernatorial and Local Elections in Some Regions (including Moscow mayor): September 10, 2023, followed by presidential election due in September 2024

Russia is not a democracy and elections are neither free nor fair. That said, public opinion is not entirely irrelevant to the political calculus, and Vladimir Putin technically faces voters in 2024. As a result, his regime has become increasingly oppressive at home and aggressive abroad.

IFEX notes: “In 2022, Russia saw more than 21,000 arrests and at least 370 defendants in criminal cases for anti-war speech; more than 200,000 internet resources blocked; and 11 sentences in cases of state treason.” 

New York Times (February 2, 2023): Putin Promises Victory in Ukraine as His Forces Strike a Key City

Reuters (February 1, 2023): Jailed Kremlin critic Navalny says he’s in harsher solitary cell for six months

RFE/RL (February 1, 2023): U.S. Official Asserts Sanctions Cutting Off Russian War Machine

Stephen Neukam, The Hill (January 31, 2023): Former Putin aide: Coup a ‘real possibility’

Leonid Ragozin, Al Jazeera (January 30, 2023): How Putin made himself Maidan-proof by waging war on Ukraine: Since its start, the conflict in Ukraine has been tightly linked to Putin’s fear of an opposition-led challenge to his rule.

Bloomberg (January 30, 2023): Putin plans new Ukraine push despite losses as he prepares for years of war

IFEX (January 30, 2023): Russia in 2022: “Repression on an unprecedented scale”

Ukraine Parliamentary Elections: By October 29, 2023 and Presidential Election: March 2024 (due)

The term of Ukraine’s current parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, ends on October 29, 2023 and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s term ends in March 2024.  Due to Russia’s invasion and the ongoing war, some have proposed delaying the elections, and the Election Commission has effectively suspended its work, delaying several by-elections.

Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party currently holds a large majority in the Rada.

RFE/RL (February 2, 2023): Ukraine Raids Home Of Kolomoyskiy, Former Minister, In Fraud Case

Susie Blann, AP (February 2, 2023): Russia hits civilian targets anew, EU officials visit Kyiv

RFE/RL (February 2, 2023): Netanyahu Open To Providing Military Aid To Ukraine, Including ‘Iron Dome’ Missile Defense System

Suzanne Lynch, Politico (January 30, 2023): Ukraine wants to join EU within two years, PM says. Brussels says: ‘Not so fast.’

The Economist (January 29, 2023): A campaign to “de-Russify” Ukraine is under way

Georgia Parliamentary Elections: October 2024 (due – snap elections possible)

The United National Movement (UNM), Georgia’s pro-West opposition, held a leadership election in January following a bitter campaign that has left it divided heading into parliamentary elections due in 2024 (Georgia transitioned to a parliamentary system starting in 2012, so these elections will determine who runs the government). 

The current government is led by Georgian Dream, a coalition founded by eccentric and Kremlin-connected oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. It came to power during the 2012 parliamentary elections, ousting former president Mikheil Saakashvili’s UNM. The opposition has been calling for new elections since October 2020’s parliamentary polls, due to claims of fraud. International observers noted significant flaws in the elections, and observed that there were issues with public confidence in the polls.

The most recent vote Georgia, the October 2021 local elections, took place in a tense political climate, exacerbated by the arrest of Saakashvili upon his return to the country on the eve of the vote. 

Despite Ivanishvili’s Kremlin ties, Georgian Dream has continued some of Georgia’s steps toward Euro-Atlantic integration, including applying for EU membership. This is because public opinion in Georgia overwhelmingly supports those things. However, it is unclear whether Georgian Dream has a genuine commitment to a Euro-Atlantic course, given its leaders’ ties to Russia. And some say that Saakashvili’s ongoing rough treatment and imprisonment are occurring on Russia’s orders.

JAMnews (February 2, 2023): “Saakashvili is dying in prison, and this will affect the future of Georgia” – Debate in the European Parliament

Tara Law, Time (February 2, 2023): Zelensky Says Georgia’s Former President is Being ‘Slowly Killed.’ Here’s What to Know

The New Voice of Ukraine (February 2, 2023): Foreign Ministry calls on Georgia “to stop abusing” Saakashvili and send him to Ukraine

The Economist (January 31, 2023): Georgia is drifting into the Kremlin’s orbit

Nini Gabritchidze, Eurasianet (January 31, 2023): Party elections highlight persistent crisis in Georgia’s opposition: A leadership election in Georgia’s biggest opposition party has shown that informal rule may be a more widespread problem in the country than previously thought.

Shota Kincha, OC Media (January 30, 2023): UNM elects new leader following criticism for failing to free Saakashvili

Eurasia Elections Coming Up in 2023

Kazakhstan Snap Parliamentary Elections: March 19, 2023

Turkmenistan Parliamentary and Local Elections: March 2023 (due)

Russia, Gubernatorial and Local Elections in Some Regions (including Moscow mayor): September 10, 2023

Armenia, Local Elections in Yerevan: September 2023 (due)

Ukraine Parliamentary Elections: October 29, 2023 (due)

Moldova Local Elections: October 2023 (due)

Belarus Local Elections: Due in 2023 (delays possible)

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.

Europe

February 1, 2023

A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in Europe, usually posted on Wednesdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.

The entrance to the Czech Republic’s presidential residence, located on the complex of Prague Castle. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Siverec (CC BY-SA 4.0) 

Upcoming Europe Elections

Germany, Berlin State Elections: February 12, 2023, followed by other state elections later this year

Julia Dahm, Euractiv (February 1, 2023): Conservative CDU leads polls as top court OKs Berlin election re-run

DW (January 31, 2023): Berlin repeat election to go ahead, says Germany’s top court

Greece Parliamentary Elections: By July 2023

Euractiv (February 1, 2023): MEP calls for ‘clarity’ on Greek Watergate before elections

Euronews with AP (January 28, 2023): Greek government survives vote of no-confidence in run-up to the elections

Begum Donmez Ersoz, Voice of America (January 27, 2023): US Weighs Turkey, Greece Jet Sales Amid NATO Expansion

Fitch Ratings (January 27, 2023): Fitch Upgrades Greece to ‘BB+’; Outlook Stable

Slovakia Snap Parliamentary Elections: September 30, 2023 (proposed – requires parliament to change constitution to allow)

A center-right, broadly Atlanticist coalition unseated Slovakia’s left-wing populist government in 2020, but the coalition has had trouble staying together. The opposition has been pushing for snap elections and parliament has agreed to change the law to allow them to be held.

Geopolitical impact: If former PM Robert Fico wins the elections and gets back in office, he could change Slovakia’s position toward Ukraine. Slovakia currently backs Kyiv, but Fico opposes sending weapons and has become even more pro-Russia in his time out of office.

Marián Koreň, Euractiv (February 1, 2023): Slovak’s EU-skeptic parties lead in polls ahead of autumn elections

Reuters (January 31, 2023): Slovakia will hold early election in Sept, pro-Ukraine stance at stake

Spain General Elections: December 10, 2023 (due – early elections possible)

Fernando Heller, Euractiv (January 31, 2023): Spanish inflation at highest in 35 years after state subsidies end

Reuters (January 31, 2023): Spain to raise minimum wage by 8% as elections loom

Poland Parliamentary and Local Elections (due – earlier elections possible): November 11, 2023

Bloomberg (January 30, 2023): Polish Economy Slows as War in Ukraine and Rate Hikes Hit Growth

Reuters (January 27, 2023): Polish parliament passes new election rules ahead of 2023 vote

Past Europe Elections

Austria, State Elections in Lower Austria: January 29, 2023

The center-right ÖVP lost its absolute majority in the January 29 state election in Lower Austria as right-wing populist FPÖ makes gains.

This is a bad omen for ÖVP (which currently heads the federal government in coalition with the Greens) ahead of general elections next year. Lower Austria is an ÖVP stronghold, and the home region of many of the party’s leaders.

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer at Euractiv notes: “The FPÖ itself is the clear winner of the state election, with gains of more than 10%, receiving about 25% of the vote. The party now looks poised to take home the 2024 Austrian federal election.”

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer, Euractiv (January 30, 2023): Austrian conservatives suffer historic electoral defeat

Emily Schultheis, AP (February 1, 2023): Austria’s far-right Freedom Party regains national momentum

Jonathan Tirone, Bloomberg (January 29, 2023): Austrian Ruling Party Loses Ground in Key Regional Election

Czech Republic Presidential Runoff: January 27-28, 2023

Retired general Petr Pavel defeated controversial former prime minister Andrej Babiš in the Czech Republic’s presidential runoff in January. Incumbent Milos Zeman, who has been in power for 10 years and did not run for re-election, built closer ties with Russia and China.

Pavel, a former chairman of the NATO Military Committee, favors pro-West policies, while populist Babiš has criticized support for Ukraine and the EU more generally.

Raphael Minder, Financial Times (February 1, 2023): Czech president-elect says west must accept China is ‘not friendly’: Petr Pavel challenges Beijing by becoming Europe’s first elected head of state to speak to Taiwanese president

BBC (January 31, 2023): Petr Pavel: Ukraine deserves to join Nato, says new Czech leader

Adam Magyar, Euronews (January 29, 2023): Record turnout as Pavel sweeps to victory in Czech Republic’s presidential elections

Ladka Bauerova and  Emily Rauhala, Washington Post (January 28, 2023): Retired Gen. Pavel defeats billionaire Babis in Czech election

Ketrin Jochecová, Politico (January 27, 2023): Babiš plays on fears of war with Russia in long-shot Czech presidency bid

United Kingdom Local Elections, including Northern Ireland Assembly: May 5, 2022

The United Kingdom held local elections for some local councils, as well as the Northern Ireland Assembly, on May 5.

Northern Ireland’s nationalist Sinn Féin became the biggest party in the Assembly following these elections. However, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has been boycotting the assembly, and as a result, Northern Ireland has not had a government for nearly a year.

The deadline to resume power-sharing has been missed, and as a result, new elections are required by law within 12 weeks.

George Parker, Peter Foster, Andy Bounds, and Jude Webber, Financial Times (February 1, 2023): Leaks pose danger to UK-EU deal on N Ireland trading regime, says Brussels

Christopher Caldwell, New York Times (January 26, 2023): It’s Anyone’s Guess What Will Happen in Northern Ireland in the Next 12 Weeks

Europe Elections Coming Up in 2023

Several European countries hold elections that determine who runs the government: Cyprus (fun fact: Cyprus is the EU’s only full presidential system), Monaco, Estonia, Andorra, Finland, Greece, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Poland, and Spain.

In addition, Montenegro and Slovakia appear on track to hold snap elections. And Bulgaria could hold its fourth general election in three years.

Moreover, a number of other countries in Europe could hold snap elections at short notice – it happens.

Slovakia Referendum on Early Elections: January 21, 2023

Czech Republic Presidential Runoff: January 27-28, 2023

Austria, Lower Austria State Elections: January 29, 2023

Cyprus Presidential Election: February 5, 2023

Monaco Parliamentary Elections: February 5, 2023

Cyprus Presidential Runoff: February 12, 2023

Germany, Berlin State Elections: February 12, 2023

Italy, Lazio and Lombardy Regional Elections: February 12, 2023

Estonia General Elections: March 5, 2023

albniaLithuania Local Elections: March 5, 2023

Liechtenstein Local Elections: March 5, 2023

Austria, Carinthia State Elections: March 5, 2023

Netherlands Provincial Council and Water Authority Elections: March 15, 2023

Montenegro Presidential Election: March 19, 2023 (snap parliamentary elections possible)

Finland General Elections: April 2, 2023

Bulgaria Snap Parliamentary Elections: April 2, 2023 (fifth election in two years)

Andorra Parliamentary Elections: April 2, 2023

Austria, Salzburg State Elections: April 23, 2023

Kosovo Partial Local Elections: April 23, 2023

United Kingdom, Local Elections in Some Parts of England: May 4, 2023

Albania Local Elections: May 14, 2023

Germany, Bremen State Elections and Local Elections in Schleswig-Holstein: May 14, 2023

United Kingdom, Local Elections in Northern Ireland: May 18, 2023

Spain Local Elections and Various Regional Elections: May 28, 2023

Latvia Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament): May 2023 (due)

Greece Local Elections: May 2023 (due)

Spain, Regional Elections in Various Regions: June 25, 2023

Luxembourg Local Elections: June 2023 (due)

Greece Parliamentary Elections: July 2023 (due)

Norway Local Elections: September 11, 2023

Slovakia Snap Parliamentary Elections: September 30, 2023 (proposed – requires parliament to change constitution to allow)

Germany, Hesse and Bavaria State Elections: October 8, 2023

Switzerland Federal Parliamentary Elections: October 22, 2023

Luxembourg General Elections: October 2023 (due)

Bulgaria Local Elections: October 2023 (due)

Finland, Åland Elections: October 2023 (due)

Portugal, Regional Elections in Madeira: October 2023 (due)

Poland Parliamentary and Local Elections (due – earlier elections possible): November 11, 2023

Spain General Elections: December 10, 2023 (due – early elections possible)

Switzerland Indirect Presidential Election (by parliament): December 12, 2023

Andorra Local Elections: December 2023 (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.