September 6, 2024
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.
The Akhnoor Fort in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Photo credit: WIkimedia/vinodksharma001 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Upcoming Asia/Pacific Elections
India, Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir: September 18-October 1, 2024
Hindustan Times (September 6, 2024): BJP launches 25-point poll manifesto for Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections
Jehangir Ali, The Wire (September 6, 2024): What Does Jamaat-e-Islami’s ‘Return’ to Electoral Politics Mean for J&K?
The Commonwealth (September 2, 2024): Commonwealth to observe Sri Lanka’s presidential election
Anando Bhakto, The Diplomat (September 1, 2024): Kashmir at the Boiling Point as Elections Loom
Aijaz Hussain, AP (August 29, 2024): The first election in a decade is planned in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Here’s what to know
Sri Lanka Presidential Election: September 21, 2024
Krishan Francis, AP (September 6, 2024): What’s at stake in Sri Lanka’s first presidential vote since its economic meltdown?
Shakthi De Silva, World Politics Review (September 5, 2024): Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election Could Bring an Outsider to Power
Marwaan Macan-Markar, Nikkei Asia (September 4, 2024): Election campaign energizes Sri Lankans weary of economic turmoil
Japan, LDP Leadership Election: September 27, 2024 (winner will likely become prime minster – general elections due in 2025 but could be called earlier)
Kyodo News (September 6, 2024): New Japan PM set to be picked Oct. 1 when extra Diet session begins
Alastair Gale and Yuko Takeo, Bloomberg (September 6, 2024): Japan’s Koizumi Enters LDP Race, Vows to Hold Snap Election
Jio Kamata, The Diplomat (September 5, 2024): How Did Japan’s Conservatives Fall in Love With Dovish Economic Policy?
Purendra Jain, East Asia Forum (September 4, 2024): Kishida calls it quits
Macau Chief Executive Election: October 13, 2024 (indirect)
Willa Wu, South China Morning Post (September 1, 2024): Who is Macau election hopeful Sam Hou-fai, and will lack of ‘vested interests’ prove pivotal? Former top judge does not fit mould of previous picks, with some questioning ability to steer casino hub at highest level of politics
Palau Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 12, 2024
Islands Business (September 4, 2024): Palau’s 2024 presidential election: A close contest
Jessica Caterson, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (September 2, 2024): China is likely to step up influence operations in Palau
Indonesia Regional Elections: November 27, 2024
Made Supriatma, Fulcrum (September 3, 2024): Golkar’s Takeover and the Waning of Joko Widodo’s Power
Arlina Arshad, Straits Times (September 3, 2024): Indonesia’s election candidates woo voters with road rage car whisperers, football fervour, money
Bangladesh Snap Elections: Forthcoming
NHK News (September 5, 2024): One month after Bangladesh PM ouster, elections in focus
AFP (September 5, 2024): Bangladesh election chief quits months after unfree poll
Zobaer Ahmed, DW (September 2, 2024): What will Bangladesh’s post-Hasina era look like?
Sudha Ramachandran, The Diplomat (September 2, 2024): Shafi Md Mostofa on the Rise of the Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh
Burma Elections: Proposed for 2025 (overdue following 2021 coup)
Sebastian Strangio, The Diplomat (September 3, 2024): Myanmar Announces Census as Prelude to Long-Delayed Election
Past Asia/Pacific Election
Cambodia General Elections: July 23, 2023
RFA (September 3, 2024): Top opposition party official arrested in Phnom Penh on incitement charge
Thailand General Elections: May 14, 2023
Napat Kongsawad, AP (September 4, 2024): After the king’s endorsement, Thailand has a new Cabinet but with some familiar faces
Tommy Walker, Voice of America (August 31, 2024): Political change prompts concerns about Thailand’s economy
Regional News
Charlotte Graham-McLay, AP (September 2, 2024): Pacific leaders’ summit erases mention of Taiwan after Chinese anger, fracturing a shaky accord
Africa
Posted: September 10, 2024 by 21votes Leave a Comment
September 9, 2024
A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in Africa, usually posted on Mondays and occasionally updated throughout the week.
Upcoming Africa Elections
Botswana Legislative and Local Elections: October 30, 2024
Mqondisi Dube, Voice of America (September 5, 2024): Botswanan police, protesters clash over executive powers bill
Mqondisi Dube, Voice of America (September 3, 2024): Botswana to hold elections October 30 as President Masisi seeks 2nd term
Tanzania Local Elections: November 27, 2024
Fumbuka Ng’wanakilala, Bloomberg (September 2024): Tanzania President Orders Probe Into Pre-Election Abductions
South Sudan General Elections: December 22, 2024 (delays possible)
Africa Confidential (September 6, 2024): Poll hopes fade
African Union Commission Chairperson Election: February 2025
Martin Olage, Mwakilishi (September 4, 2024): Ruto Leverages China Summit to Drum Up Support for Raila’s AUC Bid
Cameroon General Elections: Due in 2025, delayed to 2026
Chris Olaoluwa Ògúnmọ́dẹdé, World Politics Review (September 5, 2024): The Post-Biya Era Is Already Looming Large in Cameroon
Uganda Presidential and Legislative Elections: January/February 2026 (due)
Sharon Braithwaite, CNN (September 3, 2024): Uganda’s main opposition leader Bobi Wine ‘seriously injured’ during police confrontation, his party says
Guinea Elections: Timetable unclear following 2021 coup
Vincent Foucher and Joseph Petit, African Arguments (September 5, 2024): Guinea: When the putschists overstay their welcome
Past Africa Elections
Senegal Presidential Election: March 24, 2024
Africa Intelligence (September 6, 2024): With elections looming, ex-PM Amadou Ba kickstarts his comeback
Katarina Höije and Momar Niang, Bloomberg (September 5, 2024): Senegal’s President Expected to Call Snap Parliamentary Vote
Regional Analysis
Kate Bartlett, Voice of America (September 6, 2024): China’s new pledges reflect concern over its competition in Africa
Stratfor (September 5, 2024): What the Future Holds for Russia in Africa
Michelle Gavin, Council on Foreign Relations (September 4, 2024): Ruling Parties Gear Up for Coming Elections
Kamau Wanderi, The Africa Report (September 2, 2024): FOCAC: Ruto’s pro‑West policy faces test in Beijing as Kenya seeks to woo China
Elections On Deck
Americas
Posted: September 7, 2024 by 21votes Leave a Comment
September 7, 2024
A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in the Americas, usually posted on Saturdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.
Upcoming Americas Elections
Canada, Provincial Elections in British Columbia: October 19, 2024, followed by provincial elections in New Brunswick and Saskatchewan later this fall (next federal elections due by October 20, 2025 but could be called earlier)
Kyle Duggan, Politico (September 7, 2024): Why Canada’s progressive party just dumped Trudeau
Jim Morris, AP (September 5, 2024): Canada’s NDP leader says end of agreement with Liberals makes election timing uncertain
Nadine Yousif, BBC (September 5, 2024): Why Canadian politics just got more unpredictable
Peru Presidential and Legislative Elections: April 12, 2026
EFE Agency (September 5, 2024 – in Spanish): Fujimori’s possible candidacy must be decided by electoral jury, says magistrate
Haiti General Elections: Long Overdue
Reuters (September 5, 2024): Blinken urges Haiti to set up council that would organize elections next year
Past Americas Elections
Venezuela Presidential Election: July 28, 2024
Mauricio Torres and Abel Alvarado, CNN (September 7, 2024): Venezuelan security forces surround Argentine embassy after opposition members take refuge inside
Ana Vanessa Herrero and Samantha Schmidt, Washington Post (September 6, 2024): Maduro likely lost Venezuela’s election but refuses to leave. What now?
Tim Padgett, Miami Herald (September 6, 2024): Is Venezuela changing how the left responds to the dictatorial left?
Buenos Aires Herald (September 6, 2024): Argentina asks ICC to issue Maduro arrest warrant
Ione Wells, BBC (September 5, 2024): Venezuela opposition: Everyone knows we won vote
Buenos Aires Times/AFP (September 4, 2024): Christmas in October? Venezuelan President Maduro moves holiday amid post-election turmoil
The Elders (September 3, 2024): The Elders call for UN-backed independent commission to probe Venezuela election
Rebecca Falconer, Axios (September 2, 2024): U.S. seizes Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s plane
Tom Phillips, The Guardian (September 2, 2024): Venezuela judge issues arrest warrant for opposition leader after disputed election
Mexico General Elections: June 2, 2024
David Shortell, CNN (September 5, 2024): Judges may soon have to run for election in Mexico. Critics say that’s bad news for its democracy
María Verza, AP (September 5, 2024): What’s at stake in Mexico’s judicial system under sweeping overhaul pushed by the president
Honduras General Elections: November 28, 2021 (next elections due by November 2025)
AP (September 4, 2024): Honduras’ president is asked to resign after corruption scandal she says is a plot to oust her
Elections On Deck
Asia
Last Updated: September 7, 2024 by 21votes Leave a Comment
September 6, 2024
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.
Upcoming Asia/Pacific Elections
India, Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir: September 18-October 1, 2024
Hindustan Times (September 6, 2024): BJP launches 25-point poll manifesto for Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections
Jehangir Ali, The Wire (September 6, 2024): What Does Jamaat-e-Islami’s ‘Return’ to Electoral Politics Mean for J&K?
The Commonwealth (September 2, 2024): Commonwealth to observe Sri Lanka’s presidential election
Anando Bhakto, The Diplomat (September 1, 2024): Kashmir at the Boiling Point as Elections Loom
Aijaz Hussain, AP (August 29, 2024): The first election in a decade is planned in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Here’s what to know
Sri Lanka Presidential Election: September 21, 2024
Krishan Francis, AP (September 6, 2024): What’s at stake in Sri Lanka’s first presidential vote since its economic meltdown?
Shakthi De Silva, World Politics Review (September 5, 2024): Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election Could Bring an Outsider to Power
Marwaan Macan-Markar, Nikkei Asia (September 4, 2024): Election campaign energizes Sri Lankans weary of economic turmoil
Japan, LDP Leadership Election: September 27, 2024 (winner will likely become prime minster – general elections due in 2025 but could be called earlier)
Kyodo News (September 6, 2024): New Japan PM set to be picked Oct. 1 when extra Diet session begins
Alastair Gale and Yuko Takeo, Bloomberg (September 6, 2024): Japan’s Koizumi Enters LDP Race, Vows to Hold Snap Election
Jio Kamata, The Diplomat (September 5, 2024): How Did Japan’s Conservatives Fall in Love With Dovish Economic Policy?
Purendra Jain, East Asia Forum (September 4, 2024): Kishida calls it quits
Macau Chief Executive Election: October 13, 2024 (indirect)
Willa Wu, South China Morning Post (September 1, 2024): Who is Macau election hopeful Sam Hou-fai, and will lack of ‘vested interests’ prove pivotal? Former top judge does not fit mould of previous picks, with some questioning ability to steer casino hub at highest level of politics
Palau Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 12, 2024
Islands Business (September 4, 2024): Palau’s 2024 presidential election: A close contest
Jessica Caterson, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (September 2, 2024): China is likely to step up influence operations in Palau
Indonesia Regional Elections: November 27, 2024
Made Supriatma, Fulcrum (September 3, 2024): Golkar’s Takeover and the Waning of Joko Widodo’s Power
Arlina Arshad, Straits Times (September 3, 2024): Indonesia’s election candidates woo voters with road rage car whisperers, football fervour, money
Bangladesh Snap Elections: Forthcoming
NHK News (September 5, 2024): One month after Bangladesh PM ouster, elections in focus
AFP (September 5, 2024): Bangladesh election chief quits months after unfree poll
Zobaer Ahmed, DW (September 2, 2024): What will Bangladesh’s post-Hasina era look like?
Sudha Ramachandran, The Diplomat (September 2, 2024): Shafi Md Mostofa on the Rise of the Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh
Burma Elections: Proposed for 2025 (overdue following 2021 coup)
Sebastian Strangio, The Diplomat (September 3, 2024): Myanmar Announces Census as Prelude to Long-Delayed Election
Past Asia/Pacific Election
Cambodia General Elections: July 23, 2023
RFA (September 3, 2024): Top opposition party official arrested in Phnom Penh on incitement charge
Thailand General Elections: May 14, 2023
Napat Kongsawad, AP (September 4, 2024): After the king’s endorsement, Thailand has a new Cabinet but with some familiar faces
Tommy Walker, Voice of America (August 31, 2024): Political change prompts concerns about Thailand’s economy
Regional News
Charlotte Graham-McLay, AP (September 2, 2024): Pacific leaders’ summit erases mention of Taiwan after Chinese anger, fracturing a shaky accord
Eurasia
Posted: September 7, 2024 by 21votes Leave a Comment
September 5, 2024
A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in Eurasia, usually posted on Thursdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.
Upcoming Eurasia Elections
Russia, Regional and Gubernatorial Elections in Some Regions (including Saint Petersburg): September 8, 2024
Ivor Bennett, Sky News (September 6, 2024): Putin opponents condemn Russia regional elections as farce
Moscow Times (September 6, 2024): The Roadmap to Russia’s 2024 Regional Elections
Kazakhstan Referendum on Nuclear Power Plant: October 6, 2024
Catherine Putz, The Diplomat (September 4, 2024): Kazakhstan Sets Date for Nuclear Power Plant Referendum
Moldova Presidential Election and Referendum on Joining the EU: October 20, 2024
Andy Heil, RFE/RL (September 1, 2024): Moldova ‘Confident’ Of Democratic Vote Despite Warnings
EU Today (September 1, 2024): Pro-Moscow Presidential Hopeful Barred from Moldova’s Election for a Second Time
Georgia Parliamentary Elections: October 26, 2024
Washington Post Editorial Board (September 5, 2024): The final call for Georgia’s democracy
OC Media (September 5, 2024): Georgian police arrest UNM members of Tbilisi City Council
Past Eurasia Elections
Azerbaijan Snap Parliamentary Elections: September 1, 2024
Reuters (September 2, 2024): Azerbaijan’s ruling party retains parliamentary majority after snap vote
OSCE (September 2, 2024): Azerbaijan’s elections devoid of real competition amid diminishing respect for fundamental freedoms, but efficiently prepared: international observers
Elections On Deck
Europe
Posted: September 6, 2024 by 21votes Leave a Comment
September 4, 2024
A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in Europe, usually posted on Wednesdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.
Upcoming Europe Elections
Switzerland Referendums: September 22, 2024
Jamey Keaten, AP (September 3, 2024): Prosecutors probe allegations of fake voter rolls in Switzerland’s vaunted direct democracy
Bosnia and Herzegovina Local Elections: October 6, 2024
Jasmin Begic, Balkan Insight (September 4, 2024): Bosnians Use Online Platform to Report Hate Speech Ahead of Elections
OSCE (August 30, 2024): ODIHR Launches Election Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria Snap Elections: October 27, 2024
Antoaneta Roussi, Politico (August 29, 2024): Bulgaria calls new election, closes in on EU commissioner pick
Novinite (August 29, 2024): Bulgaria’s Seventh Parliamentary Election in Three Years: Over 500 Million Leva [USD $283 million] Spent as Voters Head to the Polls Again
Romania Presidential Election: November 24, 2024 and Legislative Elections: December 1, 2024
Iulian Ernst, Romania Insider (September 4, 2024): Mircea Geoană officially steps down from NATO seat to run for Romania’s presidency
Poland Presidential Election: By May 18, 2025 (earlier election possible)
Notes from Poland (September 3, 2024): Polish opposition raises millions in donations after electoral commission strips it of funding
Monika Ścisłowska, AP (August 29, 2024): Polish electoral body says former ruling party violated campaign rules, imposes penalty
Past Europe Elections
Germany, State Elections in Saxony and Thuringia: September 1, 2024 and Brandenburg: September 27, 2025 (next federal elections set for September 28, 2025)
Guy Chazan, Financial Times (September 4, 2024): The hard-left Russophiles playing kingmakers in Germany: Two state election results force conservative CDU into awkward negotiations with ex-Communist Sahra Wagenknecht
Alessio Dell’Anna, EuroNews (September 9, 2024): German state elections: Who is Sahra Wagenknecht, the woman cannibalising the country’s left?
Reuters (September 2, 2024): Battered and unloved, Germany’s coalition likely to hang on after regional losses to far right
Nadine Schmidt, Claudia Otto and Matthies Otto, CNN, September 1, 2024: Germany’s far-right party AfD set to win one state election, and is level in another, exit polls show
Victor Grossman, Jacobin (August 30, 2024): In Former East Germany, the Left Is Paying for Its Failures
France Snap Legislative Elections: June 30 and July 7, 2024
AFP (September 4, 2024): French former PM Edouard Philippe launches 2027 presidential bid
Laura Kayali and Anthony Lattier, Politico (September 2, 2024): Macron sweats under growing pressure to appoint prime minister
Kim Willsher, The Guardian (August 31, 2024): ‘People feel the election has been stolen’ – French left’s Lucie Castets on Macron’s political deadlock
Ketrin Jochecová, Politico (August 31, 2024): France should have right-wing PM, says Sarkozy
Denmark General Elections: November 1, 2022
AP (August 29, 2024: Denmark has a record 25 government ministers after a major reshuffle