January 12, 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.
Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen reviews a Taiwanese Marine battalion in 2020. Photo credit: Wikimedia/中華民國 (CC BY 2.0)
Upcoming Asia/Pacific Elections
Taiwan Presidential and Legislative Elections: January 13, 2024
Sophie Mak and Rurika Imahashi, Nikki Asia (January 12, 2024): Taiwan ‘open’ to deeper AUKUS ties amid election meddling fears
Maggie Miller and Joseph Gideon, Politico (January 11, 2024): Taiwan bombarded with cyberattacks ahead of election: Cybersecurity groups link the attacks against Taiwanese critical infrastructure to China.
Paul Huang, Foreign Policy (January 11, 2024): Taiwan’s Elections Aren’t All About China
Mercedes Hutton, Hong Kong Free Press (January 11, 2024): Taiwan KMT election hopefuls say Hong Kong’s One Country, Two Systems ‘a failure,’ warn island on ‘brink of war’
Office of Senator Mitt Romney (January 11, 2024): On Eve of Taiwan Elections, Senate Approves Bipartisan Resolution Commending Taiwan’s Commitment to Democracy
Michael Smith, Australian Financial Review (January 10, 2024): China threatens fresh Taiwan sanctions as pre-election tension mounts
Reuters (January 10, 2024): China satellite launch causes pre-election political storm in Taiwan
Reuters (January 9, 2024): Bridge dilemma exposes China divisions ahead of Taiwan elections
Indonesia General Elections: February 14, 2024
Chris Barrett and Karuni Rompies, Sydney Morning Herald (January 12, 2024): Deepfake dead dictator Suharto back on the campaign trail
Reuters (January 8, 2024): Indonesia presidential frontrunner under fire as rivals attack defence plans
Rebecca Ratcliffe and Randy Mulyanto, The Guardian (January 8, 2024): From military leader to ‘harmless grandpa’: the rebranding of Indonesia’s Prabowo
AFP (January 7, 2024): Indonesia’s Presidential Hopefuls Face Off in Debate
Cambodia Senate Elections (indirect): February 25, 2024
Human Rights Watch (January 11, 2024): Cambodia: New Prime Minister But No Improvements
Sebastian Strangio, The Diplomat (January 8, 2024): Cambodian Government Critic Arrested for Facebook Post
South Korea Legislative Elections: April 10, 2024
Koh Ewe, Time (January 10, 2024): South Korean Opposition Leader, After Being Stabbed in Neck, Urges End to ‘Warlike Politics’
Stratfor (January 10, 2024): South Korea: Opposition Losing Members Ahead of April Election
Lee Minji, Yonhap (January 10, 2024): N. Korea likely to carry out psychological warfare ahead of general elections: official
Julian Ryall, DW (January 8, 2024): What’s behind North Korea’s increasing belligerence?
Nam Hyun-woo, Korea Times (January 8, 2024): NK likely to continue provocations for greater leverage before elections
AP (January 7, 2024): South Korea says North Korea has fired artillery near their sea boundary for a third straight day
India Parliamentary Elections: May 2024
Reuters (January 5, 2024): India forecasts 7.3% economic growth, boosting Modi’s election chances
Mongolia Parliamentary Elections: June 28, 2024
The Diplomat (January 11, 2024): Challenges in Mongolia’s Upcoming Election: June 2024 will see the first elections since constitutional changes reconfigured Mongolia’s legislature and electoral system.
Past Asia/Pacific Elections
Bhutan Parliamentary Election Runoffs: January 9, 2024
Michael Kugelman, Foreign Policy (January 10, 2024): Bhutan’s Elections Are a Bright Spot in South Asia
Upasana Dahal and Jalees Andrabi, AP (January 10, 2024): Bhutan Votes In Former PM In Elections Overshadowed By Economic Strife
Gopal Sharma, Reuters (January 8, 2024): Bhutan votes in final round of national elections, economy main issue
AFP (January 6, 2024): India keeps wary eye on Bhutan election as China seeks to draw kingdom into its orbit
Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections: January 7, 2024
Julhas Alam, AP (January 12, 2024): The US and UK say Bangladesh’s elections extending Hasina’s rule were not credible
Madison Minges and Tazreena Sajjad, American University (January 10, 2024): Understanding Bangladesh’s Election Results
Michael Martin and Diaa Hadid, NPR (January 8, 2024): Bangladesh’s prime minister wins a majority in parliamentary elections
Reuters (January 6, 2024): Bangladesh poll booths burn on election eve, as train arson kills four
Maldives Presidential Election: September 9 and 30, 2023
Joe Cash, Reuters (January 10, 2024): Maldives upgrades ties with China amid pivot from India
Times of India (January 10, 2024): Amid Maldives row, EU report says ruling coalition deployed anti-India sentiments during 2023 presidential polls
Semafor (January 8, 2024): The Maldives and India are feuding after Modi’s beach trip
AP (January 8, 2024): Maldives suspends 3 officials for disparaging India
Malaysia General Elections: February 19, 2022 (next general elections due in 2027, but a number of state and local elections happen before then)
Munira Mustaffa and Amrita Malhi, The Diplomat (January 10, 2024): How Should Malaysia’s Government Deal With the ‘Green Wave’? The Islamist party PAS is ascendant, but Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s current response to the group risks doing more harm than good.
Middle East
Posted: January 17, 2024 by 21votes Leave a Comment
January 16, 2024
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.
Upcoming Middle East Elections
Pakistan General Elections: February 8, 2024 (delays possible)
Munir Ahmed, AP (January 16, 2024): Pakistan’s ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan indicted on charge of violating marriage law
Mallika Soni, Hindustan Times (January 15, 2024): Pakistan elections: ‘Missing’ Nawaz Sharif, jailed Imran Khan launch campaigns
Asif Shahzad, Reuters (January 13, 2024): Pakistan’s Imran Khan’s party loses cricket bat electoral symbol
Betsy Joles, Bloomberg (January 12, 2024): Nawaz Sharif Gains Ground on Imran Khan Ahead of Pakistan Polls
Adnan Aamir, Nikkei Asia (January 11, 2024): Pakistan in fight over election delay with less than a month to go
Reuters (January 10, 2024): Pakistan election candidate shot dead while campaigning
Iraq, Kurdistan Regional Elections: February 25, 2024 (delayed)
Rudaw (January 10, 2024): Iraqi commission to set new agenda for Kurdish elections: Official
Israel Local Elections: February 27, 2024 (general elections due October 2026 but earlier election possible)
Times of Israel (January 13, 2024): Thousands call for ‘elections now’ during rally at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square
Iran Legislative Elections: March 1, 2024
Jeyhun Ahmadli, Geopolitical Monitor (January 11, 2024): Fair or Fake? Iran Readies for Key Elections in 2024
Turkey Local Elections: March 31, 2023
Bloomberg (January 15, 2025): Turkey Releases Israeli Footballer Detained Over Hamas War Message
Herb Keinon, Jerusalem Post (January 15, 2024): For Erdogan, arrest of Israeli soccer player makes good politics before local elections
Adam Samson, Financial Times (January 13, 2024): Turkey tightens internet censorship ahead of elections
Africa This Week: January 15, 2024
Last Updated: February 3, 2024 by 21votes Leave a Comment
January 15, 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
Senegal Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 25, 2024
Katarina Hoije, Bloomberg News (January 12, 2024): Senegal Presidential Hopeful Ousmane Sonko Barred from 2024 Vote
The Africa Report (January 11, 2024): Senegal elections: Candidate cull reveals electoral list irregularities
RFI (January 10, 2024): Senegal’s sponsorship phase for presidential candidates nears completion
Chad Presidential Election: By October 2024 (delays possible)
AFP (January 13, 2024): Chad Military Leader Designated As Presidential Candidate
Ghana General Elections: December 7, 2024
Nana Oye Ankrah, Semafor (January 9, 2024): Ghana’s mystery presidential candidate pulls off his mask
South Africa General Elections: Spring 2024
Reuters (January 13, 2024): Ramaphosa targets ‘decisive’ ANC win in South African elections
Mogomotsi Magome, AP (January 13, 2024): South Africa’s ruling party marks its 112th anniversary ahead of a tough election year
Al Jazeera (January 12, 2024): Ex-ANC chiefs Zuma and Magashule team up ahead of South Africa’s elections: The pair lost their jobs over corruption allegations but recently formed separate parties ahead of voting.
Raffi Berg and Anna Holligan, BBC (January 12, 2024): Israel says South Africa distorting the truth in ICJ genocide case
South Sudan General Elections: December 2024 (delays possible)
Agenzia Fides (January 10, 2024): South Sudan: Elections scheduled for December 2024: Archbishop of Juba expresses confidence
Cote d’Ivoire General Elections: October 2025 (due)
Florence Ricard, The Africa Report (January 11, 2024): Côte d’Ivoire: Will Alassane Ouattara run again in 2025?
Gabon General Elections: August 2025 (suggested – post-coup)
Moki Edwin Kindzeka, Voice of America (January 10, 2024): Demonstrations in Gabon as Regional Blocs Bloc Maintain Sanctions Against Junta
Past Africa Elections
Comoros General Elections: January 14, 2024
Abdou Moustoifa, Reuters (January 14, 2024): Comoros holds presidential election, opposition say vote had irregularities
Africa Center for Strategic Studies (January 11, 2024): Comoros Election Exercise Promises More of the Same
AFP (January 11, 2024): Five Things To Know About The Comoros
Somalia, Presidential Election Puntland: January 8, 2024 (indirect – by parliament)
UNSOM (January 9, 2024): International Partners welcome conclusion of Puntland leadership elections
AFP (January 8, 2024): President of Somalia’s Puntland region re-elected
Democratic Republic of the Congo General Elections: December 20-27, 2023
Julian Pecquet, The Africa Report (January 11, 2024): Democrats pull DRC into 2024 US election fight
Africanews (January 10, 2024): DR Congo: Constitutional court confirms Felix Tshisekedi’s victory in presidential poll
Sierra Leone General Elections: June 24, 2023
Daily Maverick (January 10, 2024): Another military coup in Sierra Leone may be inevitable following botched elections, growing discontent
Regional Analysis
Dan Moyane, Sunday Times South Africa (January 14, 2024): ANC and Frelimo face a reckoning with disenchanted young voters
Human Rights Watch (January 11, 2024): Southern Africa: Backsliding on Democracy Jeopardizes Rights
Wall Street Journal (January 9, 2024): How France Fumbled Its Africa Ties and Fueled a Geopolitical Crisis
Americas This Week: January 13, 2024
Last Updated: February 3, 2024 by 21votes Leave a Comment
January 13, 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
El Salvador Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 4, 2024 and Local Elections: March 3, 2024
Tim Padgett, WLRN 93.1 (January 11, 2024): We shouldn’t let Ecuador’s real pain inflate Bukele’s false promise
AFP (January 10, 2024): Bitcoin A Dud In El Salvador, First Country To Make It Legal Tender
Yolanda Magaña and Megan Janetsky, AP (January 9, 2024): Votes by El Salvador’s diaspora surge, likely boosting President Bukele in elections
Mexico Presidential, Legislative, Gubernatorial, and Local Elections: June 2, 2024
Reuters (January 12, 2024): Mexican president to put lofty reforms on agenda ahead of election
Earl Anthony Wayne, Wilson Center (January 12, 2024): Why are Mexico’s Elections Important?
Léon Krauze, Washington Post (January 11, 2024): Mexico’s heroic journalists are increasingly under mortal threat
Gustavo Solis, KPBS (January 10, 2024): They’re 12-million strong. Will they flex their muscles in Mexico’s elections?
Venezuela Presidential Election: Due in 2024 (no date set)
AFP (January 7, 2024): Venezuela enters uncertain election year
Past Americas Elections
Netherlands, Sint Maarten General Elections: January 11, 2024
AP (January 12, 2024): Main political party in St. Maarten secures most seats in Dutch Caribbean territory’s elections
Guatemala General Elections: June 25 and August 20, 2023
Ilan Palacios Avineri, Time (January 12, 2024): The History That Makes Guatemala’s Presidential Inauguration a Very Big Deal
Reuters (January 11, 2024): Guatemala arrests former minister accused of failing to quell election protests
AP (January 8, 2024): Guatemala’s president-elect announces his Cabinet ahead of swearing-in
Regional Analysis
Tamara Taraciuk Broner, Americas Quarterly (January 9, 2024): Latin America’s Election Super-Cycle Will Turn on One Key Factor
Asia This Week: January 12, 2024
Last Updated: February 3, 2024 by 21votes Leave a Comment
January 12, 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
Taiwan Presidential and Legislative Elections: January 13, 2024
Sophie Mak and Rurika Imahashi, Nikki Asia (January 12, 2024): Taiwan ‘open’ to deeper AUKUS ties amid election meddling fears
Maggie Miller and Joseph Gideon, Politico (January 11, 2024): Taiwan bombarded with cyberattacks ahead of election: Cybersecurity groups link the attacks against Taiwanese critical infrastructure to China.
Paul Huang, Foreign Policy (January 11, 2024): Taiwan’s Elections Aren’t All About China
Mercedes Hutton, Hong Kong Free Press (January 11, 2024): Taiwan KMT election hopefuls say Hong Kong’s One Country, Two Systems ‘a failure,’ warn island on ‘brink of war’
Office of Senator Mitt Romney (January 11, 2024): On Eve of Taiwan Elections, Senate Approves Bipartisan Resolution Commending Taiwan’s Commitment to Democracy
Michael Smith, Australian Financial Review (January 10, 2024): China threatens fresh Taiwan sanctions as pre-election tension mounts
Reuters (January 10, 2024): China satellite launch causes pre-election political storm in Taiwan
Reuters (January 9, 2024): Bridge dilemma exposes China divisions ahead of Taiwan elections
Indonesia General Elections: February 14, 2024
Chris Barrett and Karuni Rompies, Sydney Morning Herald (January 12, 2024): Deepfake dead dictator Suharto back on the campaign trail
Reuters (January 8, 2024): Indonesia presidential frontrunner under fire as rivals attack defence plans
Rebecca Ratcliffe and Randy Mulyanto, The Guardian (January 8, 2024): From military leader to ‘harmless grandpa’: the rebranding of Indonesia’s Prabowo
AFP (January 7, 2024): Indonesia’s Presidential Hopefuls Face Off in Debate
Cambodia Senate Elections (indirect): February 25, 2024
Human Rights Watch (January 11, 2024): Cambodia: New Prime Minister But No Improvements
Sebastian Strangio, The Diplomat (January 8, 2024): Cambodian Government Critic Arrested for Facebook Post
South Korea Legislative Elections: April 10, 2024
Koh Ewe, Time (January 10, 2024): South Korean Opposition Leader, After Being Stabbed in Neck, Urges End to ‘Warlike Politics’
Stratfor (January 10, 2024): South Korea: Opposition Losing Members Ahead of April Election
Lee Minji, Yonhap (January 10, 2024): N. Korea likely to carry out psychological warfare ahead of general elections: official
Julian Ryall, DW (January 8, 2024): What’s behind North Korea’s increasing belligerence?
Nam Hyun-woo, Korea Times (January 8, 2024): NK likely to continue provocations for greater leverage before elections
AP (January 7, 2024): South Korea says North Korea has fired artillery near their sea boundary for a third straight day
India Parliamentary Elections: May 2024
Reuters (January 5, 2024): India forecasts 7.3% economic growth, boosting Modi’s election chances
Mongolia Parliamentary Elections: June 28, 2024
The Diplomat (January 11, 2024): Challenges in Mongolia’s Upcoming Election: June 2024 will see the first elections since constitutional changes reconfigured Mongolia’s legislature and electoral system.
Past Asia/Pacific Elections
Bhutan Parliamentary Election Runoffs: January 9, 2024
Michael Kugelman, Foreign Policy (January 10, 2024): Bhutan’s Elections Are a Bright Spot in South Asia
Upasana Dahal and Jalees Andrabi, AP (January 10, 2024): Bhutan Votes In Former PM In Elections Overshadowed By Economic Strife
Gopal Sharma, Reuters (January 8, 2024): Bhutan votes in final round of national elections, economy main issue
AFP (January 6, 2024): India keeps wary eye on Bhutan election as China seeks to draw kingdom into its orbit
Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections: January 7, 2024
Julhas Alam, AP (January 12, 2024): The US and UK say Bangladesh’s elections extending Hasina’s rule were not credible
Madison Minges and Tazreena Sajjad, American University (January 10, 2024): Understanding Bangladesh’s Election Results
Michael Martin and Diaa Hadid, NPR (January 8, 2024): Bangladesh’s prime minister wins a majority in parliamentary elections
Reuters (January 6, 2024): Bangladesh poll booths burn on election eve, as train arson kills four
Maldives Presidential Election: September 9 and 30, 2023
Joe Cash, Reuters (January 10, 2024): Maldives upgrades ties with China amid pivot from India
Times of India (January 10, 2024): Amid Maldives row, EU report says ruling coalition deployed anti-India sentiments during 2023 presidential polls
Semafor (January 8, 2024): The Maldives and India are feuding after Modi’s beach trip
AP (January 8, 2024): Maldives suspends 3 officials for disparaging India
Malaysia General Elections: February 19, 2022 (next general elections due in 2027, but a number of state and local elections happen before then)
Munira Mustaffa and Amrita Malhi, The Diplomat (January 10, 2024): How Should Malaysia’s Government Deal With the ‘Green Wave’? The Islamist party PAS is ascendant, but Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s current response to the group risks doing more harm than good.
Eurasia This Week: January 11, 2024
Last Updated: January 21, 2024 by 21votes Leave a Comment
January 11, 2024
A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in Eurasia, usually posted on Thursdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly election observers at a polling station during Belarus’s 2019 elections. Belarus has decided not to invite OSCE observers for the upcoming parliamentary elections in February. Photo credit: Flickr/OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Upcoming Eurasia Elections
Belarus Parliamentary Elections: February 25, 2024
David R. Marples, Emerging Europe (January 11, 2024): The creation of a dictator: The path to the Lukashenko presidency in Belarus
AP (January 8, 2024): Belarus Refuses To Invite OSCE Observers To Monitor February Elections
Elsa Court, Kyiv Independent (January 6, 2024): Rock band famous for 2020 protest anthem detained in Belarus
Yuras Karmanau, AP (January 4, 2024): President of Belarus gives himself immunity from prosecution and limits potential challengers
Russia Presidential Election: March 17, 2024
The Guardian (January 10, 2024): Putin won’t lose Russia’s election, but his grip on power could be weakened
AP (January 9, 2024): A Communist candidate gets approval to run in the Russian presidential election
RFE/RL (January 5, 2024): Two Candidates Approved To Run Against Putin In Russian Presidential Election
Ukraine Presidential Election: March 2024 (due – delay likely)
Foreign Policy (January 4, 2024): The Ukraine War May Be Decided at the Ballot Box
Modern Diplomacy (January 4, 2024): Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces a perilous year ahead
Georgia Parliamentary Elections: October 2024 (due)
Givi Silagadze and CRRC, OC Media (January 10, 2024): Can political parties in Georgia survive abandonment by their leaders?
Emil Avdaliani, CEPA (January 5, 2024): The Return of Georgia’s Billionaire Éminence Grise
Luka Pertaia, RFE/RL (January 6, 2024): ‘No Real Relations’: Georgia Pivots Toward China As Taiwan Readies For Crucial Vote
Past Eurasia Elections
Kyrgyzstan Snap Presidential and Parliamentary Elections: 2021 (next elections due in 2027)
RFE/RL (January 5, 2024): Eccentric Kyrgyz Opposition Politician Dies In Pretrial Custody