November 15, 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 Avukana Buddha statue, widely believed to date from the 5th century, in northern Sri Lanka. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Carlos Delgado (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Upcoming Asia/Pacific Elections
India, State Legislative Assembly Elections in Jharkhand: November 13 and 20, 2024 and Maharashtra: November 20, 2024 (following elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana in October)
Menaka Doshi, Bloomberg (November 14, 2024): Maharashtra’s Election Winner Faces Storm Clouds
Bangladesh Snap Elections: Forthcoming
The Economist (November 13, 2024): After the revolution, Bangladesh is stable. For the moment
Tasmiah Ahmed and Darko Janjevic, DW (November 12, 2024): Bangladesh: How inclusive is the democratic restart?
Al Arabaya (November 10, 2024): Bangladeshi ousted-party protesters arrested with Trump signs
AP (November 8, 2024 – video): Thousands rally in Bangladesh capital as major political party demands quick reforms and an election
Past Asia/Pacific Elections
Sri Lanka Snap Parliamentary Elections: November 14, 2024
Sri Lanka held its first presidential election since the 2022 financial crisis on September 21. Marxist Anura Kumara Dissanayake won, defeating a number of establishment political figures. He then called snap parliamentary elections, in a bid to consolidate his power. Sri Lanka remains a key site of geopolitical competition, with China constantly seeking to expand its influence and India continuing to play a role.
Krishan Francis and Bharatha Mallawarachi, AP (November 15, 2024): Party of Sri Lanka’s new Marxist-leaning president wins two-thirds majority in parliament
Palau Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 5, 2024
Camilla Pohle, U.S. Institute of Peace (November 14, 2024): What to Know About Palau’s Election: Taiwan, China and Other Key Issues
Reuters (November 13, 2024): Palau president wins second term, will seek to diversify tiny Taiwan ally’s economy
William Yang, Voice of America (November 11, 2024): Palau’s president secures 2nd term amid attempt to navigate US-China competition
Japan Snap Parliamentary Elections: October 27, 2024
In August 2024, Japan’s then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced he was stepping down in the wake of a slush fund scandal in the governing Liberal Democratic Party. The party helped a leadership election on September 27, which former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba won. Following the election, Ishiba called a snap election for October 27, a move that had been widely expected.
Riley Walters and Iku Tsujihiro, Hudson Institute (November 13, 2024): Japan Election Brief: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Forms Second Administration
Mari Yamaguchi, AP (November 11, 2024): Japan’s reelected Prime Minister Ishiba vows to step up reform
DW (November 11, 2024): Japan: PM Ishiba chosen for new term, despite lost majority
Elections On Deck
Middle East
Posted: February 19, 2025 by 21votes Leave a Comment
February 18, 2025
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
Iraq Parliamentary Elections: Expected in October or November 2025 (delays possible)
Rudaw (February 13, 2025): Iraq’s dwindling Christians urge special voting status during elections
Lebanon Parliamentary Elections: May 2026 (due)
The Economist (February 13, 2025): Hizbullah’s decline is a boon for Lebanon’s new government
Washington Institute for Near East Policy (February 12, 2025): Lebanon’s New Government May Walk a Thin Line Between Promises and Compromises
Syria Elections: TBD
Ahmad Sharawi, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (February 14, 2025): Syria’s National Dialogue Committee: A Facade of Inclusivity
AFP (February 12, 2025): Syria to have new government on March 1, foreign minister says
Africa This Week: February 17, 2025
Last Updated: February 25, 2025 by 21votes Leave a Comment
February 17, 2025
A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in Africa, usually posted on Mondays and occasionally updated throughout the week.
Upcoming Africa Elections
Gabon Presidential and Legislative Elections: April 12, 2025
Africa Intelligence (February 13, 2025): Presidential hopefuls court diaspora in France
Cameroon Presidential Election: October 5, 2025
AFP (February 13, 2025): Cameroon leader turns 92 after nearly half his life in power
Tanzania Presidential, Legislative, and Local Elections: October 28, 2025
Bob Karashani, The East African (February 15, 2025): Fresh battle as Lissu lays out plan to block elections in Tanzania without law reforms
Julius March, The Citizen (February 12, 2025): Tighter race expected as Tanzania prepares for 2025 elections
Guinea Constitutional Referendum and Elections: TBD, following coup
Eromo Egbejule, The Guardian (February 11, 2025): ‘Each of us is afraid’: Guinea’s junta leader tightens grip as opposition lies low
Niger Elections: TBD, following coup
Timothy Obiezu, Voice of America (February 11, 2025): Optimism grows as Niger holds convention on transition plans
Past Africa Elections
Comoros Parliamentary Runoffs: February 16, 2025 (following first round on January 12)
Jamal Jamal, Anadolu Agency (February 16, 2025): Island nation of Comoros votes in 2nd round of parliamentary elections
African Union Chairperson Election: February 15-16, 2025
Kenya Times (February 16, 2025): Djibouti Wins AUC Elections
Alexis Akwagyiram, Semafor (February 12, 2025): African Union needs ‘urgent reform’ after leadership elections as US steps back
Togo Senate Elections (indirect, by local and regional councilors): February 15, 2025 (postponed from February 2)
AFP (February 16, 2025): Togo ruling party wins Senate election
AFP (February 15, 2025): Togo holds first-ever senate vote despite opposition outcry
Nelson C.J., OkayAfrica (February 14, 2024): Togo’s Democratic Future in Question Ahead of the Senatorial Election
February 2025 Election Outlook
Posted: February 17, 2025 by 21votes Leave a Comment
February 5, 2025
India, Delhi Legislative Assembly Election
February 7, 2025
Turks and Caicos Parliamentary Elections
February 9, 2025
Ecuador Presidential and Legislative Elections
Kosovo Parliamentary Elections
Liechtenstein Parliamentary Elections
Switzerland, Referendum on Environmental Responsibility
February 18, 2025
Bermuda (British Overseas Territory) House of Assembly Elections
February 23, 2025
Germany Snap Federal Parliamentary Elections
February 26, 2025
Anguilla (British Overseas Territory) Legislative Elections
February 27, 2025
Canada, Provincial Elections in Ontario
Americas This Week: November 16, 2025
Last Updated: February 24, 2025 by 21votes Leave a Comment
November 16, 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
Uruguay Presidential Runoff: November 24, 2024
Khalea Robertson, AS/COA (November 15, 2024): Poll Tracker: Uruguay’s 2024 Presidential Runoff
Bolivia Presidential and Legislative Elections: August 17, 2025
Amalendu Misra, The Conversation (November 11, 2024): Bolivia slides towards anarchy as two bitter rivals prepare for showdown 2025 election
Haiti General Elections: Postponed indefinitely
The Economist (November 11, 2024): Haiti has lost its prime minister. Gangs aren’t going anywhere
Evens Sanon, AP (November 10, 2024): Haiti replaces its prime minister, marking more turmoil in its democratic transition process
Jamie Whitehead, BBC (November 10, 2024): Haiti’s prime minister ousted after six months
Past Americas Elections
Chile Local Elections: October 27, 2024
Maximiliano Véjares, Global Americans (November 12, 2024): Traditional Parties Stage Comeback in Chilean Local Elections
Venezuela Presidential Election: July 28, 2024
Abel Alvarado and Veronica Calderon, CNN (November 16, 2024): Venezuela frees dozens of prisoners arrested after Maduro’s election victory
Elections On Deck
Asia This Week: November 15, 2025
Last Updated: February 24, 2025 by 21votes Leave a Comment
November 15, 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, State Legislative Assembly Elections in Jharkhand: November 13 and 20, 2024 and Maharashtra: November 20, 2024 (following elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana in October)
Menaka Doshi, Bloomberg (November 14, 2024): Maharashtra’s Election Winner Faces Storm Clouds
Bangladesh Snap Elections: Forthcoming
The Economist (November 13, 2024): After the revolution, Bangladesh is stable. For the moment
Tasmiah Ahmed and Darko Janjevic, DW (November 12, 2024): Bangladesh: How inclusive is the democratic restart?
Al Arabaya (November 10, 2024): Bangladeshi ousted-party protesters arrested with Trump signs
AP (November 8, 2024 – video): Thousands rally in Bangladesh capital as major political party demands quick reforms and an election
Past Asia/Pacific Elections
Sri Lanka Snap Parliamentary Elections: November 14, 2024
Sri Lanka held its first presidential election since the 2022 financial crisis on September 21. Marxist Anura Kumara Dissanayake won, defeating a number of establishment political figures. He then called snap parliamentary elections, in a bid to consolidate his power. Sri Lanka remains a key site of geopolitical competition, with China constantly seeking to expand its influence and India continuing to play a role.
Krishan Francis and Bharatha Mallawarachi, AP (November 15, 2024): Party of Sri Lanka’s new Marxist-leaning president wins two-thirds majority in parliament
Palau Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 5, 2024
Camilla Pohle, U.S. Institute of Peace (November 14, 2024): What to Know About Palau’s Election: Taiwan, China and Other Key Issues
Reuters (November 13, 2024): Palau president wins second term, will seek to diversify tiny Taiwan ally’s economy
William Yang, Voice of America (November 11, 2024): Palau’s president secures 2nd term amid attempt to navigate US-China competition
Japan Snap Parliamentary Elections: October 27, 2024
In August 2024, Japan’s then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced he was stepping down in the wake of a slush fund scandal in the governing Liberal Democratic Party. The party helped a leadership election on September 27, which former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba won. Following the election, Ishiba called a snap election for October 27, a move that had been widely expected.
Riley Walters and Iku Tsujihiro, Hudson Institute (November 13, 2024): Japan Election Brief: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Forms Second Administration
Mari Yamaguchi, AP (November 11, 2024): Japan’s reelected Prime Minister Ishiba vows to step up reform
DW (November 11, 2024): Japan: PM Ishiba chosen for new term, despite lost majority
Elections On Deck