June 14, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in Africa, usually posted on Mondays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
The famous Victoria Falls, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Zambia holds elections in August. Photo credit: Wikimedia/John Walker (public domain)
Upcoming Africa Elections
Ethiopia General Elections: June 21, 2021
Ethiopia will hold general elections on June 21, 2021, after several postponements. These elections are taking place in the context of increasing ethnic violence that has reached crisis levels. More
AFP (June 15, 2021): Ethiopian elections: Key states in regional structure
The Elephant (June 14, 2021 – video): Abiy, June 21st Elections and the Future of Ethiopia
BBC (June 14, 2021): Ethiopia’s election 2021: A quick guide
Reuters (June 12, 2021): U.S. says it is ‘gravely concerned’ about Ethiopia elections
Maria Gerth-Niculescu, DW (June 9, 2021): Ethiopia’s civil society seeks to carve its identity ahead of election
São Tomé and Príncipe Presidential Election: July 18, 2021
São Tomé and Príncipe holds a presidential election on July 18, 2021. Since the end of Marxist one-party rule in 1991, São Tomé and Príncipe has held regular elections with peaceful transfers of power, and is generally considered a free democracy. More
Maximino Carlos, RFI (June 12, 2021 – in Portuguese): More than a dozen candidates for the Sao Tome presidential election
Zambia General Elections: August 12, 2021
Zambia has scheduled general elections for August 12, 2021. Zambia used to be a model democracy in the region, with regular, competitive elections and a vibrant civil society. However, under Edgar Lungu, elected in 2015 to complete the term of Michael Sata (who died in office), Zambia began to regress toward authoritarianism. The 2016 elections were marred by political violence and allegations of vote-rigging but ultimately judged credible. However, there are fears that Lungu could try to rig the 2021 elections. More
Taonga Clifford Mitimingi and Matthew Hill, Bloomberg (June 15, 2021): Zambia Halts Election Campaigns in Capital After Violence
BBC (June 14, 2021): Edgar Lungu collapse: Zambia president assure public after im collapse during event
AFP (June 14, 2021): Zambia’s ‘founding father’ former president Kenneth Kaunda hospitalised
Reuters (June 11, 2021): Zambian Court Throws Out Second Challenge to Lungu Re-Election Bid
James Wan, African Arguments (June 9, 2021): HH: “Zambians want change…We don’t count how many times we run”: An interview with Zambia’s opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema on why Zambians should vote for him at a sixth time of asking.
South Africa Local Elections: October 27, 2021
South Africa will hold local elections on October 27, 2021. Voters will elect councils for all municipalities in each of the country’s nine provinces. More
Michael Lewis, Daily Maverick (June 10, 2021): The final countdown: 365 days until direct elections become law in South Africa
Jason Felix, News24 South Africa (June 10, 2021): Ramaphosa says no to postponing October’s local government elections
Leah Wilson and Khuleko Siwele, Bloomberg (June 9, 2021): South African Electoral Commission Says October Vote to Go Ahead
Nigeria, Anambra State Gubernatorial Election: November 6, 2021, followed by Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 23, 2023
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, holds elections in February 2023, but potential candidates have already begun jockeying for position. Since the return to civilian rule, vote-rigging and violence have plagued elections. While the 2015 polls – which handed the opposition its first-ever victory – were considered credible, international and Nigerian observers found that the 2019 polls fell short. The country is in the midst of several security crises.
Alonso Soto, Bloomberg (June 15, 2021): Nigeria’s Cratering Economy May Become Africa’s Biggest Threat
Lindsay Hundley, Hakeem Bishi and Shelby Grossman, Washington Post (June 15, 2021): 3 things to know about Nigeria’s Twitter ban: Governments around the world are using social media’s language on content moderation to crack down on these platforms
Emmanuel Akinwotu, The Guardian (June 14, 2021): Young, qualified and barely scraping by – inside Nigeria’s economic crisis
Azubuike Ishiekwene, Daily Maverick (June 8, 2021): Nigeria’s southeastern states descend into near anarchy as agitation for Biafran secession gains traction
Gambia Presidential Election: December 4, 2021
Gambia is due to hold its first presidential election since it began its remarkable transition to democracy in 2016, when citizens removed dictator Yahya Jammeh – who had come to power in a coup and ruled for 22 years – peacefully, via the ballot box. In a surprising election result, opposition candidate Adama Barrow won the presidency with the backing of a coalition of seven opposition parties. However, the process of establishing democracy and recovering from Jammeh’s brutal dictatorship has not been easy.
Although Barrow had initially pledged to serve only one term, he plans to run for re-election, which has sparked controversy and protests. More
Marième Soumaré, The Africa Report (June 9, 2021): Gambia: Will former president Yahya Jammeh (ever) go on trial?
Senegal Local Elections: January 23, 2022
Senegal has set local elections – originally due in June 2019 but delayed several times – for January 23, 2022. Meanwhile, legislative elections are due in July 2022.
Most recently, the arrest of an opposition leader sparked protests. More
Behdi Ba, Jeune Afrique (June 14, 2021 – in French): Local elections in Dakar: what does Macky Sall’s regime fear?
RFI (June 13, 2021 – in French): Senegal: Is President Macky Sall campaigning early?
Mali Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 27, 2022 (following two coups)
Mali has set presidential and legislative elections for February 27, 2022, following the August 2020 coup. In the coup, soldiers removed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, dissolved parliament (which had just been elected in April, in elections marred by fraud and intimidation) and established a transitional government. Before that, there will be a constitutional referendum on October 31, 2021 and local and regional elections on December 26.
On May 25, Mali had another coup, but leaders have stated that the elections will remain on the calendar for 2022. Nonetheless, the situation remains fluid.
RFI (June 14, 2021): New Mali government meets to discuss reforms, future elections
Jessica Le Masurier, France24 (June 14, 2021 – video): UN Security Council calls for free, fair elections in Mali to go ahead in 2022
Edith M. Lederer, AP (June 14, 2021): UN envoy: More insecurity in Mali will have “drastic” impact
Al Jazeera (June 11, 2021): Mali coup chief names new cabinet with army officers in key posts
DW (June 10, 2021): France: President Macron announces end of Sahel military operation
South Sudan Elections: December 2022 (planned)
South Sudan plans to hold elections in Deccember 2022, 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. Additional election delays are possible.
David Deng, African Argument (June 14, 2021): South Sudan’s other (more hopeful) peace process
John Tanza, Voice of America (June 14, 2021): South Sudan Blocks UN Peacekeepers from Volatile Areas
Chad Elections: By December 2022 (tentative, post-coup)
Chad held a presidential election on April 11, 2021. President Idriss Déby, seized power in a rebellion in 1990, won a sixth term. However, on April 20, he was killed by rebels.
Although the country holds elections, there has never been a change in power by a free or fair vote. Long-delayed long-delayed parliamentary elections had been set for October 24, 2021 and local elections for April 2022. Originally due in 2015, the legislative elections have been delayed multiple times. However, Deby’s death could lead to further delays – the military has said it plans to rule the country for 18 months. More
AFP (June 13, 2021 – in French): The party of the late president procrastinates before finding a successor
Eleanor Brown, Global Risk Insights (June 11, 2021): Chad – Death of Chad’s President Leaves Vacuum in the Heart of the Sahel
Madjiasra Nako, RFI (June 10, 2021 – in French): Chad: Prominent personalities call for a revision of the Charter of the Transitional Military Council
AFP (June 8, 2021): Chad Junta Authorizes Key Opposition Party
Past Africa Elections
Somaliland Parliamentary and Local Elections: May 31, 2021
Somaliland held its long-overdue parliamentary and local elections on May 31, 2021. The two main opposition parties, Waddani and UCID, together won more seats in parliament than the governing Kulmiye party. Waddani and UCID will team up to choose a parliament speaker and on local councils (where they also won). Somaliland is a presidential system, so there’s no PM. President Muse Bihi Abdi from Kulmiye remains head of state. But it is significant for democracy that the opposition won the “midterms.”
Somaliland has de facto but not internationally-recognized independence from Somalia, and has a much more developed democracy, with direct elections. More
Peter Fabricius, ISS Today (June 11, 2021): Somaliland’s election boosted its theoretical case for recognition
Matthew Gordon, World Politics Review (June 8, 2021): Somaliland’s Moment of Reckoning
Michelle Gavin, Council on Foreign Relations (June 8, 2021): Recognizing Somaliland’s Democratic Success
Central African Republic Partial Legislative Elections and Runoffs: March 14, 2021
The Central African Republic (CAR) held presidential and partial legislative elections on December 27, 2020 in the midst of a worsening security situation. Rebels disrupted voting in some areas, so consequently, those constituencies held the first round of their legislative elections on March 14, 2021. In addition, some of the constituencies that did vote on December 27 held runoff elections for their legislators.
These elections took place in the context of a humanitarian crisis and a crisis of governance. Sectarian clashes have been taking place since 2013. Moreover, Russia has ramped up its political and military involvement in exchange for mining rights. More
Al Jazeera (June 11, 2021): Henri Marie Dondra named Central African Republic prime minister
Al Jazeera (June 10, 2021): CAR Prime Minister Firmin Ngrebada and cabinet resign: The entire cabinet steps down in the latest political crisis to hit the country, but the president’s spokesman says the PM could be asked to lead the new administration.
Reuters (June 9, 2021): France suspends aid, military support for Central African Republic
Tanzania General Elections: October 25, 2020
Tanzania held presidential and legislative elections on October 25, 2020 in the context of a crackdown on the opposition and growing authoritarianism. President John Magufuli, whose Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has been in power since 1961, won a second term, but the opposition said the elections were neither free nor fair. Opposition figures have been arrested, assaulted, and murdered.
However, in March 2021, Magufuli died of COVID-19, and then-vice president Samia Suluhu Hassan became the country’s first female president. Some have hoped that she would enact reforms geared toward restoring democracy. More
Sophie Neiman, World Politics Review (June 11, 2021): Tanzania’s New President Wrestles With Magufuli’s Legacy
Abdul Halim, The Africa Report (June 9, 2021): Tanzania: ‘People are exercising their freedom of speech’ says Zitto Kabwe
Mauritania Presidential Election: June 22, 2019
Mauritania held a presidential election in June 2019 that offered a glimmer of hope. While the ruling Union for the Republic party’s candidate, Defense Minister Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, won, and there were irregularities, opposition candidates, including anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, participated. This contrasts with the 2014 presidential election, which the opposition boycotted.
The Economist (June 10, 2021): Mauritania may be changing for the better
Zimbabwe General Elections: July 30, 2018
A coup in 2017 led to the fall of Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s longtime dictator, who left a legacy of gross economic mismanagement and political repression. However, democracy continues to face many challenges in Zimbabwe.
David B. Moore, The Conversation (June 10, 2021): A new film about Zimbabwe’s 2018 elections is worth watching, but flawed
Sizo Nkala, Daily Maverick (June 9, 2021): Investing for the future: China’s bankrolling of Zanu’s liberation struggle has paid off handsomely
China’s Activities in Africa
Bradley Bowman and Morgan Lorraine Viña, The Dispatch (June 8, 2021): China’s Potemkin Peacekeeping
Africa Elections Coming Up in 2021 and 2022
Ethiopia General Elections: June 21, 2021
Mauritius Local Elections: June 2021 (due – delay likely)
Sao Tome and Principe Presidential Election: July 18, 2021
Zambia Presidential, Legislative, and Local Elections: August 12, 2021
Somalia Indirect Presidential and Legislative Elections: By August 2021 (due, following agreement)
Cabo Verde Presidential Election: October 17, 2021
South Africa Municipal Elections: October 27, 2021
Nigeria, Anambra State Gubernatorial Election: November 6, 2021
Gambia Presidential Election: December 4, 2021
Angola Local Elections: Overdue, might possibly happen in 2021
Senegal Local Elections: January 23, 2021
Mali Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 27, 2022 (following coup)
Gambia Parliamentary Elections: April 2022 (due)
Burkina Faso Local Elections: May 2022 (due)
Lesotho Parliamentary Elections: June 2022 (due)
Republic of Congo Legislative Elections: July 2022 (due)
Senegal Legislative Elections: July 2022 (due)
Kenya Presidential and Legislative Elections: August 9, 2022
Angola Legislative Elections: August 2022 (due)
Sao Tome and Principe Parliamentary Elections: October 2022 (due)
Equatorial Guinea Parliamentary Elections: November 2022 (due)
Sudan General Elections: December 2022 (planned – 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 This Week: June 16, 2021
Last Updated: June 26, 2021 by 21votes Leave a Comment
June 16, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in Europe, usually posted on Wednesdays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
Upcoming Europe Elections
France Regional Elections: June 20, 2021 and Presidential Election: April 2022 (due)
France holds regional elections on June 20, 2021, with a second round on June 27 (delayed from June 13). These come ahead of next year’s presidential and legislative elections, where President Emmanuel Macron potentially faces a formidable challenge from the far-right. More
John Lichfield, Politico (June 17, 2021): France on the verge of a nervous breakdown
The Economist (June 15, 2021): The French hard right eyes its first regional presidency
Leila Abboud, Financial Times (June 16, 2021): Marine Le Pen looks for an electoral boost on the French Riviera: Win in regional ballot could lift far right leader’s chances in 2022 presidential poll
Elian Peltier, New York Times (June 12, 2021): French Political Leader Pelted With Flour During Protest
Aude Mazoue, France24 (June 10, 2021): Macron slap may herald a tense campaign ahead of French presidential elections
Bulgaria Snap Parliamentary Elections: July 11, 2021
Bulgaria is holding fresh parliamentary elections on July 11 after no party formed a government following the April 4 elections. In those polls, PM Boyko Borissov’s center-right GERB won the most seats, but lost ground and failed to win a majority. New parties running against the establishment did surprisingly well – in fact, a party called There Is Such a People, led by TV star Stanislav Trifonov, came in second and ruled out forming a coalition with GERB. Trifonov’s main platform was anti-corruption – indeed, corruption was the biggest issue in the election. More
Sinisa Jakov Marusic, Balkan Insight (June 16, 2021): North Macedonia, Bulgaria Boost Talks on History Dispute
Boryana Dzhambazova and Lili Bayer, Politico (June 15, 2021): Bulgaria sinks under wave of pre-election scandals: Ahead of elections on July 11, Bulgarians are confronted by alarming revelations of state capture
Milana Nikolova, Emerging Europe (June 15, 2021): Bulgarians look to Romania’s Kövesi to fight high-level corruption
Reuters (June 11, 2021): We are here for you, EU chief prosecutor tells Bulgarians
SeeNews (June 10, 2021): Bulgaria’s GERB-UDF coalition keeps lead ahead of July 11 snap vote – polls
Iceland Parliamentary Elections: September 25, 2021
Iceland holds elections for the Althing, its parliament (which has a strong claim to be the oldest parliament in the world), September 25, 2021. The current government is a broad coalition of the Left-Green Movement, the conservative Independence Party, and the agrarian Progressive Party. More
Andie Sophia Fontaine, The Reykjavik Grapevine (June 16, 2021): Poll: Conservatives See Upswing, Progressives And Reform Party Slide Back
Germany Bundestag Elections: September 26, 2021 (plus state elections throughout the year)
Germany is holding several sets of elections next year, culminating in the September 26, 2021 federal parliamentary elections that will determine who succeeds Angela Merkel as chancellor. Additionally, five states hold elections. The year 2021 is thus a “Superwahljahr” (Super election year) in Germany.
Following an intense fight, CDU and CSU nominated CDU leader Armin Laschet to be their candidate for chancellor. He defeated the Bavarian Markus Söder, who is more popular with voters. Meanwhile, over the past year, the Greens have taken SPD’s place as the main center-left party. They have portrayed themselves as responsible and mainstream, and have governed as such when in state governments. Consequently, Annalena Baerbock could become the first Green head of government in the history of the world. However, despite his unpopularity, Armin Laschet remains the favorite to succeed Merkel as chancellor. Nonetheless, German voters have a real choice and Baerbock, who comes from the party’s “realo” (moderate) wing as opposed to the “fundi” (radical) wing – has an actual shot at the top job. More
Stefan Nicola, Bloomberg (June 14, 2021): How Germany’s Greens Moved From Fringe to Contenders
Reuters (June 13, 2021): Germany’s Laschet vows to raise military spending if elected
Erika Solomon, Financial Times (June 13, 2021): Greens vow to turn Germany into ‘socio-ecological economy’
Kathleen Schuster, DW (June 11, 2021): Retirement pay: The most controversial German election issue
Jens Thurau, DW (June 10, 2021): Germany’s Green party: Internal strife and drop in opinion polls
Czech Republic Parliamentary Elections: October 8-9, 2021
The Czech Republic has scheduled parliamentary elections for October 8-9, 2021. The current prime minister, controversial billionaire Andrej Babiš, came to power following the 2017 parliamentary elections. His populist ANO party won a plurality, but not majority, of seats, and he has had a turbulent tenure in office. More
Radio Prague International (June 16, 2021): Czech TV poll puts Pirate Party, Mayors and Independents at the top
Lenka Ponikelska, Bloomberg (June 16, 2021): Pirate Leader Seeks to Oust Czech Billionaire and Embrace Europe
Estonia Municipal Elections: October 17, 2021
Estonia – a poster child for a successful post-communist transition to democracy – will hold municipal elections on October 17, 2021. Since January 2021, Estonia’s government has been a grand coalition of the center-right Reform Party and the centrist Centre Party, which has historically been supported by Estonia’s Russian community. Following the 2019 elections, Centre shocked the country by forming a government with the far-right EKRE, but PM Juri Ratas was forced to resign in January 2021 following a real estate scandal. Subsequently, Reform – previously in opposition – formed a coalition with Centre as the junior partner, making Reform’s Kaja Kallas Estonia’s first female prime minister. More
ERR News (June 14, 2021): Speaker calls Riigikogu presidential election session for August 30
North Macedonia Local Elections: October 2021 (due)
North Macedonia is due to hold local elections in October 2021. These follow parliamentary elections in July 2020. Following a historic agreement with Greece, and a name change, North Macedonia joined NATO in 2020 and is currently in talks to join the EU (although now Bulgaria is trying to hold that up). The country’s politics are fragmented and fractious. The 2020 elections were extremely close, but ultimately PM Zoran Zaev and his Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) were able to once again form a government with the backing of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), the main ethnic Albanian party (ethnic Albanians make up about a quarter of the population).
SDSM also controls most of the municipalities heading into the upcoming local elections, having beaten the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE in a majority of municipalities and ousting the VMRO-DMPNE mayor of Skopje.
Denmark Regional and Municipal Elections: November 16, 2021
Denmark is holding regional and municipal elections on November 16, 2021. The current government consists of the Social Democrats, with confidence and supply from several other left-of-center parties, led by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. This government came to power following the 2019 elections, which saw the defeat of Lars Løkke Rasmussen‘s center-right coalition. The Social Democrats currently hold the most seats on local councils throughout the country, and control the governments of Copenhagen and the second-biggest city, Aarhus.
TheLocak.dk (June 15, 2021): Danish Social Democrats slump in polls as corona effect wears off
Hungary Parliamentary Elections: By Spring 2022 (or earlier)
Hungary is due to hold parliamentary elections by Spring 2022, although snap elections are possible. Prime Minster Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has become increasingly authoritarian, to the concern of many both in Hungary and in the international community. A number of opposition parties plan to hold a primary to field a single candidate for prime minister. Gergely Karácsony, the liberal mayor of Budapest, is seen by many as a leading candidate to challenge Orbán.
Reuters (June 15, 2021): Hungary’s parliament passes anti-LGBT law ahead of 2022 election
Reid Standish and Balint Szalai, RFE/RL (June 13, 2021): ‘The Underhanded Sale Of Our Sovereignty’: How China Became An Election Issue In Hungary
Emma Graham-Harrison, The Guardian (June 12, 2021): Opposition forces Orbán into U-turn over Chinese campus plan in Budapest
Poland Parliamentary Elections: Fall 2023 (snap possible)
Poland is due to hold parliamentary elections in fall 2023, but snap elections are possible if the three-party government headed by the conservative Law and Justice does not hold together.
Euronews/AP (June 14, 2021): Poland’s ruling conservatives suffer defeat in local mayoral election
Maciej Onoszko and Wojciech Moskwa, June 13, 2021): Municipal Ballot Loss Revives Divisions in Polish Coalition
Wojciech Kość, Politico (June 12, 2021): Poland’s opposition hopes local election will turn its fortunes
Past Europe Elections
Finland Local Elections: June 13, 2021 (postponed from April)
Finland held municipal elections on June 13, 2021, delayed from April due to COVID-19. Following the 2019 parliamentary elections, a left-leaning coalition came into government nationally. The conservative National Coalition Party won the most seats in the local elections, with the Social Democrats placing second. The far-right Finns Party made gains in its vote share. More
Leo Laikola, Bloomberg (June 14, 2021): Finland’s Opposition Conservatives Triumph in Local Elections
Jari Tanner, AP (June 13, 2021): Finland’s local elections a test for nation’s young leader
Charlie Duxbury, Politico (June 12, 2021): Finnish far right hopes to use local elections as national springboard
Albania Parliamentary Elections: April 25, 2021
Albania held parliamentary elections on April 25, 2021 in a tense political climate with several violent incidents. Since communism collapsed in 1990, Albania has held competitive elections and several transitions of power between political parties. The elections were close, and the incumbent Socialist Party won a third term in office, defeating the main opposition center-right Democratic Party. More
Fjori Sinoruka, Balkan Insight (June 14, 2021): Basha Reelected Leader of Albania’s Democrats Despite Election Rout
Netherlands Parliamentary Elections: March 17, 2021
Netherlands held parliamentary elections on March 17, 2020. Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s center-right VVD once again won the most seats, but negotiations continue – three months after the vote – to decide which parties will make up the next government. More
Reuters (June 13, 2021): Dutch political gridlock deepens as key lawmaker quits Christian Democrat party
Europe Elections Coming Up in 2021 and 2022
France Regional Elections: June 20 and 27, 2021 (delayed from June 13 and June 20)
Bulgaria Fresh Parliamentary Elections: July 11, 2021
Norway Parliamentary Elections: September 13, 2021
Iceland Parliamentary Elections: September 25, 2021
Germany Bundestag Elections, plus state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and probably Thuringia: September 26, 2021
Austria, Upper Austria State and Municipal Elections: September 26, 2021
Czech Republic Parliamentary Elections: October 8-9, 2021
Italy Municipal Elections, plus regional elections in Calabria: October 10-11, 2021
Estonia Local Elections: October 17, 2021
North Macedonia Local Elections: October 2021 (due)
Portugal Local Elections: October 2021 (due)
Bulgaria Presidential Election: October/November 2021 (due)
Denmark Regional and Municipal Elections: November 16, 2021
Kosovo Local Elections: Due in 2021
Serbia Presidential and Parliamentary Elections: March/April 2022
France Presidential Election: April 2022 (due)
Austria Presidential Election: April 2022 (due)
Hungary Parliamentary Elections: April 2022 (due)
Slovenia Parliamentary Elections: By June 5, 2022
Malta Parliamentary Elections: June 2022 (due – snap elections possible)
Sweden Parliamentary Elections: September 11, 2022
Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential and Legislative Elections: October 2022 (due)
Latvia Parliamentary Elections: October 2022 (due)
Slovenia Presidential Election: October/November 2022 (due)
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content. That is to say, their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
Middle East This Week: June 15, 2021
Last Updated: June 26, 2021 by 21votes Leave a Comment
June 15, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in the greater Middle East and North Africa, usually posted on Tuesdays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
Upcoming Middle East Elections
Iran Presidential and Local Elections: June 18, 2021
Iran has scheduled its next presidential election for June 18, 2021, with concurrent local elections. While Iran is far from a free country, and the elections are largely rigged, voters do have a degree of choice. For this election, the Guardian Council (which must approve all candidacies) has allowed seven candidates on the ballot, and mostly excluded moderates and establishment figures, including a number of prominent names. This seemed to be calculated to clear the way for hardline judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi to win. More
Al Monitor (June 16, 2021): Iran’s Reformists face tough choice between participation or boycotting election
AP (June 15, 2021): Reformist drops out of Iran election on last day of campaign
Miriam Berger, Washington Post (June 15, 2021): What to know about Ebrahim Raisi, the front-runner in Iran’s presidential election
Jon Gambrell, AP (June 15, 2021): Analysis: Subdued Iran vote will still impact wider Mideast
Bobby Ghosh, Bloomberg (June 15, 2021): Iran’s Election Is All About Supreme Leader’s Toxic Legacy
RFE/RL (June 12, 2021): Barred Big-Name Candidate Publicly Challenges Iran’s Election Vetters
AP (June 11, 2021): As Iran prepares to vote, its battered economy a major worry
The Economist (June 10, 2021): Iran has rigged its election to favour Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner
Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Elections: July 25, 2021
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), part of the Pakistan-administered portion of the disputed region of Kashmir, will hold elections on July 25, 2021. These follow elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, the other part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The elections were originally due by April 2, 2021, but have been delayed.
The region is a geopolitical hotspot. Tensions with India (India and Pakistan have fought three wars, including two over Kashmir) are growing and both sides are upping their military presence. Moreover, the area is a centerpiece of China’s Belt and Road, which further inflames Pakistan’s relations with India.
The Nation Pakistan (June 10, 2021): Elections in AJK to be held on July 25
Jordan Local Elections: By September 2021 (due)
Jordan is due to hold local elections by September 2021. These follow parliamentary elections, which happened on November 10, 2020. Turnout was low, and both women and Islamist candidates saw poor results. More
David Linfield, Carnegie Endowment (June 16, 2021): Jordan Could Repair Public Rift With These Five Reforms
Osama al-Sharif, Arab News (June 16, 2021): Political will required for Jordanian reform to materialize
Khaled Yacoub Oweis, The National UAE (June 10, 2021): Jordan’s King Abdullah II forms committee to modernise political system
Libya Parliamentary and Presidential Elections: December 24, 2021 (tentative)
Libya’s national elections are overdue and have been postponed indefinitely due to the political crisis and civil war. However, in November 2020, Libyan stakeholders participating in UN-sponsored talks proposed December 24, 2021 for presidential and parliamentary elections. More
Rym Momtaz, Politico (June 16, 2021): Macron pitches Biden on plan to get foreign fighters out of Libya
Ufuk Necat Tasci, TRT World (June 16, 2021): Will Gaddafi’s son make a run for Libya’s presidency?
Samer al-Atrush, The Times of London (June 11, 2021): Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam wants to run for Libya president
Lebanon Parliamentary Elections: May 2022 (due)
Lebanon is due to hold general elections in May 2022, although some parties have called for early elections. The country has been in a political crisis and without a government since the port explosion in Beirut, in which 215 people died, 7,500 were injured, and 300,000 were left homeless. Moreover, Lebanon is in an economic crisis.
Souad Lazkani, The961 (June 14, 2021): We Spoke To Nadine Moussa, Lebanon’s First Female Presidential Candidate & She Proposed Actual Solutions
Past Middle East Elections
Algeria Snap Legislative Elections: June 12, 2021, followed by local elections later this year
Algeria will hold snap elections on June 12, 2021, following more than two years of protests by the Hirak movement. However, the government’s election plan has not actually satisfied the Hirak, who continue to take to the streets and have decided to boycott the elections. The absence of the Hirak, who are mostly secular, from the elections has paved the way for Islamist parties to become the main opposition. Ultimately, the FLN, the country’s long-dominant nationalist secular party, won the elections.
Reuters (June 15, 2021): Algeria’s FLN remains biggest party after election
Heba Saleh and Mohamed Arezki Himeur, Financial Times (June 15, 2021): Algeria on the brink as pandemic and low oil price take their toll
AP (June 13, 2021): Algeria election gets low turnout after boycotting
Edeard Yeranian, Voice of America (June 12, 2021): Algeria Holds First Parliamentary Elections Since Popular Revolt in 2019
Andrew Farrand, Atlantic Council (June 10, 2021): Parliamentary elections won’t rescue Algeria from its legitimacy problem
Israel Parliamentary Elections, Take 4: March 23, 2021
On March 23, 2021, Israel held its fourth general election in two years after the collapse of the unity government of Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz. Neither Netanyahu’s allies nor his opponents won a majority. Netanyahu, whose conservative Likud party won the most seats, had the first chance to form a coalition, but he failed. Subsequently,Yair Lapid from the centrist Yesh Atid formed a broad coalition with conservative Naftali Bennett, with Bennett as prime minister for a time before rotating the position to Lapid. A number of other parties are in the coalition, which passed a Knesset vote on June 14, thus ending Netanyahu’s 12 years in office. More
New York Times (June 15, 2021): Israel’s Parliament Approves New Government, Ousting Netanyahu
Antonia Noori Farzan and Claire Parker, Washington Post (June 14, 2021): From Israel to Ireland, longtime opponents have formed odd coalitions to seize power
The Guardian (June 13, 2021 – video): Israeli elections: Raucous scenes in Knesset as Benjamin Netanyahu ousted from office
Editorial Board, Wall Street Journal (June 13, 2021): Israel’s Electoral Lessons for the West: A new government takes power, but many parties led to years of stalemate.
Farah Swellam, Jerusalem Post (June 12, 2021): Ra’am: A party with a complex history, imperative in creating new gov’t: Though it is easy to not look beyond the label Islamist, there is more to Ra’am than what meets the eye.
Tunisia Presidential and Legislative Elections: September/October 2019
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. The results indicated a rejection of the main political parties and post-Ben Ali political ideologies (Islamism and secular liberalism). However, some concerns lingered about the democratic process.
Reuters (June 15, 2021): Tunisia President wants debate on new political system, constitutional amendment
Hande Ortay and Hamoon Khelghat-Doost, Daily Sabah (June 15, 2021): Will the women of the Arab Spring change Tunisia?
Simon Speakman Cordall, The Guardian (June 15, 2021): Protests over police violence spread through Tunisian capital
Middle East Elections Coming Up in 2021 and 2022
Iran Presidential and Local Elections: June 18, 2021
Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Elections: June/July 2021 (proposed – date not set yet)
Jordan Local and Gubernatorial Elections: August 2021 (due)
Morocco Legislative, Provincial, and Local Elections: September 8, 2021
Iraq Parliamentary Elections: October 10, 2021
Qatar Shura Council Elections: October 2021 (proposed)
Libya Presidential and Parliamentary Elections: December 24, 2021
Lebanon Parliamentary Elections: May 2022 (due)
Bahrain Parliamentary Elections: November 2022 (due)
Algeria Local Elections: November 2022 (due – earlier elections possible)
Egypt Local Elections: Due and discussed, but not scheduled
Oman Municipal Elections: Due, but postponed due to COVID-19
Palestinian Authority Presidential and Legislative Elections: Long overdue, postponed yet again, no date set
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content, and their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
Africa This Week: June 14, 2021
Last Updated: June 23, 2021 by 21votes Leave a Comment
June 14, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in Africa, usually posted on Mondays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
Upcoming Africa Elections
Ethiopia General Elections: June 21, 2021
Ethiopia will hold general elections on June 21, 2021, after several postponements. These elections are taking place in the context of increasing ethnic violence that has reached crisis levels. More
AFP (June 15, 2021): Ethiopian elections: Key states in regional structure
The Elephant (June 14, 2021 – video): Abiy, June 21st Elections and the Future of Ethiopia
BBC (June 14, 2021): Ethiopia’s election 2021: A quick guide
Reuters (June 12, 2021): U.S. says it is ‘gravely concerned’ about Ethiopia elections
Maria Gerth-Niculescu, DW (June 9, 2021): Ethiopia’s civil society seeks to carve its identity ahead of election
São Tomé and Príncipe Presidential Election: July 18, 2021
São Tomé and Príncipe holds a presidential election on July 18, 2021. Since the end of Marxist one-party rule in 1991, São Tomé and Príncipe has held regular elections with peaceful transfers of power, and is generally considered a free democracy. More
Maximino Carlos, RFI (June 12, 2021 – in Portuguese): More than a dozen candidates for the Sao Tome presidential election
Zambia General Elections: August 12, 2021
Zambia has scheduled general elections for August 12, 2021. Zambia used to be a model democracy in the region, with regular, competitive elections and a vibrant civil society. However, under Edgar Lungu, elected in 2015 to complete the term of Michael Sata (who died in office), Zambia began to regress toward authoritarianism. The 2016 elections were marred by political violence and allegations of vote-rigging but ultimately judged credible. However, there are fears that Lungu could try to rig the 2021 elections. More
Taonga Clifford Mitimingi and Matthew Hill, Bloomberg (June 15, 2021): Zambia Halts Election Campaigns in Capital After Violence
BBC (June 14, 2021): Edgar Lungu collapse: Zambia president assure public after im collapse during event
AFP (June 14, 2021): Zambia’s ‘founding father’ former president Kenneth Kaunda hospitalised
Reuters (June 11, 2021): Zambian Court Throws Out Second Challenge to Lungu Re-Election Bid
James Wan, African Arguments (June 9, 2021): HH: “Zambians want change…We don’t count how many times we run”: An interview with Zambia’s opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema on why Zambians should vote for him at a sixth time of asking.
South Africa Local Elections: October 27, 2021
South Africa will hold local elections on October 27, 2021. Voters will elect councils for all municipalities in each of the country’s nine provinces. More
Michael Lewis, Daily Maverick (June 10, 2021): The final countdown: 365 days until direct elections become law in South Africa
Jason Felix, News24 South Africa (June 10, 2021): Ramaphosa says no to postponing October’s local government elections
Leah Wilson and Khuleko Siwele, Bloomberg (June 9, 2021): South African Electoral Commission Says October Vote to Go Ahead
Nigeria, Anambra State Gubernatorial Election: November 6, 2021, followed by Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 23, 2023
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, holds elections in February 2023, but potential candidates have already begun jockeying for position. Since the return to civilian rule, vote-rigging and violence have plagued elections. While the 2015 polls – which handed the opposition its first-ever victory – were considered credible, international and Nigerian observers found that the 2019 polls fell short. The country is in the midst of several security crises.
Alonso Soto, Bloomberg (June 15, 2021): Nigeria’s Cratering Economy May Become Africa’s Biggest Threat
Lindsay Hundley, Hakeem Bishi and Shelby Grossman, Washington Post (June 15, 2021): 3 things to know about Nigeria’s Twitter ban: Governments around the world are using social media’s language on content moderation to crack down on these platforms
Emmanuel Akinwotu, The Guardian (June 14, 2021): Young, qualified and barely scraping by – inside Nigeria’s economic crisis
Azubuike Ishiekwene, Daily Maverick (June 8, 2021): Nigeria’s southeastern states descend into near anarchy as agitation for Biafran secession gains traction
Gambia Presidential Election: December 4, 2021
Gambia is due to hold its first presidential election since it began its remarkable transition to democracy in 2016, when citizens removed dictator Yahya Jammeh – who had come to power in a coup and ruled for 22 years – peacefully, via the ballot box. In a surprising election result, opposition candidate Adama Barrow won the presidency with the backing of a coalition of seven opposition parties. However, the process of establishing democracy and recovering from Jammeh’s brutal dictatorship has not been easy.
Although Barrow had initially pledged to serve only one term, he plans to run for re-election, which has sparked controversy and protests. More
Marième Soumaré, The Africa Report (June 9, 2021): Gambia: Will former president Yahya Jammeh (ever) go on trial?
Senegal Local Elections: January 23, 2022
Senegal has set local elections – originally due in June 2019 but delayed several times – for January 23, 2022. Meanwhile, legislative elections are due in July 2022.
Most recently, the arrest of an opposition leader sparked protests. More
Behdi Ba, Jeune Afrique (June 14, 2021 – in French): Local elections in Dakar: what does Macky Sall’s regime fear?
RFI (June 13, 2021 – in French): Senegal: Is President Macky Sall campaigning early?
Mali Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 27, 2022 (following two coups)
Mali has set presidential and legislative elections for February 27, 2022, following the August 2020 coup. In the coup, soldiers removed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, dissolved parliament (which had just been elected in April, in elections marred by fraud and intimidation) and established a transitional government. Before that, there will be a constitutional referendum on October 31, 2021 and local and regional elections on December 26.
On May 25, Mali had another coup, but leaders have stated that the elections will remain on the calendar for 2022. Nonetheless, the situation remains fluid.
RFI (June 14, 2021): New Mali government meets to discuss reforms, future elections
Jessica Le Masurier, France24 (June 14, 2021 – video): UN Security Council calls for free, fair elections in Mali to go ahead in 2022
Edith M. Lederer, AP (June 14, 2021): UN envoy: More insecurity in Mali will have “drastic” impact
Al Jazeera (June 11, 2021): Mali coup chief names new cabinet with army officers in key posts
DW (June 10, 2021): France: President Macron announces end of Sahel military operation
South Sudan Elections: December 2022 (planned)
South Sudan plans to hold elections in Deccember 2022, 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. Additional election delays are possible.
David Deng, African Argument (June 14, 2021): South Sudan’s other (more hopeful) peace process
John Tanza, Voice of America (June 14, 2021): South Sudan Blocks UN Peacekeepers from Volatile Areas
Chad Elections: By December 2022 (tentative, post-coup)
Chad held a presidential election on April 11, 2021. President Idriss Déby, seized power in a rebellion in 1990, won a sixth term. However, on April 20, he was killed by rebels.
Although the country holds elections, there has never been a change in power by a free or fair vote. Long-delayed long-delayed parliamentary elections had been set for October 24, 2021 and local elections for April 2022. Originally due in 2015, the legislative elections have been delayed multiple times. However, Deby’s death could lead to further delays – the military has said it plans to rule the country for 18 months. More
AFP (June 13, 2021 – in French): The party of the late president procrastinates before finding a successor
Eleanor Brown, Global Risk Insights (June 11, 2021): Chad – Death of Chad’s President Leaves Vacuum in the Heart of the Sahel
Madjiasra Nako, RFI (June 10, 2021 – in French): Chad: Prominent personalities call for a revision of the Charter of the Transitional Military Council
AFP (June 8, 2021): Chad Junta Authorizes Key Opposition Party
Past Africa Elections
Somaliland Parliamentary and Local Elections: May 31, 2021
Somaliland held its long-overdue parliamentary and local elections on May 31, 2021. The two main opposition parties, Waddani and UCID, together won more seats in parliament than the governing Kulmiye party. Waddani and UCID will team up to choose a parliament speaker and on local councils (where they also won). Somaliland is a presidential system, so there’s no PM. President Muse Bihi Abdi from Kulmiye remains head of state. But it is significant for democracy that the opposition won the “midterms.”
Somaliland has de facto but not internationally-recognized independence from Somalia, and has a much more developed democracy, with direct elections. More
Peter Fabricius, ISS Today (June 11, 2021): Somaliland’s election boosted its theoretical case for recognition
Matthew Gordon, World Politics Review (June 8, 2021): Somaliland’s Moment of Reckoning
Michelle Gavin, Council on Foreign Relations (June 8, 2021): Recognizing Somaliland’s Democratic Success
Central African Republic Partial Legislative Elections and Runoffs: March 14, 2021
The Central African Republic (CAR) held presidential and partial legislative elections on December 27, 2020 in the midst of a worsening security situation. Rebels disrupted voting in some areas, so consequently, those constituencies held the first round of their legislative elections on March 14, 2021. In addition, some of the constituencies that did vote on December 27 held runoff elections for their legislators.
These elections took place in the context of a humanitarian crisis and a crisis of governance. Sectarian clashes have been taking place since 2013. Moreover, Russia has ramped up its political and military involvement in exchange for mining rights. More
Al Jazeera (June 11, 2021): Henri Marie Dondra named Central African Republic prime minister
Al Jazeera (June 10, 2021): CAR Prime Minister Firmin Ngrebada and cabinet resign: The entire cabinet steps down in the latest political crisis to hit the country, but the president’s spokesman says the PM could be asked to lead the new administration.
Reuters (June 9, 2021): France suspends aid, military support for Central African Republic
Tanzania General Elections: October 25, 2020
Tanzania held presidential and legislative elections on October 25, 2020 in the context of a crackdown on the opposition and growing authoritarianism. President John Magufuli, whose Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has been in power since 1961, won a second term, but the opposition said the elections were neither free nor fair. Opposition figures have been arrested, assaulted, and murdered.
However, in March 2021, Magufuli died of COVID-19, and then-vice president Samia Suluhu Hassan became the country’s first female president. Some have hoped that she would enact reforms geared toward restoring democracy. More
Sophie Neiman, World Politics Review (June 11, 2021): Tanzania’s New President Wrestles With Magufuli’s Legacy
Abdul Halim, The Africa Report (June 9, 2021): Tanzania: ‘People are exercising their freedom of speech’ says Zitto Kabwe
Mauritania Presidential Election: June 22, 2019
Mauritania held a presidential election in June 2019 that offered a glimmer of hope. While the ruling Union for the Republic party’s candidate, Defense Minister Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, won, and there were irregularities, opposition candidates, including anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, participated. This contrasts with the 2014 presidential election, which the opposition boycotted.
The Economist (June 10, 2021): Mauritania may be changing for the better
Zimbabwe General Elections: July 30, 2018
A coup in 2017 led to the fall of Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s longtime dictator, who left a legacy of gross economic mismanagement and political repression. However, democracy continues to face many challenges in Zimbabwe.
David B. Moore, The Conversation (June 10, 2021): A new film about Zimbabwe’s 2018 elections is worth watching, but flawed
Sizo Nkala, Daily Maverick (June 9, 2021): Investing for the future: China’s bankrolling of Zanu’s liberation struggle has paid off handsomely
China’s Activities in Africa
Bradley Bowman and Morgan Lorraine Viña, The Dispatch (June 8, 2021): China’s Potemkin Peacekeeping
Africa Elections Coming Up in 2021 and 2022
Ethiopia General Elections: June 21, 2021
Mauritius Local Elections: June 2021 (due – delay likely)
Sao Tome and Principe Presidential Election: July 18, 2021
Zambia Presidential, Legislative, and Local Elections: August 12, 2021
Somalia Indirect Presidential and Legislative Elections: By August 2021 (due, following agreement)
Cabo Verde Presidential Election: October 17, 2021
South Africa Municipal Elections: October 27, 2021
Nigeria, Anambra State Gubernatorial Election: November 6, 2021
Gambia Presidential Election: December 4, 2021
Angola Local Elections: Overdue, might possibly happen in 2021
Senegal Local Elections: January 23, 2021
Mali Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 27, 2022 (following coup)
Gambia Parliamentary Elections: April 2022 (due)
Burkina Faso Local Elections: May 2022 (due)
Lesotho Parliamentary Elections: June 2022 (due)
Republic of Congo Legislative Elections: July 2022 (due)
Senegal Legislative Elections: July 2022 (due)
Kenya Presidential and Legislative Elections: August 9, 2022
Angola Legislative Elections: August 2022 (due)
Sao Tome and Principe Parliamentary Elections: October 2022 (due)
Equatorial Guinea Parliamentary Elections: November 2022 (due)
Sudan General Elections: December 2022 (planned – 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.
Americas This Week: June 12, 2021
Last Updated: June 22, 2021 by 21votes Leave a Comment
June 12, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in the Americas, usually posted on Saturdays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
Upcoming Americas Elections
Argentina Provincial Elections in Misiones: June 6, 2021 and Jujuy: June 27, 2021, followed by Midterm Legislative Elections: November 14, 2021 (postponed from October)
Argentina’s Misiones Province in the far north of the country holds provincial elections on June 6, and nearby Jujuy on June 27. Although most of the country’s 23 provinces hold their elections at the same time as presidential elections (which last took place in 2019 and are due again in 2023), a few are due to hold elections this year, ahead of midterm legislative elections due this fall.
Argentina’s 2021 elections – both provincial and legislative – are happening in the context of an economic crisis, which the leftist government and COVID-19 have exacerbated.
Federico Sturzenegger, Americas Quarterly (June 9, 2021): Kirchnerism’s Paradoxical Staying Power
MercoPress (June 8, 2021): Argentina: Kirchnerites barely surpass 14% of votes in Misiones provincial mid-term elections
Chile Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 21, 2021
Chile holds presidential and legislative elections in November (with presidential primaries on July 4). These elections follow the May 2021 local elections, and importantly, elections to the Constitutional Assembly.
Incumbent president Sebastian Pinera, from the center-right Chile Vamos coalition, is not running for another term. He currently has low approval ratings, posing a challenge for his party’s candidate (who will be chosen in the July primary election). Moreover, the conservatives failed to secure even one third of the Constitutional Assembly.
These elections are taking place in the context of a year of protests and riots, including violent looting, arson, and vandalism. Furthermore, an intense debate over the new constitution continues. More
Rio Times (June 11, 2021): Chile faces regional elections that could shape November presidential race
Carlos Escaffi, Worldcrunch (June 10, 2021): In Chile, Between Healthy Change And Outright Chaos
Eduardo Thomson, Matthew Malinowski, and Valentina Fuentes, Bloomberg (June 9, 2021): Chile’s Communist Contender for President Seeks Economic Overhaul
Haiti Parliamentary Elections: September 19, 2021 and Presidential Election: Due in November 2021 (delays possible)
Haiti plans to hold long-overdue legislative elections on September 19, 2021, and also has a presidential election due later this year. However, the country is currently in a political crisis related to allegations of fraud followed Haiti’s presidential 2015 election. The international community, including the United States government, has called on Haiti’s officials to set a date for elections and end the crisis.
Haiti had planned to hold a constitutional referendum on June 27, although the United States has raised concerns that it would just cause more political turmoil while helping President Jovenel Moïse consolidate power. The opposition has called for protests against the referendum, which it deems unconstitutional, and a boycott. Ultimately, Moïse decided to postpone the referendum indefinitely. More
Editorial Board, Washington Post (June 13, 2021): Opinion: Haiti’s ‘descent into hell’ will only accelerate without proper elections
Al Jazeera (June 8, 2021): Haiti postpones June 27 constitutional referendum: No new date was announced for the vote in the latest twist in the Caribbean nation’s political crisis as President Jovenel Moise continues to rule by decree.
Nicaragua General Elections: November 7, 2021
Nicaragua holds general elections on November 7, 2021. President Daniel Ortega, who has been in power for 20 years, will seek another term, and under his rule, Nicaragua has become increasingly authoritarian, with rule of law and fundamental freedoms under assault.
Several opposition candidates have been arrested, including Cristiana Chamorro, seen by many as the opposition’s best chance of ousting Ortega (in fact, her mother, Violeta Chamorro, beat Ortega in the 1990 election, becoming Nicaragua’s first – and currently only – female president and ending 11 years of Sandinista rule).
Jude Webber, Financial Times (June 12, 2021): Daniel Ortega tightens his grip as Nicaragua prepares for election
The Economist (June 12, 2021): President Daniel Ortega clamps down on Nicaragua’s opposition
AFP (June 11, 2021): Nicaragua tests Biden’s democracy agenda in Latin America
Guyana Local Elections: Due in 2021
Guyana is on the cusp of potentially seismic economic changes due to the discovery of oil, which is creating political turmoil. The country held snap legislative elections in 2020, and local elections are due in 2021.
Evan Ellis, Ryan C. Berg, and Kristie Pellecchia, The Hill (June 12, 2021): China reminds us why the Caribbean is vital to US strategic interests
Past Americas Elections
Peru Presidential Runoff: June 6, 2021
Peru held general elections for April 11, 2021. These elections are coming on the heels of snap legislative elections that took place on January 26, 2020, and in the context of political turmoil – including the impeachment of President Martín Vizcarra and the subsequent “week of three presidents” – and an economic crisis brought on by COVID-19.
The presidential runoff pitted self-described Marxist Pedro Castillo against right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, who is currently in prison for various crimes (Keiko is also currently facing criminal charges). Castillo came out of nowhere to win the first round. However, none of the 18 candidates received more votes than the number of blank ballots cast – a sign of voters’ deep frustration.
It appears that Castillo won the runoff (by a margin of less than one percent). Fujimori is alleging fraud, but international observers largely dismissed that allegation. Nonetheless, an official winner won’t be declared until the courts rule on Fujimori’s claims. More
BBC (June 12, 2021): Peru: No serious irregularities in presidential run-off, say observers
Simeon Tegel, The Telegraph (June 11, 2021): Peru election: ‘Humble’ Pedro Castillo prepares to raid big business as nation swings Left: Village schoolteacher who cites Lenin has rattled investors with scattergun promises to rewrite the constitution and ban imports
Claudia Rebaza, Abel Alvarado and Jimena de la Quintana, CNN (June 11, 2021): Peru’s presidential election is just too close to call
Oliver Stuenkel, Carnegie Endowment (June 10, 2021): Peru’s Polarized Election Reflects Democratic Malaise
Mitra Taj and Julie Turkewitz, New York Times (June 10, 2021): Peruvian Election, Still Undecided, Pushes a Democracy to Its Brink
Will Freeman and Cynthia McClintock, Washington Post (June 10, 2021): Why Peru’s next leader was elected by a less than 1 percent margin
Mexico Legislative, Gubernatorial, and Local Elections: June 6, 2021
Mexico held high-stakes midterm legislative elections, as well as gubernatorial elections in 15 of Mexico’s 31 states, and local elections, on June 6, 2021. In total, more than 21,000 offices are at stake – the biggest elections in Mexico’s history.
These elections were a key test for left-wing populist firebrand Andrés Manuel López Obrador (frequently called AMLO) ahead of the 2024 presidential election, and he largely lost – his MORENA party did not get its majority in the legislature, and although MORENA won most of the state governorships, it lost control of most areas of Mexico City. AMLO, who has been governing in an increasingly authoritarian manner, wants to transform Mexico by jettisoning the market economy, but these election results will make it harder for him to do that.
Meanwhile, political violence is on the rise, with at least 88 politicians killed and hundreds of candidates targeted. More
David Agren, Global Americans (June 11, 2021): Mexico’s inept opposition
The Economist (June 10, 2021): Clipped wings: Mid-term elections have weakened Mexico’s president
Dermot Murnaghan, Sky News (June 9, 2021 – podcast): The Mexican elections: Murdered for running for mayor
Luis Gómez Romero, The Conversation (June 8, 2021): Mexican president suffers setback in country’s deadliest election in decades
Karol Suarez, Rafael Romo and Joshua Berlinger, CNN (June 7, 2021): Mexico’s President loses grip on power in midterm elections marred by violence
Ecuador Presidential Runoff: April 11, 2021
Ecuador held a presidential runoff on April 11, 2021. Conservative Guillermo Lasso, who edged out indigenous activist Yaku Pérez for a spot in the runoff, surprised many by decisively defeating left-wing economist Andrés Arauz, a protege of former president Rafael Correa (himself barred from running after being convicted of corruption). More
Sebastian Hurtado and Roisin O’Donohue, Global Americans (June 8, 2021): Where does correísmo go from here?
Curaçao Parliamentary Elections: March 19, 2021
Curaçao held parliamentary elections on March 19, 2021. Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It has full autonomy over internal affairs, while the Dutch government handles foreign and defense policy, although the Netherlands periodically intervenes in Curaçao’s politics. More
Curacao Chronicle (June 11, 2021): Pisas cabinet sworn in on Monday
Americas Elections Coming Up in 2021 and 2022
Aruba Parliamentary Elections: June 25, 2021
Argentina Jujuy Provincial Elections: June 27, 2021
Saint Lucia Parliamentary Elections: July 5, 2021 (tentative)
Haiti Presidential and Legislative Elections: September 19, 2021
Paraguay Municipal Elections: October 10, 2021
Nicaragua Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 7, 2021
Argentina Midterm Legislative Elections: November 14, 2021
Chile Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 21, 2021
Venezuela Regional and Local Elections: November 21, 2021
Honduras Presidential and Legislative Elections: November 28, 2021
Guyana Local Elections: Due in 2021
Costa Rica Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 6, 2022
Colombia Legislative Elections: March 13, 2022
Colombia Presidential Election: May 29, 2022
Bahamas Parliamentary Elections: May 2022 (due – snap elections possible)
Brazil Presidential and Legislative Elections: October 2, 2022
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content. That is to say, their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
Asia This Week: June 11, 2021
Last Updated: June 21, 2021 by 21votes Leave a Comment
June 11, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in Asia and the Pacific, usually posted on Fridays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
Upcoming Asia/Pacific Elections
Japan General Elections: On or Before October 22, 2021
Japan is due to hold general elections by October 22, 2021, but they could happen earlier. In addition, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who replaced Shinzo Abe last year, faces a leadership contest in his conservative Liberal Democratic Party ahead of the general elections.
Kyodo/Japan Today (June 11, 2021): Japanese parties vie to boost number of female lawmakers ahead of election
Siladitya Ray, Forbes (June 11, 2021): Japan’s Opposition Leader Calls For Tokyo Olympics Cancelation, Warns Of ‘Explosive’ Covid Surge
Michael Penn, Al Jazeera (June 10, 2021): Why is populism so unpopular in Japan?
Gabrielle Debinski, GZERO (June 9, 2021): Has this man lost Japan?
Hong Kong Legislative Elections: December 19, 2021
Hong Kong plans to hold elections to the Legislative Council on December 19, 2021, after more than a year’s delay. These elections are taking place in the context of Beijing’s determination to gut Hong Kong’s democracy. More
Raymond Zhong, New York Times (June 11, 2021): China’s Censorship Widens to Hong Kong’s Vaunted Film Industry, With Global Implications
Reuters (June 9, 2021): EU considers sending delegation to Hong Kong after electoral law reform
Simon Shen, The Diplomat (June 9, 2021): Beijing’s Tried-and-Tested Plan to Hollow out Hong Kong’s Legislature: The PRC has a long history of remaking institutions, but keeping up the language and appearance of the past.
Malaysia Possible Snap Parliamentary Elections and Sarawak State Elections: To be called shortly after the COVID-19 state of emergency ends
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has indicated that he will call early general elections once the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Meanwhile, several of Malaysia’s states are due to hold elections in the next year. Specifically, Sarawak is due to hold state elections this summer, or very shortly after the federal government lifts the COVID-19 state of emergency.
The country’s politics have been turbulent since the historic defeat of UMNO – which had ruled since 1957 – in the 2018 elections. UMNO is back in power but hanging on by a thread.
Moez Hayat and Ryan Ashley, The Diplomat (June 12, 2021): Konfrontasi in the Skies: China’s recent overflight has raised dormant Malaysian fears about the nation’s sovereignty over its Bornean territories.
Chris Barrett, Sydney Morning Herald (June 11, 2021): Malaysian king steps up to tackle COVID crisis as political unrest mounts
Emmanuel Santa Maria Chin, Malay Mail (June 10, 2021): Too dangerous to hold elections with Covid-19 still raging in Malaysia, says Dr Mahathir
Stratfor (June 10, 2021): Malaysia: Coalition Ally Calls for COVID-19 Emergency End, Parliamentary Resumption
Chin Huat Wong, Channel News Asia (June 9, 2021): Commentary: Malaysia’s government rests on an uneasy pact
India, State Elections in Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand: February/March 2022 (due)
Five Indian states are due to hold elections in early 2022. These elections will be a key test for the national parties – and PM Narendra Modi.
Jonah Blank, The Atlantic (June 10, 2021): India’s Democracy Is the World’s Problem
South Korea Presidential Election: March 9, 2022
South Korea holds its presidential election on March 9, 2021. Recently, the conservative opposition won special mayoral elections in Seoul and Busan by a landslide, just a year after President Moon Jae-in’s center-left Democratic Party swept the legislature. Moreover, Moon’s approval rating is tanking.
Chang May Choon, Straits Times (June 12, 2021): 36-year-old elected youngest leader of South Korea’s main opposition party in sign of generational shift
Cynthia Kim, Reuters (June 9, 2021): Young voter anger over housing, jobs threatens Moon’s legacy in South Korea
Philippines Presidential Election: May 9, 2022
In 2016, populist firebrand Rodrigo Duterte won the presidency, claiming to be an outsider. He has governed with an iron fist. Although he is banned from seeking a second term (as Philippines presidents are not able to seek re-election), critics fear that he will seek to consolidate illiberalism in the form of a handpicked successor. Meanwhile, a broad coalition of opposition figures have formed 1Sambayan (One Nation) in the hopes of defeating Duterte’s allies with a united front.
Mara Cepeda, Rappler (June 12, 2021): 1Sambayan names 6 nominees for president, VP in 2022
Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network (June 9, 2021): Duterte ‘sees nobody deserving’ as next Philippine President, says he is ready to retire
Lucio Blanco Pitlo III, South China Morning Post (June 8, 2021): Can Philippine political coalition 1Sambayan best Duterte’s allies at next year’s presidential election?
Cambodia Local Elections: June 5, 2022 and Parliamentary Elections: July 2023 (due)
Cambodia is due to hold local elections in 2022 and general elections in 2023. Although Cambodia has held elections in the past that had some element of competition, the 2018 election – neither free nor fair – signified the closing of Cambodia’s political space. They have been called “the death of democracy.”
The main pro-democracy opposition, Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), was dissolved and banned from fielding candidates, and its leader, Sam Rainsy, was sent into exile, so its supporters boycotted the polls, resulting in the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) taking 58 out of 62 seats in parliament, and allowing Prime Minister Hun Sen to consolidate even more power while extending his three decades in power.
Luke Hunt, Voice of America (June 10, 2021): Cambodia Political Parties Regroup Ahead of Elections
David Hutt, Asia Times (June 7, 2021): China’s hold on Cambodia hard for Biden to break
Papua New Guinea General Elections: June/July 2022 (due)
Papua New Guinea is due to hold general elections in June or July 2022.
Maholopa Laveil, Lowy Institute’s The Interpreter (June 11, 2021): in the 2022 elections?
Solomon Islands General Elections: April 3, 2019
The Solomon Islands held elections on April 3, 2019. Manasseh Sogavare, who had previously served several tumultuous terms at different points, was elected prime minister again, ousting Rick Houenipwela, who himself had become prime minister when Sogavare was ousted in a no-confidence motion in 2017. Riots broke out after the elections. Subsequently, the Solomon Islands switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, a very controversial decision.
Edward Cavanough, Al Jazeera (June 8, 2021): How a medical evacuation exposed Solomon Islands’ China challenge
Past Asia/Pacific Elections
Mongolia Presidential Election: June 9, 2021
Mongolia, a free though imperfect democracy, held its presidential election on June 9, 2021, following parliamentary elections in June 2020 and local elections in October 2020. Former PM Ukhnaa Khurelsukh won in a landslide, further consolidating the power of the Mongolian People’s Party (which was the ruling party during the communist era). MPP also has a majority in the legislature.
It was a nasty campaign in a polarized environment. Incumbent Khaltmaagiin Battulga from the center-right Democratic Party was not able to seek another term following a controversial rule change pushed by MPP. Now that MPP has both the presidency and the legislature, there are concerns about democratic backsliding. More
Julian Dierkes, Marissa Smith, and Shannon Tiezzi, The Diplomat (June 10, 2021): Khurelsukh Cruises to Victory in Mongolian Presidential Race: It was the biggest victory ever in Mongolia’s democratic history.
Reuters (June 9, 2021): Ex-Mongolian prime minister Khurelsukh wins presidential election in landslide
Al Jazeera (June 9, 2021): Mongolia ruling party expected to consolidate power in elections
Vietnam Legislative Elections: May 23, 2021
Vietnam, a one-party communist state, held legislative elections on May 23, 2021. For the most part, only candidates from the Communist Party of Vietnam and those who support it are able to run. In addition, dissidents face arrest and assault. More
NHK (June 10, 2021): Vietnam Communist Party gains seats in parliament
Samoa General Elections: April 9, 2021
Samoa held general elections on April 9, 2021, and the post-election situation has been rather eventful. A new opposition party, Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST, “Faith in the one true God”), posed a new challenge to the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), which has been in power since 1982. Ultimately, both FAST and HRPP got equal numbers of seats, with an independent MP breaking the tie and agreeing to support FAST. However, the plot continues to thicken as HRPP was given an additional female MP since the party did not meet its quota for women.
As a result of the deadlock, the prime minister has called new elections for May 21, but a court decided to block the new elections, reinstate the results, and overturn the decision to give HRPP an additional MP. As a result, FAST was declared the winner of the elections and Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa was sworn in as prime minister – the first woman to hold the office. However, HRPP has not conceded, and Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi (sometimes called the Trump of Samoa) claims he is still the prime minister.
These elections took place in the context of controversy over proposed changes to the county’s constitutional framework and judiciary, involving questions of Samoan identity, as well as potential geopolitical shifts away from China. More
Radio New Zealand (June 11, 2021): Samoa’s FAST party seeks clarification of court ruling
Anthony Regan, Lowy Institute’s The Interpreter (June 8, 2021): Samoa’s constitutional
crisis and the dangers that have gone before: Leadership turmoil in Samoa bears striking similarities to a stand-off in Papua New Guinea barely a decade earlier.
Burma General Elections: November 8, 2020
Burma, also called Myanmar, held general elections on November 8, 2020. Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) won in a landslide. However, on February 1, the military staged a coup, claiming election fraud (despite a lack of evidence). Protests against the coup continue. The military claims it will hold new elections will take place within two years. More
Thant Myint-U, Foreign Affairs (June 11, 2021): Myanmar’s Coming Revolution: What Will Emerge From Collapse?
BBC (June 10, 2021): Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi faces most serious corruption charge yet
Al Jazeera (June 7, 2021): Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi’s trial to begin next week
Asia/Pacific Elections Coming Up in 2021 and 2022
Macau Legislative Elections: September 12, 2021
Japan Parliamentary Elections: By October 2021 (snap elections possible)
Timor-Leste Municipal Elections: October 2021 (due)
Nepal Snap Parliamentary Elections: November 12 and 19, 2021
Tonga General Elections: By November 30, 2021
Hong Kong Legislative Council Elections: December 19, 2021
Sri Lanka Early Provincial Elections: Late 2021 (proposed)
India, State Elections in Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand: February/March 2022 (due)
South Korea Presidential Election: March 9, 2022
Timor-Leste Presidential Election: March 2022 (due)
Philippines Presidential and Legislative Elections: May 9, 2022
Australia Parliamentary Elections: May 2022 (due – snap elections possible)
Papua New Guinea Parliamentary Elections: June 2022 (due)
Cambodia Local Elections: June 5, 2022
Nauru Parliamentary Elections: August 2022 (due)
India, State Elections in Himachal Pradesh: October 2022 (due)
Fiji Parliamentary Elections: November 2022 (due)
India, State Elections in Gujarat: December 2022 (due)
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