June 9, 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.
The train station in Helsinki. Finland holds local elections June 13. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Revontuli (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Upcoming Europe Elections
Finland Local Elections: June 13, 2021 (postponed from April)
Finland is holding 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. More
Charlie Duxbury, Politico (June 12, 2021): Finnish far right hopes to use local elections as national springboard
Jari Tanner, AP (June 11, 2021): Finland elections test for young PM, Social Democrat leader
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
James Harrington, TheLocal.fr (June 9, 2021): EXPLAINED: What’s at stake in France’s regional elections
France24 (June 8, 2021): Firebrand leftist accused of pushing conspiracy theories over French elections
Elizabeth Pineau, AP (June 8, 2021): The candidate and her hijab: identity matters in French elections
AFP (June 8, 2021): France’s Macron slapped in face during crowd stop
France24 (June 7, 2021 – video): French regional elections: June vote comes one year ahead of presidential ballot
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
Aleksia Petrova, SeeNews (June 10, 2021): Bulgaria’s GERB-UDF coalition keeps lead ahead of July 11 snap vote – polls
Ben Hall, Financial Times (June 9, 2021): Bulgarian strongman loses grip as US tackles corruption
Krassen Nikolov, Euractiv (June 9, 2021): Tensions in Bulgaria flare up after Turkish-Bulgarian party meets Erdogan
Krassen Nikolov and Zeljko Trkanjec, Euractiv (June 7, 2021): Erdogan wants a stake in Bulgaria’s politics
Sofia Globe (June 7, 2021): Bulgaria’s July elections: Trifonov says he will not be a candidate
Teodora Trifonova, Axios (June 4, 2021): U.S. sanctions Bulgarian power brokers for corruption
Norway Parliamentary Elections: September 13, 2021
Norway holds parliamentary elections on September 13, 2021. Prime Minister Erna Solberg, who heads a center-right coalition, has been in office since 2013. More
Ott Ummelas, Bloomberg (June 5, 2021): Norway’s Opposition Gets Second PM Candidate Ahead of Election
Germany Saxony-Anhalt State Elections: June 5, 2021, and Bundestag Elections: September 26, 2021 (plus other state elections throughout the year)
Germany is due to hold 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
Jens Thurau, DW (June 10, 2021): Germany’s Green party: Internal strife and drop in opinion polls
Nette Nöstlinger, Politico (June 7, 2021): Big win for Merkel’s party confounds pundits and pollsters
Holly Ellyatt, CNBC (June 7, 2021): Merkel’s party wins big in crunch state election as Greens ‘hype’ fades
Thomas Escritt, Reuters (June 6, 2021): Conservative win in German state election boosts Laschet’s chancellery hopes
Italy, Mayoral Elections in Rome, Milan, Turin, Naples and other cities and regional elections in Calabria: October 10-11, 2021
Italy is due to hold regional elections in Calabria in the south, as well as mayoral elections in several major cities, later this year. The next general elections aren’t due until June 2023, but as is ever the case with Italy, snap elections are possible. However, in January 2021, the government collapsed after former prime minister Matteo Renzi withdrew his support. Former European Central Bank chief Mario “Super Mario” Draghi formed a government in February 2021.
AFP (June 11, 2021): In Draghi’s Italy, Far Right Gains Ground with Meloni
Wanted in Rome (June 10, 2021): Italy’s centre-right unveils candidate in race for Rome mayor
Gavin Jones, Reuters (June 6, 2021): Former Italy PM Conte vows new start for 5-Star as legal battle resolved
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. More
ERR News (June 8, 2021): Riigikogu speaker: Mass immigration major topic in October local elections
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.
NPR (June 11, 2021): Hungarians Grow Frustrated With Prime Minister’s Close Relationship With China
Daniel McLaughlin, Irish Times (June 11, 2021): Hungary’s Viktor Orban targets LGBT+ rights and migrants as election nears
Ben Hall, Financial Times (June 9, 2021): Backlash against Chinese campus gives Orban pause for thought
Austria, Upper Austria State and Municipal Elections: September 26, 2021
Austria’s Upper Austria (whose capital is Linz, home of the Linzertorte cake) state holds elections in September.
Austria’s federal government fell in a no-confidence vote – the first in Austria’s history – in May 2019 nfollowing the “Ibiza-gate” scandal involving the far-right Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ), which had been part of the coalition headed by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of the center-right Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP). FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache was filmed on the Spanish island of Ibiza offering state contracts in exchange for money to a woman who claimed to be the niece of a Russian oligarch. Subsequent snap elections gave ÖVP the most seats, and the FPÖ saw a 10 percent loss in its vote share. Ultimately, ÖVP formed a coalition with the Greens, and Kurz once again became chancellor.
Austria is due to hold a presidential election by April 2022, but the role is largely ceremonial, with the chancellor instead holding most executive power.
AFP (June 7, 2021): Austrian far-right party nominates Kickl as new leader
Past Europe Elections
Latvia Municipal Elections: June 5, 2021
Latvia held municipal elections on June 5, 2021, with the exception of Riga, which held a snap city council election last year, and two other cities. These were Latvia’s first local elections since the county enacted regional administrative forms that significantly reduced the number of local government bodies, from 119 to 42. Turnout was a record low, and opposition parties won the most seats.
Latvia has been a democracy since regaining independence in 1991 (of note, none of the three Baltic nations ever actually recognized the Soviet occupation), and is a member of NATO and the European Union. These elections are happening in a heated geopolitical climate.
Last year’s Riga snap elections surprised political observers by knocking, Harmony, the party that Latvia’s Russian community supports, from the top spot. Harmony has historically been strong in Riga, the capital, but last year’s Riga elections surprised political observers by knocking Harmony down from the top spot. Instead, an alliance of the liberal Development/For! party and social democrat environmentalist Progressives won the most seats and formed the local government.
In addition, parliamentary elections are due in October 2022. More
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov, TheMayor.eu (June 7, 2021): First local elections after Latvian municipal reform mired by low turnout
Latvian Public Broadcasting (June 6, 2021): Opposition parties do best in Latvia’s local elections
Cyprus Parliamentary Elections: May 30, 2021
Cyprus held parliamentary elections on May 23, 2021. The center-right DISY – currently in the majority – maintained its majority, defeating the center-left AKEL, the main opposition party (with a number of smaller parties also competing). Notably, the far-right ELAM doubled its vote share from the 2016 elections, winning 6.8 percent of the vote.
Cyprus is a presidential system (the only full presidential system in the EU), so these elections function as more of a test for the parties ahead of the 2023 presidential election. The current president is President Nicos Anastasiades (from DISY). This is all happening in the context of the ongoing Eastern Mediterranean crisis. More
Menelaos Hadjicostis, AP (June 10, 2021): Cyprus elects its 1st-ever female parliament speaker
John Psaropoulos, Al Jazeera (June 7, 2021): Cyprus’ reunification: What next after failed talks?
Spain, Snap Regional Elections in Madrid: May 4, 2021
Madrid held early regional elections on May 4, following the collapse of the government coalition consisting of the conservative Popular Party and the liberal Citizens Party. These elections took place in a highly polarized environment, as conservative incumbent Isabel Díaz Ayuso from the Popular Party faced against leftist firebrand Pablo Inglesias.
AFP (June 11, 2021): After Pablo Iglesias’ departure, Spain’s Podemos names new head
Iván Llamazares, LSE’s EUROPP blog (June 7, 2021): Have we really seen the last of Pablo Iglesias?
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
Euronews (June 9, 2021): Albanian MPs have just voted to impeach their president. Here’s why
DW (June 9, 2021): Albania parliament impeaches President Ilir Meta, removes him from office
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
Ben Maas, The Conversation (June 10, 2021): Dutch elections show the promise and perils of proportional representation
Europe Elections Coming Up in 2021 and 2022
Finland Municipal Elections: June 13, 2021
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.
Eurasia This Week: June 10, 2021
Last Updated: June 21, 2021 by 21votes Leave a Comment
June 10, 2021
Your weekly roundup of news and analysis of elections in Eurasia, usually posted on Thursdays and occasionally updated throughout the week. For a full electoral calendar and interactive map, click here.
Upcoming Eurasia Elections
Armenia Snap Parliamentary Elections: June 20, 2021
Armenia is holding snap parliamentary elections on June 20 in an effort to defuse a political crisis following a defeat in the recent Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Wescott Yeaw, Foreign Brief (June 11, 2021): Early voting to begin for Armenian parliamentary elections
Karine Ghazaryan, Eurasianet (June 10, 2021): Armenian election rhetoric grows violent
Sara Khojoyan, Bloomberg (June 9, 2021): Armenia Elections Get Personal as Premier Offers Son for POWs
Moldova Snap Parliamentary Elections: July 11, 2021
Moldova is holding snap parliamentary elections on July 11, which pro-Europe center-right president Maia Sandu had been trying to call for months. Sandu trounced pro-Kremlin leftist Igor Dodon, who had been the incumbent, in the November 2020 presidential election However, no party currently has a clear majority in parliament (and Sandu’s allies are outnumbered by pro-Russian parties). The resulting political instability was reaching crisis levels. More
Council of Europe (June 11, 2021): Statement by PACE pre-electoral delegation ahead of the early parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova
Madalin Necsutu, Balkan Insight (June 9, 2021): Attacks on Moldovan Journalists Increased in 2020, Report Says
Euronews (June 8, 2021): President of Moldova Maia Sandu launches committee to investigate grand corruption
Russia Parliamentary Elections: By September 19, 2021
Russia is due to hold parliamentary elections by September 19, 2021. Russian elections are neither free nor fair. Nonetheless, the opposition has been making some gains in recent regional elections, helped by opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s “Smart Vote,” a campaign of tactical voting, in which they developed a list of candidates the best chance of beating Vladimir Putin’s United Russia. Consequently, the Kremlin has launched a brutal crackdown on the opposition, including imprisoning Navalny. More
Jim Risch, Washington Post (June 11, 2021): Opinion: Biden wants Russia’s cooperation. But Putin thrives on chaos.
RFE/RL (June 11, 2021): Memorial Rights Center Condemns Court Decision Labeling Navalny Organizations As ‘Extremist’
Vladimir Isachenkov, AP (June 10, 2021): Ruling bars election runs for allies of jailed Putin foe
Zahra Ullah and Anna Chernova, CNN (June 9, 2021): Russian court declares Navalny groups ‘extremist’ ahead of elections
Meduza (June 8, 2021): ‘There are no others’: Sources say Dmitry Medvedev may head United Russia’s party list for the 2021 State Duma elections
Georgia Local Elections: October 2021 (due)
Georgia is due to hold local elections in October 2021, and they are particularly important because – as a result of a deal to resolve the political crisis following last year’s parliamentary elections – they could spark new parliamentary elections if the ruling Georgian Dream party wins less than 43 percent of the proportional vote. The political climate is tense, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic fallout. More
Agenda.ge (June 11, 2021): Parliament rejects opposition’s amnesty bill for June 2019 protests
Giorgi Lomsadze, Eurasianet (June 10, 2021): In Georgia, has the EU overtaken the U.S.? The recent political crisis has established the EU as Georgia’s most important Western partner.
Agenda.ge (June 9, 2021): UNM opposition MPs attend their first session in parliament after six-month political standoff
Past Eurasia Elections
Belarus Presidential Election: August 9, 2020
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9, 2020. In a vote widely deemed not free and not fair, incumbent Alexander Lukashenko declared victory. However, the opposition declared that Svetlana Tikhanovskaya had in fact won. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have taken to the streets in protest to demand free and fair elections, even in the face of assault and arrest by security forces. Protests continue. More
Emma Rogers and Jonathan Chew, The Dispatch (June 11, 2021): How Alexander Lukashenko Has Maintained His Grip Over Belarus for Decades
Jonathan Landay, Reuters (June 9, 2021): Opposition leader says Belarus has become ‘North Korea of Europe’
Jennifer Hansler, CNN (June 9, 2021): US Ambassador to Belarus says new sanctions are coming ‘soon’
Eurasia Elections Coming Up in 2021 and 2022
Armenia Snap Parliamentary Elections: June 20, 2021
Moldova Snap Parliamentary Elections: July 11, 2021
Russia Parliamentary Elections: By September 19, 2021
Georgia Local Elections: October 2021 (due)
Kyrgyzstan Parliamentary Elections Take 2: Fall 2021 (expected)
Uzbekistan Presidential Election: October 24, 2021
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 9, 2021
Last Updated: June 17, 2021 by 21votes Leave a Comment
June 9, 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
Finland Local Elections: June 13, 2021 (postponed from April)
Finland is holding 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. More
Charlie Duxbury, Politico (June 12, 2021): Finnish far right hopes to use local elections as national springboard
Jari Tanner, AP (June 11, 2021): Finland elections test for young PM, Social Democrat leader
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
James Harrington, TheLocal.fr (June 9, 2021): EXPLAINED: What’s at stake in France’s regional elections
France24 (June 8, 2021): Firebrand leftist accused of pushing conspiracy theories over French elections
Elizabeth Pineau, AP (June 8, 2021): The candidate and her hijab: identity matters in French elections
AFP (June 8, 2021): France’s Macron slapped in face during crowd stop
France24 (June 7, 2021 – video): French regional elections: June vote comes one year ahead of presidential ballot
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
Aleksia Petrova, SeeNews (June 10, 2021): Bulgaria’s GERB-UDF coalition keeps lead ahead of July 11 snap vote – polls
Ben Hall, Financial Times (June 9, 2021): Bulgarian strongman loses grip as US tackles corruption
Krassen Nikolov, Euractiv (June 9, 2021): Tensions in Bulgaria flare up after Turkish-Bulgarian party meets Erdogan
Krassen Nikolov and Zeljko Trkanjec, Euractiv (June 7, 2021): Erdogan wants a stake in Bulgaria’s politics
Sofia Globe (June 7, 2021): Bulgaria’s July elections: Trifonov says he will not be a candidate
Teodora Trifonova, Axios (June 4, 2021): U.S. sanctions Bulgarian power brokers for corruption
Norway Parliamentary Elections: September 13, 2021
Norway holds parliamentary elections on September 13, 2021. Prime Minister Erna Solberg, who heads a center-right coalition, has been in office since 2013. More
Ott Ummelas, Bloomberg (June 5, 2021): Norway’s Opposition Gets Second PM Candidate Ahead of Election
Germany Saxony-Anhalt State Elections: June 5, 2021, and Bundestag Elections: September 26, 2021 (plus other state elections throughout the year)
Germany is due to hold 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
Jens Thurau, DW (June 10, 2021): Germany’s Green party: Internal strife and drop in opinion polls
Nette Nöstlinger, Politico (June 7, 2021): Big win for Merkel’s party confounds pundits and pollsters
Holly Ellyatt, CNBC (June 7, 2021): Merkel’s party wins big in crunch state election as Greens ‘hype’ fades
Thomas Escritt, Reuters (June 6, 2021): Conservative win in German state election boosts Laschet’s chancellery hopes
Italy, Mayoral Elections in Rome, Milan, Turin, Naples and other cities and regional elections in Calabria: October 10-11, 2021
Italy is due to hold regional elections in Calabria in the south, as well as mayoral elections in several major cities, later this year. The next general elections aren’t due until June 2023, but as is ever the case with Italy, snap elections are possible. However, in January 2021, the government collapsed after former prime minister Matteo Renzi withdrew his support. Former European Central Bank chief Mario “Super Mario” Draghi formed a government in February 2021.
AFP (June 11, 2021): In Draghi’s Italy, Far Right Gains Ground with Meloni
Wanted in Rome (June 10, 2021): Italy’s centre-right unveils candidate in race for Rome mayor
Gavin Jones, Reuters (June 6, 2021): Former Italy PM Conte vows new start for 5-Star as legal battle resolved
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. More
ERR News (June 8, 2021): Riigikogu speaker: Mass immigration major topic in October local elections
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.
NPR (June 11, 2021): Hungarians Grow Frustrated With Prime Minister’s Close Relationship With China
Daniel McLaughlin, Irish Times (June 11, 2021): Hungary’s Viktor Orban targets LGBT+ rights and migrants as election nears
Ben Hall, Financial Times (June 9, 2021): Backlash against Chinese campus gives Orban pause for thought
Austria, Upper Austria State and Municipal Elections: September 26, 2021
Austria’s Upper Austria (whose capital is Linz, home of the Linzertorte cake) state holds elections in September.
Austria’s federal government fell in a no-confidence vote – the first in Austria’s history – in May 2019 nfollowing the “Ibiza-gate” scandal involving the far-right Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ), which had been part of the coalition headed by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of the center-right Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP). FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache was filmed on the Spanish island of Ibiza offering state contracts in exchange for money to a woman who claimed to be the niece of a Russian oligarch. Subsequent snap elections gave ÖVP the most seats, and the FPÖ saw a 10 percent loss in its vote share. Ultimately, ÖVP formed a coalition with the Greens, and Kurz once again became chancellor.
Austria is due to hold a presidential election by April 2022, but the role is largely ceremonial, with the chancellor instead holding most executive power.
AFP (June 7, 2021): Austrian far-right party nominates Kickl as new leader
Past Europe Elections
Latvia Municipal Elections: June 5, 2021
Latvia held municipal elections on June 5, 2021, with the exception of Riga, which held a snap city council election last year, and two other cities. These were Latvia’s first local elections since the county enacted regional administrative forms that significantly reduced the number of local government bodies, from 119 to 42. Turnout was a record low, and opposition parties won the most seats.
Latvia has been a democracy since regaining independence in 1991 (of note, none of the three Baltic nations ever actually recognized the Soviet occupation), and is a member of NATO and the European Union. These elections are happening in a heated geopolitical climate.
Last year’s Riga snap elections surprised political observers by knocking, Harmony, the party that Latvia’s Russian community supports, from the top spot. Harmony has historically been strong in Riga, the capital, but last year’s Riga elections surprised political observers by knocking Harmony down from the top spot. Instead, an alliance of the liberal Development/For! party and social democrat environmentalist Progressives won the most seats and formed the local government.
In addition, parliamentary elections are due in October 2022. More
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov, TheMayor.eu (June 7, 2021): First local elections after Latvian municipal reform mired by low turnout
Latvian Public Broadcasting (June 6, 2021): Opposition parties do best in Latvia’s local elections
Cyprus Parliamentary Elections: May 30, 2021
Cyprus held parliamentary elections on May 23, 2021. The center-right DISY – currently in the majority – maintained its majority, defeating the center-left AKEL, the main opposition party (with a number of smaller parties also competing). Notably, the far-right ELAM doubled its vote share from the 2016 elections, winning 6.8 percent of the vote.
Cyprus is a presidential system (the only full presidential system in the EU), so these elections function as more of a test for the parties ahead of the 2023 presidential election. The current president is President Nicos Anastasiades (from DISY). This is all happening in the context of the ongoing Eastern Mediterranean crisis. More
Menelaos Hadjicostis, AP (June 10, 2021): Cyprus elects its 1st-ever female parliament speaker
John Psaropoulos, Al Jazeera (June 7, 2021): Cyprus’ reunification: What next after failed talks?
Spain, Snap Regional Elections in Madrid: May 4, 2021
Madrid held early regional elections on May 4, following the collapse of the government coalition consisting of the conservative Popular Party and the liberal Citizens Party. These elections took place in a highly polarized environment, as conservative incumbent Isabel Díaz Ayuso from the Popular Party faced against leftist firebrand Pablo Inglesias.
AFP (June 11, 2021): After Pablo Iglesias’ departure, Spain’s Podemos names new head
Iván Llamazares, LSE’s EUROPP blog (June 7, 2021): Have we really seen the last of Pablo Iglesias?
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
Euronews (June 9, 2021): Albanian MPs have just voted to impeach their president. Here’s why
DW (June 9, 2021): Albania parliament impeaches President Ilir Meta, removes him from office
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
Ben Maas, The Conversation (June 10, 2021): Dutch elections show the promise and perils of proportional representation
Europe Elections Coming Up in 2021 and 2022
Finland Municipal Elections: June 13, 2021
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 8, 2021
Last Updated: June 17, 2021 by 21votes Leave a Comment
June 8, 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
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.
Simon Speakman Cordall, The Independent (June 7, 2021): ‘Clear escalation’ in government repression as Algeria heads to the polls after a time of protest
Luke Shrago, France24 (June 7, 2021 – video): Algeria Prepares for Legislative Elections
Abdelkader Abderrahmane, Atlantic Council (June 3, 2021): Algeria’s parliamentary elections: A bumpy road ahead
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
Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera (June 8, 2021): ‘Game show’: Iranian candidates slam debate format, trade barbs
Reuters (June 8, 2021): Iran says nuclear talks policy won’t change after presidential vote
Shabnam von Hein, Qantara.de (June 7, 2021 – photo essay): Iran’s presidential election: Contest of losers
Bahar Makooi, France24 (June 6, 2021): Iran’s presidential race: Who is ultra-conservative favourite Ebrahim Raisi?
Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Elections: June/July 2021 (proposed)
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), part of the Pakistan-administered portion of the disputed region of Kashmir, is due to hold legislative assembly elections soon. 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. AJK’s election commission has said it hopes to hold the polls in June.
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.
Tariq Nasqash, Dawn Pakistan (June 4, 2021): Minister claims PML-N will sweep next AJK elections
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
Wolfgang Pusztai, Atlantic Council (June 4, 2021): Libya’s fragile ceasefire: A lost opportunity?
Noha Elhennawy, AP (June 4, 2021): Rights group urges abolition of restrictive NGO law in Libya
Daily Sabah with AFP (June 3, 2021): Former Libyan Minister Bashagha urges govt not to delay polls
Palestinian Authority Presidential and Legislative Elections: Long overdue, postponed indefinitely
The Palestinian Authority has postponed its long overdue elections for the legislature and president, which had been scheduled for May 22 and July 31, respectively. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is currently in year 16 of a four-year term. Similarly, the last Legislative Council elections took place in 2006.
Since the announcement of the delay, the conflict between Hamas and Israel reignited. Following 11 days of fighting, the parties reached a ceasefire on May 20. More
Hugh Lovatt, The New Arab (June 7, 2021): Why Gaza’s future depends on elections, not Abbas
Jacob Magid, Times of Israel (June 7, 2021): Blinken surmises that Abbas delayed Palestinian elections over fears of Hamas gains
Griff Witte and Sufian Taha, Washington Post (June 4, 2021): Palestinian support for Hamas surges after its confrontation with Israel
Past Middle East Elections
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, so if anyone wants to form a government, they will need to get creative. 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 has to pass a Knesset vote on June 14. More
Robert Zaretsky, Forward (June 7, 2021): Why the new Israeli coalition seems like something out of an ‘Avengers’ movie
Jeffrey Heller, Reuters (June 6, 2021): Netanyahu alleges Israeli election fraud, accuses rival of duplicity
Isabel Kershner, New York Times (June 6, 2021): ‘Fear and Vigilance’: Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox Face a Fall from Power
New York Times (June 3, 2021): Wide-Ranging Israel Coalition Reaches Deal to Form Government
Middle East Elections Coming Up in 2021 and 2022
Algeria Snap Parliamentary Elections: June 10, 2021
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 7, 2021
Last Updated: June 15, 2021 by 21votes Leave a Comment
June 7, 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
Nic Cheeseman and Yohannes Woldemariam, Mail and Guardian (June 7, 2021): Five reasons Ethiopia’s elections will do more harm than good
APA (June 7, 2021): AU to deploy observers to Ethiopia’s general elections
AFP (June 3, 2021): ‘It was a war’: Ethnic killings cloud Ethiopia’s election buildup
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, Bloomberg (June 3, 2021): Zambia Suspends Election Rallies as Covid-19 Cases Surge
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.
Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw, Wall Street Journal (June 4, 2021): Twitter’s Operations Are Suspended in Nigeria: Government action comes after social media giant suspended the president’s account for a tweet the company said violated its policies
Mali Presidential and Legislative Elections: February 27, 2022 (following coup)
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.
Julia Marnin, Newsweek (June 7, 2021): Assimi Goita Sworn In as Mali’s President Following Second Coup in 9 Months
Lara Marlowe, The Irish Times (June 7, 2021): Army colonel sworn in as Mali president as tensions with Paris grow
Lisa Bryant, Voice of America (June 7, 2021): Will Promises of Democratic Transition in Mali Convince France?
Ethan Hajji and Fraser Jackson, France24 (June 5, 2021 – video): Hundreds rally in Bamako in support of Mali opposition movement
Franec24 (June 2, 2021 – video): African Union announces ‘immediate suspension’ of Mali after second coup
Kenya General Elections: August 9, 2022
Kenya is due to hold general elections on August 9, 2022. The last elections, in August 2017, were disputed, and the presidential poll was re-run in October 2017. President Uhuru Kenyatta won re-election after opposition leader Raila Odinga encouraged his supporters to boycott the re-run. Kenyan politics is highly polarized with a strong ethnic component.
Al Jazeera (June 2, 2021): Kenya gov’t appeals ruling against BBI constitutional changes
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 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
Michelle Gavin, Council on Foreign Relations (June 8, 2021): Recognizing Somaliland’s Democratic Success
Matthew Gordon, World Politics Review (June 8, 2021): Somaliland’s Moment of Reckoning
AFP (June 7, 2021): Somaliland Opposition Joins Forces to Grab Control of Parliament
RUSI (June 4, 2021): Somaliland: The Power of Democracy
Uganda General Elections: January 14, 2021
Uganda held presidential and legislative elections on January 14, 2021. President Yoweri Museveni has held power since 1986, but this time faced possibly his biggest challenge yet in the form of 37-year-old pop star Bobi Wine. Following the elections, the government launched a brutal crackdown on the opposition. More
Jason Burke and Samuel Okiror, The Guardian (June 6, 2021): Hundreds detained without trial in Uganda in new wave of repression
Regional Analysis
Miriam Frost, The Hill (June 7, 2021): The quiet symptoms of democratic backsliding in Africa
Torinmo Salau, Foreign Policy (June 3, 2021): Twitter’s Presence in Africa Won’t End Internet Censorship
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: Late 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.
Americas This Week: June 5, 2021
Last Updated: June 15, 2021 by 21votes Leave a Comment
June 5, 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
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 will pit 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. More
Camilo Gómez, BBC (June 5, 2021): Peru election: Country on edge ahead of unpredictable run-off
Ryan Dube, Wall Street Journal (June 5, 2021): Peru to Choose Far-Left Teacher or Right-Wing Politician as Next President
Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times (June 5, 2021): Charges, communism, COVID-19 and a controversial name in Peruvian politics define an election
Mexico Legislative, Gubernatorial, and Local Elections: June 6, 2021
Mexico holds 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 will be a key test for left-wing populist firebrand Andrés Manuel López Obrador (frequently called AMLO) ahead of the 2024 presidential election. AMLO, who has been governing in an increasingly authoritarian manner, wants to transform Mexico by jettisoning the market economy. If he is to succeed, his MORENA party will need to win a super-majority in the legislature.
Meanwhile, political violence is on the rise, with at least 88 politicians killed and hundreds of candidates targeted. More
Rafael Romo, CNN (June 5, 2021): Mexico goes to the polls in elections marred by violence against candidates
Vanda Felbab-Brown, Brookings Institution (June 4, 2021): The profound issues at stake in Mexico’s midterms
Maria Elena Little Endara, Voice of America (June 4, 2021): The Risky Job of Covering Local Elections in Mexico
Francesco Manetto, El País (June 1, 2021): The battle for northern Mexico: border states check president’s electoral power
Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times (May 31, 2021): AMLO wants to transform Mexico. An election may stop him
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.
The Economist (June 5, 2021): Covid-19 is inspiring separatism in Argentina’s winelands
MercoPress (June 3, 2021): Argentine Senate passes bill to postpone primary, mid-term elections
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 plans 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 Moise consolidate power. The opposition has called for protests against the referendum, which it deems unconstitutional, and a boycott. More
Vatican News (June 2, 2021): Haiti bishops oppose proposed changes to Constitution
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.
José de Córdoba, Wall Street Journal (June 6, 2021): Nicaragua Detains Second Opposition Presidential Candidate: Arturo Cruz’s detention comes days after Nicaraguan police placed a leading Ortega opponent under house arrest
Tiziano Breda, World Politics Review (June 4, 2021): As Ortega Tightens His Grip, Nicaragua Braces for Volatile Elections
Arzu Daniel, Axios (June 4, 2021): Nicaragua: Us State Department Urges Daniel Ortega Regime To Release Opposition Leader Christiana Chamorro
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
Fitch Ratings (June 2, 2021): Chile Constituent Assembly Highlights Political Fragmentation
Al Jazeera (June 1, 2021): Chile president urges open dialogue in drafting new constitution
Venezuela Regional and Local Elections: November 21, 2021
Venezuela has scheduled regional and local elections for November 21, 2021. In December 2020, Venezuela held legislative elections despite members of the opposition and international community calling for a delay in order to ensure credible, fair elections. Ultimately, most of the opposition boycotted; however, opposition parties appear willing to participate in the elections this year.
Alex Vasquez, Bloomberg (June 6, 2021): Why Maduro Rival Now Wants to Talk to, Not Topple Him: QuickTake
Cody Weddle and Andrea Torres, WPLG Local 10 (June 4, 2021): Venezuelan opposition gears up for regional elections in November
The Economist (June 5, 2021): Venezuela’s strongman wants better relations with the United States: Nicolás Maduro might even go easier on the opposition in exchange
Colombia Legislative Elections: March 13, 2022 and Presidential Election: May 29, 2022
Colombia is due to hold presidential and legislative elections in spring 2022. Conservative Ivan Duque, elected president in 2018, is constitutionally barred from running for re-election. One of the frontrunners to replace him is former left-wing guerilla Gustavo Petro, who placed second in 2018. The country has been rocked by riots in recent weeks. The proximate cause was a tax bill, but the protests have grown – and grown violent – and dozens have died.
Cody Weddle and Andrea Torres, WPLG Local 10 (June 3, 2021): Colombian protests continue: Leftist politician accused of turning mob against ambulances
Stefano Pozzebon, CNN (June 1, 2021): Amid escalating violence, Colombia sends in troops
Brazil Presidential and Legislative Elections: October 2, 2022
Brazil holds general elections in October 2022. Jair Bolsonaro, the right-wing populist firebrand president, is up for re-election. Former president Lula da Silva, himself a populist firebrand of the left-wing variety, will run against him. The country remains deeply polarized between right and left, although some are searching for a third candidate to challenge both Bolsonaro and Lula. More
Anthony Boadle, Reuters (June 2, 2021): Analysis: Politicking general puts Bolsonaro at odds with army leaders
Americas Elections Coming Up in 2021 and 2022
Mexico Midterm Legislative Elections and Some Gubernatorial Elections: June 6, 2021
Peru Presidential Runoff: June 6, 2021
Argentina Misiones Provincial Elections: June 6, 2021
Aruba Parliamentary Elections: June 25, 2021
Argentina Jujuy Provincial Elections: June 27, 2021
Haiti Constitutional Referendum: 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.