Ignatius Annor is an International TV broadcast journalist. He has a wealth of experience cutting across news anchoring, production, reporting and digital news. This Ghanaian born journalist holds a master's degree in International Journalism from Swansea University in the UK. He worked with ...

Who are the Front-Runners for Senegal's Presidential Elections?

17 Jul 2023  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Electoral Law

The article discusses the political climate in Senegal ahead of the February 2024 presidential election. President Macky Sall is under pressure from the youth to not pursue a third term. The main opposition figure, Ousmane Sonko of the Pastef party, threatens to disrupt the election if barred from running. Sonko is currently under house arrest. Political analyst Babacar Dione predicts a less stringent election process, with potential candidates like Prime Minister Amadou Ba and former Prime Ministers Boun Abdallah Dionne and Idrissa Seck. Seck, now leading the Rewmi Party, intends to run for president. Other political figures like Karim Wade and Khalifa Sall are also expected to regain their civil rights to participate in the elections. The article also touches on the changes proposed to the electoral law to enable opposition figures to run for office.

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Electoral Law Senegal Presidential Election Political Campaigns Democracy Judicial System

Clea Broadhurst is a journalist based in Paris, France.

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African press review 10 January 2017

10 Jan 2017  |  RFI  |  English  |  Electoral Laws

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta approved controversial amendments to electoral laws, allowing a manual backup mechanism during elections, sparking opposition from Raila Odinga's Cord party. The Council of Governors warned striking doctors to return to work or face disciplinary action, while the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union criticized the government's response. In Uganda, outrage ensued over $1.7 million in bonuses to officials authorized by President Yoweri Museveni without parliamentary approval. South Africa's Mail & Guardian reported on a clinical trial in Cape Town testing a new long-acting antiretroviral drug for HIV prevention.

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Electoral Laws Doctors Strike Government Bonuses HIV Prevention

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Supreme Court Will Revisit A Key Provision Of The Voting Rights Act

28 Dec 2012  |  HuffPost  |  English  |  Electoral Law

The article discusses the implications of the Supreme Court case Shelby County vs. Holder, which revisits Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). This provision requires states with a history of discrimination to obtain federal approval before changing voting laws. Advocates, including Nina Perales from MALDEF, argue that Section 5 is crucial for preventing disenfranchisement of Latino voters, citing cases in Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Colorado. Critics, however, view the provision as outdated. The article also explores the creation of majority-minority districts and the argument that the VRA may be contrary to its purpose by limiting minority candidates' ability to appeal to a broader electorate. The Supreme Court's decision, expected in June, will address whether the VRA's preclearance requirement is still necessary and if it conflicts with the Act's original purpose. Civil rights advocates warn that striking down Section 5 could adversely affect minority populations, particularly Latinos, who are expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the eligible electorate in the coming years.

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Electoral Law Voting Rights Act Affirmative Action Gay Marriage Voting Rights Civil Rights Demographics

Anthee Carassava is a journalist based in Athens, Greece.

Mitsotakis Rules Out Early Elections and Electoral Law Changes, Setting Course for 2027

28 Nov 2024  |  iefimerida.gr  |  English  |  Electoral Law

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has ruled out early elections and changes to the electoral law, emphasizing stability and democratic principles. His administration focuses on governance and reform leading up to the 2027 elections, addressing internal challenges such as the expulsion of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. Mitsotakis defends his foreign policy, particularly regarding Greece's stance on territorial waters and relations with Turkey. Economically, he aims to support the middle class through tax cuts and income growth, while maintaining dialogue with Turkey to ensure regional stability.

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Electoral Law Greek Politics Greek-Turkish Relations

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Ann is an Australian freelance journalist in Mexico City. She reports for international media outlets on social, political and economic issues in Mexico including migration, the 'war on drugs', and feminist and indigenous social movements. 

Contributor to Foreign Policy, BBC New Economy, The New ...

Rule of law: Future of Mexico’s electoral authority rests with Supreme Court

23 Apr 2024  |  www.ibanet.org  |  English  |  Rule of Law

Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has introduced 'Plan B' electoral reforms, which have passed Congress and are now before the Supreme Court. The reforms propose significant cuts to the funding and staffing of the Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE), raising concerns about the weakening of this key democratic institution. Critics, including civil society groups and international bodies like Human Rights Watch, argue that the reforms threaten democratic rights and political participation, particularly for marginalized groups. The INE's technical strength in organizing democratic elections has been internationally recognized, but Plan B could impair its capacity to function effectively. The Supreme Court's role as a guardian of democracy is also under scrutiny, with López Obrador criticizing its ministers and calling for further reforms. Public opinion on the INE has seen a decline, with a survey indicating a drop in approval ratings.

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Electoral Reform Rule of Law Mexican Politics

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Lucinda Elliott specilises in print news coverage of Latin America.

She currently reports from South America for The Times of London newspaper alongside several British print publications and radio stations. Filing stories from Caracas, Venezuela throughout 2017 was a turning point in her ...

What is in Javier Milei's sweeping Argentina reform bill?

29 Dec 2023  |  srnnews.com  |  English  |  Electoral Law

Argentine President Javier Milei has introduced a comprehensive reform bill to Congress, aiming to overhaul the tax system, electoral law, and public debt management. Key proposals include privatizing public companies, introducing a 15% export tax, and raising export taxes on soy. The bill also seeks to amend the electoral system and grant temporary legislative powers to the presidency. Despite the ambitious agenda, Milei's coalition holds a minority in both legislative chambers, making the bill's passage uncertain. Opposition movements have already organized protests against the reforms.

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Electoral Law Tax Reform Public Debt Management

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Parisa Hashempour is a journalist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Britain's photo ID system undermines the democracy it is trying to preserve

01 May 2021  |  www.businessinsider.com  |  English  |  Voter ID Law

The UK's proposed photo ID requirement for voting, set to take effect from 2023, is criticized for potentially disenfranchising disabled, elderly, young, and low-income citizens, as well as ethnic minorities and the Gypsy Roma Traveller population. The Electoral Reform Society and other organizations argue that the rule will create barriers to democracy, with trials already turning away voters. The government's justification of preventing electoral fraud is challenged by the low levels of proven fraud in the UK. Critics, including the Labour Party and the Southern Poverty Law Center, view the measure as a tactic by the Conservative Party to maintain power by disenfranchising groups less likely to support them.

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Electoral Reform Voter ID Law Democracy

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William Mapote is a journalist based in Maputo, Mozambique. Have more than 20 year experience in Journalism, with focus on Politics, Economics and Finance, for radio, TV and Print.
Worked as a local stringer to Reuters, Bloomberg and Africa Media Group (Kenia). Locally, worked at Mediacoop, SOICO ...

Mozambican activists against the new electoral law for risking transparency

15 Aug 2024  |  www.voaportugues.com  |  Portuguese  |  Electoral Law

Mozambican civil society is concerned about a new electoral law that centralizes vote recounting authority with the Constitutional Council, potentially reducing transparency. The Mais Integridade consortium doubts the law will enhance electoral transparency, especially after recent municipal election issues. The law, supported by Frelimo and Renamo, has been criticized for potentially increasing electoral violence and limiting local judicial recourse. Renamo, despite past fraud claims, supports the law, citing overall benefits. Critics warn of a dangerous alliance between Frelimo and Renamo, while Renamo downplays concerns, emphasizing the law's advantages.

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Electoral Law Transparency Political Conflict

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Maya Misikir is a freelance journalist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She has experience working for print as well as broadcast, radio and TV. She mostly covers current affairs for VOA but also writes in-depth analysis for other publications.

In spite of pioneering policies and progressive laws, traditional obstacles remain to a fairer representation of women in Ethiopian politics.

27 Aug 2021  |  Ethiopia Insight  |  English  |  Electoral Law

The article discusses the challenges and progress of women's political participation in Ethiopia. Despite the appointment of women to high-level positions, such as the country's first female president, Sahle-Work Zewde, and the initial gender parity in the cabinet under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, traditional societal norms and a lack of institutional support continue to hinder women's political empowerment. The article highlights the experiences of women politicians and activists, the role of civil society organizations, and the impact of legal frameworks and policies on women's rights. It also touches on the use of gender quotas by political parties and the manipulation of women voters through government programs. The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association's election monitoring with a gender lens is also discussed, revealing the widespread intimidation and harassment of women in politics.

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Electoral Law Women in Politics Gender Equality Ethiopian Elections Political Participation Gender Parity Violence Against Women Affirmative Action Civil Society Organizations Political Empowerment

Cairo - International Multimedia Journalist. Reporting, digging, facilitating - the whole story start to finish. Also strong interview producer, video editor, resource provider successfully working in a challenging state environment. Ready for your immediate assignment!

Angie has produced ...

New Tunisia Election Law Blow to Democracy - Analyst

15 Dec 2022  |  www.voaafrica.com  |  English  |  Electoral Law

Tunisia's new electoral law, introduced by President Kais Saied, is seen as a significant setback to the country's democratic progress. The law has made it difficult for candidates to run for office and has marginalized political parties, leading to widespread boycotts. Additionally, the elimination of public campaign financing favors wealthy individuals, contradicting Saied's populist image. Tunisia is also grappling with a severe financial crisis, with inflation and shortages of basic goods exacerbated by Saied's policies, which have also eroded international donor confidence.

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Electoral Law Democracy Financial Crisis

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Lorenzo Pregliasco is a journalist based in Torino, Italy.

Antonio Sampaio is a journalist based in Díli, Timor-Leste.
With more than 30 years’ experience in journalism (print, TV, radio and online) in a number of countries, Antonio Sampaio was until October this year the Dili bureau chief for the Portuguese News Agency Lusa, where he covered major ...

President of the Timorese Parliament Declares Confirmation of Electoral Law

02 Oct 2023  |  www.noticiasaominuto.com  |  Portuguese  |  Electoral Law

The President of the Timorese Parliament, Aniceto Guterres Lopes, confirmed the electoral law despite opposition contestation. The law, previously vetoed by President José Ramos-Horta, was approved with 37 votes in favor, 22 against, and 2 abstentions. The government, represented by Miguel Pereira de Carvalho, expressed surprise at the President's objections, which halted 11 proposed amendments aimed at improving the electoral process. The debate highlighted disagreements over the interpretation of constitutional norms and the practical implications of the proposed changes, including the creation of parallel voting centers and measures to support voters with disabilities.

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Electoral Law Politics

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