bne IntelliNews’ Post

Belarus has scheduled its next presidential elections for 26 January 2025, marking another significant chapter in the country’s recent turbulent political history. The announcement was made by the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Belarus, led by Igor Karpenko, who confirmed that the commission is prepared to commence the electoral campaign. The decision to set the date was made during a session of the House of Representatives. State-run Belarusian news outlet BelTA was the first to report the announcement, which has drawn immediate attention due to the country’s contentious political climate. #EUToday #Belarus #Elections2025

On October 26, Georgia held parliamentary elections. These elections took place already after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Georgia, which survived the invasion of Russia in 2008, went through a long time of balancing between dealing with the unpunished Russia and the country's European aspirations. The ruling Georgian Dream party is entering its fourth term. But this time, the opposition parties gathered momentum due to Georgian Dream’s unpopular laws like the “foreign agents act” and overall country’s leaders' ties with Russia. The USA Department of the Treasury sanctioned two Georgian government officials for violating freedom of protest in September 2024. The EU halts plans to open accession talks with Georgia, an EU Commission October report suggests. Svidomi spoke with Irakli Sirbiladze, a policy researcher from Georgia and a ReThink.CEE Fellow 2023 of the German Marshall Fund of the United States about Georgian Dream’s policy, the elections fatigue, and Georgia’s unpredictable future.

#Togo – Clean sweep Provisional results of the country’s 29 April legislative and regional elections indicate a resounding victory for the UNIR party of president Faure Gnassingbe. The poor electoral performance of the opposition has allowed Gnassingbe to promulgate constitutional amendments which will see the political system change from a presidential to a parliamentary system. Despite claims of electoral irregularities made by the opposition, the Constitutional Court is expected to uphold the election results. The UNIR’s legislative dominance, along with the constitutional amendments, will ensure the longevity of Gnassingbe’s hold on power. Opposition protest action may occur in the coming weeks, but will be limited and generally non-disruptive. The UNIR’s victory will allow for economic policy continuity. Our latest via #TheSignalRoom: https://lnkd.in/djxBNtq9

Voting as a student : ▶️ Being registered at both your home address and your term-time addresses doesn't necessarily mean you get two votes. You will need to choose one address and vote in only that area when you're voting in: UK Parliament elections UK referendums London Assembly and London Mayoral elections You can't vote at both your term-time address and your home address at these elections. Voting in more than one location is a criminal offence. For other elections you can vote at both your term-time and your home address. You can choose to vote in either or both areas (as long as the addresses are in different council areas) when you're voting in: Local council elections in England Police and Crime commissioner elections and mayoral elections Make sure you understand the rules for the election you are voting in. Ways to vote If you're not able to make it to the polling station on the day, you can apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote (when someone you trust votes on your behalf). https://lnkd.in/egw_SfAr

Last year was dubbed the "year of elections," with over 1.5 billion ballots cast across 74 national elections. Yet, at least one-third of these countries experienced electoral violence. #ACLED data shows how repressive governments, criminal interests, and deep political polarization shaped these events—from the killing of 20 protesters in Venezuela after disputed results to the rise of political assassinations in Mexico and South Africa. Even in established democracies like the US, France, and Germany, polarization fueled tensions, though outcomes varied. In this new World Politics Review article, ACLED’s Head of Analysis Andrea Carboni, North America Research Manager Kieran D., and Research Analyst Ana Marco examine these trends and the challenges they pose to democratic processes worldwide. Explore their in-depth analysis on how violence and resistance defined the year of elections: https://lnkd.in/d5xAWJSg

Georgia’s opposition holding march protesting against parliamentary election outcome The march started from three locations in Tbilisi, with the protesters planning to meet for a rally in front of the parliamentary building TBILISI, November 17/ Georgia’s opposition forces are holding a march in Tbilisi protesting against the outcome of the recent parliamentary elections, a TASS correspondent reports. The march started from three locations in Tbilisi, with the protesters planning to meet for a rally in front of the parliamentary building. Georgia held its parliamentary election on October 26, with 18 parties involved, including the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party, which has been in power for 12 years. Electronic ballot boxes were used during these elections for the first time. According to the final data from the country’s Central Electoral Commission, the ruling party secured 53.93% of the vote and won 89 seats in parliament, allowing the Georgian Dream to form a government independently. Additionally, the Coalition for Change (11.03%) won 19 seats, the Unity - National Movement (10.17%) - 16 seats, the Strong Georgia coalition (8.81%) - 14 seats, and the Gakharia For Georgia party (7.78%) - 12 seats. President Salome Zourabichvili and all the opposition parties refuse to recognize the election results, slamming them as rigged. Since November 4, Georgia’s opposition has been staging protest actions demanding rerun elections. #business #finance #financialservices

In this week's #WeeklyAsado, Leopoldo Lopez offers an in-depth analysis of the ongoing electoral crisis in Venezuela, drawing attention to the broader global trend of election manipulation that threatens the integrity of democratic processes. 🗳️🇻🇪 As countries around the world face increasing challenges to free and fair elections, Lopez’s insights provide a timely reminder of the importance of safeguarding democracy and the rule of law. This is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of democratic institutions. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dXKdD8Gf

Check out this timely informational webinar on voting rights. #vote #ConozcaSusDerechos #GetOutTheVote

The bid to overhaul the Westminster election system, get big money out of politics and counter disinformation is critical. We look forward to working with all MPs on these issues. #ProportionalRepresentation

🚨 A critical moment for democracy in Romania: the annulment of the first round of presidential elections. The decision of the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) raises essential questions about electoral integrity and the impact of disinformation on democratic processes. Grateful to my former professor, Alina Carrozzini, for her updates on this crucial issue. To add to the discussion: The CCR decided to annul the results of the first round after ordering a recount of votes. The court’s motivation pointed to significant violations of electoral legislation that undermined the free and fair nature of the vote. Key findings included: -> Irregularities such as orchestrated disinformation campaigns on social media, allegedly favoring one candidate. -> Procedural breaches during the electoral process. Evidence of pre-planned operations involving hostile state and non-state actors, as revealed by reports from Romanian intelligence services (SRI) and The Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT). These actions distorted the electoral environment, violating constitutional principles and raising broader concerns about the future of democracy in the region. The exact dates for the presidential election to be held next year will be determined by the incoming government, which will take office after the new parliament is formed. In the meantime, Article 83 para. 2 of the Romanian Constitution states that the current president, Klaus Iohannis, will extend his mandate until the new president is elected.