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Elections

Stories related to democracy and electoral processes. 

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News
Centrist pro-European D66 party set to win election in The Netherlands

Centrist pro-European D66 party set to win election in The Netherlands

The Netherlands is set to elect its youngest ever prime minister after the far-right party of Geert Wilders was projected to suffer losses in an election he brought about by bringing down the government. Rob Jetten, the 38-year-old leader of the pro-European centrist D66 party, is on course to claim the top job with most votes counted. His party is projected to win 27 of the 150 seats in the country's lower house of parliament, beating Mr Wilder's Freedom Party on 25, according to an exit poll by Ipsos. It comes just two years after he led his party to victory in the last election, winning 37 seats, although his coalition partners refused to endorse him as prime minister. Mr Jetten will also need to rely on a coalition himself, with 76 seats needed for a majority. At least four parties will be required for him to get there.
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Opinion
Armenia Power Struggle Intensifies Before Elections

Armenia Power Struggle Intensifies Before Elections

Tensions are mounting in Armenia ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections, with the nation’s future hanging in the balance. Despite the excitement surrounding the Trump-brokered Washington Declaration in August, it is unclear whether it can overcome the lingering division that set in after defeat by Azerbaijan in the 44-day war. Recent surveys have shown a slight majority against the proposed TRIPP.

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Live blog
LIVE BLOG: Armenia Votes

LIVE BLOG: Armenia Votes

"In the end what matters is the assessment that the Armenian people themselves give, be it in the media, social media, or one suspects, more quietly in their discussions with family and friends."
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Editorial: Armenia votes
Editorial: Armenia votes

Editorial: Armenia votes

Expectations in and out of Armenia about these elections, have been modest. Internally political cynicism is the order of the day. Externally, western governments hope for small steps forward.
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Commentary
Commentary: Georgia's new political journey

Commentary: Georgia's new political journey

The period of democratic transition is over, and a new phase, where the emphasis must be on state and democratic consolidation, has opened. The October 2016 Parliamentary elections in Georgia were not perfect, but they were the best the country ever had, and within the accepted international standards. Well organised, competitive and fair elections now need to become a habit, so that politicians and voters alike can focus on policies and substance.
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Georgia's night of horrors
Georgia's night of horrors

Georgia's night of horrors

Commentary: For Georgia, the night of 8 to 9 October can be described as the return of the ghosts of the past, threatening to derail the country's significant, but still fragile, achievements in the process of democratic state-building