News

High turnout in elections to further raise Iran’s Int’l status: Larijani

Feb 03 2016
Iran
Source: 
The Iran Project

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani highlighted the significance of the upcoming elections given the situation in the Middle East region, saying that high turnout in the voting can further promote the country’s international position.

Speaking in an open session of the parliament on Wednesday, Larijani pointed to the parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections due to be held later this month, saying that in the “disturbed security situation” of the region, holding competitive and glorious elections is of high importance.

ECP rejects PTI plea to nullify NA-122 by-poll, grants access to voter data

Feb 01 2016
Pakistan
Source: 
Dawn

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday rejected Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Aleem Khan's plea challenging the results of the NA-122 by-poll, but allowed the party access to voter data in the constituency.

An 800-page petition filed by Aleem last November alleged irregularities and pre-poll rigging in the NA-122 by-poll, and requested the ECP to declare the election null and void on the basis of 'technical rigging'.

Franjieh: I'll Withdraw My Nomination if Hariri Decides to Back Aoun

Feb 01 2016
Lebanon
Source: 
Naharnet

Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh noted Sunday that he would only pull out of the presidential race should al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri decide to back Change and Reform bloc chief MP Michel Aoun's nomination.

“When ex-PM Hariri decides to back General Aoun, I will withdraw my nomination,” said Franjieh in remarks to NBN television.

“I will not concede to Aoun unless the possibility of him winning the presidency becomes guaranteed,” he added, stressing that he is not willing to risk losing his own nomination.

Rafsanjani: A sound and impartial election will be source of proud for nation

Jan 31 2016
Iran
Source: 
The Iran Project

Tehran, Jan 30, IRNA – Chairman of the Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said on Saturday that setting up a sound and unbiased election will bring proud for the country.

The vital fact in the upcoming election is that all parties should avoid passing over their rivals and no specific group should be backed by any individual or party, he said.

Watchdog concerned at inordinate delay in elections

Jan 30 2016
Afghanistan
Source: 
Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): An election watchdog said on Saturday the process of reforms had been stymied by the Wolesi Jirga’s rejection of the presidential decrees cleaning up the electoral system.

The deadlock hasspawned multiple challenges to the conduct of future parliamentary elections and hanged as a big question mark over the national unity government’s legitimacy.

Elections guarantee system’s long-life, religious democracy

Jan 29 2016
Iran
Source: 
The Iran Project

Tehran, Jan 29, IRNA – Provisional Friday Prayers Imam of Tehran Hojjatoleslam Kazem Seddiqi said in his 1st sermon elections not only guarantee system’s long life, but also safeguard it religious democracy aspect.

‘Participation in the elections is both a right and an opportunity to create a national epic and block the path for the penetration of the enemy,’ he added.

Huge turnout for Sharjah Consultative Council elections

Jan 29 2016
United Arab Emirates
Source: 
Khaleej Times

The first day of voting for Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) elections on Thursday saw a huge turnout across all nine polling stations. Citizens flocked to cast their votes for the candidates they believe will be perfect to convey their messages to the government.

Voters arrived early morning even before the polls began at 8am, showing their enthusiasm in participating in decision-making process.

Adwan: Electoral Law Committee Concludes Meetings, Hybrid Law Probable

Jan 29 2016
Lebanon
Source: 
Naharnet

A parliamentary committee tasked with devising a new electoral law concluded its meetings Thursday and is set to refer a report to the parliament which in turn will refer it to the parliament bureau for discussions.

“The committee tasked with drafting a new electoral law ended its discussions on the file and will refer it to the parliament which in turn will refer to the parliament bureau for deliberations,” the state-run National News Agency reported.

Electing both president and PM ‘unsustainable’: Erdoğan

Jan 29 2016
Turkey
Source: 
Hurriyet

The current parliamentary system in Turkey is out of date and the existing situation, in which both the prime minister and president are elected by the people, is unsustainable, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated, emphasizing his wish to hold a referendum over a new constitution and a transition to a presidential system while calling on civil society organizations and media to launch a grassroots campaign to this aim.

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