The choice of electoral system determines how the entire electoral process will be run. It can affect not only the size of electoral districts and the ballot structures but also who can vote and how their votes can be...The choice of electoral system determines how the entire electoral process will be run. It can affect not only the size of electoral districts and the ballot structures but also who can vote and how their votes can be counted （Reynolds, 2009; Reynolds, Reilly, ＆ Ellis, 2008）. Conflicts are more likely to arise if an electoral system is perceived as a system of ＂pick and choose＂. Some electoral systems may be less prone to post-election conflicts than others; and to some extent such electoral systems may also be more helpful in promoting democracy than others. In addition, studies have shown that many African countries that hold elections inherited their political systems from their former European colonial powers （Reynolds, 2009; Blanton, Mason, ＆ Athow, 2001; Young, 1986）. Such systems are less likely to work on African terrains. Therefore, designing an electoral system that can help minimize frequent occurrences of political conflict requires not only an in-depth knowledge of party systems in Africa but also a deep understanding of electoral rules of the game. This paper covers two interrelated topics： African models of electoral systems with a particular emphasis on electoral rules and democracy promotion, and elections and party systems.展开更多
Since the 1990s, the turnout in electoral processes has decreased, taking into account the Mexican context with its democratic transition, this decrease started after the 1994 federal election. The drop in turnout in ...Since the 1990s, the turnout in electoral processes has decreased, taking into account the Mexican context with its democratic transition, this decrease started after the 1994 federal election. The drop in turnout in federal elections had its lowest figure during the midterm elections of 2003, it picked up during the electoral process of 2009 and kept the same level of 2012. The change in the electoral turnout pattern for the federal elections in Mexico after 2009 can be explained as the combined effect of the electoral cycle and the concurrence between federal and local elections. Beginning from the hypothesis that there is a close link between institutions and contexts, the purpose of this study is to prove with the analysis of the electoral processes from 1997 to 2012, the effect of the electoral reforms--specifically the one in Article 116 of the Constitution in 2007-on turnout for federal elections of 2009 and 2012.展开更多
The research examines the way in which members of the U.S. House of Representative represent themselves on the social network site Facebook. Each member’s activity is observed on seven different occasions and the fre...The research examines the way in which members of the U.S. House of Representative represent themselves on the social network site Facebook. Each member’s activity is observed on seven different occasions and the frequency and substantive character of posts made during the second half of 2013 are established. The focus is on position-taking posts versus posts which mention the district the member serves in. Our expectation is that members from electorally safe districts will be more likely to advertise their policy positions while members from marginal districts will be more inclined to advertise their district connections. We control for minority party status, gender, and ideological extremism among other concerns and learn electoral safety is a good predictor of both “position-taking” and “district mentions”. Consistent with an electoral motive, we also find members from the minority party less likely to take positions on the issues of the day and more likely to mention the district they serve in.展开更多
The aim of this research is to identify the factors that determine the voting behaviors of African populations in a context of strong competition between different political products. To do this, a synoptic review of ...The aim of this research is to identify the factors that determine the voting behaviors of African populations in a context of strong competition between different political products. To do this, a synoptic review of concepts involved is first presented. Then, 60 semi-directive interviews were conducted with persons who have the voter cards and who participated in the vote during the last two presidential and legislative elections in order to identify the factors that influenced their decision. A content analysis of the interviewees＇ speeches reveals that four categories of factors determine the electoral behavior of Cameroonians： candidate profile, socio economic, political and situational factors.展开更多
Success of the democracy largely depends on the level of electoral integrity. In this paper, the core notion of ＂electoral integrity＂ refers to agreed international principles and standards of elections, applying un...Success of the democracy largely depends on the level of electoral integrity. In this paper, the core notion of ＂electoral integrity＂ refers to agreed international principles and standards of elections, applying universally to all countries worldwide throughout the electoral cycle, including during the pre and post-electoral period. As such, a quantitative and empirical method is employed to insight the quantum of electoral integrity of India and Mauritius where they respect human rights for real democratization. Main focus of the paper is to highlight the success and failure of democracy and how the two countries （India and Mauritius） respect human right but the yardstick of study is based on electoral integrity.展开更多
According to a decision of the National People＇s Congress （NPC） Standing Committee of the People＇s Republic of China in 2007, the 2017 Chief Executive election can be implemented by universal suffrage. It caused a...According to a decision of the National People＇s Congress （NPC） Standing Committee of the People＇s Republic of China in 2007, the 2017 Chief Executive election can be implemented by universal suffrage. It caused a lot of conflicts in the Hong Kong society. Nevertheless, on August 31, 2014, the NPC Standing Committee came to the decision that a 1200-member Nominating Committee should elect two or three candidates before a territory-wide ballot by ordinary voters and the 2016 legislative election would remain unchanged. This decision detonated Umbrella Movement afterwards. Hong Kong Pan-democratic camp, in conflict with the government, proposed ＂party nomination＂ or ＂civil nomination＂. On June 18, 2015, the Legislative Council rejected this unmodified electoral reform proposal, which was uncommon under the ＂One Country, Two System＂. Hong Kong, as the Special Administrative Region, enjoys high-level autonomy, yet it can be influenced by the intervention of the Central Government. Analyzing the decision-making and intention of the Central Government regarding the electoral reform of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong will facilitate our understanding of the political development of Hong Kong in the near future. This paper argues that the design of the electoral reform will be critically important for the political development in Hong Kong. On the one hand, the Central Government has to follow the Basic Law, for example, Article 45, which stipulates the election procedure. On the other, it emphasizes that the Chief Executive pledges loyalty to Beijing, and only specific design of the electoral reform can guarantee it. The practice of democratic principles exists with the election of freedom and justice. Worldwide experience demonstrates various democratic election mechanism and system, none of which can apply to all societies. Democratic election development China's Mainland, Hong Kong Administration, and Macao Administration have difference in history. They should explore the democratic election mechanism, which takes root in and suits each cultural characteristics. As is well known, democracy relies on competition and compromise between conflicting principles and stakes. The election for the Chief Executive in Hong Kong of 2017 is a product of competition and compromise between different principles and stakes. This paper argues that the Chief Executive election of 2017 is a combination of elite democracy and mass democracy.展开更多
Namibia’s democratic and peaceful transition of power since its independence in 1990 has positioned it as a model for political stability in Africa.This article explores the key factors that have contributed to Nami...Namibia’s democratic and peaceful transition of power since its independence in 1990 has positioned it as a model for political stability in Africa.This article explores the key factors that have contributed to Namibia’s transitions,focusing on the institutional,political,and cultural elements that have underpinned democratic processes.By examining historical milestones,such as the successful 1990 independence elections,the 2005,2015 and 2025 presidential transitions,and the country’s consistent adherence to constitutional principles,this research highlights the role of strong democratic institutions,political tolerance,and active participation of civil society.The article also addresses the significance of leadership and the political culture that foster trust in democratic institutions.Furthermore,it assesses the role of regional and international support in reinforcing Namibia’s democratic processes.By comparing Namibia’s experience with other African nations facing transitions of power,the article offers insights into broader implications for governance,democratic consolidation,and stability in the African context.The article analyses Namibia’s experience in light of similar transitions in Africa,identifying key factors that promote a peaceful transfer of power in the aftermath of an expected presidential demise.The findings aim to contribute to the understanding of successful democratic transitions and provide a blueprint for other nations striving for peaceful power of changes.Ultimately,this work offers valuable insights into the dynamics of democratic resilience in Namibia and highlights important lessons for other African nations confronting leadership transitions.展开更多
An amendment to the Electoral Law of the National People’s Congress and Local People’s Congresses of the People’s Republic of China providing equal legislative representation to rural and urban people was ratified ...An amendment to the Electoral Law of the National People’s Congress and Local People’s Congresses of the People’s Republic of China providing equal legislative representation to rural and urban people was ratified at the closing meeting of the Third Session of the 1 1th展开更多
文摘The choice of electoral system determines how the entire electoral process will be run. It can affect not only the size of electoral districts and the ballot structures but also who can vote and how their votes can be counted （Reynolds, 2009; Reynolds, Reilly, ＆ Ellis, 2008）. Conflicts are more likely to arise if an electoral system is perceived as a system of ＂pick and choose＂. Some electoral systems may be less prone to post-election conflicts than others; and to some extent such electoral systems may also be more helpful in promoting democracy than others. In addition, studies have shown that many African countries that hold elections inherited their political systems from their former European colonial powers （Reynolds, 2009; Blanton, Mason, ＆ Athow, 2001; Young, 1986）. Such systems are less likely to work on African terrains. Therefore, designing an electoral system that can help minimize frequent occurrences of political conflict requires not only an in-depth knowledge of party systems in Africa but also a deep understanding of electoral rules of the game. This paper covers two interrelated topics： African models of electoral systems with a particular emphasis on electoral rules and democracy promotion, and elections and party systems.
文摘Since the 1990s, the turnout in electoral processes has decreased, taking into account the Mexican context with its democratic transition, this decrease started after the 1994 federal election. The drop in turnout in federal elections had its lowest figure during the midterm elections of 2003, it picked up during the electoral process of 2009 and kept the same level of 2012. The change in the electoral turnout pattern for the federal elections in Mexico after 2009 can be explained as the combined effect of the electoral cycle and the concurrence between federal and local elections. Beginning from the hypothesis that there is a close link between institutions and contexts, the purpose of this study is to prove with the analysis of the electoral processes from 1997 to 2012, the effect of the electoral reforms--specifically the one in Article 116 of the Constitution in 2007-on turnout for federal elections of 2009 and 2012.
文摘The research examines the way in which members of the U.S. House of Representative represent themselves on the social network site Facebook. Each member’s activity is observed on seven different occasions and the frequency and substantive character of posts made during the second half of 2013 are established. The focus is on position-taking posts versus posts which mention the district the member serves in. Our expectation is that members from electorally safe districts will be more likely to advertise their policy positions while members from marginal districts will be more inclined to advertise their district connections. We control for minority party status, gender, and ideological extremism among other concerns and learn electoral safety is a good predictor of both “position-taking” and “district mentions”. Consistent with an electoral motive, we also find members from the minority party less likely to take positions on the issues of the day and more likely to mention the district they serve in.
文摘The aim of this research is to identify the factors that determine the voting behaviors of African populations in a context of strong competition between different political products. To do this, a synoptic review of concepts involved is first presented. Then, 60 semi-directive interviews were conducted with persons who have the voter cards and who participated in the vote during the last two presidential and legislative elections in order to identify the factors that influenced their decision. A content analysis of the interviewees＇ speeches reveals that four categories of factors determine the electoral behavior of Cameroonians： candidate profile, socio economic, political and situational factors.
文摘Success of the democracy largely depends on the level of electoral integrity. In this paper, the core notion of ＂electoral integrity＂ refers to agreed international principles and standards of elections, applying universally to all countries worldwide throughout the electoral cycle, including during the pre and post-electoral period. As such, a quantitative and empirical method is employed to insight the quantum of electoral integrity of India and Mauritius where they respect human rights for real democratization. Main focus of the paper is to highlight the success and failure of democracy and how the two countries （India and Mauritius） respect human right but the yardstick of study is based on electoral integrity.
文摘According to a decision of the National People＇s Congress （NPC） Standing Committee of the People＇s Republic of China in 2007, the 2017 Chief Executive election can be implemented by universal suffrage. It caused a lot of conflicts in the Hong Kong society. Nevertheless, on August 31, 2014, the NPC Standing Committee came to the decision that a 1200-member Nominating Committee should elect two or three candidates before a territory-wide ballot by ordinary voters and the 2016 legislative election would remain unchanged. This decision detonated Umbrella Movement afterwards. Hong Kong Pan-democratic camp, in conflict with the government, proposed ＂party nomination＂ or ＂civil nomination＂. On June 18, 2015, the Legislative Council rejected this unmodified electoral reform proposal, which was uncommon under the ＂One Country, Two System＂. Hong Kong, as the Special Administrative Region, enjoys high-level autonomy, yet it can be influenced by the intervention of the Central Government. Analyzing the decision-making and intention of the Central Government regarding the electoral reform of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong will facilitate our understanding of the political development of Hong Kong in the near future. This paper argues that the design of the electoral reform will be critically important for the political development in Hong Kong. On the one hand, the Central Government has to follow the Basic Law, for example, Article 45, which stipulates the election procedure. On the other, it emphasizes that the Chief Executive pledges loyalty to Beijing, and only specific design of the electoral reform can guarantee it. The practice of democratic principles exists with the election of freedom and justice. Worldwide experience demonstrates various democratic election mechanism and system, none of which can apply to all societies. Democratic election development China's Mainland, Hong Kong Administration, and Macao Administration have difference in history. They should explore the democratic election mechanism, which takes root in and suits each cultural characteristics. As is well known, democracy relies on competition and compromise between conflicting principles and stakes. The election for the Chief Executive in Hong Kong of 2017 is a product of competition and compromise between different principles and stakes. This paper argues that the Chief Executive election of 2017 is a combination of elite democracy and mass democracy.
文摘Namibia’s democratic and peaceful transition of power since its independence in 1990 has positioned it as a model for political stability in Africa.This article explores the key factors that have contributed to Namibia’s transitions,focusing on the institutional,political,and cultural elements that have underpinned democratic processes.By examining historical milestones,such as the successful 1990 independence elections,the 2005,2015 and 2025 presidential transitions,and the country’s consistent adherence to constitutional principles,this research highlights the role of strong democratic institutions,political tolerance,and active participation of civil society.The article also addresses the significance of leadership and the political culture that foster trust in democratic institutions.Furthermore,it assesses the role of regional and international support in reinforcing Namibia’s democratic processes.By comparing Namibia’s experience with other African nations facing transitions of power,the article offers insights into broader implications for governance,democratic consolidation,and stability in the African context.The article analyses Namibia’s experience in light of similar transitions in Africa,identifying key factors that promote a peaceful transfer of power in the aftermath of an expected presidential demise.The findings aim to contribute to the understanding of successful democratic transitions and provide a blueprint for other nations striving for peaceful power of changes.Ultimately,this work offers valuable insights into the dynamics of democratic resilience in Namibia and highlights important lessons for other African nations confronting leadership transitions.
文摘An amendment to the Electoral Law of the National People’s Congress and Local People’s Congresses of the People’s Republic of China providing equal legislative representation to rural and urban people was ratified at the closing meeting of the Third Session of the 1 1th
