Stories about Elections from November, 2008
Tunisia: Yes, they can. No, we can't!
The week of the US election coincided with the 21st anniversary of 'change' in Tunisia. But while Americans went to the polls to elect their 44th president, in its 50 years of independence, Tunisia has had just two presidents. Tunisian bloggers mark Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's 21st year as president with a call for change.
Jamaica, U.S.A.: Poetic Obama
Jamaicans Geoffrey Philp's Blogspot and Poet in Wisconsin both post poems in honour of Barack Obama.
Jamaica: Leadership Roles
“Leadership has to be about prioritizing and making the unpopular decisions that may not help in getting you re-elected but will set the country on the right course for future growth and development”: Trevor Dawes at Abeng News Magazine wonders “why is it that the Jamaican government, regardless of which...
Romania: Elections and Gazprom
Kosmopolito writes that in Romania, “[t]he fight against corruption is ongoing and is progressing according to schedule: endless” – and as the country prepares for the parliamentary election on Nov. 30, “[m]ost likely it will not vote”: “Those who will vote, will have to choose pretty much the same thing....
Nicaragua: Concerns About Fraud in Recent Elections
The streets of Managua were not the only place where supporters of the two political parties in Nicaragua were present during the recent municipal elections held on November 9. One could also find them on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Some were concerned about accusation of fraud and the message sent because of the results. This is a translation of a summary post by Alvaro Berroteran of the Nicaragua Y Su Blog.
Cuba: Lomas Fired
Diaspora blogger Child of the Revolution speculates as to why “the highest ranking woman in the Castro regime…has been unexpectedly fired…from her high-profile post as Minister for Foreign Investment.”
Armenia: Special Committees
Unzipped comments on reported plans by the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) to establish special committeses to develop opinions and policies on issues facing the country. The blog compares the idea to the shadow cabinet system in the U.K. and hopes that such a move will contribute to creating a...
Bangladesh: Credible Election
Ex diplomat Sirajul Islam comments in his blog on the impending general election in Bangladesh: “If at the end of it, a major political party feels that there is no level playing ground for its participation in the polls, then for all practical purposes, the efforts of this Government has...
Algeria: Boutef vs. Barack
The Moor Next Door shares an article from Le Matin contrasting the election of Barack Obama in the United States with that of Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Algeria.
U.S.: Proposition 8 Silence
Unzipped: Gay Armenia expresses its disappointment that Armenian-American LGBT groups remain silent in light of the recent vote to ban same-sex marriages in California which accompanied Barack Obama's victory in last week's presidential election. The blog wonders why there have been no statements issued by at least four ethnic Armenian...
Maldives: New Cabinet
Think Maldives’ blog lists the new cabinet of Maldives selected by the president elect Mohamed Nasheed (Anni). The Cabinet comprises of candidates of four political parties.
New Zealand: Time for Change As Well?
On November 8, New Zealand held a general election with opposition coalition winning a majority in Parliament. Is this a time for change? Bloggers have different opinions.
Obama's Victory: Reactions From Tanzania
In Tanzania, new of Barack Obama's historic victory in the US Presidential election dominated almost every Swahili blog.
Armenia: Obama Endorsement
Bekaisa [AM/EN/RU] posted a photograph of a sign outside an Armenian church in the U.S. on the eve of last week's presidential election. It reads “vote for the black. The other one's an ass (donkey).”
Bangladesh: Myanmar troop build up
Ghore Baire wonders whether the recent tensions between Myanmar and Bangladesh over maritime boundary dispute and the troop build up by Myanmar near Bangladesh border could delay the impending election in Bangladesh.
Pakistan: Obama the Revenge!
For years, many people in Pakistan hated the policies of US President George W. Bush. Most Pakistanis believed that the policies of Mr. Bush to fight terrorism were failed policies. Yes that is right! Because almost every step taken by him had ironically empowered the fundamental forces like the Taliban and...
Doubts about Zambia's presidential elections
percymwale raises doubts about the freeness and fairness of Zambia's recent presidential elections.
Syria: Comments on the U.S. Elections
The Syrian blogosphere, particularly the contingent that blogs in English, has been somewhat quiet about the U.S. elections, at least in comparison to its neighbors. It's no secret that many bloggers in the Arab world are frustrated with some of Obama's policies, even if they are glad that some change has come. In this post, we will take a look at three different Syrian perspectives on the recent elections in the U.S.
Armenia: Bloggers Reaction to Obama Victory
Voices Without Votes posts a roundup of reactions to Barrack Obama's victory in the U.S. presidential election. West of Igdir also posts its impressions and says that expectations are high. The blog comments on the prejudices and stereotypes associated with the president-elect's origins and name.
Obama's Victory: A Boost for Global Health?
As U.S. President-elect Barack Obama prepares for his four years in the White House, many are discussing how his term will impact health issues, globally and in the U.S., and if he will deliver on his campaign promises. As part of their campaign, Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden said...
Armenia: Rahm Emanuel Concerns
And Nothing Else Matters [RU] voices its concern with Barrack Obama's choice of Rahm Emanuel as Chief of Staff. The blog reminds its readers that Emanuel was one of those opposing a bill recognizing the Armenian Genocide which was to be presented to the U.S. Congress last year.
