Latest news with #ElectionLaw
Shafaq News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Disqualified candidates: Iraq's electoral body under fire
Shafaq News Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has sparked wide debate after disqualifying a number of candidates from the 2025 parliamentary elections based on the 'good conduct' requirement. The commission announced earlier that 65 candidates cannot run in the upcoming elections for violating Article 7/3 of the amended Law No. 12 of 2018 on parliamentary and provincial council elections. It had also excluded others over criminal records involving charges of previously belonging to the Ba'ath Party, murder, bribery, forgery, fraud, and corruption. Sources told Shafaq News that over 75 candidates will be excluded, with the number potentially rising to around 200. Broad Interpretation Of 'Good Conduct' Legal expert Mohammed Jumaa explained that the disqualifications are based on Article 7 of the Election Law, which sets conditions for candidacy, including 'good conduct and reputation' and the absence of criminal convictions related to felonies, misdemeanors involving moral turpitude, or corruption cases—even if the candidate was later pardoned. Jumaa told Shafaq News that the commission adopted a broad interpretation of 'good conduct' to include candidates who have not been convicted by a final judicial ruling but face unresolved accusations or pending lawsuits. The commission considers these allegations sufficient grounds to fail the conduct requirement. While Jumaa acknowledged the commission's right to interpret legal provisions and exclude unqualified candidates, he expressed reservations about extending disqualification to those merely accused, stressing that accusations alone are not legally sufficient evidence and could be politically motivated. He also emphasized the importance of distinguishing between 'accusation' and 'conviction,' affirming that 'the principle of presumed innocence applies unless proven guilty by a final court ruling.' Political Criticism And Controversy Political analyst Abbas Al-Jubouri described the disqualifications as 'surprising and unusual,' noting that some excluded candidates have served four consecutive parliamentary terms. In an interview with Shafaq News Agency, he called the justification of 'de-Ba'athification' (removal of former Ba'ath Party members) 'illogical,' especially as some excluded figures played key roles in Iraq's fight against ISIS. Al-Jubouri suggested many exclusions were politically motivated, characterizing the process as a 'purge' carried out by the electoral commission. Warning that these measures risk upsetting Iraq's political balance, particularly amid the absence of the influential Patriotic Shiite Movement (led by Muqtada Al-Sadr) from the elections, Al-Jubouri cautioned that excluding experienced politicians could open the door for less qualified candidates, undermining the effectiveness of the next parliament. IHEC response and appeals process In response, the electoral commission defended its decisions. Hassan Hadi Zayer, a member of the commission's media team, stated that candidates were excluded for failing to meet the requirements outlined in the amended Election Law No. 12 of 2018, specifically Article 3/7. This article mandates that candidates must have 'good conduct and reputation' and must not have final convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, including administrative and financial corruption, regardless of any pardons. Zayer told Shafaq News that verification is ongoing and no final figure on disqualified candidates is available, as relevant departments continue submitting their findings. He noted that excluded candidates have the right to appeal within three days of the announcement on the commission's official website, and the judicial body will issue rulings on appeals within ten days. Enforcement And Anti-Corruption View Anti-corruption expert Saeed Yaseen said the exclusions reflect strict enforcement of election commission regulations and applicable laws, carried out in cooperation with the Integrity Commission, Accountability and Justice Commission, and judiciary, alongside criminal record reviews. Yaseen told Shafaq News that the election commission's board, made up of judges, handles files impartially and strictly according to legal texts, with no favoritism. 'This process is an important demonstration of transparency and the rule of law,' he said, explaining that the recent general amnesty law covered cases including forgery, corruption, fraud, and crimes involving moral turpitude, which directly affect the good conduct criterion essential for candidacy. Yaseen expected the commission to release additional exclusion lists as the comprehensive screening continues, ensuring candidates are free from accountability procedures, criminal records, and dishonorable convictions, with ongoing coordination with the Integrity Commission and citizen reports analysis. 'The commission is moving in the right direction, and it is necessary to monitor upcoming stages, especially election campaigning and controlling misuse of public funds, to build citizen trust in the electoral process.' Support From Political Figures Former MP Razzak Al-Haidari praised the commission's decisions as 'wise and courageous,' saying they would enhance electoral integrity and boost public confidence in the next parliament. Al-Haidari told Shafaq News that the commission's move paves the way for a parliament that meets clear legal standards, 'positively impacting public trust and encouraging broad participation in the upcoming elections, which will strengthen domestic and international recognition of Iraq's political system.' He added that such measures should have been applied in previous elections through candidate vetting based on the law, emphasizing that 'equal enforcement of the law is fundamental to ensuring a fair election and genuine representation.' Legal Framework And Violations From a legal perspective, researcher Ali Al-Tamimi confirmed that the commission's decisions rely on clear legal grounds stemming from election laws and regulations, including the amended Election Law No. 12 of 2018 (amended by Law No. 4 of 2023), the election complaints and appeals system, codes of conduct, and candidate registration instructions issued this year. Al-Tamimi told Shafaq News that the law prohibits candidacy if a candidate violates eligibility criteria or commits election crimes such as inciting sectarianism, attacking state institutions, defaming the judiciary or rival candidates, or acts punishable under the Iraqi Penal Code No. 111 of 1969. He noted that the commission has the authority to revoke candidate approvals based on submitted evidence and can refer violations to the legal department to pursue court cases, concluding that the pre-election phase is 'a true test for candidates, where success favors those committed to the law and free from violations.' Election Timeline And Participation The campaigning period will start at least one month before polling day, following the final approval of candidate lists now under review by relevant state bodies. The Commission is preparing for the November 11, 2025, parliamentary elections, with 31 political alliances, 38 parties, and 79 independent candidates registered to run, and around 29 million eligible voters.
France 24
26-07-2025
- Politics
- France 24
India's new voter registration rules spark protests, ‘mission of exclusion' warnings
Protests have erupted in the eastern Indian state of Bihar against a new law, which requires all voters enrolled after 2003 verify their citizenship by providing a list of documents prescribed by the Election Commission of India. The new rule, called Special Intensive Revision (SIR), was rolled out just four months before state elections. It attempts to take on the mammoth task of verifying voter identity in one of India 's most populous states. Bihar is the poorest state in India, where only 70% of births are registered and just 2% of the population hold passports. Millions lack the basic documents required to prove their citizenship and vote. Furthermore, critics say that scrutinising citizenship while excluding certain documents for verification - including India's national identity 'Aadhar' card - could be considered unconstitutional. The Election Commission of India defends the move as a constitutional clean-up — with similar voter list revisions expected across the country. But election expert and founder of the opposition Swaraj India Party, Yogendra Yadav, says the Election Commission is on a 'mission of exclusion.' "That is a very big anxiety, especially among minority groups, especially among Muslims who suspect, with good reasons, that the exercise would not be carried out in a non-discriminatory manner," he says. The final electoral roll will be released on September 30.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Primary race too close to call: What happens next in the Ontario County DA battle?
Jason MacBride has taken the lead over the incumbent Ontario County District Attorney, James Ritts, in the Republican primary DA race, according to the county Board of Elections' unofficial results. MacBride received 2,179 votes after the polls closed on June 24, and Ritts received 2,064 votes. What does this mean, and what happens next in the race According to the Ontario County Board of Elections, over 4,000 Ontario County voters cast a ballot in the June 24, 2025, Primary Election. The unofficial election results that were posted after the polls closed represent the majority of the ballots cast by those voters, making up the in-person ballots, early voters and mail-in ballots, absentee, military and overseas voters, the county BOE said in a statement. These results also include 256 mail-in ballots (13 Democratic and 244 Republican) that the BOE received by June 22 and the 20 additional mail-in ballots (1 Democratic and 19 Republican), the board has received since then. As of June 25, the county board said they were still waiting on 361 ballots (20 Democratic and 341 Republican) that were mailed to county voters but not yet returned. The election results are not considered official until all ballots are received, counted and the results are certified. New York State's Election Law allows the county to continue receiving mail-in ballots through July 1, 2025. These ballots can only be added to the election results if they are postmarked on or before June 24, 2025. Every returned mail-in ballot will get reviewed by a bipartisan team before it is counted in the results, the Ontario County BOE said. The county board said it expects the tabulation of remaining mail-in and Affidavit Ballots to be completed by July 1. When the tabulation is completed, the county said the results will be certified, and the official 2025 Primary Election results will be released to the public. "The Board recognizes public interest in the outcomes of these election contests and the entire staff is working diligently to complete mandated post-election reviews, testing and audits as quickly as possible," the Ontario County Board of Elections wrote in a statement released on June 25. "We appreciate the public's patience as we complete this process." In a statement released after the votes were tallied Tuesday night, Ritts said the initial unofficial results "show us trailing by a very close 115-vote margin out of nearly 4,300 votes cast.' 'It is too early to concede the race, as we should wait for any standard review procedures by the Board of Elections, as well as additional absentee ballots to be received by mail in the coming days,' Ritts stated. According to the Ontario County BOE, NY Election Law 9-208 mandates a full manual recount of the ballots in elections with the margin of victory between candidates being less than .5 percent of votes or less than 20 votes. The county board stated that if any recounts are required, they will not be scheduled until the week of July 14. The unofficial results in the Ontario County DA primary that are currently posted on the BOE website still show a 115-vote margin victory between MacBride and Ritts. On Thursday MacBride posted an update to his FaceBook writing, "While the results are still unofficial and every vote must be counted, we stand by our message: Republican voters made it clear they want a District Attorney who is hardworking, respected across the criminal justice system, and committed to doing what's right for victims and for our community." MacBride said he remains patient and respectful of the election process. Both candidates will be on the general election ballot in November, regardless of the GOP primary result. Ritts has secured the Conservative Party line while MacBride secured the Truth and Justice line. To learn more about the electoral process, visit or call the Ontario County Board of Elections at 585-396-4005. — Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Primary race too close to call: What happens next in the Ontario County DA battle?
Shafaq News
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's High Court crisis threatens November 2025 elections
Shafaq News/ A judicial crisis is unfolding in Iraq after nine members of the Federal Supreme Court—six full judges and three alternates—submitted collective resignations, citing political pressure. While these resignations have not yet been formally received by Chief Justice Jassim al-Amiri, the move has triggered political tremors and widespread concern about the fate of Iraq's upcoming elections. A Threat To Electoral Legitimacy The Federal Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in Iraq's electoral process, with sole authority to certify parliamentary election results. The court's paralysis due to mass resignations could derail the November 11, 2025, vote, extending the term of the current government and plunging the country into constitutional uncertainty. Political analyst Aed al-Hilali told Shafaq News the resignations may be linked to issues such as the Kurdistan Region's budget or the legal dispute over the Khor Abdullah maritime agreement with Kuwait. "There may also be internal, regional, or international pressure," he said, while ruling out any connection to Iraq's Election Law. An informed source told Shafaq News that the resignations reflect growing frustration with the management style of Chief Justice al-Amiri. The source warned that without swift resolution, the crisis could delay the elections indefinitely. A Fragile Democratic Framework Khaled Walid, spokesperson for the Nazil Akhudh Haqqi Movement (Going To Take My Right), said the resignations highlight long-standing political interference in the judiciary. He pointed to a recent letter from the chief justice to the Speaker of Parliament, requesting a meeting of national leaders—a request that was declined in the name of judicial independence. "The resignation of six primary and three alternate judges is unprecedented," Walid told Shafaq News. "It should prompt political parties to end their meddling, especially amid heightened regional tensions." He urged Iraq's executive, legislative, and judicial institutions to identify and expose the forces destabilizing the judiciary before making new appointments or pushing for reversals. MP Mohammed Anouz, a member of the Legal Committee, described the resignations as "a dangerous indicator" of institutional fragility. "This shows a lack of constitutional adherence and undermines democratic mechanisms within state institutions," he said. Anouz added, "Whether it's Khor Abdullah or Kurdistan salaries, these are merely pretexts. The root problem is systemic. Unless we address it courageously and comprehensively, this crisis will persist." Why The Court Matters Since Iraq's 2021 elections, the Federal Supreme Court has become a critical arbiter of electoral legitimacy. It dismissed early challenges from the Shiite Coordination Framework and upheld the election results, allowing government formation after a prolonged deadlock. One of its most consequential decisions came in 2010, when the court interpreted the term "largest bloc" to mean the coalition formed after the elections, not the one that won the most seats. This paved the way for Nouri al-Maliki to form a government, bypassing former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. The court has also ruled on the legality of electing the president and removed prominent figures such as former Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi and former Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari from office. "The Federal Supreme Court is the only authority empowered to ratify parliamentary election results," said Imad Jameel, head of the media team at the Independent High Electoral Commission. "If these resignations are accepted, the electoral process will be directly affected." Hazem al-Rudaini, head of the Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq, echoed that concern. "Approving these resignations would derail the electoral process," he warned. With the November 2025 vote fast approaching, the political standoff at the top of Iraq's judiciary has injected fresh uncertainty into an already fragile system. If the court fails to regain full capacity, the country could face a legal vacuum—one that threatens to stall democratic transition and prolong the tenure of the current government.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NJ Primary Election 2025: Our complete guide to voting, governor candidates, local races
New Jersey's primary election is Tuesday, June 10. On the ballot are 11 candidates for governor — six Democrats and five Republicans. There are also some contested local primary elections and some contested elections for nominations in the race for seats in the New Jersey Assembly, the lower house of the state legislature. Here's our guide to New Jersey's June 10 primary: New Jersey's primary election — on June 10 — is less than two weeks away. This what you need to know if you plan to vote. LINK TK SUNDAY JUNE 1 The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is June 3. Unaffiliated voters interested in voting in the primary by mail must complete and submit a party affiliation declaration form to their county commissioner of registration by June 3 to get a mail-in ballot as well. Here's where voters can cast early in-person or day-of, in-person ballots in the June 10 New Jersey primary. Here is our guide to knowing each of the major Democratic and Republican candidates seeking their party nominations for governor in the June 10 primary. With less than a month until New Jersey's primary election, all nine major candidates for governor — six Democrats and three Republicans — filed their 29-day preelection contribution and expenditure report with the state's Election Law Enforcement Commission. What to know. How have candidates for governor in both the Democratic and Republican parties spent on television ads during the primary campaign? How would the candidates running for New Jersey governor tackle affordability in the Garden State? How would the candidates running for New Jersey governor address climate change and a potential energy crisis in the Garden State? How would the candidates running for New Jersey governor approach access to health care in the Garden State? How would the candidates running for New Jersey governor approach social issues affecting the Garden State? How would the candidates running for New Jersey governor tackle education in the Garden State? How would the candidates running for New Jersey governor tackle ongoing challenges with NJ Transit? A poll of voters age 50 and over also found overwhelming support for Medicaid — more than 90% with registered voters in both parties, according to the survey of 813 registered voters conducted by AARP New Jersey and the Siena College Research Institute. A pair of Democrats will vie for the party nomination to run for mayor in one of two contested primary elections in Passaic County on June 10. There are four Republican candidates running in the June 10 primary election for Franklin Lakes Council. There are no Democrats on the June 10 ballot for Franklin Lakes Council. Democrats are in trouble. It's been nearly seven months since their party's debacle last November and Democrats are still searching for a message and a way to define themselves. If you want to understand how difficult that hunt for the right message has become, take a look at New Jersey. The new battle in New Jersey over sanctuary laws is part of that soul-searching challenge of transformation for Democrats — only on a much larger scale. If the two leading Republican candidates for New Jersey governor harbored concerns that the chaotic scuffle between federal immigration agents — some of them masked — and the mayor of Newark and three members of Congress might not sit well with the New Jersey public, they certainly didn't show it during the May 21 candidate debate. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka's arrest at the hands of Homeland Security agents outside Delaney Hall on Friday night was pure gold in terms of political theater. After listening to the three Republican candidates for governor squabble, I was struck by how far the rhetoric drifted away from President Ronald Reagan's farewell remarks on immigration. If Democrat Josh Gottheimer got to go toe-to-toe in a boxing ring in a campaign ad with Donald Trump, then why didn't he just deck him? Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka came to the brink of calling Rep. Mikie Sherrill a racist after she suggested that improving literacy among third graders was the key to closing the alarming disparities between Black and White residents in New Jersey. The gloves are now coming off in a race that has largely proceeded cordially from candidate forum to debate through much of the early going in a packed, six-candidate race for the June 10 primary. Restoring the annual cost-of-living increases for New Jersey's public-sector retirees has been the subject of bold promises by some of the candidates for governor. 'Affordability' is the rallying cry of both major political parties this year. How will the tariffs and rising electric bills impact the June 10 primary? This primary represents the NJEA's chance to grab the ultimate political prize: the most powerful governor's seat in the nation. It's an aggressive push for the union to hold enormous sway over the state's political and educational agendas. No longer would an army of lobbyists be needed to prowl outside the governor's office door — if Sean Spiller wins, the NJEA would have one of its own behind the desk. Rep. MIkie Sherrill committed to making a break from the tired ways of Trenton — implying that, if elected, she would not be a successor to the two-term era of Gov. Phil Murphy — without committing to many specifics. It seems as if the primary contests for New Jersey governor have been going on forever. Here's why. Rep. Josh Gottheimer is trying to break from the pack of Democratic candidates by offering a bold plan: a promise to cut property taxes by as much as 15%. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is challenging the traditional suburban strategy employed by previous Democratic candidates, arguing that voters are looking for a leader who is willing to take a stand on issues like immigration and universal healthcare. The campaign for governor highlights the challenges Democrats face as President Donald Trump and Elon Musk chainsaw political norms and parts of the federal government daily. President Donald Trump's shadow has been cast over much of the New Jersey governor's race. His surprising showing in New Jersey in November — when he lost by just five percentage points to former Vice President Kamala Harris in a blue state that he twice lost by double-digit margins — suddenly changed the calculus for 2025. Here are our impressions of the leading Republican candidates for New Jersey governor. Here are our impressions of the leading Democratic candidates for New Jersey governor. This article originally appeared on NJ Primary Election 2025: Complete guide for voters
