20 March 2019 - Foreign Policy, Election

Why Australia needs to understand the 2019 Indian election

Australia’s ability to form a new and deeper relationship with India has long been marred by limited political and cultural understanding.

12 March 2019 - Election

India’s elections a struggle for the country’s soul

Indian elections are big. Big in numbers and big in significance.  The national election coming up in May will have more than 800 million eligible voters and promises to be a crucial round in a struggle over the soul of India.

12 March 2019 - Immigration, Policy

Bridging the divide on refugee policy

Australia’s refugee policies are rarely outside the political and public discourse.

11 March 2019 - Election, Policy, Infrastructure/Transport, Energy

India is now officially 99% electrified, but electricity remains high on the political agenda

For Indian politicians looking to woo voters, promises to provide ‘bijli, sarak, pani’ (power, roads, water) have long been important.

1 March 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Election, Social Policy, Policy

Can a Minimum Income Guarantee Program deliver better days for Indians?

Recently India’s Congress party, the chief rival to the ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), proposed to introduce a minimum income guarantee (MIG) program should it win power in the April-May 2019 general elections.

25 February 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Social Policy, Policy

Positive discrimination in relation to caste is a big Indian election issue

It's often said that in India, you don’t cast your vote, you vote your caste.

25 February 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Policy

Old habits die hard in Indonesia’s presidential clash

Indonesia’s presidential election – Joko “Jokowi” Widodo versus Prabowo Subianto II – is trundling toward its 17 April denouement, an event less exciting for its potential drama and more for its status as the end point of a long and, thus far, insipid contest.

20 February 2019 - Education, Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Policy, Population Growth

What Role Will ‘Generation Timepass’ Play in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections?

This article is part of the Indian Election Series – a partnership between the Australia India Institute and the Melbourne School of Government’s Election Watch project.

1 February 2019 - Politics, Election

Could low voter turnout save Indonesian democracy?

Ahead of the Presidential Election on 17 April, many Indonesian voters have begun publicly declaring an intention to not cast a vote, or golput.

31 January 2019 - Politics, Election, Policy

Farm loan waivers: How India’s political parties are racing to the bottom

This article is part of the Indian Election Series – a partnership between the Australia India Institute and the Melbourne School of Government’s Election Watch.

22 January 2019 - Politics, Election

Candidates make unconvincing commitments to human rights in first debate

On 17 January, Indonesia’s presidential candidates faced each other in the first of five televised debates as the country heads toward elections in April.

22 January 2019 - Politics, Election

Both candidates land blows in first Indonesian presidential debate

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his running mate Ma’ruf Amin squared off against Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga Uno last night in the first of five presidential debates.

20 December 2018 - Election, Social Policy, Population Growth

Who can best tackle the housing affordability problem in Victoria?

Main points

17 December 2018 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election

India’s ruling BJP has major setback in state elections

The results of the recently-concluded state elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh are a massive blow for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

23 November 2018 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Policy, Population Growth

Victoria’s growing population has economic benefits, but there are downsides

The Victorian economy is performing well, with activities and jobs buoyed by strong population growth.

23 November 2018 - Politics, Election, Environment, Energy

Energy prices and emissions: Compare policies ahead of the Victorian election

Key points

23 November 2018 - Politics, Election, Policy, Infrastructure/Transport

Victorian election: What the major parties are offering on infrastructure

After decades of under investment in public transport, we welcome the attention that the major parties are giving to new rail projects.

23 November 2018 - Health, Election, Policy

Victorian election: What are the major parties offering on mental health?

Main points

23 November 2018 - Gender, Politics, Election

Gender composition of Victorian Parliament

Women currently make up 39.8 per cent of Victoria’s Parliament – 77 men compared to 51 women.

22 November 2018 - Politics, Immigration, Policy, Population Growth

Melbourne's population spike

The pace of population growth in Melbourne is a significant theme in the 2018 Victorian election campaign, with the major parties promising various policies to ease pressure on services, reduce traffic congestion and radically increase public transport capacity.

22 November 2018 - Election, Policy, Law and Order

Victorian election: How are the major parties addressing the law & order paradox?

22 November 2018 - Politics, Election, Policy

We shouldn’t necessarily trust electronic voting and counting

As Victorians vote in another state election, many will again wonder why they can’t vote online. If we bank, shop, and communicate in so many ways online, why can’t we vote online?

21 November 2018 - Politics, Election

Victorian election: What the opinion polls say

Two Victorian opinion polls were released late Thursday.

21 November 2018 - Economy/Jobs, Election

Business as usual: US midterm elections & Trump’s trade agenda

Many expect the Democrats’ midterm victory in the House of Representatives will give them a powerful tool to oppose some of President Trump’s most unpopular initiatives, from immigration to healthcare, and launch new investigations into foreign meddling in the last presidential election.

20 November 2018 - Politics, Election

Victorian election: Which party has the best slogan?

Every election, political parties create a new slogan to set the tone for their campaigns and attract voters. It's both a war cry and call-to-action and seeks to represent as many constituents as possible.

19 November 2018 - Election, Policy, Infrastructure/Transport

Victorian election: Labor has promised to make ‘wage theft’ a crime if re-elected, but is it feasible?

The systematic and serious underpayment of wages or other statutory entitlements is currently not a criminal offence in Victoria, or anywhere else in Australia.

15 November 2018 - Politics, National Security, Election, Policy

How will social media shape India’s next election?

This article is part of the Indian Election Series – a partnership between the Australia India Institute and the Melbourne School of Government’s Election Watch project.

14 November 2018 - Politics, Election

How India runs the biggest and best elections in the world

This article is the first in the Indian Election Series – a partnership between the Australia India Institute and the Melbourne School of Government’s Election Watch project.

13 November 2018 - Education, Politics, Election, Policy

What are the main parties promising on education ahead of the Victorian election?

Main points

8 November 2018 - Politics, Election

2018 midterms: The suburbs turn

Presidential proclamations of victory aside, the results of Tuesday’s US midterm elections have fundamentally shifted the balance of power in Washington.

4 November 2018 - Politics, Election

2018 midterms: When two tribes go to war . . .

A spectre is haunting America – the spectre of tribalism.

2 November 2018 - Politics, Election

Podcast: What will American politics look like after the midterms?

On 6 November, Americans head to the polls for the first time since President Trump's election in 2016.

26 October 2018 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election

Heading into the midterms, economic inequality is still shaping American politics

It may not be easy to see in an era dominated by intense culture-war conflict and the controversial actions of President Trump, but the United States is a country that is increasingly struggling with income and wealth inequality, despite its economic might and overall prosperity as a nation.

25 October 2018 - Gender, Politics, Election, Social Policy

October Surprises and the false hope of the Midterms

“October surprise” is a an American political term used to describe something – perhaps a natural disaster or a strategically-timed data leak - that emerges in the run up to an election. It’s something that likely impacts polls and possibly even the vote count.

25 October 2018 - Politics, Election

US Midterms: What you need to know

For the first time since Donald Trump’s election as President in 2016, Americans go to the polls for a nation-wide election on November 6.

25 October 2018 - Politics, Election

Podcast: A deep look at the most anticipated US midterms in living memory

On 6 November, Americans head to the polls for the first time since President Trump's election in 2016.

13 October 2018 - Gender, Politics, Election, Social Policy

October Surprises and the false hope of the midterms

“October surprise” is a an American political term used to describe something – perhaps a natural disaster or a strategically-timed data leak - that emerges in the run up to an election. It’s something that likely impacts polls and possibly even the vote count.

7 October 2018 - Politics, Election

Podcast: A deep look at the most anticipated US midterms in living memory

On 6 November, Americans head to the polls for the first time since President Trump's election in 2016.

4 October 2018 - Politics, Election

US midterms: What you need to know

For the first time since Donald Trump’s election as President in 2016, Americans go to the polls for a nation-wide election on November 6.

27 September 2018 - Politics, Election

Elections in Brazil: Is Democracy itself on the ballot?

Brazilians head to the polls on 7 October for a general election unlike any the country has ever seen.

3 September 2018 - Politics

Surviving Australian politics: Four reforms to stop ousting a leader

Australian politics looks increasingly like a reality TV show, so what can be done to bring stability and end the constant Canberra coups?

2 August 2018 - Politics, Election

The international community failed to support the rule of law in Cambodia

This election has seen the most significant subversion of Cambodian democracy since the 1993 UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) launched the country’s electoral system.

2 August 2018 - Politics, Election

Can Prime Minister Khan really deliver a ‘new’ Pakistan?

As the cricket superstar-turned-philanthropist takes the top job in one of the world’s most populous countries, he faces pressing issues both at home and overseas.

25 July 2018 - Politics, Policy

Australian democracy needs a ‘Department of the Opposition’

One of the criticisms that is often made about opposition parties is that they don’t represent an alternative government. Rather, they just criticise whatever it is that the government is trying to do, without actually providing a better alternative. This state-of-affairs has been expressed by the former Labor Government led by Julia Gillard, when it referred to the (then) Opposition as the ‘No-alition’.

16 July 2018 - Politics, Election

Federal By-Elections Quick Guide

On 28 July, five Federal by-elections will be held. We take a quick look at the electorates, the major candidates, and the likely outcomes. Hover or click over an electorate name (in orange) for more information.

6 July 2018 - Politics, Election

Mexicans voted overwhelmingly for change. Will they get it?

Sunday’s Mexican general election was not only the biggest in Mexico’s history, with over 3,400 positions at stake, but it may be the greatest shock to the political status quo since the Mexican Revolution ended in 1920.

26 June 2018 - Politics, Election

A political watershed for Mexico?

On 1 July, voters in Mexico head to the polls for what might be the most significant general election in the last century.

25 June 2018 - Politics, Election

Economic inequality, not age, is the real driver behind Hong Kong’s independence movement

Hong Kong will soon mark 21 years since the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China.

27 May 2018 - Social Policy, Policy

Anwar Ibrahim’s political rebirth and Malaysia’s approach to LGBT+ rights

Malaysia’s recent historic election has propelled Anwar Ibrahim – the long-standing political leader who has twice been jailed on sodomy charges – into the political limelight.

21 May 2018 - Politics, Election

Timor’s election: free, fair and .. Facebook

The Timorese people and their leaders should feel confident in the professionalism and transparency of their election processes.

18 May 2018 - Election, Policy

Video: Melbourne Lord Mayoral By-Election Youth Forum

On 7 May, 2018 the Melbourne School of Government and The Age co-hosted a Melbourne Lord Mayoral By-Election Youth Forum to discuss issues affecting young people studying, living and working in the City of Melbourne.

17 May 2018 - Politics, Election

Malaysia’s remarkable election outcome

Against all but the most optimistic expectations, on May 9 voters in Malaysia’s 14th General Election voters emphatically rejected the long-serving Barisan Nasional (BN - National Front) government of Prime Minister Najib Razak in favour of the Opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH - Alliance of Hope) coalition, led by former PM Mahathir Mohamad.

9 May 2018 - Foreign Policy, Election

Resolving Timor-Leste's political crisis

The people of Timor-Leste are heading to the polls this week for the second time in ten months.

15 March 2018 - Politics, Election

The SA Election: Further evidence of the decline of the two major parties

South Australians go to the polls this Saturday and the Liberal and Labor parties may struggle to collectively win 60% of the primary vote.

1 March 2018 - Politics, Election

Understanding Italy's electoral system: It's complicated

1 March 2018 - Politics, Election

Will Berlusconi make a comeback?

It’s anyone’s guess.

4 October 2017 - Politics, Election

Catalan independence referendum response challenges unified Spain

In spite of multiple attempts by Spain’s Madrid-based conservative central government to block it, on October 1st Catalonia’s independence referendum went ahead.

25 September 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Immigration, Election, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Christian Social Union (CSU), The Left, Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany, Free Democratic Party

The German election result and what it means for Australia

Dr Angela Merkel will lead Germany as its Chancellor for an historic fourth consecutive term.

25 September 2017 - Politics, Election, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Christian Social Union (CSU), The Left, Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany, Free Democratic Party

Merkel weakened, far right enters German parliament

As the dust settles on the German election, it seems the political instability seen throughout the West has now arrived in Germany

21 September 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Christian Social Union (CSU), The Left, Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany, Free Democratic Party

Will Germany be a stabiliser in turbulent times?

Some have claimed that the German political scene this year is boring. But perhaps we need less excitement and greater predictability in an era of Brexit and Trump.

19 September 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Christian Social Union (CSU), The Left, Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany, Free Democratic Party

Huge challenges face the next German Chancellor

Germany’s newly-elected Chancellor will face significant challenges that will require difficult and divisive choices after the election this Sunday.

15 September 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front, Republicans, En Marche

Four reasons Le Pen probably won't become French President

The National Front's Marine Le Pen has been one of the front-runners in opinion polls throughout the French presidential election campaign and her anti-EU anti-Islam platform has grabbed attention around the world.

14 September 2017 - Politics, Immigration, Election, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), The Left, Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany

Four things you need to know about the German election

The most likely outcome of the German federal election on September 24 is that Angela Merkel – the longest serving leader in the Western world – will win an historic fourth consecutive term as Chancellor.

5 September 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Environment, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany

Merkel's strong stance on climate change is uncontroversial in Germany

All major parties in Germany – except the Euroskeptic, anti-refugee Alternative for Germany Party (AfD) – accept the reality of human-induced climate change.

3 September 2017 - Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Alliance ‘90/The Greens

German-Turkish tensions high ahead of elections

Germany’s special relationship with Turkey - NATO allies, partners in a key refugee deal and major trade partners - is routinely referred to as being in crisis.

26 June 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, National Security, Election, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

Macron: Europe's new 'strongman'

The overwhelming win by the party of Emmanuel Macron in the French legislative elections has put a definite halt to the wave of populism in Europe and reinforced French commitment to the European Union.

19 June 2017 - Politics, Immigration, Election, Policy, Conservative Party, Labour Party, UK Independence Party (UKIP)

Why Labour voters didn't become Tories or 'Red-Kippers'

In the space of a few short weeks of a General Election campaign, the British Conservative Party led by Prime Minister Theresa May went from a 17 seat majority and a 21 point lead over Labour in opinion polls; to just scraping over the line to form a minority government.

19 June 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party

France clearly ‘On the Move’

Emmanuel Macron launched his political party En Marche! – now La République en Marche! (The Republic on the Move!) – less than 18 months ago.

9 June 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, National Security, Election, Policy, Conservative Party, Labour Party, Scottish National Party (SNP)

Disaster for Theresa May and the Conservatives; uncertainty for the UK

No matter how Tory partisans try to spin it, the UK election results are a disaster for Prime Minister Theresa May and the incumbent Conservative government.

9 June 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

Could Macron's 'En Marche' win big?

A month after a truly extraordinary battle for the French presidency between centrist Emmanuel Macron and far right Marine Le Pen, the French people are going to the polls again for two rounds of voting in legislative elections.

6 June 2017 - Politics, National Security, Election, Conservative Party, Labour Party, Scottish National Party (SNP)

The British election: After the terror

The British Prime Minister has confirmed the UK’s General Election will go ahead following Saturday night's terror attack in London that saw three attackers kill seven people and injure 48 others. Speaking outside Downing Street following the attacks, Theresa May said that “violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process.”

1 June 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Conservative Party, Labour Party, Scottish National Party (SNP)

What will the British election mean for Brexit?

Britain’s next leader will have the difficult task of deciding on concrete outcomes for populist platitudes in relation to ‘Brexit’.

18 May 2017 - Politics, Election, Policy

PODCAST: Trump, Brexit and the future of democracy

The international political landscape in 2017 is coloured by Brexit, the advent of the Trump administration in the United States, and several elections in Europe.

8 May 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Environment, Social Policy, Policy, National Front, En Marche

Europe has a chance to save itself and France will play a key role

Democracy has won.

5 May 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

Does Le Pen have a chance of becoming France's next president?

It’s just days before the final vote to decide who becomes the next French President. The result could radically alter the future of the European Union.

5 May 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Immigration, National Security, Election, Environment, Social Policy, Policy, National Front, En Marche

Europe holds its breath as France chooses its President

If Emmanuel Macron becomes France’s new President on Sunday, his victory will give the European Union a reprieve, a chance to reset its priorities after the battering from Brexit and the apparently inexorable surge of xenophobia and economic nationalism.

4 May 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front, En Marche

Macron and Le Pen clash in ferocious debate

The two remaining candidates in the French presidential election Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen have gone head-to-head in the final televised presidential debate, with just days until the final vote.

4 May 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front

Is fear blinding voters to the consequences of Marine Le Pen?

French voters face a stark choice for president on May 7: Do they elect pro-globalist, pro-immigration centrist Emmanuel Macron, or do they elect nationalist authoritarian Marine Le Pen?

3 May 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Environment, Social Policy, Policy, Race, National Front, En Marche

Explainer: Le Pen vs Macron - What do they stand for?

Political newcomer Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen will go head-to-head in the final vote of the presidential election on Sunday 7 May.

27 April 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, Election, Policy, Conservative Party, Labour Party, Scottish National Party (SNP), UK Independence Party (UKIP)

Q&A: The UK Election and the Brexit big picture

Earlier this month, British Prime Minister Theresa May announced that voters in the UK would be going to the polls again for the third time in three years.

24 April 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Social Policy, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

French voters will chose between wildly different visions for France

It was a divisive and unpredictable campaign, but the first round results are now clear.

21 April 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

Explainer: How is the French president chosen and who’s expected to win

The French Presidential election will be held in two rounds.

20 April 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Social Policy, Policy, Race, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

The French presidential elections will settle whether or not the Brexit-Trump phenomenon is contagious

After the shock Brexit result in Britain in June 2016 and Donald Trump’s unexpected triumph a few months later, in November, what are the chances of the right-wing Front National’s Marine Le Pen completing a populist trifecta in the French presidential elections?

20 April 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Foreign Policy, Election, Policy

Brexit: How Australia could benefit AND fight European populism

The Brexit process ending the UK’s membership in the European Union has officially started.

19 April 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, National Security, Election, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

How terrorism is impacting on the French presidential elections

With the recent terrorist attacks in Stockholm and London, and with Syria and North Korea dominating national and international news in France, the forthcoming French elections are bound to take place in a very particular context.

7 April 2017 - Politics, Election, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party

France's presidential campaign: A strategy of fear versus a strategy of opportunity

What a strange election campaign it has been so far.

30 March 2017 - Politics, Election

Is populism pushing Europe's left-wing parties into long-term decline?

As right-wing populism continues to rise in some European countries, support for social democratic parties in many European countries has been in retreat in recent years.

24 March 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, National Security, Election, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party

Russia’s meddling in the French elections: How and why?

The French people will soon elect their next president. It could be the National Front’s Marine Le Pen, the candidate Russia may actively be trying to get elected.

16 March 2017 - Politics, Election, Party for Freedom, People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, Minor Parties

The Dutch election is the opposite of Trump-like populism

The Dutch elections have produced a bittersweet victory for center-right incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his VVD Party.

14 March 2017 - Politics, Immigration, Election, National Front, En Marche, Party for Freedom

Europe looks back, but don't panic (yet)

The European Union stands on the threshold.

13 March 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, Election, Policy, Race, Party for Freedom, People's Party for Freedom and Democracy

Four things to watch in the Dutch election

This week, on March 15, Dutch voters will be the first in Europe to go to the polls this year.

10 March 2017 - Politics, Social Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party

Why France is taking Europe to the crossroad

The future of democracy in Western Europe is rapidly approaching a crossroads.

10 March 2017 - Politics, Immigration, Election, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party

What you need to know about France

In the aftermath of the election of US President Donald Trump and the UK’s Brexit referendum, many observers are keeping a watchful eye on how presidential elections play out in France in late April and early May.

10 March 2017 - Politics, Immigration, Election, Policy

What you need to know about Germany

When Germany goes to the polls in the second half of 2017, there is a chance that the status quo will prevail.

10 March 2017 - Politics, Election, Policy

Liberal democracy: Why we may be losing it

Is the election of Donald Trump simply the way democracy works, or is the whole liberal democratic system under threat from a wave of citizen disenchantment?

10 March 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, National Security, Policy

Brexit: Over and Out

In 1973 the United Kingdom joined the European Economic Community, now the European Union.