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?
All Election Watch Europe 2017 articles
The full list of articles published on this site.
23 August 2018
The West's Age of Retreat
When future historians look back at our current times how will they define it?
29 July 2018
What we've learned from 'Super Saturday's' federal by-elections
Key points:
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’.
17 August 2018
Can Imran Khan thaw hostile Pakistan-India relations?
Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (Pakistan Movement for Justice) recently became the single largest party in the Pakistani parliament, after disputed elections on July 25.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 March 2018 - Politics, Election
Will Berlusconi make a comeback?
It’s anyone’s guess.
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.
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.
9 July 2017
The future of the European Union beyond 2017
This year, European leaders marked 60 years since the Treaty of Rome, one of the foundations of the European Union (EU), by both acknowledging the EU’s achievements and admitting the many challenges facing the EU.
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
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.
1 March 2018 - Politics, Election
Understanding Italy's electoral system: It's complicated
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.
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.
19 December 2017
Stay tuned for more independent analysis of elections in 2018
We'll be covering the Victorian election, the US midterms and many more in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.”
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?
24 August 2017 - Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Christian Social Union (CSU), Alternative for Germany
Merkel won't be hurt by refugee issues
Angela Merkel, the leader of the Germany’s ruling centre-right CDU/CSU coalition, is widely expected to win a fourth (and final) term as German Chancellor in parliamentary elections on September 24.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.