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Elections
Austria at the Decision: National Council Election 2024 and the Political Parties at a Glance
On Sunday, September 29, 2024, Austria will decide on the political direction of the coming years in the National Council elections. In addition to the five established parties ÖVP, SPÖ, FPÖ, Grüne and NEOS, smaller groups such as the KPÖ Plus, the Bierpartei, the Madeleine Petrovic list and the “KEINE” list are also running. The election campaign is characterized by discussions about social justice, migration, security and Austria's role in the European Union.
September 26, 2024
Azerbaijan's Parliamentary Elections: Lack of Competition and Restricted Fundamental Freedoms Draw International Criticism
On 1 September 2024, early parliamentary elections were held in Azerbaijan, which were sharply criticized by international observers from the OSCE. Despite efficient organization, the election was marked by a lack of political competition and an increasingly repressive political climate, which raised doubts about the democratic legitimacy of the entire process.
September 8, 2024
Christoph Leitl Re-elected President of the European Movement Austria
Christoph Leitl has been re-elected President of the European Movement Austria (EBÖ). With a view to the upcoming European elections on 9 June and the forthcoming appointment of the new EU Commission in the autumn, Leitl emphasizes the importance of the EU as a peace project and the need to find European answers to current issues.
March 25, 2024
Elections in Russia Also Held in Vienna: Between Protest and Farce
In Vienna, there were unusually long queues outside the Russian embassy as numerous young Russians lined up, sometimes for hours, to take part in the presidential election. However, their efforts were in vain as Vladimir Putin secured the elections in Russia, which were deemed neither fair nor honest internationally.
March 18, 2024
Austrian ÖVP Against EPP Election Program: Nuclear Energy, Schengen Enlargement and Unanimity Principle as Points of Contention
In the run-up to the upcoming EU elections, a conflict is emerging within the European People's Party (EPP), as the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) has announced that it will not support the EPP's election program.
March 6, 2024
International Observers: Lack of Political Alternatives in Presidential Elections in Azerbaijan
International observers have found that the early presidential election in Azerbaijan lacked genuine political pluralism due to a restrictive environment. Russia has sharply criticized the OSCE mission for its lack of understanding of election monitoring.
February 11, 2024
Russia Refuses OSCE Observer's Invitation to Presidential Elections
The Russian Federation's decision not to invite observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to the upcoming presidential elections has been met with deep regret by the leaders of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA).
February 11, 2024
Exciting Race for EU Mandates: Austria's Parties in Starting Position
Austria's political landscape is gearing up for an exciting election year, starting with the election of EU representatives in June. The Neos were recently the last of the parliamentary parties to complete their list of candidates and their election program, marking the official start of preparations for the EU elections. Despite this great start to the campaign, the rise of right-wing populist parties in Europe and the troubled relations between the EU and Russia will make the EU elections even more complicated.
January 31, 2024
Belarus Refuses OSCE Observation of Parliamentary Elections
The Belarusian authorities have decided not to invite observers from the OSCE to the upcoming parliamentary and local elections. This decision contradicts Belarus' international commitments and highlights concerns about the transparency and democratic standards of the elections.
January 16, 2024
Evolution of Serbian Elections: From Socialist Yugoslavia to Democratic Transition
The history of elections in Serbia, particularly during and after World War II, is a compelling illustration of the nation's political evolution. Read more about the history and the recent election in Serbia!
December 19, 2023
International Observers Highlight Concerns in Serbia's Early Parliamentary Elections
In Serbia's early parliamentary elections, held amidst a politically and socially divided landscape, international observers have raised significant concerns about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. The OSCE and the European Parliament expressed their criticism. The elections were marked by overwhelming advantages for the ruling party and the dominant involvement of the President, overshadowing the technical efficiency of the voting process.
December 19, 2023
Minister Schallenberg Discussed Earthquake Aid and the Russian Aggression with Turkish Foreign Minister
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Vienna. Together they discussed – among other topics - the Russian aggression on Ukraine, and aid for the earthquake victims in Türkiye.
April 16, 2023
Challenges of the OSCE in Montenegro's Presidential Election
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opened an election observation mission for the March 19 presidential elections in Montenegro. The OSCE mission taking place in the former Yugoslav republic of Montenegro faces a country that had problems with the legality of elections and the circumstances in which they are conducted, now in the shadow of the Ukraine war and after a turbulent past few months of political conflict between the ruling parties in the country.
March 9, 2023
Fracking Is Causing Tensions in the Austrian Parliament
Fracking has caused tensions in the Austrian parliament. Climate protection Minister Leonore Gewessler from the Green Party tried to pass a law banning Fracking in Austria. However, the party’s coalition partner in the government, the Austrian People's Party (OEVP) declined the law.
January 18, 2023 · Sponsored Content
International Community Congratulates Van der Bellen on Election Success
The international community in Vienna and around the world, as well as numerous top politicians, have congratulated Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on his re-election. The congratulations came from heads of state of different political camps, diplomats of various countries and other dignitaries.
October 10, 2022
Austrian Presidential Election: Van der Bellen Gets Re-Elected
Austria has voted! Last weekend, Austrians turned out at their respective polling stations to elect a new Federal President or to give the incumbent another term in office. Read about the outcome of the election here in this article!
October 10, 2022
Serbian Elections and the Impact on Serbia's Relations to Europe
Serbia has voted and President Vucic remains in power. His party will probably again form the coalition government as the leading party. In the wake of the current war in Ukraine, some wonder if Serbia's path will change after the elections. Read more about the elections and the political situation in Serbia.
April 7, 2022
CTBTO Leadership Election Heads Into Decisive Week
The Vienna-based UN institution of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) is heading for a hotly contested election for the leadership position of Executive Secretary this week.
May 16, 2021
Belarusian Opposition Leader Tikhanovskaya Met Schallenberg
The famous Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who is currently trying to win the EU and European politicians over to help her and her supporters fight against the recent fraudulent election result, met Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna.
October 8, 2020
European Council Decides on Sanctions Against Belarus
The European Council which was attended by the heads of the 27 member countries decided on sanctions against Belarus as well as a threat of sanctions against Turkey. Chancellor Kurz, Autria's representative at the Council, is satisfied with the two-day long discussions.
October 5, 2020
Criticism of SPÖ Officials Concerning Belarus
TV appearances in the Belarus state TV of two Austrians with close boundaries to the SPÖ led to an immense wave of criticism. One claims that the news coverage in Belarus is too European friendly. The other repeats a main propaganda message from Lukashenko's party.
August 25, 2020
Chancellor Kurz Criticizes Current Situation in Belarus
Chancellor Kurz and the majority of the European Union are criticizing the recent developments in Belarus and call for action. Free and fair elections and an end to the violence against protestors are among the demands.
August 20, 2020
"Passport Doesn't Matter" Election in Vienna
About 30% of the population in Vienna is not allowed to vote in the election on October 11 as they do not have an Austrian passport. Therefore, "SOS Mitmensch" organizes again this year the "Passport doesn't matter" election where non-citizens can symbolically vote for their favourite party.
August 18, 2020
The 2020 Vienna Election: 230,000 Non-Austrian EU Citizens Are Eligible to Vote
A total of 1,362,795 persons are entitled to vote in the Vienna municipal and district elections on October 11, 2020. This figure includes 229,784 non-Austrian EU citizens who are eligible to vote and may participate in the district representative elections.
July 27, 2020
Nationalratswahl 2019: Wie Auslandsösterreicher mitwählen können
Österreichische Staatsbürger, die im Ausland ihren Hauptwohnsitz haben, können bei der Nationalratswahl am 29. September 2019 mitwählen. Sie müssen sich bis 8. August 2019 darum kümmern, in der Wählerevidenz ihrer letzten Hauptwohnsitzgemeinde zu stehen.
July 30, 2019
National Council Election 2019: How Austrians Abroad Can Vote
Austrian citizens who have their main residence abroad can vote in the Austrian National Council elections on 29 September 2019. By August 8th, 2019, they have to make sure that they are listed in the electoral register of their last main municipality of residence.
July 30, 2019
Austrians Abroad: National Council Election at the End of September 2019
On 29 September 2019, the Austrian National Council is expected to be elected. Austrians living abroad have the opportunity to take part in the election by postal vote. This is possible if you do not have your main residence in Austria and if you have reached the age of 16 by election day at the latest and have registered in the electoral register of an Austrian municipality by 9 July 2019 at the latest.
July 4, 2019
European Elections 2019: Austrian Preliminary Final Results
The preliminary result of the 2019 European elections (without absentee ballot) has been announced. The Austrian People's Party won clearly ahead of the Austrian Socialist Party (SPÖ) and the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ). The Greens and NEOS followed in places 4 to 5. Votes cast by absentee ballot are not yet included in this result. The turnout without postal votes was 50.6%. In Vienna, the turnout including postal votes was 58.71%.
May 27, 2019
Austrian Government Dismissed: National Council Denies Government Confidence
The parliamentary motion of no confidence of the Social Democrats (SPÖ) was supported by the right-wing populist Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the Liste Jetzt. The majority of the members of the National Council thus expressed their distrust of Chancellor Kurz's government and removed it from office.
May 27, 2019
Austria's Government Faces Expected Motion of No Confidence
After the victory in the election to the European Parliament, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and his government are threatened with an abrupt end. The Social Democrats (SPÖ) will table their own motion of censure against the entire Kurz cabinet. A clear decision by the Freedom Party (FPÖ) is still pending.
May 27, 2019
European Elections - Who Stands for Election and How Can a Non-Austrian EU Citizen Vote in Austria?
After the political earthquake in Austria and the end of the turquoise-blue government, the EU election on Sunday is eagerly awaited. A decision will be made on 18 EU mandates from Austria. In European elections, EU citizens are entitled to vote in Austria as long as they are registered in the European electoral register.
May 24, 2019
EU Citizens in Austria - Vote for Your Austrian MEP at the European Elections 2019
EU citizens who have their main residence in Austria can vote for Austrian members of the European Parliament. Here we show you how this works and who you can choose.
February 25, 2019
Richard Lugner to Run for Austrian President
The 83-year-old construction entrepreneur, millionaire and society figure Richard 'Mortar' Lugner says he is running for president of Austria. He wants to hold the highest office along with his 26-year-old German woman Cathy, a former Playboy Bunny at the Playboy Club in Cologne. For an official nomination Lugner should see about 6,000 signatures to collect.
February 10, 2016
Austria: Right-Winged Extreme Party Buoyed by Tailwind
The Austrian right-winged Freedom Party (FPÖ) is using the disappointment over the grand coalition’s inability to tackle major economic issues to its advantage.
May 21, 2014
Serbia: Talks about Forming Government to Start Soon
Discussions about forming a new government in Serbia will start at the end of this week or the beginning of next week, according to Zorana Mihajlovic, deputy leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
March 21, 2014
Fitch: Elections Command Fiscal Consolidation and Reforms
Vucic appears to acknowledge the need for reforms in Serbia.
March 20, 2014
Serbia: Landslide Victory for Vucic
After Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic’s party saw an overwhelming victory in the early parliamentary elections the new government is facing a hard road ahead.
March 17, 2014
Slovakia: Fico Gains Narrow Win in First Election Round
A runoff between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and independent billionair Andrei Kiska has got to be held now. In the first round of elections Fico only had a head start of four percent.
March 17, 2014
Serbia: Vucic Stands Good Chances of Becoming PM
Vucic is regarded new Serbian Prime Minister in the parliamentary elections.
March 15, 2014
Slovakia: PM Fico Regarded Winner of Presidential Elections
As reported by Slovakian media, the presidential elections started off peacefully and without any disturbances. Prime Minister Fico is considered the clear winner of the elections.
March 15, 2014
Serbia: Fast Implementations of Reforms Crucial
Tanja Miscevic, chief negotiator in the EU accession talks, announced on Sunday that elections in Serbia are not slowing down the process in European integration.
February 17, 2014
Slovakia: Date for Presidential Election Fixed
The first round for the presidential elections in Slovakia will take place on March 15, 2014.
December 23, 2013
Czech Republic: Stock Exchange Reacts to Election Results
After the general elections the Prague Stock Exchange (BCPP) grew significantly since corporate taxes, as threatened by the policymakers, will not be introduced.
October 30, 2013
Czech Republic: Social Democrats Ahead
Although the Czech Social Democrats (CSSD) rank first, the party is below expectations.
October 26, 2013
Austria: SPÖ and ÖVP Hold Slight Majority of Votes
According to the latest survey, the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) will have to face losses in the elections of the National Assembly on Sunday. However, they should be able to hold the majority.
September 24, 2013
Montenegro: President Vujanovic Declared Winner of the Election
Up to now President Filip Vujanovic has declared himself as the winner of the election two hours after the closing of the polling stations.
April 8, 2013
Serbia Faces Political Crisis
After severe allegations against Prime Minister Ivica Dacic, the Serbian governing socialists reject to hold new elections. The coalition partner still supports Dacic.
February 4, 2013
54.9%: Zeman Wins
Milos Zeman will become the next President of the Czech Republic. His rival Karel Schwarzenberg has already recognized his defeat.
January 26, 2013
Czech Republic: Zeman Ahead
Today, the run-off election in the Czech Republic has ended. According to first results, the socialist Zeman ranks first.
January 26, 2013
Vienna: SPÖ negotiates with the Greens
There is no fixed coalition commitment as yet. However, all signs point to a red-green coalition in the federal capital.
October 22, 2010
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