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Elections Around the World: New Zealand, Guinea, & Bolivia

Over the weekend, elections were held in several countries around the world. Today, NFK looks at the elections in New Zealand, Guinea, and Bolivia.

Jacinda Ardern Re-Elected in Massive Victory

Jacinda Ardern’s Labour Party won New Zealand’s election on Saturday with Labour’s strongest result in 50 years. Early results suggest that Labour won 49% of the vote and took 64 of parliament’s 120 seats. The National Party, led by Judith Collins, won just 27% of the vote.

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Jacinda Ardern’s Labour Party won a huge victory in New Zealand’s election on Saturday. Early results suggest that Labour won 49% of the vote, taking 64 of parliament’s 120 seats. Above, Ms. Ardern and her partner, Clarke Gayford, on election night.

Because of the size of the victory, Labour doesn’t need to form a coalition, but Ms. Ardern is still considering forming a government with the Green Party.

Many people believe that Ms. Ardern’s leadership during the coronavirus  led to her success. Her decision to start a strict lockdown early allowed the country to return to a nearly normal life fairly quickly.

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Many people believe the way Ms. Ardern handled the coronavirus led to her success. Her decision to start a strict lockdown early allowed the country to return to a nearly normal life fairly quickly. Above, Ms. Ardern meets at a cafe with Labour Party members.

By June the coronavirus had been completely removed from the island nation, though there have been a few small outbreaks since then.

The huge victory gives Ms. Ardern the chance to follow through on some of the larger ideas she’s been working on, including climate action. But she also faces challenges, since businesses are hurting and the government has spent a lot of money dealing with the coronavirus. 

Guinea Holds Tense Vote for President

On Sunday, voters in Guinea took part in the country’s election for president. The current president, Alpha Conde, is hoping to win a third term.

Mr. Conde, 82, has led Guinea since 2010. Though the country’s constitution limited presidents to two terms, in March, Mr. Conde changed it so he could run for a third term.

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The current president, Alpha Conde, has led Guinea since 2010. Though the country’s constitution limited presidents to two terms, in March, Mr. Conde changed it so he could run for a third term. Above, Mr. Conde speaks to supporters last Friday.

Mr. Conde’s main opposition is Cellou Dalein Diallo. Mr. Diallo served as prime minister of the country from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Conde has defeated Mr. Diallo in two elections before. Ten other candidates are also taking part in the race.

The election has raised tensions in the country, especially since many people believe Mr. Conde shouldn’t be running at all. Some people are worried that the army may get involved.

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Mr. Conde’s main opposition is Cellou Dalein Diallo. Mr. Diallo served as prime minister of the country from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Conde has defeated Mr. Diallo in two elections before. Above, Mr. Diallo voting in Sunday’s election.

The election results aren’t expected for a few more days. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the votes, a runoff election will be held on November 24.

Update: Guinea President Alpha Conde appears to have won a third term. He took 59.49% of the vote. Mr. Diallo received 33.5% of the vote. He has said that he will challenge the results. 

Bolivia Holds Do-Over Election for President

On Sunday, Bolivia held an election for president and lawmakers. The election was a “do-over” for last October’s election, in which President Evo Morales ran for a fourth term, even though it may not have been legal.

Because of questions about the election, the country erupted into protests. In November, Mr. Morales flew to Mexico for safety, and Jeanine Añez took over as temporary president. Ms. Añez was a candidate in this election, but she dropped out.

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In some ways the election is still about Mr Morales. Luis Arce, who worked closely with Mr. Morales, is the leading candidate. Mr. Arce is shown voting above.

In some ways the election is still about Mr Morales. Luis Arce, who worked closely with Mr. Morales, is the leading candidate. His main opponent is Carlos Mesa, who served as president from 2003 to 2005, and ran against Mr. Morales in 2019.

Last year’s protests were triggered when election results were released early, then changed. This year, to avoid that problem, no results will be reported until all votes are counted, which could take up to five days.

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Carlos Mesa, who served as president from 2003 to 2005, and ran against Mr. Morales in 2019 is Mr. Arce’s main opponent. Mr. Mesa is seen voting above.

Unless one candidate has over 50% of the vote, it’s likely that the race will be decided by a runoff election on November 28.

Update: Luis Arce has won Bolivia’s election with 55% of the vote. Carlos Mesa, who took 28.83%, has congratulated Mr. Arce on winning.

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