Elections in Zimbabwe

If the logic of political survival sometimes beats one about the head, it also sometimes allows events like this. Zimbabwe is on the cusp of closing a chapter in its history, unquestionably a dark one. If you're inclined, say a prayer that corruption will not win out. If you're not inclined, then just hope. And get ready to share in the joy of Zimbabweans who may be soon rid of Mugabe, that great lost hope.

Funny...

Conservative MP Tom Lukiwski, a member of the Commons standing committee on procedure and affairs, wants Mark Mayrand, the Chief Electoral Officer, to read between the lines of Bill C-31. You see, even though the law actually says nothing about Muslim women reveiling their faces, and even though everything Mayrand has mandated accords strictly with the law, Mayrand is in the wrong for not reading into the law so see what it actually meant. You know, like judges do...

Ripping up ballots in Nova Scotia

Today's Chronicle-Herald reports that the Chief Electoral Officer for the Shubenacadie band has been charged with destroying ballots, among other offenses. This makes a further case for the Department of Indian Affairs handing over the administration of band elections to a more competent party, like Elections Canada. On the same note, Tom Flanagan had an interesting if provocative article about the need for (better) elections on reserves in yesterday's Globe.