EPA/Gailan Haji
It seems almost inevitable Iraqi Kurdistan will separate from the rest of Iraq – but going it alone will be hugely difficult.
Bill Shorten will seek to elevate the issue of a republic by pledging.
a policy for quick action.
Julian Smith/AAP
Bill Shorten’s policy for quick action on a republic contrasts with Malcolm Turnbull’s position.
John Stillwell/EPA
Politics podcast: Michael Cooney on an Australian republic
Michael Cooney says becoming a republic would give Australians important new symbols of national unity.
Signatures were collected to put the death penalty on the 2016 Nebraska ballot.
AP Photo/Nati Harnik
Of the 34 state ballot initiatives seeking to limit or abolish the death penalty, 31 have failed. Is this democracy at its worst?
Jon Ossoff speaks to supporters during an election-night watch party.
AP Photo/John Bazemore
Democrat Jon Ossoff will face Republican Karen Handel in a runoff on June 20.
Erdogan after the referendum, April 16, 2017.
REUTERS/Murad Sezer
How a once trustworthy NATO ally, an aspiring EU candidate and an emerging power came to be ruled by one strong man.
Sir Duke wants a second referendum. Or does he?
Wikimedia Commons
He’s been gone for 40 years but the Duke could still make a valuable philosophical contribution to the Brexit debate.
The government has shown no interest in Tony Abbott’s idea, which on the past record of referendums would almost certainly fail.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Tony Abbott’s proposal for a constitutional change to make it easier for a government to pass legislation blocked by the Senate does not have support in his own electorate, according to polling.
Italian Premier Matteo Renzi acknowledges defeat in a constitutional referendum and announces he will resign on Dec. 5.
AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia
The Italians have rejected Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s constitutional reform package. Now the real struggle for Italy begins.
Voters rejected Matteo Renzi’s referendum on constitutional reform, plunging Italy into political uncertainty.
Alessandro Garofalo/Reuters
The “no” result from Italy’s referendum is likely to brew political and economic uncertainty for some time yet.
Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi will likely resign if the result of the referendum is a “no” vote.
Tony Gentile /Reuters
Even if Italy votes for changes that will make it easier for the government to pass economic reforms, the country’s economy will still be in trouble.
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill meeting members of the citizens’ jury.
AAP Image/Tim Dornin
After a Royal Commission and a citizens’ jury, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has enough advice to decide on his nuclear waste dump plan. Which makes his decision to hold a plebiscite baffling.
Côte d'Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara addresses a rally ahead of the referendum on a new constitution. The placard reads “yes to new Ivory Coast”.
Luc Gnago/Reuters
The proposed new constitution would allow Alassane Ouattara to remain as president. Opposition parties see this move as a constitutional “coup” that will also protect his allies.
A tourist takes pictures of a peace sign near the UN-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia.
Yiannis Kourtoglou/Reuters
Referendums are not only divisive as tools of political democracy, they also turn everyday life into a new challenge.
Sturgeon addressing conference.
John Linton/PA
The independence bill is a short-term win but no game-changer.
Polls and elections are considered vital democratic tools – but there’s more to true democracy.
Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters
There are several different ways to approach democracy. Polls, elections and referenda all feature, but they’re not the only way to deepen democracy.
Mistakes happen: a polling station in Cali, Colombia.
EPA/Christian Escobar Mora
A look through the ballot papers shows the declared result in Colombia’s crucial vote is far from definitive.
Álvaro Uribe isn’t leaving anything to chance.
EPA/Mauricio Duenas Castaneda
After 52 years fighting the FARC, Colombia is about to vote on a comprehensive peace deal. But not everyone wants in.
Colombians celebrate the peace agreement.
Christian Escobar Mora/EPA
History was made with the agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC. Making the gesture a reality will require a concerted effort from all involved.
Orban is on a high after the Brexit vote.
EPA/Olivier Hoslet
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has caught referendum fever. He is giving his public a vote on refugee policy in what is being seen as a two-fingered salute to the EU.