elections

So Flexible it is Bent out of Shape

Submitted by akai on Nov 20 2010 00:51

How far can one go with "diversity of tactics" before diverging with anarchism?

As groups call for entrance into politics or make coalitions with nationalists, this question has shown the urgency for tactical debate based on empirical experience.

The title of this text refers to a long-time trend in the Polish anarchist movement to be "politically incorrect" and enjoy fighting the "dogma" of anarchist thought.

The Fog of Election Day

John E Jacobsen on the 2010 US mid-term elections.

We can all recall the hysteria surrounding the election of our nation’s first black president, and the optimism that abounded amongst American workers at seeing him win the election.

Venezuela: an election lost is an army gained

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on Oct 11 2010 00:24

As his party loses unilateral control of parliament for the first time since his election, President Hugo Chávez looks to assimilate the working class via military service.

Last month saw a tight photo finish in Venezuela’s parliamentary elections, with President Hugo Chávez’ PSUV (United Socialist Party of Venezuela) gaining a 48% of votes cast to the rightwing opposition MUD (Democratic Unity Table) coalition’s 47%.

2010 US Election Spending Sets New Record

Submitted by Adroobus on Sep 7 2010 21:20

Thanks to the US Supreme Court's 5-4 January ruling that it is unconstitutional to limit corporate campaign contributions this year's elections are on pace to shatter previous election spending records.

There are expected to be as many as 100 competitive races for House seats as well as 37 races for governor this year and according to the Associated Press, the latest financial reports show that House and Senate candidates have already raised 1.2 billion dollars in order to win those races.

Capitalist Democracy: The Illusion of Choice

Libertarian communist critique of representative democracy. Produced by Organise! in response to 2010 Australian election.

Supporters of capitalist democracy generally claim that it is the best—if not the only—way of organising a free society. Capitalist democracy provides the conditions, they claim, under which each of us can determine the course of our own destiny and enjoy all the benefits in terms of creative autonomy and individual self-development that accrue to a truly free people.

"You mean they actually vote for the lizards?" - Junge Linke

Junge Linke on elections, democracy and the state under capitalism.

… “Oh yes ”, said Ford with a shrug, “of course”. “But”, said Arthur, going for the big one again, “why?” “Because if they didn’t vote for a lizard, ” said Ford, “the wrong lizard might get in.”1

  • 1. Douglas Adams. So long, and thanks for all the fish. Chapter 36. 1984

Is it ever OK not to vote?

Slightly before the election of 2010 the Anarchist Federation in Scotland were asked to contribute an opinion piece on voting to the Sunday Herald. Here is the article complete with the opposing view from Willie Sullivan of Vote For a Change.

YES: Terri Marquez

Vote for change?

The Solidarity Federation look at the upcoming UK general election.

It’s election season again. It’s a time of photo-ops and promises, manifestos and controversies. But behind the endless announcements, allegations and denials, is anything really at stake? After 13 years of Labour government, many people want a change. The economy on which Gordon Brown staked his reputation as Chancellor has nosedived on his watch as Prime Minister.

Why bother voting?

An overview of the coming election from the Anarchist Federation.

The general election is here, and once again the parties are falling over themselves to promise us the earth. They talk blandly about “fairness”, “opportunity”, “security” and “a better future”, doing their best to avoid saying anything meaningful.

We can't go on like this, they can't change anything

A short piece on why none of the parties are able to offer real change.

We don't support any of the parties standing in this election. They might come out with apparently different messages, but all of them basically want to do the same thing: to keep the economy functioning the way it does now, which means trampling all over anyone who gets in its way.