Election Calendar in Asia 2013 – 2016 Please click flag of the respective country to see more information on the country Country Country Profile Type of Date of Election the Election Afghanistan Total population: 29,121,286 (July 2010 est: ) Presidential 5th April,

(Islamic Election 2014 Total number of registered voters –9,200,000 (2010) – Registration open for 2013 election Republic of Parliamentary Est. 2015 Afghanistan) Head of the State: President (Mr. Hamid Karzai) from direct elections.

Government Type: bicameral (Jirga) consisting with House of Elders (Meshrano Jirga) and House of People(Wolesi Jirga) Total number of seats in House of People (Wolesi Jirga) : 249 Total number of seats allocated for women in House of People: 68 seats Total number of seats in House of Elders (Meshrano Jirga): 102 seats Total number of constituencies : 34 constituencies • President: Elected directly in a two-round absolute majority vote system for a term of 5 years. • : o House of People: Directly elected in a single non-transferable vote system for a term of 5 years. o House of Elders: § Indirectly Elected (68 seats): Elected by the regional . 34 are elected for a term of 4 years by the Provincial Councils, and 34 are elected for a term of 3 years by the District Councils. § Appointed (34 seats): Appointed by the President for a term of 5 years. Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan is a 7- member commission. Members are appointed by the President for a term of 5 years.

Quota for women: two women should be elected from each province: 34 provinces: Sixty- eight seats in the (Wolesi Jirga) are reserved for women under Article 83 of the Constitution

Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Afghanistan 2004 http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/cms/uploads/images/Constitution/The%20Constitution.pdf

Bangladesh Total Population : 156, 118, 464 (July 2010 est) General On or (People’s Total number of registered voters: 81,130,973 ( 2008) Election before 24th Republic of Head of the State: President (vacant since 14th March, 2013) Bangladesh) January, Head of Government: Prime Minister (Mrs. Sheik Hasina Wajed) 2014 Government Type: unicameral National Parliament () Total number of seats in the National Parliament: 300 seats Electoral System • President: Elected by Parliament for a term of 5 years. • Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President as the Member of Parliament that commands the support of the majority of Parliament. • Parliament: o Directly elected (300 seats): Elected in a single-member district plurality system for a term of 5 years. o Proportional representation (45 seats): 45 seats are reserved for women, and awarded in proportion to the votes won by each party. • Electoral Constituencies: o Directly elected (300 seats): 300 single-member constituencies. o Proportional representation (45 seats): One at-large constituency. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates may not hold certain public positions, and must not have an allegiance to a foreign state. o Proportional representation (45 seats): Candidates must be women, and must be selected by a political party for inclusion on their party list.

Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: The number of commissioners on the Bangladesh Election Commission is chosen by the President.1 Commissioners are appointed by the President for a term of 5 years.

1 There are currently 3 members of the Election Commission. Quota for women: at present 50 seats allocated for women under the 15th in June 2011 Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Bangladesh, 16th December, 1972 http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/research/bangladesh-constitution.pdf Bhutan Total Population: 716,896 (July, 2012) Parliamentary Second (Kingdom of Total number of registered Voters – 381,790 (May 2013) Rd: July 13, 2013 Bhutan) Head of the State: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK Head of the Government: Prime Minister Mr.Jigme THINLEY Government Type: bicameral Parliament (Chi Tshag) consisting of the National Council (Gyelyong Tshogde) and National Assembly (Gyelyong Tshogdu)

Total number of seats in the National Council (Gyelyong Tshogde): 25 Total number of seats in the National Assembly (Gyelyong Tshogdu) : 47

Electoral System • King: Hereditary. The National Assembly may remove the King with a two-thirds majority vote. • Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is appointed by the King as the leader of the party with a majority of seats in the National Assembly. Appointed for a term of 5 years, and limited to 2 terms. • Parliament: o National Assembly: A primary election round is held, in which the two political parties with the most votes are selected to participate in the general election. In the general election, members are elected in a single-member district plurality system for a term of 5 years. o National Council: § Directly elected (20 seats): Elected in a single-member district plurality system for a term of 4 years. § Appointed (5 seats): Nominated by the King for a term of 4 years. • Electoral Constituencies: o National Assembly: Single-member constituencies with 2-7 seats per district, allocated on the basis of population. o National Council: § Directly elected (20 seats): Single-member constituencies corresponding to each of the 20 districts. § Appointed (5 seats): No constituencies. • Parliamentary Candidates: o National Assembly: Candidates must be nominated by one of the two political parties who have won the primary election round for the right to participate in the general election. Candidates are not eligible if they are civil servants, members of the armed forces or police, religious leaders, public office holders or if they have a spouse that does not have Bhutanese citizenship. Candidates must be at least 25 years old, and no more than 65. They must have a university degree. o National Council: Candidates must be nominated by “Zomdus” (Block Council Meetings). Candidates are not eligible if they are civil servants, members of the armed forces or police, religious leaders, public office holders or if they have a spouse that does not have Bhutanese citizenship. Candidates must not be a member of a political party. Appointed candidates must be selected by the King. Political Party System: Multi-party system, with a primary election round that limits the number of political parties in the National Assembly to 2.

Election Management Body: The Election Commission is a 3-member commission appointed by the King from a list of names recommended jointly by the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chairperson of the National Council and the Leader of the Party.

Quota for women: no provision for women in law or regulation Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Bhutan, 18th July, 2008 https://www.unodc.org/tldb/pdf/Bhutan_const_2008.pdf

Brunei Total Population: 67,089,500 (July 2010 ) Parliamentary No data Darussalam available Total registered voters: No data available Head of the State and the Prime Minister: Mr. Sir Hassanal Bolkaih serving as the Sultan and the Prime Minister for the country since 1967 Government Type: Constitutional Sultanate Electoral System • Sultan: Hereditary. • Prime Minister: Hereditary. • Parliament: Although the constitution allows for a 45-seat Legislative Council with up to 15 elected members, elections have not been held since 1962. Members of the current Legislative Council were appointed by the Sultan. According to the constitution, the Sultan has the power to remove elected members of the council. Election laws have not yet been enacted. • Electoral Constituencies: None have been identified. Political Party System: One political party with no elected representatives, limited power and activity.

Election Management Body: None.

Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Brunei. 29th September, 1959 (some provisions were suspended in 1962 and 1984 under Emergency )

http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Brunei1984.PDF Cambodia Total Population : 14,241, 640 (July 2008) Parliamentary July 28, (Kingdom of Total number of registered voters – 8,125,529 (2008) 2013

Cambodia) Chief of State: King Norodom Sihamoni Head of Government: Prime Minister Mr. Hun Sen Government Type: bicameral Parliament consisting of the and National Assembly (Radhsphea Ney Preah Recheanachakr Kampuchea) Total number of seats in the Parliament: 184 Total number of seats in the Senate: 61 seats Total number of seats in the National Assembly: 123 seats

Electoral System • King: The King is indirectly elected by the Council of the Royal Throne from a pool of candidates that are directly descended from one of three former Kings identified in the constitution. The Council of the Royal Throne is a committee made up of senior political figures. • Prime Minister: The King appoints the Prime Minister from among the representatives of the winning party, and on recommendation of the President of the National Assembly. The Prime Minister is confirmed by a vote of confidence in the National Assembly. • Parliament: o National Assembly: Elected in closed party list system for a term of 5 years. The term of the National Assembly may be extended upon request of the King, and a 2/3 majority vote in the National Assembly. o Senate: Members elected or appointed for a term of 6 years. Term may be extended upon request of the King, and a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate. • Electoral Constituencies: o National Assembly: Seats are divided among 24 constituencies made up of 20 provinces and 4 municipalities. o Senate: 57 indirectly elected seats are divided among 8 regions. • Parliamentary Candidates: o National Assembly: Candidates must be born in Cambodia, and be nominated by a political party. Public function holders, like civil servants, police, army personnel, and religious leaders are ineligible. o Senate: Candidates must be born in Cambodia, and be at least 40 years of age. Public function holders, like civil servants, police, army personnel, and religious leaders are ineligible.

Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: National Election Committee is a 9-member committee appointed by the National Assembly.

Quota for women: No provision for women in law or regulation Supreme law of the country: The Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia, 1993 http://cambodia.ohchr.org/klc_pages/KLC_files/section_001/section_01_01_ENG.pdf Total Population: 1,354,040,000 (31st December,2012) Legislative January (People’s Total no of registered voters: No data available Yuan 2016 Republic of Government Type: Communist Socialist state with single-party system Presidential March China) 2016 Head of the state: President, Mr. Xi Jinping Total number of seats: 2,978 Electoral System • President: Elected by the National People’s for a term of 5 years. Limited to 2 consecutive terms. • Premier: Nominated by the President, and confirmed by the National People’s Congress for a term of 5 years. • Parliament: The National People’s Congress is the highest in a series of 5 tiers of People’s . From most central to most local, these are: 1) the national level; 2) the province level; 3) the prefecture level; 4) the level; and 5) the township level. o Indirect elections: Members of the National People’s Congress are selected for a term of 5 years by the province-level People’s Congresses and by the People’s Liberation Army. Members of the province-level and prefecture-level People’s Congresses are selected by the People’s Congress of the next lower level. o Direct elections: Members of the county-level and township-level are directly elected for a term of 3 years. A candidate is elected if he/she receives a majority of the vote. If the number of candidates receiving a majority is larger than the number of seats, those with the greater number of votes are elected. If not enough candidates receive a majority, another round of voting is held to fill the vacancy. • Electoral Constituencies: Direct elections are held at the county level and the township level. At the county level, constituencies are divided into cities not divided into districts, municipal districts, counties and autonomous counties. At the township level, constituencies are divided into townships, ethnic minority townships and towns. Seats are allocated by the Standing Committee of the same-level People’s Congress on the basis of population. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates in direct elections can be nominated by political parties, organizations, and any group of 10 or more voters. The final candidate list is approved by the Election Leadership Committee. Although the target size of the candidate list is 33% to 100% larger than the number of candidates to be elected, election law only requires that the number of candidates be one larger than the number of seats. In practise, the selection of candidates is controlled by the Communist Party of China.

Political Party System: One-party system, with 8 “allied” parties under the control of the Communist Party of China

Election Management Body: Direct elections are managed by an Election Leadership Committee. The Committee usually has 5-9 members, and is appointed by the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of the next higher level.

Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation Supreme law of the county: Amended Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, 1982 http://english.gov.cn/2005-08/05/content_20813.htm East Timor Population: 1,201, 255 (July 2012) Presidential 17th March (Democratic Total number of registered voters: 627, 295 (2012) election 2017 (est.) st Republic of Head of the State: President, Mr. Taur Matan Ruak Parliamentary 1 July Timor-Leste) 2017 (est.) Head of the Government: Prime Minister, Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao Government Type: Unicameral National Parliament Total number of seats in the Parliament: 65 seats Electoral System: The President is elected by absolute majority vote through a two-round system to serve a 5-year term. The Prime Minister is appointed by the president. In the National Parliament 65 members are elected through a closed-list proportional representation system to serve 5-year terms Election Management Body: National Electoral Commission Quota for women: On electoral lists, one out of every group of three candidates must be a woman (Law on Election, Article 12 [3], 2011) Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, March 22, 2002 http://www.constitution.org/cons/east_timor/constitution-eng.htm Hong Kong Population: 7,122,508 (July 2011 est.) Chief Est.2017 (Hong Kong Total number of registered voters: No data available Executive Election Special Chief of State: President of China Administrative Region) Head of Government: Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying Total Number of seats in the Legislative Council: 70 seats Electoral system: President of China: is elected by indirect vote to serve a 5 year-tem Chief Executive: is indirectly elected by an electoral college Legislative Council (LEGCO), 35 members are elected by plurality vote to serve –year terms and 35 members are elected through a closed-list proportional representation system to serve 4-year terms.

Election Management Body: Electoral Affairs Commission, established under EAC ordinance in 1997.

Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation Supreme Law of the country: Hong Kong Basic Law under contemporary Chinese Constitutional order India Population: 1,173,108,018 (July 2010 est.) Parliamentary On or st (Republic of Total number of registered Voters- 716,985,101 (2009) before 31 May 2014 India) Chief of State: President (Mr. Pranab Mukherjee ) Head of Government: Prime Minister (Mr.Manmohan Singh) Parliament: Consists of Council of States () and People’s Assembly (lok Sabha) Total number of seats in Rajya Sabha: 250 seats Total number of seats in Lok Sabha; 545 seats Government Type: Federal Republic Electoral System • President: Indirectly elected by elected members of the People’s Assembly, the Council of States and the state legislatures for a term of 5 years. • Prime Minister: Indirectly elected by Members of Parliament from the majority party following general elections. • Parliament: o People’s Assembly: § Appointed (2 seats): Appointed by the President for a term of 5 years. § Directly elected (543 seats): Elected in a single member district plurality system for a term of 5 years. o Council of States: § Appointed (12 seats): Appointed by the President for a term of 6 years. § Indirectly elected (233 seats): Elected by the state legislatures for a term of 6 years. • Electoral Constituencies: o People’s Assembly: § Appointed (2 seats): No constituencies. § Directly elected (543 seats): Single-member constituencies are divided among the states and the Union Territories on the basis of population. o Council of States: § Appointed (12 seats): No constituencies. § Indirectly elected (233 seats): State legislatures. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates may not be members of the armed forces, have allegiance to a foreign state, hold certain public offices, or have been convicted of certain offences.

Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: The Election Commission of India consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. The President appoints commissioners for a term of 6 years, and can be removed only through in Parliament.

Quota for women: Still in India does not able to make quota for women in Parliament. They have made arrangements to passed the bill called Women Reservation Bill or 108th Amendment to the Constitution for 33 % quota for women. However, still the bill could not get passed by the Lok Saba even its passed in Rajaya Sabha. Supreme law of the country: Constitution of India, 1949 http://lawmin.nic.in/coi/coiason29july08.pdf Indonesia Population: 240,271, 522 (July 2009 est.) Legilative April 9, (Republic of Total number of registered Voters- 171,265,442 (2009 ) 2014 th Indonesia) Chief of State: President , Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ) Presidential 29 July First Round 2014 Head of Government: President, Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono)

Government Type : Republic

Total number of sets Regional Representative Council ( Dewan Perwakilan Daerah): 132 Total number of seats in House of Representatives ( Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat ): 560 seats

Electoral System • President: Elected directly in a two-round system in which successful candidates must win at least 50% of the national vote. Candidates must not have taken foreign citizenship, and must be nominated by a political party or coalition that received at least 112 seats or 20% of the popular vote in the most recent People’s Representative Council elections. • Parliament: o People’s Representative Council: Elected in an open party list system for a term of 5 years. Voters vote for 1 political party, and then may also vote for 1 of the 10 individual candidates on that party’s list. Parties must reach 2.5% of the popular vote to enter Parliament. o Regional Representative Council: Elected directly from each province or district in a single non-transferable vote system for a term of 5 years. • Electoral Constituencies: o People’s Representative Council: Multi-member districts in each of the 30 provinces, 2 special regions, and the capital city. o Regional Representative Council: Multi-member districts of 4 seats in each of the 30 provinces, 2 special regions, and the capital city. • Parliamentary Candidates: o People’s Representative Council: Candidates must be nominated by a political party, and cannot be members of the military, or civil servants. 30% of candidates on any party’s list must be women. o Regional Representative Council: Candidates must not be members of a political party. Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: General Elections Commission is an independent 7-member commission appointed for a term of 5 years by the People’s Consultative Assembly.

Quota for women: 30% Quota for women in House of Representative through "at least one in every three candidates included on a political party list should be women." (article 55 in the Electoral Law 10.2008) Supreme law of the country: Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, 1945 http://www.mahkamahkonstitusi.go.id/file_pengumuman/mkredaksi.pdf Japan Population: 126,804,433 (July 2010 est) Parliamentary July 11, Total number of registered voters: 103,959,866 (2012) 2013 Head of the Government: Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe

Government type: Parliamentary government with a Constitutional Monarchy - Bicameral Diet ( Kokkai) consisting of the House of Councilors ( Sangiin) and House of Representatives (Shugiin) Total no of seats in House of Councilors: 242 seats Total no of seats in House of Representatives: 480 seats Electoral System • Emperor: Hereditary. • Prime Minister: Designated from among the members of the Diet by a resolution in the Diet, and appointed by the Emperor. If the two houses of the Diet cannot agree, the decision of the House of Representatives is given precedence. • Parliament: o House of Representatives: Elected for a term of 4 years. § Directly elected (300 seats): Elected in a single-member district plurality system. § Proportional representation (180 seats): Elected in multi-member constituencies in a closed party list system. o House of Councillors: Members elected for a term of 6 years. Half of the House of Councillors is elected every 3 years. § Directly elected (146 seats): Elected in a single non-transferable vote system. § Proportional representation (96 seats): Elected in an open party list system. • Electoral Constituencies: o House of Representatives: § Directly elected (300 seats): Single-member districts allocated on the basis of population. § Proportional representation (180 seats): 11 multi-member constituencies (of 6-29 seats), corresponding loosely to the major regions of Japan, with some larger regions subdivided. o House of Councillors: § Directly elected (146 seats): 47 multi-member constituencies (of 2-10 seats) formed on a metropolitan or prefectural basis. § Proportional representation (96 seats): One at-large constituency. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates must not hold an official post in the government or a public corporation. Political Party System: Multi-party system

Election Management Body: Election Administrational Council is a 5-member body nominated by the Diet and appointed by the Prime Minister for a term of 3 years. The election of directly elected members to both Houses is managed by Prefectural election management committees. These committees are composed of 4 members, and are appointed by the prefectural assemblies for a term of 4 years.

Quota for women: No provision in Law or Regulations Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Japan, 3rd May, 1947 http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html Kazakhstan Population: 15,522,373 (July 2011 est.) Presidential 2016 (Republic of Total Registered voters: 9,303, 693 (2012) Legislative January

Kazakhastan) Chief of State: President Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev 2017 (est) Head of Government: Prime Minister Serik AKHMETOV Government Type: Republic, authoritarian President rule with little power outside the executive branch Total number of seats in the Senate: 39 seats Total number of seats in House of Representatives: 107 seats Electoral System • President: Elected directly in a plurality vote system for a term of 7 years. • Prime Minister: Appointed by the President and approved by Parliament. • Parliament: o House of Representatives: § Proportional representation (98 seats): Elected in a closed party list system for a term of 5 years. Parties must meet a 7% vote threshold to win seats in Parliament. § Appointed (9 seats): Appointed by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, an unelected 364-member assembly formed by the President. Appointed for a term of 5 years. o Senate: § Indirectly elected (32 seats): Elected in local assemblies for a term of 6 years. § Appointed (7 seats): Appointed by the President for a term of 6 years. • Electoral Constituencies: o House of Representatives: § Proportional representation (98 seats): One at-large constituency. § Appointed (9 seats): No constituencies. o Senate: § Indirectly elected (32 seats): 2 Senators elected in local assemblies in each of the 14 regions and 2 local authorities. § Appointed (7 seats): No constituencies. • Parliamentary Candidates: o House of Representatives: Candidates must be residents of Kazakhstan, and may not hold any other paid position other than teaching, research and creative activities. Must be selected by political parties. o Senate: Candidates must be residents of Kazakhstan, and may not hold any other paid position other than teaching, research and creative activities. Must have the backing of 10% of the electors in his/her constituency.

Political Party System: Multi-party system, with one dominant party.

Election Management Body: The Central Election Commission is a 7-member commission appointed by the House of Representatives on the proposal of the President. Appointed for a term of 5 years.

Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation – ongoing lobby and discussion Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Kazakhstan, 30th August 1995 http://www.parlam.kz/en/constitution Kyrgyzstan Population: 5,587,443 (July 2011 est.) Parliamentary 2015 (Kyrgyz Total number of registered voters: 3,032,957 (2011)

Republic) Government Type: Republic Head of State: President Almazbek Sharshenovich Head of Government: Prime Minister Zantoro Total number of seats in the Supreme Council (Jorgorku Kenesh): 120 Electoral system: • President: Elected directly by an absolute majority vote in two-round system to a term of 5 years. • Prime Minister: Nominated by Parliament for a term of 5 years. • Parliament: Elected in a closed party list system for a term of 5 years. No party may be granted over 65 seats. • Electoral Constituencies: One at-large constituency. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates must be nominated by a political party. Members of the military, police, judiciary, public post holders, and members of the clergy are ineligible. At least every fourth name on a party list must be of another sex, and at least 15% must be ethnic minorities.

Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: The Central Commission for Elections and Referenda is a 15 member commission appointed by the Supreme Council

Quota for women: Article 60 (3) of the Amended Electoral Law in 2011 provide 30 % quota for either sex on electoral lists Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Kyrgyzstan, 2010 http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/KG/kyrgyzstan-constitution-27-june-2010/view Laos PDR Population: 6,834,345 (July 2009 est.) Parliamentary Est. 2016 (Lao People’s Total number of registered voters – 3,240,000 (2011)

Democratic Chief of State: President Mr. Choummali Saignason Republic) Head of Government: Prime Minister Mr. Thongsing Thammavong Government Type: Communist State Total number of seats in National Assembly: 132 seats Electoral System • President: Elected by a vote in the National Assembly for a term of 5 years. • Prime Minister: Nominated by the President and confirmed by a vote in the National Assembly for a 5-year term. • Parliament: Unicameral National Assembly elected in a multiple non-transferable vote system for a term of 5 years. In cases of war or other emergency, term may be extended by a vote in the National Assembly. • Electoral Constituencies: 17 multi-member constituencies made up of 16 provinces plus the municipality of Vientiane.

Political Party System: Single-party system, which is Lao People’s Revolutionary Party

Electoral Management Body: National Election Committee

Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation Supreme law of the country: Constitution of the Laos PDR, 15th August, 1991 http://confinder.richmond.edu/admin/docs/laos.pdf Malaysia Population: 28,728,607 (July 2011) Parliamentary est. 2018 Total number of Registered Voters- 13,268,002 ( 2013)

Chief of State: Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Head of Government: Prime Minister Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak Government Type: Constitutional Monarchy: Bicameral Parliament (Parlimen) consisting of the Senate( ) and House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat ) Total number of seats in senate: 70 seats Total number of seats in House of Representatives: 222 seats

Electoral System • King: Elected from the hereditary rulers of 9 states for a term of 5 years. Selection is based on the principle of rotation among states. • Prime Minister: Appointed by the King from among the House of Representatives as the leader that has the support of the majority of the House of Representatives. • Parliament: o House of Representatives: Elected in a single-member district plurality system for a term of 5 years. o Senate: § Indirectly elected (26 seats): Elected in a plurality-at-large voting system by a vote in the state legislative assemblies. Tie votes are resolved by lot. Elected for a term of 3 years, and limited to 2 terms. § Appointed (44 seats): Appointed by the King. Elected for a term of 3 years, and limited to 2 terms. • Electoral Constituencies: o House of Representatives: Single-member constituencies divided among the 15 states and federal territories. o Senate: § Indirectly elected (26 seats): Multi-member constituencies made up of each of the 13 state legislative assemblies. § Appointed (44 seats): Of the 44 appointed senators, 4 are appointed by the King to represent specific geographical areas (the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur (2 senators), Labuan and Putrajaya (1 senator each)), but the other 40 appointed senators have no constituencies. • Parliamentary Candidates: o House of Representatives: Not eligible if he/she is a citizen of a foreign country. o Senate: Not eligible if he/she is a citizen of a foreign country. § Indirectly elected (26 seats): These Members are elected by the State Legislative Assemblies. § Appointed (44 seats): The 40 senators without specific constituencies who are appointed by the King are people who have rendered distinguished public service, have achieved distinction in professional life, or are capable of representing minority groups.

Political Party System: Multi-party system

Election Management Body: The Election Commission is a 5-person commission appointed by the King after consultation with the Council of Rulers (hereditary rulers of the 9 states) and the prime minister.

Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation Supreme law of the country: Federal Constitution of Malaysia,1957 http://www.agc.gov.my/images/Personalisation/Buss/pdf/Federal%20Consti%20%28BI%20t ext%29.pdf Maldives Population: 394,451( July 2012 est.) Presidential September (Republic of Total number of registered voters-209,197 ( 2009) 7 2013

the Maldives) Chief of State: President, Mr. Mohammed Waheed Hassan Parliamentary April 2014 (est.) Head of Government: President , Mr. Mohammed Waheed Hassan Government Type: Presidential Republic Total number of seats in the parliament: 77 seats Electoral System • President: Directly elected in a first-past-the-post system for a term of 5 years. • Parliament: Directly elected in a single-member district plurality system for a term of 5 years. • Electoral Constituencies: 77 single-member constituencies. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates must be Sunni Muslim and may not be public office holders or members of the armed forces or police

Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: n/a.

Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation Supreme law of the country: Constitution of the Republic of the Maldives, 7th August 2008 http://www.maldivesinfo.gov.mv/home/upload/downloads/Compilation.pdf Mongolia Population: 3,179,997(July 2012 est.) Presidential June 26, Total number of registered voters – 1,836,435 ( 2012) 2013

Government Type: Parliamentary Republic Chief of State: President, Mr. Tsakhia Elbegdorj Head of Government: Prime Minister , Mr. Norvovyn Altankhutag Total number of seats in the parliament: 76 seats

Electoral System • President: Each political party with seats in the Parliament may nominate one candidate. The President is directly elected in a two-round system for a term of 4 years. Limited to 2 terms. • Prime Minister: Elected by the Parliament from among the members of Parliament, usually as the leader of the majority party. Elected for a maximum term of 4 years. • Parliament: Elected in a plurality-at-large system for a term of 4 years. • Electoral Constituencies: Multi-member constituencies of 2-4 seats in 26 districts corresponding to the provinces and the districts in the capital city of Ulan Bator. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates must not be holders of public posts, civil servants, or members of the police or armed forces.

Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: The General Election Commission is a 9-member commission appointed by the Parliament. The Parliament’s Standing Committee on State Structure nominates 5 members, the President nominates 2 members, and the Supreme Court nominates 2 civil servants to be members. Commissioners serve for a 6 year term.

Quota for women: has been increased 15% to 20% of candidates on lists presented by political parties for both majority and proportional by Article 27.1 of the Electoral Law on Mongolia

Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Mongolia, 13th January, 1992 http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/mg00000_.html

Myanmar Total Population: 54, 584, 650 (July 2012) Parliamentary Est. 2015 (Union of Total number of Registered Voters- 29,021,608 ( 2010)

Myanmar) Chief of State – President , Mr. Thein Sein Head of the Government: President Thein Sein Government Type: Parliamentary Government People Assembly – House of Nationalities ( ) and the House of Representatives ( ) Total number of seats in House of Nationalities: 224 seats Total number of seats in the House of Representatives: 440 sets Electoral System • President: Elected by a vote in Parliament (Upper and Lower Houses) from among three candidates that have been elected as vice-President. One vice-President is elected by each of: the Lower House; the ; and the military. Elected for a term of 5 years. Among other conditions, a person is not eligible to be President if: both of the person’s parents were not born in Myanmar; the person is not “well acquainted with the affairs of the Union such as political, administrative, economic and military”; the person has not resided in Myanmar continuously for at least 20 years (excluding official foreign stays); and the person, his/her parent, his/her spouse, his/her legitimate child, or the spouse of his/her child “owe allegiance to a foreign power” or are a “subject of a foreign power or citizen of a foreign country.” • Parliament:2 o Lower House: § Elected (330 seats): Elected in a single member district plurality system for a term of 5 years. § Appointed (110 seats): Appointed by the military for a term of 5 years. o Upper House: § Elected (168 seats): Elected in a single non-transferable vote system for a term of 5 years. § Appointed (56 seats): Appointed by the military for a term of 5 years. • Electoral Constituencies: o Lower House: § Elected (330 seats): Single-member constituencies designated on the basis of township and population. § Appointed (110 seats): No constituencies. o Upper House: § Elected (168 seats): Multi-member constituencies (12 seats) in each of the 14 states and regions. § Appointed (56 seats): No constituencies. • Parliamentary Candidates: Among other conditions, candidates must: have resided in Myanmar for at least 10 consecutive years (excluding official foreign stays); have parents who are/were both citizens; not “owe allegiance” to a foreign government or be a subject/citizen of a foreign government; not be a person who “uses religion for political purpose;” not be a member of a religious order; not be civil service personnel (excluding military members); and not have contacted an organization declared as an unlawful association.

Political Party System: Multi-party system. The constitution guarantees the military 25% of seats in both the Lower and Upper Houses.

Election Management Body: The Union Election Commission is a 18-person committee appointed by the government. It may appoint sub-commissions at various levels.

Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Republic of the Union of Myanmar,2008

2 Among those not eligible to vote are members of a religious order, and people who have assumed foreign citizenship. http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/mg00000_.html Nepal Totally Population: 28,951,852 (July 2010 est.) Constituent November (Democratic Total number of registered voters – 17,611,832 ( 2008 ) Assembly 19, 2013 Election Republic of Chief of State- President Ram Baran Yadav Nepal) Head of Government: Prime Minister Khil Raj Regmi Government Type: Federal Republic Total number of seats in Constituent Assembly ( Sambidhan Sabha): 601 seats Electoral System • President: Indirectly elected by a vote in the Constituent Assembly. • Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is elected by a “political consensus” reached among the 7 major political parties, or a two-thirds majority vote in the Constituent Assembly. • Parliament: o Directly elected (240 seats): Elected in a single-member district plurality system for a term of 5 years. o Proportional representation (335 seats): Elected in a closed party list system for a term of 5 years. o Appointed (26 seats): Appointed by the cabinet (Council of Ministers), which itself is elected by a “political consensus” reached among the 7 major political parties, or a two-thirds majority vote in the Constituent Assembly. Appointed for a term of 5 years. • Electoral Constituencies: o Directly elected (240 seats): Single-member constituencies formed on the basis of population. o Proportional representation (335 seats): One at-large constituency. o Appointed (26 seats): No constituencies. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates may not be public office holders. o Proportional representation (26 seats): Candidates must be selected by a political party for inclusion on the party list.

Political Party System: Multi-party system, with initial power-sharing mechanisms to ensure the participation of the 7 major political parties.

Election Management Body: Election Commission is a 5-member commission appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council. The Constitutional Council is composed of the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, the Speaker of the Constituent Assembly, and 3 ministers appointed by the Prime Minister. Commissioners are appointed for a term of 6 years.

Quota for women: at least 33% of candidates for the FPTP-system and the PR-system combined under Article 63(5) of Constitution Note: Constitutional Assembly election supposed to held on 27th May 2013 but it delayed until November 2013. Supreme law of the country: Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007 http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nepal_Interim_Constitution2007.pdf North Korea Population: 24,051,218 (2011 est) Supreme No (Democratic Total number of registered voters: No date available People’s schedule Assembly date People’s Head of State: Kim Kong III Republic of Korea) Head of Government: Premier CHOE Young Rim Government Type: Communist State Total number of seats in Supreme People’s Assembly (Ch'oego Inmin Hoeui): 687 seats. Electoral System • Chairman of the National Defence Commission: Elected by a vote in the Supreme People’s Assembly for a term of 5 years. In past votes, KIM Jong Il has been the only candidate. • Premier: Elected by a vote in the Supreme People’s Assembly. • Parliament: Deputies are elected through non-competitive direct elections. Voters have the choice of voting for or against the candidate in their constituency. • Electoral Constituencies: 687 single-member constituencies. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates are selected by the Worker’s Party of Korea.

Political Party System: One-party system with two nominal opposition parties.

Election Management Body: Central Election Committee.

Quota for women: Supreme law of the country: First Constitution in 1948, recent amendment was on 2002 http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/DomRep/domrep02.html Pakistan Population: 184,404,791 (July 2010 est) General est. 2017 (Islamic Total number of registered voters – 81,532,739 ( 2013) Election Republic of President, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari Pakistan) Head of Government: Prime Minister ,Mr. Nawaz Sharif Government Type: Federal Republic Total number of seats in the Senate: 100 seats Total number of seats in the National Assembly: 342 seats

Electoral System • President: Elected for a term of 5 years by an electoral college consisting of the members of both houses of Parliament, as well as members of the Provincial Assemblies. Limited to 2 terms. Candidates for President must be Muslim, and members of the National Assembly. • Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is elected by the National Assembly. • Parliament: o National Assembly: § Directly elected (272 seats): Elected in a single-member district plurality system for a term of 5 years. § Proportional representation: • Women (60 seats): Seats reserved for women are elected in an open party list system for a term of 5 years. Parties must receive a minimum of 10% of the vote to receive seats. If fewer than 2 parties fail to meet the threshold, the minimum becomes 5%. • Non-Muslims (10 seats): Seats reserved for non-Muslims are elected in an open party list system for a term of 5 years. Parties must receive a minimum of 10% of the vote to receive seats. If fewer than 2 parties fail to meet the threshold, the minimum becomes 5%. o Senate: Elected indirectly in a single transferable vote system. 88 seats are elected by the Provincial Assemblies, 8 are elected by National Assembly members from the Federally Administered Tribal Area, and 4 are elected from the Federal Capital by the National Assembly. • Electoral Constituencies: o National Assembly: § Directly elected (272 seats): Single-member districts divided by province, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and the Federal Capital. The number of seats in each is defined in the constitution. § Proportional representation: • Women (60 seats): 4 multi-member districts divided by province, with the number of seats in each defined in the constitution. • Non-Muslims (10 seats): One at-large constituency. o Senate: § Provincial Assemblies (88 seats): 4 constituencies corresponding to the Provincial Assemblies of the 4 provinces. § National Assembly members from the territories (8 seats): One constituency of the members of the National Assembly from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. § Federal Capital (4 seats): One constituency of the National Assembly. • Parliamentary Candidates: o National Assembly: Muslim candidates must be of “good character” and fulfil certain conditions for religious knowledge and practise. Non-Muslim candidates must have a “good moral reputation.” Candidates cannot be public office holders, or members of the armed forces. § Proportional representation: 60 seats reserved for women candidates, and 10 seats reserved for non-Muslim candidates. o Senate: Muslim candidates must be of “good character” and fulfil certain conditions for religious knowledge and practise. Non-Muslim candidates must have a “good moral reputation.” Candidates cannot be public office holders, or members of the armed forces. § Provincial Assemblies (88 seats): Candidates are from the provinces. 16 seats are reserved for women, and 16 seats are reserved for technocrats. § National Assembly members from the territories (8 seats): Candidates are from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. § Federal Capital (4 seats): Candidates are from the Federal Capital. 1 seat is reserved for women, and 1 seat is reserved for technocrats. Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: The Election Commission of Pakistan is a 5-member commission appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of the of the candidate’s province. Candidates must be sitting judges of the High Courts of their respective provinces.

Quota for women: 60 seats reserved for women Supreme law of the country: Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 12th April, 1973 http://www.na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1333523681_951.pdf Papua New Population: 6310,129 (July 2012 est) Parliamentary 24th June Guinea Total number of registered voters: 3,938, 839 (2007) 2017 (est) Chief of State: Queen Elizabeth II (the queen is represented by the Governor Michael OGIO Head of Government: Prime Minister Peter O’Neill Government Type: Unicameral National Parliament Total number of seats in the National Parliament: 109 seats Electoral System: Queen: Hereditary head of state Prime Minister: appointed by the Governor-general Parliamentarian are elected through an alternative voting system to serve 5-year term Political party system: Multi-party system Quota for women: Equality and Participation Law guarantees 22 seats to women Supreme law of the country: Constitution of the Independent Sate of the Papua New Guinea http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Independent_State_of_Papua_New_Guinea

Philippines Population: 97,976,603(July 2009est.) Presidential 9th May (Republic of Total number of registered voters – 50,723,733 ( 2010) 2016 (est.)

the Philippines) Chief of State- President, Mr. Benigno Simeon Aquino III Head of the Government – President, Mr. Benigno Simeon Aquino III Government Type: bicameral Congress ( Kongreso) consisting of the Senate ( Senado) and the House of Representatives ( Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan) Total number of seats in Senate: 24 seats Total number of seats in House of Representatives: 287 seats Electoral System • President: Directly elected in a first-past-the-post voting system for a term of 6 years. The President is not eligible for re-election. • Parliament: o House of Representatives: § Directly Elected (230 seats): Elected in a single-member district plurality system for a term of 3 years. § Indirectly Elected (57 seats): 20% of all seats in the House of Representatives are reserved for registered national, regional, and sectoral parties or organizations. Elected in an open party list at-large voting system for a term of 3 years. If a party wins 2% of the national vote, the first person on its party list is elected. Additional seats up to the 20% maximum are awarded to parties on the basis of the number of votes they won. Parties are limited to a maximum of three seats. o Senate (24 seats): Elected in a plurality-at-large voting system for a term of 6 years. Half of the Senate is elected every 3 years. Limited to 2 terms. • Electoral Constituencies: o House of Representatives: § Directly Elected (230 seats): Single-member constituencies divided by population among the provinces, cities and Manila. § Indirectly Elected (57 seats): One at-large constituency. o Senate (24 seats): One at-large constituency. • Parliamentary Candidates: o House of Representatives: § Directly Elected (230 seats): Candidates must be literate and reside in their district for at least 1 year prior to the election. § Indirectly Elected (57 seats): Candidates must be selected by a registered party or organization representing special minority groups, and included on its 3-person party list. o Senate (24 seats): Candidates must have been born in the Philippines, be literate, and have resided in the Philippines for 1 year prior to the election. Political Party System: Multi-party system with 2 types of parties: major parties; and party-list organizations. Party-list organizations are meant to represent special minority groups.

Election Management Body: The Commission on Elections is a 7-person commission appointed by the President. The chairman and three other commissioners are appointed for a 7-year term, two commissioners are appointed for a 5-year term, and the final member for a 3-year term.

Quota for women: Woman be one of three sectoral representatives that sits in every municipal, city, and provincial legislative council under the 1991 Local Government Code No. 7160, Section 41 para Supreme law of the country: Philippine Constitution, 1987 http://www.chanrobles.com/philsupremelaw2.html

Singapore Population: 4,657,542 (July 2010 est.) Parliamentary Est.2015 (Republic of Total number of registered voters- 2,274,773 ( 2011 Presidential ) and Singapore) Presidential Chief of the State: President ,Mr. Tony Tan Keng Yan Head of the Government: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Government Type: Parliamentary Republic Total number of seats in Parliament: 94 seats Electoral system: President: elected by plurality vote to serve a 6-year term. Prime Minister: appointed by the President In the Parliament, 9 members are elected by plurality vote in single-member constituencies to serve 5-year terms, 75 members are elected through a group representation constituency (GRC) system to serve 5-year terms, 9 members are nominated by the President and 9 members are appointed from a national compensatory list to serve 5-year terms Political party system: Multi-party system Election Management Body: The Elections Department of Singapore is a department under the Prime Minister’s Office. Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation Supreme law of the country: Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, 9th August 1965 http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=188428

South Korea Population: 48,860,500 (July 2012 est.) National April 2016 (Republic of Total number of registered voters – 40,507,842 ( 2012 Presidential ) Assembly (est) Korea) Chief of State: President , Mrs. Park Guen-hye Presidential December Head of Government: Prime Minister Jung Hong-Won 2017 (est) Government Type: Presidential system , unicameral Total number of seats in National Assembly: 299 seats Electoral System • President: Directly elected in a first-past-the-post system for a single term of 5 years. • Prime Minister: Appointed by the President, with the consent of the National Assembly. The Prime Minister need not be a member of the National Assembly, but cannot be an active member of the military. • Parliament: o Directly elected (245 seats): Elected in a single-member district plurality system for a term of 4 years. o Proportional representation (54 seats): Elected in a closed party list system for a term of 4 years. For a party to be awarded seats in the National Assembly through proportional representation, it must achieve at least 3% of the total vote or at least 5 seats in the single-member district elections. • Electoral Constituencies: o Directly elected (245 seats): Single-member constituencies divided on the basis of population. o Proportional representation (54 seats): One at-large constituency. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates may not be public servants, or employees of other public entities. People employed as teachers may not join political parties. o Directly elected (245 seats): Must be nominated by a political party, or have the support of 300-500 members of the constituency. o Proportional representation (54 seats): Candidates must be selected by a political party for inclusion on the party list. In a party’s ranked list of candidates, every second candidate must be female.

Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: The National Election Commission is a 9-member commission appointed for a term of 6 years. 3 members are appointed by the President, 3 are elected by the national assembly, and 3 are nominated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation Supreme law of the country: The Constitution of the Republic of Korea, 17th July 1948 http://english.ccourt.go.kr/home/att_file/download/Constitution_of_the_Republic_of_ Korea.pdf Sri Lanka Population: 21,324,791 ( July 2009) Presidential 26th Total number of registered voters – 14,088,500 ( 2010) January 2016 (est) Chief of State – Executive President, Mr. Mahinda Percy Rajapaksa Parliamentary April 2016 Government Type: –Presidential Republic Total number of seats in Parliament: 225 seats Electoral System: • President: Directly elected in a contingent vote system for a term of 6 years. Limited to 2 terms. • Parliament: Elected in an open party list system for a term of 6 years. • Electoral Constituencies: 22 multi-member districts of 4-20 seats formed by province or provincial divisions, and one at-large constituency of 29 seats. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates may not be public office holders, members of the police or armed forces, or judicial officers.

Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: The Election Commission is a 5-member commission appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council. The Constitutional Council is composed of: the Prime Minister; the Speaker of the Parliament; the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament; 1 person appointed by the President; 5 people appointed by the President and nominated by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition; 1 person appointed by Parliament from a political party other than that of the Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition.

Quota for Women: No provision in law or regulation Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Sri Lanka, 1978 http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/Introduction.htm Tajikistan Population: 7,349,145 (July 2009 est) Presidential November (Republic of Total number of Registered voters: 3,621,174 (2010) 2013

the Tajikistan) Parliamentary February 2015 Chief of State: President Emomali RAHMON

Head of Government: Prime Minister Oqil OQILOV

Government Type: Republic : bicameral Supreme Assembly (Majlisi Oli) consisting of the National Assembly (Majlisi Milli) and the Assembly of Representatives (Majlisi Namoyandagon)

Total number of seats in the National Assembly: seats 34

Total number of seats in the Assembly of Representatives: 63 seats

Electoral System • President: Elected directly in a two-round system to a term of 7 years. Limited to 2 terms. • Prime Minister: Appointed by the President. • Parliament: o Assembly of Representatives: § Directly elected (41 seats): Elected in a two-round system for a term of 5 years. § Proportional representation (22 seats): Elected in a closed party list system for a term of 5 years. Parties must meet a 5% vote threshold to win seats in Parliament. o National Assembly: § Indirectly elected (25 seats): Elected by local deputies for a term of 5 years. § Appointed (9 seats): 8 seats appointed by the President, and 1 seat reserved for the former President. Appointed for a term of 5 years. • Electoral Constituencies: o Assembly of Representatives: § Directly elected (41 seats): Single-member constituencies. § Proportional representation (22 seats): One at-large constituency. o National Assembly: § Indirectly elected (25 seats): n/a § Appointed (9 seats): No constituencies. • Parliamentary Candidates: Holders of public posts, members of the military, judges, and members of the other chamber are ineligible. Political Party System: Multi-party system, with one dominant party.

Election Management Body: The Central Commission for Elections and Referenda is a commission of 15 members appointed by Parliament on the proposal of the President for a term of 5 years. Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation Supreme law of the country: Constitution of the Republic of the Tajikistan http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/untc/unpan003670.htm

Thailand Population: 67, 089,500 (July 2010) Legislative Before 3rd (Kingdom of Number of registered voters: 46,918,709 ( 2011) July 2015

Thailand) Chief of State – King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Constitutional Monarchy) Head of the government- Prime Minister, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra Government Type: bicameral -National Assembly ( Rathasapha ) consisting of the Senate ( Wuthisapha) and House of Representatives ( Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon) Total number of seats in the Senate: 150 seats Total number of seats in the House of Representatives: 500 seats Electoral System:

• King is the hereditary head of state. • The Prime Minister is appointed by the monarch to serve a 4-year term. • In the Senate (Wuthisapha), 74 members are appointed and 76 members are elected by single non-transferable vote (SNTV). In the House of Representatives (Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon), 375 members are elected by plurality vote in single-member constituencies to serve 4-year terms and 125 members are elected through a closed-list proportional representation system to serve 4-year terms

Political Party System: Multi-party system

Electoral Management Body: • The Election Commission of Thailand is a 5-member committee appointed for a 7-year term. Members are nominated by a Selection Committee, approved by the Senate, and then appointed by the King. The Election Commission may appoint Provincial Election Committees and other structures to help it perform its duties.

Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation – still debate on the issue Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Thailand,2007 http://english.constitutionalcourt.or.th/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=4&lang=en

Taiwan Population: 22,974,347 (July 2010) Presidential January, (Republic of Total number of registered voters: 18,086,455 (2012) and 2016 Legislative China) Chief of State: President MA Ying-jeou Head of Government: Premier Chen Chong Government Type: Unicameral Total number of seats in Legislative 113 seats Electoral System • President: Directly elected in a first-past-the-post system for a term of 4 years. Limited to 2 terms. • Premier: Appointed by the President. • Parliament: o Directly elected (73 seats): Elected in a single-member district plurality system for a term of 4 years. o Aboriginal populations (6 seats): Elected in a single non-transferable vote system for a term of 4 years. o Proportional representation (34 seats): Elected in a closed party list system for a term of 4 years. For a party to be awarded seats in the Legislative Yuan through proportional representation, it must achieve at least 5% of the total vote. • Electoral Constituencies: o Directly elected (73 seats): Seats distributed by county, city or special municipality, and then divided into single-member constituencies on the basis of population. o Aboriginal populations (6 seats): 2 constituencies of 3 members each, corresponding to the lowland and highland aboriginal areas. o Proportional representation (34 seats): One at-large constituency. • Parliamentary Candidates: Candidates may not be active members of the military or students at a military school. o Proportional representation (34 seats): Candidates must be selected by a political party for inclusion on the party list. Female candidates must represent 50% or more of the candidates on a party list. • Political Party System: Multi-party system.

Election Management Body: The Central Election Commission is a 9-member commission nominated by the Premier and approved by the Legislative Yuan. Commissioners are appointed for a term of 4 years, and commissioners from any one political party cannot make up more than 40% of the Commission.

Quota for women: Number of women representatives in Legislative Yuan deciding by Article 64(2) of the Constitution and number of women in other elected organs also deciding by Article 134 of the Constitution. Supreme law of the country: Constitution Republic China, 25th December, 1946 http://english.president.gov.tw/Default.aspx?tabid=434

Turkmenistan Population: 4,997,503 (July 2011 est.) Parliamentary December Total number of registered voters: 2,987,324 (2012) 2013 (est)

Chief of State and Head of Government: President Gurbanguly BERDYMUKHAMMEDOV Government Type: Authoritarian Presidential Republic Total number of seats in the National Assembly: 125 seats

Electoral System: • President: Elected directly in a two-round system for a term of 5 years. • Parliament: Elected directly in a two-round system for a term of 5 years. • Electoral Constituencies: Single-member constituencies. • Parliamentary Candidates: Must be proposed by legally registered political parties, public associations and organizations or by assemblies of citizens of at least 200 voters residing in the same constituency.

Political Party System: One-party system.

Election Management Body: n/a

Quota for women: No provision in law and regulation Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Turkmenistan. 1992 http://www.uta.edu/cpsees/TURKCON.htm

Uzbekistan Population: 27,865,738 (July 2010 est.) Parliamentary December (Republic of Total number of registered voters: 17,215,700 (2010) 2014

Uzbekistan) Chief of State: President Islam KARUMOV Presidential March 2015 Head of Government: Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev Government Type: Presidential Republic Total number of seats in the Senate: 100 seats Total number of seats in the Legislative Chamber: 135 seats Electoral System • President: Elected directly by an absolute majority vote in two-round system to a term of 7 years. • Prime Minister: Appointed by the President. • Parliament: o Legislative Chamber: § Directly elected (120 seats): Elected in a two-round system for a term of 5 years. At least 33% of the electorate must participate for the vote to be valid. § Proportional representation (15 seats): Elected in a party list system for a term of 5 years. o Senate: § Indirectly elected (84 seats): Elected by regional Councils of People's Deputies for a term of 5 years. § Appointed (16 seats): Appointed by the President for a term of 5 years. • Electoral Constituencies: o Legislative Chamber: § Directly elected (120 seats): Single member districts. § Proportional representation (15 seats): One at-large district. o Senate: § Indirectly Elected (84 seats): Regional Councils of People's Deputies in each of the 14 regions electing 6 senators. § Appointed (16 seats): No constituencies. • Parliamentary Candidates: o Legislative Chamber: § Directly elected (120 seats): Candidates must be selected by registered political parties. § Proportional representation (15 seats): At least 30% of the candidates on a party list must be women.

Political Party System: Multi-party system, with all parties supporting the President.

Election Management Body: The Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan is a commission of at least 15 members, appointed by the Parliament on the recommendation of the regional councils.

Quota for women: Article 22 of the Law on Elections guarantee women participation “number of women ought to be not less than 30 per cent of the total number of candidates for the election nominated by a political party Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Uzbekistan, 1991 http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=225736 (Uzbekis)

Vietnam Population: 92,477,857 (July 2013 est) National July 2016 (Socialist Total number of registered voters: 62, 270, 778 (2011) Assembly Republic of Chief of State: President T, Mr. Truong Tan Sang Vietnam) Head of Government: Prime Minister, Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung Government Type: Single party, socialist Republic Total number of seats in the National Assembly: 500 seats Electoral system:

• President: Elected by a vote in the National Assembly for a five-year term that is co- extensive with that of the National Assembly. • Prime Minister: Nominated by the President from among the National Assembly and confirmed by a vote in the National Assembly. • Parliament: Unicameral National Assembly elected in a majority-at-large voting system for a term of 5 years. Term may be extended or shortened by a 2/3 vote in the National Assembly. Political Party System: • The Communist Party of Vietnam is the only legal political party. “Non-party” candidates (as members of a “mass movement” under the Vietnamese Fatherland Front) and “independent” candidates are also allowed to run. All candidates must be approved by the Vietnam Fatherland Front.

Election Management Body:

The Electoral Council is appointed by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly. Election Committees (in provinces and municipalities subordinate to the central government), Election Boards (in the electoral units), and Election Teams (in the voting areas) are also formed.

Quota for women: No provision in law or regulation Supreme law of the country: Constitution of Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 15th April, 1992 http://coombs.anu.edu.au/~vern/van_kien/constit.html