Shows
Ballot to Talk About*BONUS* 2023 and the Supreme CourtThis week Sam and Chern discuss the 2022-23 term of the US Supreme Court and some of the most consequential decisions made. How can the Roberts Court be assessed relative to the last term that saw the momentous Dobbs vs Jackson ruling? What are some of the most important and interesting cases? Is this Court a truly Conservative one? And why are the Republican-appointees so seemingly split on voting rights cases?
As we reach the halfway point in 2023, Sam and Chern also look back on the first half of the year in politics. What have b...2023-07-0955 min
Ballot to Talk AboutSpain 2023: Summer Election MadnessSam and Chern look back at results from the mammoth set of regional elections in Spain last month and look ahead to the surprise snap General Election in July. Why did the Peoples Party do so well across the Spanish Autonomous Communities? Did the Socialist Party have a worse than expected night? Why did Pedro Sanchez call a snap election in the wake of widespread losses? What will be the impact of the fractious Sumar alliance? And is Alberto Núñez Feijóo the favourite to be Spain’s next Prime Minister? All these questions and more answered in this...2023-06-1158 min
Ballot to Talk AboutConservative wins in Turkey and AlbertaThis week Sam and Chern discuss results from the second round of Turkey’s presidential election, and the provincial election in Alberta, Canada. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has won another five year term following his first ever run-off election, but after the results of the first round, was this inevitable? How did Erdoğan win? What’s next for the Opposition and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as they head into the 2024 local elections? And what might the democratic consequences be?
In Alberta, Danielle Smith’s United Conservatives, despite losing seats, have obtained another majority, but the NDP w...2023-06-051h 00
Ballot to Talk AboutA Palaszczuk reshuffle and a Sinn Fein MarchThis week Sam and Chern discuss results from the local elections in Northern Ireland and the new Cabinet in Queensland, Australia. With an election expected late next year, Anastasia Palaszczuk has reshuffled her team in an attempt to reset her government. What are the notable appointments? Will it provide the reset she is looking for? And is it an admission that the government has been struggling recently?
In Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein has become the largest party in local government for the first time, but where are their new votes coming from? Do these results
m...2023-05-2848 min
Ballot to Talk AboutMoving Forward in Thailand and TurkeyThis week Sam and Chern discuss results from two elections last week – the first round of Turkey’s presidential election, and the momentous parliamentary
election in Thailand. As Pita Limjaroenrat seeks to amass the necessary votes to become Prime Minister, Thailand is on the verge of significant societal and political change. Why did Pheu Thai and the Sinawatras fail to top the polls after strong opinion poll results? What motivated the surge in Move Forward support? And what lies ahead for the military and royalist bloc in Thailand?
As Turkish voters prepare to return to the p...2023-05-2155 min
Ballot to Talk AboutSpain 2023: Battle for the RegionsThis week Sam and Chern look at results from Paraguay’s recent Presidential Election and looks ahead to this month’s bumper day of Regional Elections in Spain. Santiago Peña won the presidency to continue the dominance of the Colorado Party, but why did this buck the recent trend in South America? And why do the Opposition continue to struggle to stop the Colorado Party success?
As Spain prepares for 12 of its autonomous communities to go to the polls, this week also pinpoints some of the key races to watch ahead of a Winte...2023-05-1455 min
Ballot to Talk AboutCan God Save Rishi Sunak?
Sam and Chern look back at results from last week’s English Local Elections. As the Conservative Party reels from 1000+ seat losses, is Labour on track for power in 2024? Which Council results best summarise the state of national politics? Are the Liberal Democrat results indicative of big results to come in a General Election? And how should both Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak respond to this latest electoral test? All these questions and more answered in this episode.
2023-05-0851 min
Ballot to Talk AboutFinland 2023: Sanna Marin Dances Out of OfficeSam and Chern look back at results from Finland’s parliamentary election earlier this month. As the tenure of Finland’s youngest Prime Minister comes to an end with Sanna Marin preparing to leave office, how did the National Coalition win the election? Why were Marin’s coalition partners unable to perform well enough to keep them in Office? And as Petteri Orpo begins coalition talks, how likely is a right-wing Government formally including the populist Finns to form? All these questions and more answered in this episode.
2023-04-3043 min
Ballot to Talk AboutThe Succession of Sturgeon
This week’s episode looks at the election of Humza Yousaf as the new leader of the Scottish National Party and the legacy of Nicola Sturgeon. Sam and Chern unpack the results, and discuss what may be next for the SNP as they begin a period without Salmond or Sturgeon at the helm for the first time in 20 years. How did Humza Yousaf win the election? And how did he fend off close rival Kate Forbes? What will be the legacy of Nicola Sturgeon as she leaves frontline Scottish politics? And what is next for the SNP as...2023-04-0252 min
Ballot to Talk AboutNew South Wales 2023: Perrottet vs MinnsThis week’s episode looks ahead to next week’s New South Wales State Election which sees the incumbent Coalition Government looking to win a fourth term in office. As Dominic Perrottet and Chris Minns enter their first campaigns as leaders of the Liberal and Labor parties, Sam and Chern unpack the campaign so far and look at where in the state this race will be won or lost. What have been the main themes of this campaign? Who are Dominic Perrottet and Chris Minns? With both parties needing to gain seats to form a majority, what does the rout...2023-03-1958 min
Ballot to Talk AboutNigeria and Estonia 2023: Tinubu and Kallas Hope for OfficeThis week’s episode looks at results from Nigeria’s Presidential Election and last weekend’s parliamentary election in Estonia. Bola Tinubu came out victorious in Nigeria, extending the APC’s rule, but the campaign was dominated by a three-candidate contest and the surge of support for Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. What motivated Bola Tinubu’s victory? What was the driver of Peter Obi’s unlikely candidacy? What role does religion and ethnicity play in Nigerian elections? And amidst the challenges to the results, what is next for Africa’s largest democracy?
As incumbent Prim...2023-03-1256 min
Ballot to Talk AboutNew Starts for Pavel and ChippyThis week’s episode looks back at results from the Czech Presidential election, and also unpacks Chris Hipkins’ first Cabinet as New Zealand Prime Minister. In Czechia, Petr Pavel decisively defeated former Prime Minister Andrej Babis, but after the second defeat in a row, is this now game over for the ANO 2011 leader? How did Pavel pull off a decisive victory in the second round? And what will be the geopolitical impact of his win?
In New Zealand, Chris Hipkins has reshuffled the Government in one of his first acts as Prime Minister, so Sam and Chern unpa...2023-02-0650 min
Ballot to Talk AboutSunak and Starmer's 2023 ResolutionsThis week’s episode looks ahead to the year 2023 in UK politics, assessing the state of the main parties and the elections they will be facing in 2023. Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party has begun the year battling a handful of personnel scandals, so can the party turn it around? Is there a narrow path to 2024 victory for the incumbent Government? And as Labour continues is commanding lead in the opinion polls, Sam and Chern discuss what lies ahead now that they are the heir-apparent. Will Starmer reshuffle the frontbench to begin their long election campaign? And what are the top...2023-01-2954 min
Ballot to Talk AboutHere Comes 2023This week’s episode looks ahead to the year 2023 in politics and elections, discussing the polls to look out for and the themes we might be talking about as the year rolls on. 2023 has numerous big elections in store in Spain, Argentina, Turkey, New Zealand and Nigeria to name just a few. This week, Sam and Chern preview the electoral calendar, picking out some highlights and previewing some stories that are likely to define the political year region by region. Will 2023 be a year of change as multiple incumbents look vulnerable heading into this cycle? What will be the im...2023-01-2258 min
Ballot to Talk AboutChanging of the American and Irish GuardThe first episode of 2023 takes a look back at the turbulent US Speaker of the House election and discusses the state of Irish politics as the pre-arranged Taoiseach transition takes place. Kevin McCarthy was finally elected as the next Speaker of the House after nearly 4 days and 15 ballots, making it the longest Speaker election since 1859. How did McCarthy eventually manage to get enough holdouts onside? What does the turbulence say about the present state of the Republican Party? And is this setup and rules package sustainable?
In Ireland, Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martinhave c...2023-01-1554 min
Ballot to Talk About2022 Last Hurrah - Peru and IndiaThe last episode of 2022 takes a look back at the recent political turmoil in Peru, and looks back at results from the final Indian state elections of the year. As Peru prepares for its sixth Prime Minister of 2022 and its second President in just over a year, Sam and Chern ask whether the country is governable in the short-term? Can Dina Boluarte turn things around? And what is next for the main players of Pedro Castillo and Keiko Fujimori?
In India, elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat produced contrasting results for the BJP and...2022-12-3149 min
Ballot to Talk About2022: The Political Year that WasThis week’s episode takes a look at the results from the Georgia Senate run-off election and takes a big look back at 2022 in politics. Raphael Warnock has beaten Herschel Walker in Georgia and wins his first full term as Senator. How did Warnock manage to win his second election in two years? Did the shorter campaign make any difference? Will the 51st Democratic seat make a material difference on Senate procedures? And what will the impact of Kyrsten Sinema’s defection have on the party in the Senate?
Sam and Chern also take a lo...2022-12-111h 07
Ballot to Talk AboutVictoria 2022: Third Time's the Charm for Daniel AndrewsIn the 100th episode of Ballot to Talk About, Sam and Chern take a look at the results from last weekend’s state election in Victoria, Australia. Daniel Andrews has led his Labor Party to a third term in decisive fashion over Matthew Guy’s Liberals and concludes a successful year for the Australian Labor Party across the country. How did Labor manage to pull off such a clear win? Did Labor win this election or is it more an indication of Liberal weakness? Why did the Teal Independents fail to make a similar splash to their Victoria results in t...2022-12-041h 00
Ballot to Talk AboutUS 2022: 99 Problems for Speaker Kevin McCarthy?This week’s episode takes a final dive into the results of this year’s US midterm elections as the dust has finally settled. As the party’s come to terms with the results and the divided Congress, Sam and Chern discuss the two party leadership elections and what may lie ahead. Have the Democrats finished in a position that leaves them favoured to retake the House in 2024? What is the legacy of Nancy Pelosi as she departs the Speaker’s Chair? Will Kevin McCarthy face a tough fight to be elected as Speaker? And what will the recently announce...2022-11-281h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutNetanyahu Once AgainThis week's episode looks back at elections in Israel and looks ahead to the upcoming state election in Victoria, Australia. In Israel’s fifth election in four years, Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party looks set to be leading a Government once again. What led to the collapse of the Bennett/Lapid Government? How did Netanyahu win again? And will this new Government manage to stay the course?
In Victoria, as Daniel Andrews goes for a third term for his Labor Government, Sam and Chern break down the campaign and the seats to look out for...2022-11-211h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutUS 2022: A Congress Divided?This slightly extended episode takes a dive into the results of last week’s US midterm elections, the first electoral test for incumbent President Joe Biden. As the Democrats retain control of the Senate and the Republicans look to be slight favourites to take a narrow majority in the House, Sam and Chern unpack the key races. Was there a national narrative or was this a very localised midterm? Why did the Republicans underperform traditional midterm expectations? What do these results mean for 2024? And do the results suggest that Donald Trump is a strength for the Republicans, or is he...2022-11-141h 06
Ballot to Talk AboutLula and Mette's Big WeekendThis week's episode looks back at national election results in both Brazil and Denmark. In Brazil, it took two rounds, but former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva narrowly defeated incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro to ensure he will enter 2023 as Brazil’s new leader. What were the demographic and geographic keys to Lula’s success? Why was the race much narrower than polls were originally expecting? Will this be the last of Bolsonaro’s career at the frontline of Brazilian politics? And has a “January 6th moment” been averted?
In Denmark, Mette Frederiksen looks set t...2022-11-071h 02
Ballot to Talk About50 Days of Truss before the MidtermsThis week's episode looks back at the last week in British politics which has resulted in Rishi Sunak replacing Liz Truss as Prime Minister. It also looks ahead to the upcoming midterms in the United States, focussing on the House of Representatives. After just 50 days, Liz Truss has left Office and has been replaced by her former leadership rival Rishi Sunak. What led to her downfall? How did the contest to replace her end up uncontested? And what are the notable appointment in Sunak’s Cabinet?
In the US, the race for control of th...2022-10-301h 03
Ballot to Talk AboutOnly Teardrops for Mette Frederiksen?This week's episode looks back at the results from last weekend’s state election in Lower Saxony (Germany) and previews the upcoming snap General Election in Denmark. In Lower Saxony, despite a slight fall in their vote, Stephan Weil’s SPD looks likely to begin a third time in Office, but this time with the Greens. In the midst of Scholz’s struggling federal approval ratings, how were the SPD able to pull off this win? How will the FDP react to yet another disappointing state election result? And how might these result affect the coalition on the federal level...2022-10-1656 min
Ballot to Talk AboutSecond Success for Legault and KarinsThis week's episode looks back the results from two elections last weekend – the state election in Quebec and the General Election in Latvia. In Quebec, Francois Legault’s Coalition Avenir Quebec has won a second majority, increasing their seat count in the National Assembly. How did his party achieve such a dominant victory? What next for the Liberals and Parti Quebecois after a disappointing night? Will Quebec Solidaire be disappointed not to have achieved official Opposition status? And how did the Conservatives fail to win a single seat despite a big increase in vote share?
In...2022-10-091h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutItaly 2022: Shift to the RightThis week's episode looks back at the results from last weekend’s snap General Election in Italy which has likely resulted in their first female Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. As Italy prepares for a new right-wing government, Sam and Chern discuss the dynamics of the race and the performance of the main blocs. How were the right able to dominate the election in both Chambers? What demographics propelled the Brothers of Italy to first place? What is next for the Enrico Letta’s Democratic Party as they head back into Opposition? And was this election a disappointment for the Five...2022-10-0250 min
Ballot to Talk AboutBolsonaro and Legault Face the MusicThis week's episode looks ahead to two upcoming elections in the Americas – the National Assembly election in the Canadian state of Quebec, and the General Election in Brazil. In Quebec, Francois Legault is heading for a second term of majority Government for his Coalition Avenir Quebec party. What has been the key to the party’s rapid rise prior to 2018 and stability since? Why have the Liberals and Party Qeuebcois faded as significant challengers? And why has the Conservative Party been able to emerge as a big factor in this cycle despite never gaining a single seat before?
2022-09-251h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutAll Change in Sweden and Latvia?This week's episode dissects the results of last weekend’s Swedish General Election and looks ahead to the upcoming parliamentary election in Latvia. In Sweden, Magdalena Andersson has resigned as Prime Minister and it is expected that a new centre-right Government will be forming after their narrow win. What will the eventual government look like, and will the Swedish Democrats be a formal part of it? What went wrong for the Social Democrats? Will Andersson remain as party leader? And where did the surge in Swedish Democrat voters come from?
In Latvia, as voters pr...2022-09-1855 min
Ballot to Talk AboutUK 2022: In Liz We TrussThis week's episode examines Liz Truss’s election as Conservative Party leader and her new Cabinet, as well as previewing the upcoming the Italian General Election. As the UK mourns the loss of Her Majesty the Queen, they are also experiencing the first week of the Liz Truss premiership after she defeated former Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Who are some of the notable Cabinet appointments? What do the Cabinet appointments suggest about how her Government will differ from Boris Johnson’s? And how will the seismic royal news in the last week affect her Government agenda?
In...2022-09-111h 02
Ballot to Talk AboutSweden 2022: Take A Chance on Magdalena AnderssonThis week's episode looks ahead to this weekend’s Swedish General Election where Magdalena Andersson is hoping to lead her Social Democratic Party to a third term. Sam and Chern assess the chances and campaigns of each of the major parties and discuss what form the eventual government may take after the results come in. Has Andersson been able to revive the fortunes of the once-dominant Social Democrats? Are relations between the left-wing parties cordial enough to form a government and block out the centre-right? Why have the Moderate Party fallen backwards since 2018? And are we about to see th...2022-09-0556 min
Ballot to Talk AboutNew Leadership in the UK and Sri LankaThis week's episode looks at the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, and takes a closer look at how the race to replace Boris Johnson as UK Prime Minister has unfolded. In Sri Lanka, Gotobaya Rajapaska has resigned but the political and economic unrest continues. Can Ranil Wickremesinghe restore trust in the political system and begin to solve their economic woes? What were the origins of these crises and what does the future hold for Sri Lanka? Are there lessons that can be drawn from countries with similar experiences?
In the UK, the race...2022-08-1454 min
Ballot to Talk AboutThe Party's Over for Boris JohnsonThis week's very special face-to-face episode looks back at last weekend’s Upper House elections in Japan and the downfall of Boris Johnson ahead of his pending resignation as Prime Minister. In Japan, amidst the fallout from Shinzo Abe’s assassination, Fumio Kishida’s LDP and allies now hold super majorities in both houses. Was the assassination a major factor in explaining Kishida’s big triumph? Will Kishida feel emboldened to distance the government from Abenomics? And with these supermajorities, will the LDP now move to amend Japan’s pacifist constitution?
In the UK, Boris John...2022-07-191h 00
Ballot to Talk AboutThe Supreme MidtermsThis week's episode turns Sam and Chern’s attention to the United States, reviewing the 2021-22 term of the Supreme Court and taking an early look at this year’s midterms. As a seismic and consequential term for the Supreme Court comes to an end, this episode discusses the trends of the decisions and the behaviour of the justices. What are the standout rulings? Is it a surprise that the conservative majority have been flexing their muscles so quickly? And is John Roberts still in control of this court?
With midterms looming in November, Sam...2022-07-031h 00
Ballot to Talk AboutTwin Disaster for the Spanish Socialists and Emmanuel MacronThis week's episode looks back at two European election results – the French legislative assembly and the state election in the Spanish region of Andalusia. Juan Manuel Moreno and his Andalusian Peoples Party won a stunning majority and topped the polls for only the second time. How did the centre-right win in this traditionally leftist region? And now after three consecutive regional disappointments, what impact will this have on Pedro Sanchez’s national Socialist government?
In France, Emmanuel Macron’s Ensemble alliance have lost their majority and will have to negotiate with other blocs in the Na...2022-06-2751 min
Ballot to Talk AboutAustralia 2022: The Albanese Ministry and Dutton ShadowThis week's episode looks at the new frontbenches in Australia as Albanese’s Cabinet is sworn in, and Peter Dutton begins his tenure as the leader of the Liberal Party. Sam and Chern dissect appointments and look into what portfolios suggest about the policy focus of the two parties. Were there any surprises in Albanese’s Cabinet? Will they regret their selection mistakes in Fowler after they lost their Home Affairs Minister Kristina Keneally? What do Peter Dutton’s appointments suggest about his policy direction as leader of the Liberals? Why did the Nationals remove Barnaby Joyce as leader despit...2022-06-1253 min
Ballot to Talk AboutOntario 2022: Ford More Years for DougThis week's episode primarily dives into the election results in Canada’s most populous province Ontario, as Doug Ford has led his Progressive Conservative Party to a second consecutive majority in Queens Park. It also features a dissection of the first round of Colombia’s presidential election. As Gustavo Petro and Rudolfo Hernandez prepare to face each other in the second round, who is better positioned to win the support of eliminated candidates? Will Petro become Colombia’s first left-wing President, or will Hernandez become one of its oldest?
In Ontario, the Progressive Conservatives improv...2022-06-0552 min
Ballot to Talk AboutAustralia 2022: ScoMo is out, Albo is inThis week's episode looks back at the results of last weekend’s Australian federal election where Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party has unseated the incumbent government led by Scott Morrison. As Labor celebrate their first election win since 2007, Sam and Chern dissect where the victory came from and whether it truly is a cause for triumphant celebration for the party. What were the ingredients to Labor’s win, and how did they avoid a similar fate to 2019? Who posed the biggest problem to the Coalition: Labor or the Teal Independents? Do the election results demonstrate shifting demographic sands in Austra...2022-05-291h 03
Ballot to Talk AboutGermany 2022: Wins for Günther and WüstThis week's episode looks back at results from two German state elections in North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein which have both been convincingly won by the CDU. In Schleswig-Holstein, Merkel’s old party fell just one seat short of an overall majority and they are in pole position to form a centre-right Government in Germany’s most populous state as well. Sam and Chern dissect the results and discuss what the federal implications might be for Olaf Scholz’s traffic light coalition. Were the results a retaliation for the Government’s slow and hesitant response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? A...2022-05-2254 min
Ballot to Talk AboutAustralia 2022: Morrison vs AlbaneseThis week's episode looks ahead to next week’s Australian federal election where Scott Morrison is hoping to take the Coalition into a fourth term and a decade in power. After the 2019 shock result, Anthony Albanese is hoping that his Labor Party’s polling lead can be reflected in the eventual result. Sam and Chern assess the chances of each party, the seats to watch, and the potential impact of third-party candidates and independents. Do the ingredients exist for yet another Coalition upset victory on polling day? How severe is the threat to Scott Morrison’s party from the Climat...2022-05-161h 07
Ballot to Talk AboutVictory for Macron and GolobThis week's slightly extended episode looks both back at results from two elections in Europe last weekend – parliamentary elections in Slovenia and the second round of France’s presidential election. In Slovenia, Robert Golob’s Freedom Movement pulled off an astonishing victory, winning the highest seat total since the country’s independence. How did the party win an election, despite only forming four months ago? What difficulties await them in Government? And who are the potential government partners as they set to under Janek Jansa’s democratic backslide?
In France, as Emmanuel Macron prepares to be the...2022-05-011h 02
Ballot to Talk AboutFrance 2022: 2017 AgainThis week's episode looks back at the results from the first round of the French Presidential election which will see Emmanuel Macron face Marine Le Pen for the presidency for the second consecutive election. It also features a breakdown of the recent constitutional crisis in Pakistan which resulted in Imran Khan’s ousting as Prime Minister. Why did he lose the support of coalition allies? And will this be the end of his political career, or will the expected 2023 general election see a comeback?
In France, Jean-Luc Melenchon narrowly missed out on advancing to th...2022-04-241h 05
Ballot to Talk AboutSerbia and Hungary: Strong Men of the EastThis week's episode looks both back at results from two elections in Eastern Europe last week – presidential and parliamentary elections in Serbia and the legislative elections in Hungary. In Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic has easily won re-election as Serbian President, alongside his SNS party winning a plurality of seats in Parliament. What is the key to Vucic’s significant popularity? What has been the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the campaign there? And what can the Opposition do to become more of a force?
In Hungary, as Viktor Orban wins a fourth succ...2022-04-1157 min
Ballot to Talk AboutOscars for Abela and RehlingerThis week's episode looks both back at results from two elections in Europe last week – a regional election in the German state of Saarland and national parliamentary elections in Malta. In Saarland, the SPD won their first outright majority in a state election since Hamburg in 2011 and continues the success of Olaf Scholz after last year’s federal election. How did the SPD pull of such a victory? Does it reflect a Scholz honeymoon period? And will this wave of success carry on into state elections later in the year?
In Malta, the Labour Part...2022-04-0456 min
Ballot to Talk AboutSouth Australia 2022: Marshalled Out After 1 TermThis week's episode looks back at the results from last weekend’s state election in South Australia where Premier Steven Marshall became the first incumbent Australian leader to be defeated at the ballot box since the beginning of the pandemic. Sam and Chern break down the results and discuss the potential reasons why Peter Malinauskas and his Labor Party was able to pull off such a strong victory. What were the statewide ingredients for this Labor majority? Did we learn anything about the Government in the announcement of the new Cabinet? Why did Steven Marshall fail to win a se...2022-03-2851 min
Ballot to Talk AboutSouth Korea 2022: Yoon succeeds MoonThis week's episode looks back at the results of last weekend’s South Korean presidential election where Yoon Suk-yeol triumphed over Lee Jae-myung. Following the very tight results, Sam and Chern dissect what could have made the difference in the closing days and give Yoon the narrow upper hand. Did Ahn Cheol-soo’s late withdrawal give Yoon the advantage, or was it surprising how few of Ahn’s voters made their way to the Yoon campaign? Conversely did Sim Sang-jung remaining in the race disadvantage Lee and narrowly split the progressive vote? What will the Yoon presidency look like, especi...2022-03-1452 min
Ballot to Talk AboutSouth Australia 2022: Marshall and MalinauskasThis week's episode looks ahead to the upcoming state election in South Australia where Premier Steven Marshall is looking to win a second term for his Liberal Party. Sam and Chern discuss the state of the campaign and which electorates could decide this race and should be closely watched as election day approaches. Why is Steven Marshall struggling to replicate the Covid electoral bounce that benefitted other state leaders in polls and elections throughout 2021? Why have South Australian Liberals struggled in the past? Unusually for Australian politics, is Peter Malinauskas well-positioned to limit Marshall to one term? And what...2022-03-0547 min
Ballot to Talk AboutSuper Saturday in New South WalesThis week's episode looks at the results from the first round of the Costa Rican presidential election and at the outcomes of the four by-elections held this weekend in the Australian state of New South Wales. In Costa Rica, the second round will be a battle of the exes as Jose Maria Figueres (former President) and Rodrigo Chaves (former Finance Minister) will face each other for the presidency in April. How did we end up with two Social Democratic candidates in the second round? What explains the total collapse of the Citizens Action Party who lost all of their...2022-02-1355 min
Ballot to Talk AboutPortugal 2022: Costa's Stunning MajorityThis week's episode looks back at the results of the Portuguese legislative election and discusses the recently concluded turbulent contest to succeed Sergio Matterella as Italian President. After initially pledging to stand down and after seven inconclusive ballots of delegates, Mattarella agreed to return as President for a second term after Mario Draghi reached out. Why did he end up being the only consensus candidate? What does it say about the state of Italian politics that no other candidate could receive majority support across the parties? And after expressing an interest in serving as President, could Mario Draghi be...2022-02-0653 min
Ballot to Talk AboutCosta Waits and Mottley Shines Bright like a DiamondThis week's episode looks both backwards and forwards to two of January’s national elections – back at the results of the Barbados General Election and ahead to next week’s Portuguese legislative elections. In Barbados, Mia Mottley has pulled off a second successive total landslide by winning all 30 seats in the House of Assembly – our 2021 Rising Star of the Year kicks of the electoral calendar in remarkable style. How did her BLP pull off this second victory? What will the latest Mottley government look like? Is such complete control of the legislature bad for democracy?
In Por...2022-01-241h 00
Ballot to Talk AboutHere We Go Again!This week’s episode looks ahead to the year 2022 in politics and elections, discussing the polls to look out for and the themes we might be talking about as the year rolls on. It also features a recap of the Dutch government talks that finally concluded in the last few weeks – Mark Rutte has returned as Prime Minister leading the same coalition, but why did it take so long? Without a majority in the Senate, how might this government get its legislative agenda passed? And what will this new government do differently than the previous one?
2022-01-1052 min
Ballot to Talk AboutChile 2021: President Gabriel BoricThis week’s episode looks back at the results from Chile’s presidential election and assesses one of the bigger issues of 2021 in climate change. Gabriel Boric has pulled off a big left-wing victory against Jose Antonio Kast in the second round of the Chilean presidential election, but does the divided Congress mean that he will face a tricky road in passing his desired legislative programme? Why did the left-wing energy of the Constitutional Convention elections reappear in this second round after failing to materialise in the first? Was the increased turnout a big reason for the Boric victory?
2022-01-0348 min
Ballot to Talk AboutWhat do Boris and Keir want for Christmas?This week’s episode takes a look at the state of the main UK political parties as 2021 comes to an end, and discusses the results of two recent parliamentary by-elections. The Liberal Democrats have pulled off a big by-election victory in North Shropshire and Boris Johnson is facing numerous scandals surrounding him and his party’s conduct. Amidst this environment, is Boris Johnson going to face an imminent leadership challenge? And is the Conservative Party going into 2022 in a perilous electoral position? If a leadership contest is on the horizon, who is the frontrunner to win it at this stag...2021-12-1958 minBallot to Talk About2021: European RewindThis week’s episode looks to wrap up some of the big stories from across Europe in the last few weeks, including Sweden’s first female Prime Minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir’s return to the Icelandic premiership and Olaf Scholz’s new German government. Magdalena Andersson is back as Swedish Prime Minister for the second time in two weeks, leading a minority government – will this government be stable enough to last 10 months until the next election? What will be the main differences between this and the Löfven government? And in Iceland, why did Jakobsdottir manage to keep her role as Prime Mi...2021-12-1359 min
Ballot to Talk AboutChile 2021: To the Left or to the Right?This week's episode looks at the major parties and players who took part in the first round of the Chilean presidential election last week and their legislative elections. Gabriel Boric and Jose Antonio Kast will be going head to head in December in the presidential run-off, as the two traditional left and right blocs, including the party of incumbent President Sebastian Pinera, fall behind and fail to make the final two – this week’s discussion assesses the changing political landscape in Chile and what the run-off might look like in a month’s time.
As the...2021-11-2849 min
Ballot to Talk AboutArgentina 2021: Which Fernandez pulls the strings?This week's episode looks ahead to this weekend’s Argentinian midterm elections, previewing the dynamics of the race and the main two coalitions seeking to control of the National Congress. Alberto Fernandez’s Frente de Todos coalition is potentially facing a difficult polling day whilst Christina Fernandez de Kirchner remains critical in the wings – this week’s discussion dissects this relationship and who holds the strings in the Government.
As Junto por el Cambio eyes up control of the National Congress, Sam and Chern take a look at how these midterms will function and whether...2021-11-1447 min
Ballot to Talk AboutA Strengthened Kishida and Warning for BidenThis week’s episode assesses recent election results in both Japan and the US, looking back at Japan’s General Election and the off-year elections in Virginia and New Jersey. Fumio Kishida’s Liberal Democratic Party has retained a majority in the Diet in a bad night for the Opposition. Has Kishida solidified his place within the LDP? Can the Japanese opposition win under different party banners? Is the Innovation Party a long-term threat on the right of Japanese politics? Will next year’s Upper House elections be competitive?
With Joe Biden’s first electoral...2021-11-0754 min
Ballot to Talk AboutBiden's First TestThis week’s episode looks at Justin Trudeau’s new Cabinet in Canada following their September election and looks ahead to next week’s gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey. The new Liberal minority Government in Canada now has a full Cabinet, including numerous big changes and promotions for figures likely to be in the conversation as a future leader when Trudeau steps down? Was this a surprisingly bold reshuffle after failing to win a majority? Will it last a full term? Do we have any clues about Trudeau’s policy priorities from these appointments?
Wi...2021-10-3151 min
Ballot to Talk AboutCzechmate Mr Babis and Mr KurzThis week’s episode looks at two leaders who seem to be on their way out, reviewing the surprise loss of Andrej Babis in last weekend’s Czech election and discussing the resignation of Sebastian Kurz as Austrian Chancellor. After the Green Party threatened to abandon the People’s Party if Kurz didn’t resign, Alexander Schallenberg was installed as Chancellor and this phase of Kurz’s career seems to be at an end for now. Will Kurz return as Chancellor? What made the Greens so keen to demand his resignation? And is the opinion poll damage to the Peoples Pa...2021-10-1747 min
Ballot to Talk AboutGladys Departs and Babis Fights to StayAs Gladys Berejiklian leaves office and Andrej Babis fights to defend his, this week’s episode looks at a turbulent week in New South Wales politics and looks ahead to the upcoming Czech Chamber of Deputies elections. After three resignations, New South Wales is looking at three imminent by-elections and, after losing a popular state Premier, the Liberal/National Coalition will be going into the federal election next year and state election in 2023 with two new state leaders. What provoked this slew of resignations? And how will Scott Morrison and Canberra be affected by this week?
...2021-10-111h 00
Ballot to Talk AboutCanada 2021: Trudeau Minority AgainThis week's episode takes a look at the results of last week’s Canadian Federal Election, where Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party has retained its minority Government status and the composition of Parliament barely changed. It dives into the various regions and provinces, analysing where the Liberals faltered in their pursuit of a majority and where the Conservatives failed in their quest to make significant in-roads.
As Justin Trudeau looks to start his third administration as Prime Minister, Sam and Chern take a detailed look at the results across Canada. Why did Erin O’Toole’...2021-09-2557 min
Ballot to Talk About*BONUS* Germany 2021: Partners Waiting in the Wings?This special bonus episode continues our dive into the upcoming German Federal Election, where Germans will be going to the polls to elect the next Bundestag and indicate their preferred successor to Angela Merkel as Chancellor. It provides an update on the state of the race and a special look at the parties who may not be providing the next Chancellor, but who are waiting in the wings to be potential coalition partners – the FDP, the Left and the AfD.
With only a few days left to go, Sam and Chern take a look at the remaining parties as the ca...2021-09-2326 min
Ballot to Talk AboutScandinavia Turns LeftThis week's episode talks all things Scandinavia, looking back at the election results in last week’s Norwegian poll and looking ahead to next weekend’s Icelandic parliamentary elections. In Norway, Erna Solberg’s Conservative coalition was defeated and Jonas Gahr Støre looks set to replace her as Prime Minister, but with whom? The Socialist Left and Centre Party have already begun coalition talks with Labour, but can they put their differences aside? Is this a good result for Labour? And will Stoltenberg’s former Red-Green coalition re-emerge?
With one week to go until Ice...2021-09-1858 min
Ballot to Talk About*BONUS* Canada 2021: Bloc and Green Spoilers?This special bonus episode continues our dive into the upcoming Canadian Federal Election, where Justin Trudeau is attempting to regain a majority government. It provides an update on the state of the race and a special look at the parties which could cause Trudeu some problems – the Greens and the Bloc Quebecois.
With under a week to go, Sam and Chern take a look at the remaining parties as the campaign comes to a close in Canada. Why has the Bloc experienced such a turbulent series of results in the last decade? What are their expectations this time round? Why ha...2021-09-1628 min
Ballot to Talk AboutGermany 2021: The Race to Succeed MerkelThe coverage of the manic month of national parliamentary elections continues with a look at the upcoming German federal election, where the German public is searching for the replacement for Angela Merkel as Chancellor. Will it be Olaf Scholz, Armin Laschet or Annalena Baerbock?
With just over two weeks to go until polling day in Germany, Sam and Chern take a look at the runners and riders to succeed Merkel, and the state of the race overall. Olaf Scholz and the SPD have surged into first place in recent weeks, but with all parties...2021-09-111h 02
Ballot to Talk AboutNorway 2021: Solberg's Last Stand?The coverage of the manic month of national parliamentary elections continues with a look at the upcoming Norwegian parliamentary election, where Erna Solberg is looking to become the first Prime Minister to win three consecutive terms in office. In the Land of the Midnight Sun, who is going to come out on top?
With just over a week to go until polling day in Norway, Sam and Chern take the opportunity to look at the state of the parties as their campaign comes to a close. Erna Solberg’s Conservative party looks set to st...2021-09-051h 02
Ballot to Talk AboutCanada 2021: Trudeau's GambleWe are back and getting ready for a huge month of elections all over the world! This week's episode takes a look at the upcoming Canadian Federal Election, triggered in the past few weeks by Justin Trudeau attempting to regain a majority government. It also takes a look at the results from Nova Scotia where Tim Houston’s Progressive Conservative Party pulled off a huge upset in the Canadian province.
Justin Trudeau is seeking a third term in just over three weeks time, so Sam and Chern take the opportunity to look at the st...2021-08-281h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutSupreme New YorkThis week's episode focusses on some recent developments in the United States, assessing the closing cases of the 2020-21 Supreme Court session and discussing Eric Adams’ victory in the New York City Democratic Primary. The new Conservative supermajority on the Supreme Court finished the latest session with some rulings on voting rights, non-profit donors and a third look at the Affordable Care Act, but did they flex their new majority as frequently as we would expect? Is the Roberts Court still as incrementalist as it was prior to the newest Trump appointees? What cases are there to look ahead to...2021-08-0153 min
Ballot to Talk AboutTokyo Olympics: Don't Stop Me NowThis week's Olympic-themed episode focusses on the politics and parties of Japan, as the cauldron is lit to kickstart the controversial postponed 2020 Games in Tokyo. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s Liberal Democratic Party is suffering a backlash for giving the Games the green light, and the new prominent opposition party – the Constitutional Democratic Party – made gains in this month’s Tokyo prefectural elections ahead of an Autumn General Election.
As the Games gets underway, Sam and Chern take a look at why Japan has been dominated by one-party pretty much persistently since 1955 and assess why the...2021-07-2452 min
Ballot to Talk AboutEuro 2020: All Change in ItaliaThis week's episode concludes our European-themed month to mark the postponed 2020 Euros tournament by talking about the parties and politics of one of the finalists - Italy. It also includes an update on Northern Ireland leadership a week on from Jeffrey Donaldson becoming the third DUP leader in two months, and the change of leadership in the Australian National Party, with Barnaby Joyce reclaiming his position as Deputy Prime Minister.
Just a few months on since the formation of the new technocratic government under Mario Draghi, Sam and Chern look at the state of...2021-07-111h 03
Ballot to Talk AboutEuro 2020: Macron vs. Le Pen Round Two?This week's episode continues our European-themed month to mark the postponed 2020 Euros tournament by talking about the parties and politics of France. It also includes analysis of the UK parliamentary by-election results in Batley and Spen where Kim Leadbeater and Keir Starmer’s Labour Party saw off a strong challenge from the Conservatives and George Galloway.
A week on from their 2021 regional elections and just under a year away from France’s next presidential election, this episode takes a look at the state of French politics, where Sam and Chern discuss the likelihood of a 2017 rematch between Macron and Le Pen...2021-07-041h 03
Ballot to Talk AboutEuro 2020: Grand Old Coalitions of AustriaThis week's episode continues our European-themed month to mark the postponed 2020 Euros tournament by talking about the parties and politics of Austria. It also includes analysis of the election results in Armenia where Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party once again won a majority in the aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh War. Additionally, it features a review of the Mongolian presidential election from earlier this month.
Two years on from Austria’s last election and nearly eighteen months on from the formation of the Kurz-led Peoples Party and Green coalition, Sam and Chern take a look...2021-06-261h 00
Ballot to Talk AboutEuro 2020: The Municipal Finnish LineThis week's episode continues our European-themed month to mark the postponed 2020 Euros tournament by talking about the parties and politics of Finland. It also includes analysis of the election results in Mexico where Lopez Obrador’s MORENA party was denied the supermajority it so craved. Additionally, it features a review of the Chesham and Amersham by-election where the Liberal Democrat candidate Sarah Green pulled off a big upset.
Two years on from Finland’s last election and in the week of their latest municipal elections, Sam and Chern take a look at the main part...2021-06-191h 07
Ballot to Talk AboutEuro 2020: Brussels, Flanders and WalloniaThis week's episode continues our European-themed month to mark the postponed 2020 Euros tournament by talking about the parties and politics of Belgium. It also includes analysis of the election results in Peru where Pedro Castillo looks like he will become the next President, defeating three-time candidate Keiko Fujimori. Additionally, it features a review of the results in Saxony-Anhalt where the CDU have outperformed polls in a strong result in the final state election before September’s federal election.
Two years on from Belgium’s last election and another long cycle of government formation, Sam and...2021-06-121h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutEuro 2020: Borgen's Red and BluesThis week's episode kicks of a European-themed month to mark the start of the postponed 2020 Euros tournament by talking about the parties and politics of Denmark. It also includes analysis of the election results in Cyprus where Nicos Anastasiades’ DISY and other pro-solution parties only just scraped a majority of votes. It also features an update from Israel where Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett have agreed to form a government that will oust Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister.
2 years to the day from the election which resulted in Mette Frederiksen forming a government in Denmark, Sam and Chern take a lo...2021-06-051h 02
Ballot to Talk AboutIndian State Elections 2021: Jai Ho ModiThis week's special extended episode takes a look at this year's Indian State elections across Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and takes a wider look at the state of the two big Indian parties. It also includes a review of the recent Mark Drakeford and Nicola Sturgeon cabinet reshuffles, as well as the changing of leadership in Northern Ireland's Unionist parties as Arlene Foster prepares to leave her role as First Minister.
As Narendra Modi enters his seventh year as India's Prime Minister and Covid-19 rages on throughout the nation, this...2021-05-291h 19
Ballot to Talk AboutLocal Elections 2021: Blue TsunamiIn this slightly extended final of a three-part series on the 2021 UK local and regional election results, Sam and Chern take a closer look at the results across England, as the Conservatives continued their assault on the former Red Wall, and romped to victory in the Hartlepool by-election. This episode also takes a look at the aftermath of the state election results in Tasmania in Australia, and the recent by-election result in Upper Hunter which ensured that Gladys Berejiklian retained parity in her New South Wales Assembly.
After gaining over 200 Councillors and 13 Councils, Boris...2021-05-221h 11
Ballot to Talk AboutLocal Elections 2021: Independence Day Again?In the second of a three-part series on the 2021 UK local and regional election results, this episode takes a closer look at the Scottish Parliament results, as the SNP fell just one seat short of a second majority. This episode also takes a look at the removal of Liz Cheney as the House Republican Conference Chair, and what this says about the state of the US Republican Party in the post-Trump age.
Nicola Sturgeon will continue as First Minister after leading her Scottish National Party to 64 seats in the 129 seat Parliament, extending the SNP’s...2021-05-161h 01Ballot to Talk About2021: The Political Year That WasThis week’s episode looks back on the year 2021 in politics, discussing contenders for the latest prestigious Ballot Talk Awards. After a year of dramatic and consequential elections, Sam and Chern look back at key moments, key figures and key themes that defined the political year and make their picks for the most notable. Which election was the most consequential this year? What result took us most by surprise? Who was the most disappointing politician of the year? And who are the nominees for the biggest award – politician of the year?
The episode also take...2021-05-121h 02
Ballot to Talk AboutLocal Elections 2021: Mark Drakeford TriumphsIn the first of a three part series on the 2021 UK local and regional election results this epsiode takes a closer look at the races across Wales, as Labour equals their best ever performance in the Senedd. This episode also reviews the national election results in Albania, where Edi Rama led his party to a third consecutive majority, and last week's regional results in Madrid, where Isabel Diaz Ayuso doubled her Peoples Party's seat count.
As counting completed on Wale's Senedd election, Mark Drakeford looks set to continue as First Minister after leading his...2021-05-081h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutLocal Elections 2021: ScotlandIn the third and final edition of a three part series previewing the 2021 UK local and regional elections, this epsiode takes a closer look at the races across Scotland, with a focus on the race to control the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood. This episode also reviews the results of this week's Tasmanian state elections in Australia as Peter Gutwein has likely led his Liberal Party to a third succesive majority Government. It also looks at the resignation of Arlene Foster as Northern Ireland's First Minister, and what this change might mean for the future of the DUP and the...2021-05-021h 02
Ballot to Talk AboutLocal Elections 2021: WalesIn the second of a three part series on the 2021 UK local and regional elections, this epsiode takes a closer look at the races across Wales, with a focus on the race to control the Senedd. This episode also previews next week's Tasmanian state elections in Australia, and in the week where two of the top contenders to succeed Angela Merkel as Chancellor of Germany were announced, it takes a look at how these choices might affect the race. Annalena Baerbock will lead the Green ticket, hoping to become the youngest Chancellor ever, and the new CDU leader Armin...2021-04-241h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutLocal Elections 2021: EnglandIn the first of a three part series on the 2021 UK local and regional elections, this epsiode takes a closer look at the races across England, with a special preview for the parliamentary by-election in Hartlepool. In a week where Guillermo Lasso upset the Correa-backed candidate in Andres Arauz in Ecuador, and Pedro Castillo suprised pundits by topping the polls in Peru, it also includes a review of the presidential elections in Peru and Ecuador, with a few comments on what this might mean for South American politics in general.
Covid-19 may be keeping m...2021-04-171h 01
Ballot to Talk About23 Good Fridays LaterAs the UK gears up for the local and regional elections series, this week's episode takes a special look at the one area of the UK not holding elections this cycle - Northern Ireland. It also includes a a review of last week's Bulgarian elections as Boyko Borissov looks to fight for his role as Prime Minister to continue, and it looks at the Biden Cabinet confirmation process, discussing why with the exception of Neera Tanden's position, it was relatively seamless.
Just over one year on from the restoration of power-sharing in Northern Ireland...2021-04-101h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutAnd They're OffIn the first of our April UK local elections series, this week's episode takes a look at the state of the main national UK political parties as they prepare to launch their 2021 election campaigns. It also includes a review of Scott Morrison and Mark McGowan's Cabinet reshuffles in Australia, as well as taking a look at the results of the Newfoundland and Labrador state elections over in Canada, as Justin Trudeau mulls over the idea of taking his country back to the polls soon.
Covid-19 may be keeping most things under lockdown, but the 2021...2021-04-0359 min
Ballot to Talk AboutWill Netanyahu Rise Again?As March election madness comes to an end, this week's episode takes a look at the results of last week's Israeli legislative election where it is currently looking once again difficult for any group to form a stable majority. Benjamin Netanyahu is looking to continue his now 12-year premiership, but the maths is looking challenging, and a potential fifth election in two years looms. It also includes an update on the state of Australian politics, as Liberal-led Governments in both New South Wales and South Australia lose their majorities following significant scandals surrounding Michael Johnsen and Fraser Ellis respectively...2021-03-281h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutRutte IVMarch election madness continues! This week's episode takes a look at the results of last week's Dutch General Election where Prime Minister Mark Rutte looks set to lead his VVD back into a coalition Government on the back of national gains for his party and coalition partners. It also includes a preview of next week's Israeli General Election where Benjamin Netanyahu is looking to find a way out of the stalemate that has led to this fourth legislative election in two years. Sam and Chern also look back on the results of the German State elections in Rhineland-Palatinate and...2021-03-201h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutHow Good is Scott Morrison?March election madness continues! This week's episode takes a look at the results of this weekend's Western Australia State elections and the astonishing landslide victory for Mark McGowan's Labor Party, as well as a wider look at the current state of Australian politics. It also looks at some prominent inspirational women leaders in the political sphere in the week that saw International Women's Day. It discusses some trailblazing figures, break-out stars, and themes across the world.
Mark McGowan has led his Labor Party to a record-breaking victory in the state of Western Australia, annihilating Z...2021-03-141h 06
Ballot to Talk AboutNether Here nor ThereMarch election madness has begun! This week's episode takes a look at the upcoming Dutch General Election where Prime Minister Mark Rutte is hoping to lead his VVD party to a fourth straight election win. It also includes a preview of next week's Western Australia State Election and the upcoming elections in Baden Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, where the race to succeed Angela Merkel continues to roll on.
Mark Rutte is potentially on the verge of becoming the Netherlands' longest-serving Prime Minister, his party is poised to win yet another election, and he is l...2021-03-071h 05
Ballot to Talk AboutSalmond, Sturgeon, Ross and RainbowsThis week's episode takes a special deep-dive into Scottish politics in the week that Scottish Labour got a new leader and former First Minister Alex Salmond tesified before the Scottish Parliament inquiry. It also includes a look at broad themes in LGBTQ+ political history as the UK LGBT History Month comes to an end.
Scotland is just two months out from its latest parliamentary election, so Sam and Chern take a look at the state of play in the Scottish party system, assessing where each party is and how their leaders are faring. The S...2021-02-2759 min
Ballot to Talk AboutMamma Mia, Here We Go Again!This week's episode takes a special deep-dive into Italian politics in the week it got a new Prime Minister, and discusses just what makes Italy so seemingly politically unstable. It also includes analysis of the election results in Catalonia and Kosovo, as well as a review of the second Donald Trump impeachment trial that resulted in him being acquitted 57-43 by the US Senate.
As Mario Draghi becomes Italy's seventh Prime Minister in 10 years, Sam and Chern look at the events that led to this moment and why Guiseppe Conte ultimately failed to retain his p...2021-02-2059 min
Ballot to Talk AboutArab Spring: 10 Years OnThis week's episode takes a special look at the course and legacy of the Arab Spring, as we reach 10 years on since Hosni Mubarak's removal from power and the height of the upheaval across the region. It also includes analysis of the Swedish Cabinet reshuffle and a review of the Ecuadorian presidential election results, that leave Andres Arauz facing either Yaku Perez or Guillermo Lasso in the second round in April.
In December 2010, a Tunisian market trader lit the flame of revolution across parts of the Arab world, and 10 years on from the toppling of the Egyptian...2021-02-1355 min
Ballot to Talk AboutBiden's DonkeysThis week's episode of this international politics podcast focusses on the newly inaugurated Biden administration as the Cabinet begins to form, and the legislative agends gets underway. It discusses the Biden Cabinet as a whole, and analyses the state of the Democrat party in the aftermath of them taking control of the trifecta. This episode also features a preview of the first round of the Ecuadorian Presidential Election, where Andrés Arauz and Guillermo Lasso are expected to advance to a second round. Chern and Sam look at the region of South America more broadly, and if any themes c...2021-02-061h 01Ballot to Talk AboutPandemic PoliticsThe latest episode of this international politics podcast focusses on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on elections, governments and public policy around the globe. As we approach nearly one year of domestic restrictions and global travel restrictions, we look at how politics has been affected by the pandemic, and what the future may look like for governments. This episode also features a review of the Portuguese presidential election results, the new Estonian Government, and an update on the ongoing crisis of leadership for Giuseppe Conte in Italy.
Covid-19 has dominated everyone's lives for...2021-01-311h 01
Ballot to Talk AboutMutti's LegacyThe latest episode of this international politics podcast focusses on the election of the new leader of the CDU, Armin Laschet, and discusses the legacy of outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The episode also takes a look at the upcoming Portuguese presidential election, and the latest developments in Italy as Giuseppe Conte hangs on to the premiership.
A week on from Armin Laschet's victory in the CDU leadership election, Sam and Chern look at how he managed to clinch the top job and what this might mean for the politics of the CDU going f...2021-01-2356 min
Ballot to Talk AboutImpeachment 2: 232-197This slightly extended episode of the all-new international politics podcast focusses on the the second impeachment of Donald Trump, and takes a more broader look at the impact of Trump on the Republican party as his administration comes to an end. The episode also takes a look at the recent Canadian Cabinet reshuffle, and the collapse of the Dutch and Estonian Governments in what has been a very busy week for European politics.
Just a few days after the US House voted 232-197 to impeachment the 45th President for inciting an insurrection against the...2021-01-171h 07
Ballot to Talk AboutMinority MitchThe latest episode of this all-new international politics podcast focusses on the United States and the recently concluded run-off elections for the two Georgia senate seats. Just a few days after Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock beat the two incumbent Republican Senators to take back control of the Senate majority for their party, Sam and Chern look at how they managed it, and what this means for US politics. This episode also features a preview of this weekend's CDU leadership election in which the likely successor to Angela Merkel as German Chancellor will be elected.
The...2021-01-0851 min
Ballot to Talk AboutNew Year, New Georgia?The latest episode of this all-new international politics podcast focusses on the United States and the upcoming run-off elections for the two Georgia senate seats. With just 2 days to go until Georgians head to the polls to choose their Senators and determine which party holds the balance of power in the Senate, Sam and Chern look at what is going on in the state and what makes these elections so fascianting to follow. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler are looking to save their seats, but challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock are looking to translate Biden's statewide win into...2021-01-0339 min
Ballot to Talk About'Tis the Season for a Brexit DealThe latest episode of this all-new international politics podcast continues our exploration of the UK's exit from the European Union, and the impact of this on UK politics. In the week in which the UK-EU trading agreement passed through Parliament, Sam and Chern take a look at how the UK got to this point and the impact of the turbulence along the way. This episode also includes a discussion of the recent collapse of the Moldovan Government ahead of Maia Sandu's inauguration and Israel's return to the polls for the fourth time in two years.
1645 days after...2020-12-3148 min
Ballot to Talk AboutBrexit Means BrexitThe latest episode of this all-new international politics podcast turns its attention to Brexit in the first part of our exploration of the UK's exit from the European Union, and the impact of this on UK politics. In the week that Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen unveil the UK-EU trading agreement, Sam and Chern take a look at how the UK got to this point and the impact of the turbulence along the way. This episode also includes an update on the formation of Joe Biden's Cabinet, and a discussion of the recent Indonesian Cabinet reshuffle.
2020-12-2749 min
Ballot to Talk AboutIt's the Final Countdown!In the latest episode of this all-new international politics podcast, Sam and Chern discuss the upcoming US presidential and congressional elections and make some final predictions about what the results could look like. The episode also discusses the...2020-10-311h 01