Critics say this leaves the window open to push the Maoist party, which won 40 percent of the seats in last year's election, out of the picture - paving the way for any number of smaller parties to bid for the prime minister seat.

VOA: standard.2009.05.10

Egypt's first pretty open election in decades has not been free of mischief, but nobody disputes its broad outcome.

ECONOMIST: Egypt��s elections

But with Congress still favourite to win this vote, the BJP's burst of optimism was a useful reminder of how open the election really is.

ECONOMIST: The BJP enjoys an optimistic moment

Mexico's ruling party, the PRI , announced that it would hold an open primary election in November to choose its presidential candidate, breaking a long tradition in which incumbent Mexican presidents have chosen their successors.

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