Politics

For the basics on countries around the world, including an outline of their political systems, see the CIA World Factbook.

If you have a particular interest in defence matters, I have a Twitter/X profile @macilreedefence and have compiled some country-specific lists.

Try the Political Compass to see where you fit on this two-dimensional spectrum. 

New Zealand

The most recent General Election in New Zealand, the tenth under a German-style MMP system, was held on 14 October 2023.  The official results provided the basis for National to form a coalition government with ACT and New Zealand First The Ministerial List details portfolios and rankings.

The parties represented in the new 123 seats Parliament were (roughly ordered from right to left of the political spectrum):

Unsuccessful parties included:

Previous elections were held under the MMP electoral system on 17 October 2020, 23 September 2017, 20 September 2014, 26 November 2011, 8 November 2008, 17 September 2005, 27 July 2002, 27 November 1999 and 12 October 1996.

Wikipedia also has a summary of political opinion polling. Polling companies include:

The New Zealand Parliament web site has a wealth of current and older information. The debates in Parliament are available in a searchable version of the New Zealand Hansard. The Parliamentary Library publishes research papers and Electorate Profiles.

New Zealand Legislation has Acts, Bills and Legislative Instruments.

Beehive - the official web site of the New Zealand Government and source for ministerial news releases and speech notes.

Kiwiblog, by David Farrar, is primarily devoted to New Zealand politics with good links to other local political weblogs. The site Democracy Project (and previously the blog liberation), by Dr Bryce Edwards now at Victoria University, provide comprehensive coverage and daily links. The Common Room, Bowalley Road and Bassett, Brasch & Hide are also worth keeping an eye on. 

Policy research institutes include: 

Australia

The most recent Federal election was held on 3 May 2025 NEW. The previous elections were held on 21 May 2022, 18 May 2019,  2 July 2016, 7 September 2013, 21 August 2010, 24 November 2007 and 9 October 2004.

The major political parties are: 

For following Australian politics in detail try starting with Crikey.

United States

The last US presidential, Senate and House elections were held on 5 November 2024.

C-SPAN provides coverage of both houses of the US Congress.

The United States Code provides Federal legislation.

The major political parties are:

For following US politics in detail try starting with: 

For following the legal problems of President Trump try MeidasTouch Network and emptywheel.

The American Conservative Union (ACU) on the conservative end of the political spectrum and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on the liberal end are noted for the ratings/scorecards that they produce of individual members of the US Congress based on their voting records.

Policy research institutes include:  The Heritage Foundation, the American Enterprise Institute and Brookings.

Canada

The most recent federal election was held on 28 April 2025 NEW. Previous elections to that were held on 20 September 2021, 21 October 2019, 19 October 2015, 2 May 2011, 14 October 2008 and 23 January 2006.

The major political parties are:

For following Canadian politics in detail try starting with The Hill Times. 

Policy research institutes include:  the Fraser Institute, the C.D. Howe Institute and the Institute for Research on Public Policy.

United Kingdom

The most recent General Election was held on 4 July 2024. Previous elections to that were held on 12 December 2019, 8 June 2017, 7 May 2015, 6 May 2010 and 5 May 2005.

The "Brexit" referendum was held on 23 June 2016.

• Scottish Parliament 

A Scottish independence referendum was held on 18 September 2014.

The major political parties are: 

For following UK politics and government in detail try starting with:

European Union

• European Commission  

• European Parliament - Transport and Tourism 

• Council of the European Union   

• European Court of Justice 

For following EU politics and government in detail try starting with: 

• EurActiv.com - Transport 

• POLITICO Europe 

• EUobserver 

To News 

Back to Home Page

Last updated on 23 May 2025