DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO GENERAL ELECTIONS In December, voters will cast their ballots for a new president, the national assembly, members of provincial assemblies, and under the new constitution, members of municipal councils. Almost 50 million people are expected to register to vote over the next three months, according to Reuters. The election comes amid increasing violence by the M23 rebel group. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) expects challenges like the logistics of transporting ballot materials and civil unrest. GUATEMALA GENERAL ELECTION Guatemalan voters will elect the president, the vice president, Congress, the Central American Parliament, mayors, and councils in June. The election will determine the direction of this country as it continues to find itself hindered by corruption and organized crime. PAKISTAN LOCAL & NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS Although voters will elect local government officials in April, elections for Pakistan’s new National
Assembly—which determines the prime minister—will not be held until at least August, with a date not yet set. This will be the fourth general election in 13 years, a positive sign that Pakistan is providing continuity to political and electoral processes. However, the election could be tumultuous amid political and economic hostilities. Check out IFES' Election Guide for the latest election information. | 
