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Ballot to Talk About
by Sam Rippon and Chern Han Mah
An international politics podcast discussing elections and political events around the world. Each episode will discuss upcoming elections and offer insights into significant events.
Episodes
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Germany 2026: Merz in Crisis
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern break down results from five 2026 elections in German Landtags: Baden Württemberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. With the AfD on the rise and looking set to form a state Government for the first time, can they translate…
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US Midterms 2026: Primaries and Previews
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern look ahead to the upcoming 2026 US midterms, and assess some of the most interesting stories across the state primaries. What are the most interesting Senate, House and Governor races coming up in November? Is there a realistic path to congressional control…
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Feel the Burn-ham
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dissect recent political events in the UK and France, focussing on Andy Burnham’s first week as the UK’s 59th Prime Minister. In France, how is the field shaping up ahead of a 2027 Presidential Election? Is Marine Le Pen now back as the frontrunner? And how...
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If Fujimori fails, try, try and try again
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern break down results for a pair of South American presidential elections in Colombia and Peru. In Colombia, how did Abelardo de la Espriella win the presidency and take Colombia back to the right? What is Gustavo Petro’s legacy? And why was the result so close?...
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Starmer Out, Burnham in?
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dissect results from the snap General Election in Malta, and unpack the recent UK by-elections and subsequent resignation of Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. In Malta, how did Robert Abela win an unprecedented fourth consecutive term for his Labour Party? And...
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Spain 2026: Peoples Party finding its Vox
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dissect results fromthe recent Spanish regional elections in four autonomous communities: Aragon, Extremadura, Castille and Leon, and Andalusia. As the PP prepare for negotiations with Vox across the country, the episode asks why they performed well but fell...
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Can Andy Burnham Bangaranga his way to No.10?
In this week’s extended episode, Sam and Chern breakdown the results and fallout from the local and regional elections across England, Scotland and Wales. As the UK experiences three nationalist leaders of the sub-national assemblies for the first time, how did the SNP win a fifth term in…
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India 2026: Another election, another BJP win
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dissect results from the 2026 set of Indian State Assemblies in five areas: Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and the big BJP win in West Bengal. In Kerala, why was the last-standing Communist State Government ousted? How did the BJP and NDA retain power…
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Political Earthquakes in Hungary and Bulgaria
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dissect election results from two seismic elections in both Hungary and Bulgaria. In Hungary, Peter Magyar brought Viktor Orban’s 16-year premiership to an end, but how did he manage such a landslide victory? What will be the geopolitical impact of this...
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Another Year, Another UK Local Elections
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern look ahead to theupcoming UK local and regional elections across England, Scotland and Wales. As the UK braces for a major party political shakeup, this podcast previews the races to look out for and state of the parties three weeks out. In Scotland, can the...
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Stunning Wins and Hard Choices in Denmark and Slovenia
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dissect election results from two tight contests in the European nations of Denmark and Slovenia. In Denmark, can Mette Frederiksen put together a Government for a third term? Why did her favourability decline and did the Greenland dispute save her? Why did…
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South Australia 2026: Malinauskas on the March
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dive into results from the recent state election in South Australia. As Peter Malinauskas begins his second term as Premier, they ask how his Labor Party was able to win such a significant landslide? Why did the Liberals perform so badly? Have they been...
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Rob Jetten's Mottley Crew
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dive into election results from Barbados and discuss developments since the 2025 Dutch election. In Barbados, how did Mia Mottley win a third consecutive full house? Were the opposition caught off-guard by this snap election announcement? And as the…
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New Eras in Thailand and Bangladesh
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dissect results fromrecent elections in Thailand and Bangladesh. In Thailand, Bhumjaithai have won a plurality of seats and enter Government with Pheu Thai, but why did the Peoples Party underperform relative to 2023? And what will the next term look like?…
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Who Run the World? Girls
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern break down results from elections in both Japan and Costa Rica – two statement victories from female leaders. In Japan, Sanae Takaichi led her LDP to a landslide victory in the Diet. How did Takaichi win so decisively? What is next for Japan? In Costa Rica…
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And with that, the 2026 season begins...
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern look ahead to the 2026electoral calendar. Taking it region by region, they unpack scheduled elections across the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific. What are the most anticipated and consequential electoral contests taking place this year? And what might...
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Sharp Right Turn in Honduras and Chile
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dissect results from a pair of Presidential Elections in Honduras and Chile. In Honduras, Nasry Asfura has been declared the winner of the presidential contest following some count delays. Why did Honduras turn to the right after a term of a left-wing...
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2025: The Political Year that Was
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern break down the year that was 2025 in global politics. They discuss some of the key electoral and political moments of the year and distribute their annual political awards. What were the most consequential and surprising election results of the year? Who was...
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UK Politics: 2025 in Review
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern break down the year that was 2025 in UK politics. They discuss the state of the parties heading into 2026 and what have been some of the most significant events of the year. After almost 18 months in office, is Starmer’s leadership already in doubt? Have the...
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Midterm boosts for Modi and Milei
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dive into results from the legislative midterms in Argentina, and the state election in Bihar India. In Argentina, how did Javier Milei’s LLA top the polls after a bleak Autumn? Did Donald Trump’s financial intervention make a difference? And what will the…
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Incumbents Out and Landslides In
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern break down results from the off-cycle elections in the United States, and provincial elections in both Newfoundland and Labrador and Yukon. In the US, after a Democratic sweep of off-cycle polls, what does this mean for the 2026 midterms? Why did Spanberger…
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Changing of the Guard in Bolivia and Japan
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern break down resultsfrom Bolivia’s presidential election, and also the changing of the guard in Japan with their new Prime Minister. In Bolivia, why did the two decades of Movement for Socialism rule come to an abrupt end? How did Rodrigo Paz win the…
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The Fate of Andrej Babis
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern dissect results fromtwo parliamentary elections in Eastern Europe – in both Czechia and Moldova. In Czechia, Andrej Babis looks set to return his ANO party to power, but how did they oust Fiala’s one-term Government? What will the impact on the EU be? And how...
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USA 2025: Mod Squad for Governor
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern preview the upcoming off-cycle elections in the United States. As Virginia and New Jersey look to elect new Governors, they dissect the national political environment and the state of the races. Are Democrats well-positioned to take back the Virginia…
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Incumbents Triumph in Norway and Jamaica
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern break down results from recent elections in Jamaica and Norway. As Andrew Holness wins a record third term for the Jamaican Labour Party, how did they inflict a successive defeat on the PNP? Why was turnout so low? In Norway, how did Jonas Gahr Støre turn...
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Ishiba and Rockliff on the Brink
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern break down results from recent elections in Japan and Tasmania, as well as looking ahead to what is to come in the second half of 2025. In Japan, how long is Shigeru Ishiba going to survive after losing the LDP majority in the Upper House? And in Tasmania,how...
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Snap Elections in Portugal and South Korea
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern analyse results from two snap elections on opposite sides of the world – one in Portugal and one in South Korea. As Luis Montenegro is returned as Prime Minister with an enhanced minority Government, how did he manage to retain office? What will CHEGA’s...
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Presidential Battles in Romania and Poland
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern break down the results from a pair of European Presidential Elections in Romania and Poland. In Romania’s re-run of their Presidential contest, Nicusor Dan has defeated George Simion, but how did Dan beat his nationalist rival? Why was the election re-run…
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Continuity in Albania and Shockwaves in England
In this week’s special episode, Sam and Chern convene in person to dissect the UK Local Election results and the outcome of the parliamentary election in Albania. In the UK, as Reform UK made significant gains, is the UK party system changing? How do the Conservatives and Labour respond? And what...
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Australia 2025: Albo's Landslide
This week Sam and Chern review the results from Australia’s Federal Election. Anthony Albanese has led his Labor Party to a surprise landslide victory, but where was this election won? What is next for the Liberal Party as they seek a new leader? How did Independents and minor parties fare, and…
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Canada 2025: A Carney Miracle
This week Sam and Chern review the results from Canada’s Federal Election. Mark Carney has led his Liberal Party to a fourth term in Canada, but where was this election won? Why did the Liberals miss out on a majority? What is next for Pierre Poilievre as he seeks a return to Parliament? And how...
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Another Election in Portugal and Ecuador
In this week’s episode, Sam and Chern break down the results of Ecuador’s Presidential Election and look ahead to the upcoming snap election in Portugal. As Daniel Noboa begins his first full term as President of Ecuador, they discuss how he managed to win again. Do Correa-backed candidates have…
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Australia 2025: Albo Goes for a Second Term
This week Sam and Chern preview the upcoming Federal Election in Australia. Anthony Albanese is seeking to avoid being the first Prime Minister in almost 100 years not to see his party win a second term. Why has the opinion polling narrowed since the start of the year? What should Peter Dutton’s...
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Canada 2025: Carney Rolls the Dice
This week Sam and Chern preview the upcoming Federal Election in Canada. As new Prime Minister Mark Carney rolls the dice and seeks a fourth term for his Liberal Party, Pierre Poilievre is seeking to make him Canada’s shortest-serving leader. What has motivated the Liberal surge in the opinion...
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Cook's Third Landslide and Modi's Delhi Dream
This week focusses on election results in Western Australia and Delhi, India. As WA Labor wins a historic third term, how did they manage another landslide? Why did the Liberals fail to gain significant ground? And what are the federal implications with a national election around the corner? And…
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Conservative Wins in Germany and Ontario
This week’s episode dissects results from the recent German Federal Election and this week’s provincial election in Ontario, Canada. As Friedrich Merz begins negotiations to become Chancellor, Sam and Chern ask how the CDU were able to win? Is a CDU-SPD Grand Coalition now inevitable? What is…
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White Smoke in Belgium, and a Grand Return in Germany
This week’s episode breaks down results from the 2024 federal election in Belgium, whilst looking ahead to the upcoming snap federal election in Germany. In Belgium, a government agreement has been signed 8 months on, leading to their first Flemish Nationalist Prime Minister. Why did the…
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2025: Global Election Preview
The first episode of the year looks ahead to the year 2025 in politics and elections, discussing the polls to look out for and the themes we might be talking about as the year rolls on. Whilst not as busy as the big political year of 2024, the year sees scheduled elections in significant and...
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2024: The Political Year that Was
This week’s episode takes a look back at the political year that was 2024. Sam and Chern discuss the most notable moments, elections and figures of the year as they discuss their Political Awards. What were the most consequential and surprising election results? What was the most WTF moment of…
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Iceland and Ireland: A Study in Contrast
This week’s episode breaks down results from legislative elections in both Iceland and Ireland. In Iceland, incumbent coalition partners see historic poor performances, whilst the Social Democrat Alliance reap the rewards. Why did the incumbent parties perform so badly? And what will the next...
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Autumn Election Fever in Canada
This week’s episode breaks down results from elections in three Canadian provinces and looks ahead to an upcoming snap polling day in Nova Scotia. Sam and Chern discuss differing fortunes for incumbents in British Columbia, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan as the federal parties look ahead to the...
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A Remarkable Trump Comeback
This week’s episode discusses the results from the US Presidential and Congressional elections that saw Donald Trump return to the White House and his Republican Party seemingly take full control of Congress. How did Trump become only the second person to win two non-consecutive presidential…
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Lithuania's Change and Snap Election Disaster in Japan
This week’s episode discusses results from legislative elections in both Lithuania and Japan. In Lithuania, the Social Democrats have topped the polls, ending Ingrida Šimonytė’s premiership. How did they manage to win the election? What will the next Government look like, and who will be Prime...
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Continuity and Change in the ACT and Queensland
This week, Sam and Chern dissect results from two regional elections in Australia, in the ACT and Queensland. In the ACT, the Labor Party continued their dominance, but there is a change of the guard in Queensland, with the Liberals preventing a fourth Labor term. Can Labor be beaten in the ACT?...
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A Historic Election Comes to an End
This week’s episode continues the preview of the upcoming elections in the US, focussing on the Gubernatorial races and the Harris-Trump presidential contest at the top of the ticket. Sam and Chern unpack the state of the race heading into the final few weeks. What have been the main themes of…
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Historic Results in Austria and Sri Lanka
This week, Sam and Chern dissect results from the Austrian legislative election, and the presidential contest in Sri Lanka. In Austria, the Freedom Party came first for the first time, but why were they so popular in this cycle? Why did the Peoples Party perform so poorly? And despite this, why…
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A Stay in Execution for Olaf Scholz
This week, Sam and Chern unpack results from three German Landtag elections in the East of the country – Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg. As the AfD scored their best regional results ever, what has been key to the far right’s success in Germany? Does the Brandenburg result suggest a glimmer of...
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US 2024: The Battle for Congress
This week, Sam and Chern begin their preview of the upcoming US elections, focussing on the battle for Congress in the House and Senate. How has Biden’s decision to exit the presidential race affected the battle to control the legislative chambers? What are the competitive House districts and...
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Is Australian Labor in Trouble?
This week, Sam and Chern turn their attention to Australia, reviewing the election in the Northern Territory, and previewing upcoming polls in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Queensland. In the Northern Territory, why did the Labor Party lose power so decisively? Why were the Country...
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What just happened in the US?
Returning earlier than expected for an emergency episode, Sam and Chern discuss Joe Biden’s historic decision to withdraw from the 2024 Presidential Election and the state of this renewed race. Why did Biden choose to withdraw from the race, and was it a surprise how quickly the party adopted...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Ballot to Talk About have?
Ballot to Talk About currently has 206 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Ballot to Talk About about?
An international politics podcast discussing elections and political events around the world. Each episode will discuss upcoming elections and offer insights into significant events.
How often does Ballot to Talk About release new episodes?
Ballot to Talk About publishes regularly with 206 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Ballot to Talk About?
You can listen to Ballot to Talk About on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Ballot to Talk About?
Ballot to Talk About is created and hosted by Sam Rippon and Chern Han Mah.
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