In a parliamentary regime, the election winner gets to be prime minister. In the European Union, things aren't quite that simple.
Author: Charles Richardson
A lacklustre victory for Egypt’s general
Egypt's military ruler is confirmed as president, but despite his efforts the turnout shows a lack of voter enthusiasm.
More about the European right
Europe's neo-fascists had a pretty good run in the European parliament elections, but not as good as some reports would have it.
Another look at those Indian numbers
India's election result would have looked very different under a proportional system. But in politics, perception quickly becomes reality.
Understanding the European parliament
Elections for the European parliament are expected to show increased strength for extremists and Eurosceptics. But low turnout and a complex party system will make it a difficult result to interpret.
Election preview: Belgium
Elections take place on Sunday in one of Europe's most complex political systems. Last time it took them 18 months to put a government together.
Putin, fascism and Europe
Does Vladimir Putin have a vested interest in the outcome of this week's elections to the European parliament?
A coup – or not – in Bangkok
Martial law is declared in Bangkok, but the government remains in place for now. The generals seem set on trying to impose some sort of compromise.
The system produces an Indian landslide
Narendra Modi will lead India with a big parliamentary majority, even though most people voted for someone else. Don't expect the media to tell you such inconvenient truths.
Nationalism trumps ideology, again
Communist neighbors China and Vietnam are at loggerheads over a long-standing territorial dispute that for practical purposes was settled 40 years ago.
The World is Not Enough 