Today

At least 30 countries are expected to go to the polls in 2008 to choose their leaders, but with disputes after the Kenyan elections and further delays in Pakistan, democracy itself could become compromised.

Zimbabwe

In March, Robert Mugabe will bid for an astonishing sixth term in office, potentially seeing him in power until he is just short of his 90th birthday.

Inflation rates in Zimbabwe have reached an astounding 8000% annually, and Zimbabweans continue to suffer under a 'democracy' where many voters say ballots are neither fair nor free.

The main opposition party is already threatening to boycott the polls, and although tight-lipped discussions are apparently under way, it is more than possible that Zimbabwe will see yet another controversial presidential ballot take place.

Professor Elphas Mukonoweshuro, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) secretary for International Affairs, commented: "It is inconceivable that elections should go ahead in March. This is the major sticking point yet to be resolved at the talks. We also need to monitor the other reforms to see if they are being implemented fully."

"There is little time between now and March to do all this, unless if Mugabe wants another disputed election."

Russia

Vladimir Putin, who is barred by the Russian Constitution from seeking a third consecutive term, has officially endorsed Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev for the elections on 2nd March.

Candidates of the Communists and right-wing opposition, and nominees from the liberal opposition will also run, but it is widely expected that Medvedev will win, such is Putin's influence.

According to Federation Council Speaker Sergei Mironov if Putin resigned as president early an iterim president would be appointed, therefore Putin could run and be elected president again since the this third term would not be consecutive to the first two (separated by the short interim presidency).

Iran

Iranians will get a chance to vote for their lawmaker in March, but in previous years many moderates have been disqualified from the process by religious hardliners. The Guardian Council's Chief Ayatollah, ally of current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has warned that unsuitable candidates will again be barred.

The Council interprets the constitution and may reject bills from parliament deemed incompatible with the constitution or Sharia (Islamic law). These are referred back to parliament for revision. In a controversial exercise of its authority, the Council has drawn upon a narrow interpretation of Iran's constitution to veto parliamentary candidates.

USA

The world's biggest democracy won't choose its' leader until November, but the season is already under way, with Hillary Clinton competing with Barack Obama for the position of Democratic nomination.

Polling has already taken place in the relatively tiny states of Iowa and New Hampshire, but there is anger relating to the fact that these two rural, overwhelmingly white states have such a loud voice in America's democracy.