SADC observers briefed on Namibia’s electoral framework

Namibian Elections 2024

SADC observers briefed on Namibia’s electoral framework

Policy analyst Dr. Marius Kudumo addressed a workshop for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission in Windhoek on Thursday, 21 November 2024. The mission, officially launched on 20 November, is preparing for Namibia’s Presidential and National Assembly Elections set for 27 November 2024. Dr. Kudumo highlighted the importance of observers understanding the legal and contextual framework under which Namibia conducts its elections. "I will present about the […]

November 21, 2024 18

Africa

Kenya’s lawmakers want to extend Presidential term to seven years

Kenyan lawmakers have proposed revising the country’s constitution to extend presidential and parliamentary terms to seven years from five, according to a notice published in the Daily Nation newspaper. A bill submitted to the Senate and first read on 26 September 2024 is under discussion by a committee, according to the notice that calls for the public to submit its views on the proposal.

October 2, 2024 19

World

US Supreme Court immunity ruling ideal for a president who doesn’t care about democracy

By Natasha Lindstaedt, University of Essex The US Supreme Court has made a hugely significant and equally controversial judgment. It is one which could affect the results of the 2024 election, the rule of law and democratic institutions in the United States and shape the powers of the nation’s highest office for years to come. In its ruling on presidential immunity, relating to a case […]

July 3, 2024 18

Business / Economics

South Africa’s security forces once brutally entrenched apartheid. It’s been a rocky road to reform

By Sandy Africa, University of Pretoria One of the important tasks that faced South Africa’s democratic government after 1994 was to reform the apartheid-era security apparatus. The African National Congress (ANC), which was voted into power, had a laudable vision in the 1990s for reforming the police, military and intelligence services. Determined that South Africans would never again be subject to the brutality of the security forces, […]

April 22, 2024 30

Africa

Togo’s opposition denounces proposed new constitution

The opposition in Togo has denounced a proposed new constitution as a power grab, intended to extend the reign of President Faure Gnassingbé. According to the BBC, the reforms would see the West African country move from a presidential to a parliamentary system. But the opposition says they are a ruse to keep Mr Gnassingbé - already in his fourth term - in power.

April 17, 2024 5

World

French parliamentarians secure abortion rights

French parliamentarians have voted to enshrine the right to access abortion services into the constitution. Ross Cullen reports that lawmakers and senators overwhelmingly approved the changes in a rare joint session of parliament.

March 6, 2024 17

Africa

Ghana’s finance ministry asks President not to sign anti-LGBTQ+ bill

Ghana's finance ministry has advised against the President's approval of a recent anti-LGBT bill passed by parliament, cautioning potential repercussions including the loss of $3.8bn in World Bank funding over five to six years. The bill, if signed, imposes jail terms for identifying as or promoting LGBT+ activities, sparking opposition from rights activist Linda Baumann. In a highly unusual move, the warning from the finance ministry was leaked to several […]

March 5, 2024 31

Namibia

Judiciary addresses Presidential succession queries

The Office of the Judiciary says there has been discourse around the Presidential succession of President Dr. Nangolo Mbumba following the untimely death of late President Dr. Hage Geingob. The Judiciary further says there have been journalists and members of the public asking for clarification on the constitution regarding the Presidential succession. Vikitoria Hango, the Deputy Director of Public Relations at the Office of the Judiciary explains.

February 22, 2024 26

Namibia

Swapo urges respectful tribute to late President Geingob

The Swapo party has issued a media release regarding President Nangolo Mbumba's declaration of a National Mourning Period for the late President Dr. Hage Geingob. Swapo expects Geingob to be remembered and respected appropriately. The party also expressed disappointment with members who made pronouncements about constitutional matters during the mourning period. Here is Local Political Analyst Dr. Ndumba Kamwanyah.

February 13, 2024 75