Stories about Governance from July, 2013
What Does a “Green Party” Win Mean for Trinidad & Tobago Politics?
Trinidad and Tobago‘s hotly contested Chaguanas West by-election ended with a resounding victory on Monday night for Jack Warner, who reclaimed his seat with a convincing win.
Back from Germany, Workers Demand Promised Wages in Mozambique
Every Wednesday, dozens of Mozambican citizens march in the main streets of the capital city, Maputo, wearing German flags or raising them in their hands. They are called ‘Magermans’, meaning those who returned from Germany. For more than 20 years they have been protesting for outstanding wage claims from the...
Germany: Security Above the Constitution
Comments from leading MPs in Germany on the surveillance scandals and security issues prove to be a cause for concern.
India Sees Dolphins as “Non-human Persons”
The eco-friendly blog Treehugger salutes the Indian law that now sees dolphins as “non-human persons”. This law shows India's leading role in many rights-based arguments: (…) India became the largest of four countries to ban the practice — which includes Costa Rica, Hungary, and Chile. (…) [The] (…) thoughtful reasoning...
Brazil's Vinegar Revolt Renews Police Demilitarization Debate
Some argue it is impossible for Brazil's military police, a leftover from from the country's dictatorship, to view the people as anything but the enemy.
Brutal Attack on Moscow Cop Reignites Russian Ethnic Tensions
Russia rarely enjoys any stretch of time without some news event involving ghastly violence between ethnic Russians and ethnic minorities.
Is India Biting Off More Than It Can Chew with its New Food Security Bill?
The National Food Security Ordinance 2013 recently effected by India's government will provide food subsidies for two out of three Indians. Can India afford it?
Germany: Demonstrations Against Surveillance
#stopwatchingus was the motto of demonstrations that took place last Saturday in Germany. The participants were protesting against surveillance by the secret services and government inaction.
Hazreen Shaik Daud: Malaysia’s First Transgender in Politics
Some netizens described Hazreen's appointment as a "surprisingly courageous, righteous and respectable initiative."
Bhutan's First Female Minister
According to Bhutan's Buddhist traditions and values men and women are seen as equals. However, women are rarely seen in high positions. Blogger Nawang P. Phuntsho celebrates election of the country's first female minister. Aum Dorji Choden, an MP elect from Trashigang, has recently been appointed as the Minister for...
Immigrants: Much More Than an Abstract Number
Robert Valencia interviewed Mexican journalist Eileen Truax, who recently released her book ‘Dreamers: The Fight of a Generation for its American Dream’.
Denouncing Abuses via Social Networks in Mexico and Brazil
Cellular phone cameras have become a powerful tool for journalists and citizens in reporting requests for bribes and other excessive uses of power. In Mexico, cellular phones and social networks have also become a popular form to broadcast abuses of power, attempts at electoral fraud, and demonstrations of citizens against the police. In Brazil images...
Brazil's Indigenous Demand ‘No More Dams’
After the release of scientists kidnapped by the Mundurukus last June, the Brazilian government agreed to meet the indigenous and listen to their claims.
Water Shortage Crisis Looms Large In Bangalore, India
With rapid growth, polluted bodies of water, and few solutions in place, water is becoming scarce in India's third largest city.
PHOTOS: Every Mozambican Can Be an Independent Electoral Observer
Armed with mobile phones, more and more people in Mozambique are monitoring the run-up to the country's fall municipal elections, helped along by an online platform from newspaper @Verdade.
VIDEO: ‘Hacking Democracy’ in Loja, Ecuador
In Loja citizens use social networks to propose concrete ideas to better their city. The organization Loja es Más launched a video where they tell us about their work.
Protests for Election in Madagascar Lead to Violence, Arrest
Vola R of Ma-Laza reports that 7 were hurt [fr] following police repression of protests demanding elections in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The party leading the protest states that the current administration has no intention of organizing elections this year and is just hanging on to their position of power. The leader of...
Indian MP Crowdsources Questions for Parliament
Indian Member of Parliament (MP) Rajeev Chandrasekhar has started an initiative called ASK (Ask Seek Know) through which he welcomes questions and queries from citizens via his website, Facebook, and Twitter for discussion in the Parliament, reports Media Nama.
Watermelon Vendor's Death Triggers Backlash Against China's Urban Management Officers
The Linwu urban management authorities intended to cover up the death of a watermelon vendor, Deng Zhengjia, with huge compensation. Chinese netizens wanted the truth.
Has Alexey Navalny Really Changed Russian Politics?
If convicted activist and Moscow mayoral candidate Navalny has in fact rejuvenated Russian politics, what does that look like online, where his support base is supposedly strongest?
Poland Bans Ritual Slaughter of Animals
Online magazine Commentary and many others have been discussing the decision of the Polish government to ban ritual slaughter of animals, in accordance to humane slaughter practices, which many EU countries have recently been leaning towards. For Poland however, this decision is a controversial one, in light of its history...
