Stories about Governance from July, 2017
Crisis in Maldives Parliament: Rejection of the ‘No-Confidence Motion’ Sparks Lockdown
The country is tilting toward authoritarianism as growing accusations mount against President Yameen for silencing dissent and imprisoning political opponents including former President Nasheed, under allegedly made up charges.
Young Kyrgyz Music Star Rejects Appointment to Head Museum After Online Backlash
"We are tired of officials’ spouses and kids who get into managing positions.”
The African Community Reacts to Emmanuel Macron's Comments on Birth Rates in Africa
"Here is the question that we must ask: is it up to a non-African president to tell our women how many children they should have?"
Brunei Government Employee Complaining About Halal Certification Charged with Sedition Over Facebook Post
"Anyways that guy that's being charged with speaking out against the govt is a reminder that we don't have freedom of speech," wrote a Twitter user.
As Kenyans Go to the Polls on August 8, Here Are the Things to Watch
After avoiding a repeat of 2007 with peaceful elections in 2013, "the odds this year appear once again stacked against the smooth running of the polls."
What Do Election Results Signal About Women's Political Participation in Iran?
Iranian election results, although mixed, signal hope for an Iran where women’s voices matter on both national and local levels.
Vietnamese Activist Trần Thị Nga Sentenced to 9 Years for ‘Propaganda’
The 40-year-old Trần Thị Nga, also known by her pen name “Thúy Nga,” is a prominent advocate for migrants and land rights.
In Uganda's Parliament, the Arc of the Moral Universe Bends Toward Sexism
"The parliament that once roared with socially progressive legislators...is now a circus where one can refer to imaginary studies to deny the experiences of victims of violence, with little opposition."
Is Free Basics Really Bringing More Africans Online? A Case Study From Ghana
A group of Global Voices contributors tested the Free Basics app in six countries across the globe this spring. Here's what we found in Ghana.
Menstrual Hygiene Products Are Not Luxury Goods: Indian Rural Women Speak Out
Are menstrual hygiene products luxury goods? Women in India are voicing their doubts.
Hell on Earth in Chittagong: Floods Wreak Havoc in the City
"The waterlogging in Chittagong has worsened today. It seems nobody cares. God save everyone."
The Case of Fabiola Antiqueo and Police Violence in Chile
"The current system and the impunity that it protects, is one of the most visible legacies of the dictatorship in Chile"
Truths From the Front Lines of Climate Change in Europe’s Far North
"It should be about taking care of what we have left… It’s not only us Saami that pay the price. We will destroy our planet."
Ghana's Social Media Scene Opens New Spaces for Public Debate
"Today, Ghanaians on social media are quick to make permutations of what number of public schools, hospitals, roads and sanitised water systems could have been constructed..."
Russia's Parliament Went on a Censorship Binge Today
The Kremlin is cracking down on online anonymity. Again.
With China Now the Top Market for Initial Public Offerings, One Economist Fears for Ordinary Investors
"To be honest, the Chinese stock market has become the tool of the state to make money."
Luxury Lifestyle of the Congolese President's Entourage Attracts Attention of French Investigators
"Between 2008 and 2011, several tens of millions of euros from the Congolese public purse are thought to have passed through offshore companies."
Thai Academics to Be Summoned by Military for Raising ‘Anti-Junta Placards’ at an International Conference
The Thai Academic Network for Civil Rights reminded authorities that the country's constitution does not forbid people from holding up placards.
Dhaka Citizens Show Mayors Red Card for Failure to Control Mosquito-Born Diseases
"No, Mr. Mayor, nobody has called you to fix mosquito nets inside their homes. You were given the responsibility to kill mosquitoes so we don't require mosquito nets..."
China's Xinjiang Residents Are Being Forced to Install Surveillance Apps on Mobile Phones
Local netizens reported that police officers at check points are randomly searching residents' devices to see if they have installed the surveillance app.
Poles Rally to Defend the Independent Judiciary From Ruling Party's Reforms
"Warsaw rally for #democracy and #ruleoflaw in #Poland continues... Candles symbolise hope for freedom and a better future."
