Stories about Governance from July, 2018
Attack by municipal guards signals rising threats against journalists in Ukraine

Municipal Guards for the city of Odessa attacked a group of journalists with teargas and rubber batons.
Ghanaians challenge their government over a telco monitoring program, claiming privacy violations

Petitioners say the system will monitor more than just revenues, warning that it will allow for easy government snooping on calls and messages.
Nigeria is launching a new national airline — but will it take off?
"A national carrier is something we have tried and failed multiple times...[On] what basis are you hopeful that an administration that has failed more than others will be successful?"
Yet another vaccine scandal hits China's big pharma, sparking fear, rage — and censorship
For over a decade, a series of similar scandals have plagued China's emerging pharmaceutical industry, and people seem to have lost faith.
Cambodia’s ‘clean finger’ campaign urges voters to boycott ‘sham’ election
"No #CNRP, no real #election! No voting, no dirty finger!"
In the run-up to Mali's 2018 presidential elections, will President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta survive his scandals?
"Malians have the right to question where the hundreds of billions are really going, which were approved for the army to be able to tackle the jihadist threat."
A guide to Pakistan's 2018 general elections
A handy guide to the parties, the issues and what's at stake in Pakistan's upcoming general elections.
Media censorship rises as the general elections draw near in Pakistan

Election speeches have been banned with the objective of preventing broadcast media from airing "derogatory" and "defamatory" content.
Ugandan women say #HarassmentIsNotLove as cyber harassment ruling draws backlash
"Even after the ruling, people lashed out at me ... I am stronger and this is not the first time I have suffered this kind of media framing."
Activist Naïm Touré sentenced to prison over Facebook post in Burkina Faso

"Freedom of expression is a constitutional right in our country; free NAÏM TOURÉ"
Bombings in Pakistan ahead of elections kill 170, thwarting hopes of a peaceful vote
One bombing alone, in Balochistan, killed 129 and injured dozens -- the deadliest attack in Pakistan since Taliban shooters killed 141 in an army-run school in Peshawar, in December 2014.
World Cup out, pension reform protests in: Russia's economic woes take the front seat again

"Football is just a ball, a game. Pensions and taxes are our life. While you're playing with the ball, the thief is emptying your pockets… Keep playing the ball."
In India, regulators are deciding the fate of sensitive data behind closed doors

In 2017, the Supreme Court of India ruled that privacy of Indian citizens is a fundamental right -- how will that affect the country's national ID system?
Questions swirl over Japanese government's response to deadly, unprecedented rains
"As unusual weather becomes the new normal, how are we to protect ourselves?"
The importance of having an Afro-feminist activist in Costa Rica's government

"While Marielle Franco was assassinated in Brazil for being a black, feminist and dissenting voice...Epsy Campbell, a recognized leader of the Afro-Latin American movement, was elected vice president..."
The threat of a restrictive NGO law looms over Slovakia
"Mr. Fico and Mr. Pellegrini. The main motivation of our protests is Jano and Martina. If you disrespect it with conspiracy theories, you are laughing at the motivation"
Authorities blame air conditioning as Azerbaijan plunges into darkness
"As soon as he got on the phone, all he could talk about was the heat inside the jail."
Cambodia's government claims upcoming election will be free, fair and plural—but civil society says otherwise
The government has dissolved the main opposition party, placed restrictions on election observers, expanded its control of the internet and social media, and filed tax charges against critical media outlets,
In the face of nation-wide violent deaths, Nigerians seek a better deal
"We are gravely concerned about the rising spate of killings across the country, especially the communal clashes between farmers and herders and attacks by bandits across at least 17 states."
Who are the main candidates in Madagascar's presidential election?
The next presidential election shows every sign of bringing another stormy episode to political life in Madagascar.
The women behind Armenia's “Velvet Revolution”
The massive protests that felled a long-time ruler showed citizens' impatience for political reforms. But many women want change to go even further.