Stories about Governance from July, 2019
New book presents rarely researched aspects of Myanmar's political and media transition
"But as many of the contributors noted, while the space for expression did open up, the threats against journalists and activists did not reduce."
Lack of diverse media ownership leads to censorship in Pakistan says new report
In Pakistan, a small number of companies dominate the country's media landscape in terms of both ownership and audience share.
Thai folk singer and activist Tom Dundee released after five years in prison for insulting monarchy
"Democracy must be created from the people, mustn’t it? Democracy cannot come from only one person."
Haitian president proposes 4th prime minister as public trust plummets
Public opinion continues to plummet as the Haitian government focuses on polishing its image rather than tackling real issues.
Bangladeshis use social media to tackle a dengue outbreak
With the lack of initiative and awareness campaign from the government, people are resorting to social media to educate and spread awareness about Dengue fever
After two straight weeks of protests, Puerto Ricans force governor to resign
Secretary of Justice Wanda Vázquez will be Puerto Rico's second female governor.
Trinidad & Tobago's history of government relations with gang leaders exposed
A local newspaper exposé shows how government contracts have contributed to the flourishing of gang culture in Trinidad and Tobago.
Is Mandarin Chinese the language of East Africa’s future?
As China strengthens its already robust trade and infrastructural ties with Africa, Chinese-government funded Confucius Institutes to teach Chinese Mandarin are on the rise.
Acute water shortage hits Chennai in India
The lives of 9 million people are affected in southern India, as Chennai, one of the six fastest-growing cities in the world, faces the worst water crisis in its history.
How US arms supplies to Saudi Arabia threatens Sudan's hard-won peace
The Saudis supply Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces with money and arms. When the US does arms deals with Saudi Arabia they’re essentially supporting RSF.
Philippine vice president and other Duterte critics charged with sedition
"The charges are meant to silence and persecute human rights lawyers, opposition leaders, and the church, and to send a message to anyone who dares to criticize this administration."
Fake news about “human sacrifices” for the Padma Bridge leads to violence in Bangladesh
Eight people have been detained across Bangladesh for spreading ‘Human heads and blood will be sacrificed for Padma Bridge pillars’ rumors on Facebook.
What do Zimbabwe’s internet disruptions say about the state of digital rights in the country?
Government officials have repeatedly described access to social media as a potential threat, hinting that more disruptions would not be ruled out in the future.
In Bangladesh, a rickshaw ban for major Dhaka city roads spurs protests and debate
A rickshaw ban on three major roads in Dhaka city saw a huge protest from the rickshaw-pullers and some netizens who use this convenient mean of transport.
Cambodian activists arrested for commemorating the anniversary of political analyst Kem Ley's death
"The accusation that a peaceful gathering merits a prison sentence is a serious and systematic threat to the little remaining space left for freedom of expression in the country."
‘No VAT on Pad’ protests prompt Bangladesh government to remove proposed tax
Amidst protests, the Bangladesh government decided to scrap the proposed increase of VAT and supplementary duty on the manufacturing materials for locally made sanitary pads.
Puerto Ricans demand that Governor Rosselló resign amid corruption and #Telegramgate scandals
A corruption probe by the FBI and and an 889-page Telegram chat leak reveal an ugly side of the governor and his cabinet.
Why are people debating the proposed car-free day in Colombo?
A car-free-day in Colombo sounds like a good idea from an environmental point of view, but there are other concerns -- and exposure to street harassment tops the list.
Is Cuba trying to outlaw independent media? A new decree will prohibit foreign web hosting
“The law leaves independent media without ‘legal’ hosting options,” said local journalist and Global Voices author Elaine Diaz.
French expat forced to apologize for making a music video which mocks the Thai junta
"…criticizing a government and a regime does not equate to hating a country. I love Thailand, I just don't love dictators and military coups."
In India, opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi steps down after losing elections to Narendra Modi
India's opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi, announced his resignation as the president of the country's oldest party, Indian National Congress, after losing general elections earlier in May.
