Stories about Governance from November, 2020
Exemplary governance: Which countries should high-COVID nations follow?
"What seems clear is that global exemplars do not have to look the same in terms of political structures, incomes, or economic ideology."
From #BlackLivesMatter to #VidasNegrasImportam: Call to end colonial legacy of police brutality
"Police brutality is universal, white supremacy is global, and colonialism is not forgotten, which is why Black people every day, around the world, are being killed."
Can secularism be compatible with Islam?
"Islam has become an insecure identity that is always undermined by criticism from the Christian or godless, but always colonial, West."
In Pakistan, social media platforms risk bans under new ‘draconian’ rules
New rules vesting the government with the power to regulate online content and ban entire platforms drew criticism from human rights groups and tech companies.
Rubber ducks in Thai protests inspire solidarity and memes
"The image of Thai authorities, armed to the teeth with riot gear and shields, facing off against…rubber ducks…highlights the sheer asymmetry of the battle between protester and state."
Activists protest dam construction in northwest Georgia
A planned US$800 million hydropower project, the largest in Georgia, is meeting resistance from residents of the Rioni River valley
How a grassroots revolt restored democracy in Peru
The protests were massive, with everyone united around the common goal of showing their indignation against the corruption of the political class.
In Jamaica, backlash over limestone quarry in ecological area sparks youth online activism
Jamaican youth are rallying against a government decision to allow limestone quarrying in an ecologically sensitive area, and proving they know how to use online tools to their advantage.
Somali journalists say new media law will muzzle free press
Somalia’s media workers say that the draconian new media law will repress journalists who are already struggling in a hostile media environment.
Solomon Islands bans Facebook for ‘harmful content’
"Do not go into public life and make laws and decisions for your own good or for your own protection as is seen with the banning of Facebook."
Voices in a Bangkok rally a day after police used water cannon and tear gas against protesters
"I feel that I have to come out to demand my rights. My friends, my younger siblings, or my children in the future should have a better life than this."
After back-to-back typhoons, Filipinos criticize President Duterte's absence from public eye
#NasaanAngPangulo (#WhereIsThePresident) and #OustDuterteNow trended on Twitter as Filipinos criticized the absence of President Rodrigo Duterte amid the successive typhoons that hit the Philippines this month.
Violent protests erupt in Uganda following presidential candidate Bobi Wine's arrest
Opposition candidate Bobi Wine was arrested in Uganda at a political rally, with police citing his massive rallies violated guidelines given by the electoral commission to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Moldovans elect their first female president
Maia Sandu has beaten incumbent Igor Dodon to become Moldova's first female president. She promises reform of the judicial system, rapprochement with the EU, and a crackdown on corruption.
Angolan police violently cracked down on protest against postponement of local elections
Local elections, which were to be organized this year for the first time since Angola's independence, were postponed after a delay in passing legislation to regulate it.
Malaysian students face sedition probe over Facebook post urging the king not to interfere in politics
"Academic scholarship and promotion of human rights cannot flourish in an atmosphere of censorship and disproportionate restriction of speech and expression."
Four ways Brazilians turned to social media to question racism and corruption
With millions of tweets, Brazilians have a mixed impact on politics but show fervor for transparency, equality and anti-racism.
Myanmar NGO launches tool for voters to compare human rights programs of parties competing in election
"Our aim is to give the electorate complete information about the political parties’ human rights promises – or lack of promises – so that voters can make a fully informed decision."
Bullets, blood and death: The untold story of what happened at Lekki Toll Gate in Nigeria, Part I
“Why is [Lagos State Governor] Sanwo-Olu denying? Immediately after [the Lekki shooting], Sanwo-Olu came, parked at the toll gate. He saw dead bodies on the ground. Why is he denying?”
Myanmar candidates and parties turn to religious nationalism ahead of elections
Major political parties in Myanmar are resorting to Buddhist populism despite race and religion-based campaigning being prohibited under electoral regulations.
In the Balkans, COVID-19 measures may not apply to religious leaders
A bishop's funeral in Montenegro last week drew thousands of maskless mourners.