Stories about Politics from November, 2020
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.
Barbados removes statue of British naval officer Horatio Nelson for his role in the slave trade
"The point is not the destruction of ‘the past’, as if there was one monolithic uncontested past, but the renegotiation of which past the present holds up to its face."
How Japan followed the US presidential election
In Japan, Trump is not always regarded with the dismissiveness or loathing that is so common in the United States or even in Canada.
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.
As typhoon causes floods in the Philippines, cellphone ‘load’ becomes disaster relief
Mobile phones are a reliable way for families to exchange information during disasters in the Philippines when power and communication services break down by strong winds and flooding.
Thai LGBTQ+ activists and pro-democracy protesters march together for equality
In Bangkok, LGBTQ activists join ranks with democracy protestors join to demand gender and marriage equality as well as political reforms of the monarchy.
Scandal over Kremlin advisers heats up Moldova's presidential election
As Moldova prepares for the second round of presidential elections, an investigation reveals that the incumbent and his staff have been closely collaborating with political consultants from the Kremlin.
How Hong Kong authorities are gradually taking over public broadcaster RTHK
The city's public broadcaster faces tremendous political pressure from all directions: censorship, internal investigations, warnings from regulators and, recently, a producer was arrested in connection with her reporting.
What election observers are saying about Myanmar’s election
Observers acknowledged the “success” of the election while noting reforms that still need to be enacted to make the voting process more credible and inclusive in the future.
Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh raises scrutiny of Israel's arms sales to Azerbaijan
Israeli-produced weaponry gave Azerbaijan a key advantage over Armenia in the latest war over Nagorno-Karabakh. But for some human rights activists in Israel, that's not a matter of pride.
Latin American Facebook users weigh in on US election results with memes
While not a comprehensive polling of people's sentiments, these memes offer a glimpse into local political narratives, humor, and commentary.
A Hong Kong reporter's account of the crackdown on press freedom under the national security law
"What we are facing now is not just the survival of Apple Daily but the whole independent media sector."
Hong Kong’s opposition resigns en masse following unprecedented Beijing ruling
The new directive allows the Hong Kong government to unseat elected lawmakers deemed unpatriotic.
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."
Armenia plunges into crisis after deal ends fighting in Karabakh
Facing a military catastrophe in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian government has signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan. Protesters in Yerevan stormed government buildings, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
European Court of Human Rights verdict vindicates Macedonian columnist convicted of defamation in 2010
"This verdict is important for Macedonian journalists, columnists, and overall, for the people that appear in public, as it encourages them to be principled, honest, brave and persistent."
Shutdowns, throttling and stifling dissent online: Africa’s new normal, Part II
Weaponizing digital blackouts or social media clamp down by Algeria, Ethiopia, Guinea, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania is an ominous sign of a deeply problematic system of governance.
Shutdowns, throttling and stifling dissent online: Africa’s new normal, Part I
African governments are using school examinations and politically charged moments as an excuse to effect digital blackouts or clamp down on social media.
‘What a Bam Bam!’ Jamaicans celebrate Biden/Harris victory
Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ congratulatory tweet emphasised Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris’ Jamaican heritage and called her historic achievement a “monumental accomplishment for women all over the world.”
Some Hongkongers despair as US President Donald Trump's election hopes fade
Pro-Trump Hongkongers accused pro-democracy activists of licking the US Democratic Party's boots, even as they were urged to respect the choice of the American people and stop spreading disinformation.
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."
