8 February 2009

Stories from 8 February 2009

Malawi: Of Election Fever and Going Digital

  8 February 2009

The week gone has been a politically hot one for many Malawians as they have seen their presidential and parliamentary candidates present their nominations papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission ahead of the May 19 polls. By the end of the exercise, about 10 have presented their papers and presidential candidates and several hundreds to compete for the 193 seats in parliament.

Armenia: Tax Lottery

  8 February 2009

Unsuccessful with punitive measures to prevent widespread tax evasion, the government of ex-Soviet Armenia has introduced a monthly national lottery based on an 8-digit number found on the back of sale receipts. From increasing sales to encouraging male customers to hit on female shop assistants, bloggers think the initiative to make businesses accurately report sales and pay taxes has the potential to prove a win-win situation for everyone.

Ukraine: Victor Yushchenko's Popularity Waning

  8 February 2009

According to a poll carried out last month, Ukraine's president Victor Yushchenko “would have won less than 2.9% of the vote if the presidential elections were held in late December 2008 or early January 2009.” Below are some views on the president and other politicians from the Ukrainian blogosphere.