Madiba Club’s Post

Somaliland Election: International community commends authorities 1. With election results expected in the coming days, many diplomats praise Somaliland for strengthening its democracy, and the National Electoral Commission for conducting a transparent election. 2. It is said that, Nine European countries and the United States commended Somaliland's National Electoral Commission for conducting a "transparent voter registration and candidate nomination process," indicating their readiness to help the country further strengthen their democracy and accountability in the future. 3. According to reports, the international observers visited 146 polling stations in Somaliland and described the elections as peaceful despite the failure of some polling stations to open due to conflict. 4. Somaliland citizens were enthused and eager to participate in the election; there was enthusiasm for voting, and the elections were PEACEFUL. 5. The security situation in Somaliland is precarious with threats from terrorist groups and armed conflict. 6. In fact, the breakaway Somaliland 20 km sea deal with Ethiopia has raised tensions in the Horn of Africa as it seeks international recognition to separate itself from Somalia legally. 7. Also, Ethiopia's Foreign Affairs Ministry congratulated Somaliland on a peaceful and democratic election in a statement and also praised the National Electoral Commission for its fair and mature governance. 8. Both the opposition and the ruling party, supports the Ethiopian agreement and sees recognition from Somaliland's neighbor which host the African Union headquarters as a crucial step towards official recognition. And so what? 9. The economy is a key issue in the election as the country suffers financially despite its strategic geography, which attracts external actors. 10. 3 presidential candidates are battling for the top position, but the absence of international recognition not only limits development opportunities but also impedes the region's potential to serve as a model for locally driven peacebuilding. 11. Somaliland may soon get international recognition due to changes in geopolitical dynamics, including Ethiopia's new friendship with the country. 12. Should internal conflicts and governance challenges persist, it could erode the democratic progress made over the years. #Africa #HornofAfrica #SomalilandElection

South Africa is alive with possibility! Politicians are meeting this week to try and find a path forward for the country. There are many coalition scenarios that could play out. I wrote this explainer to help understand what the options are: https://lnkd.in/g-MWjTHN

The ongoing debate about extending presidential term limits in Zimbabwe and potentially postponing the 2028 elections until 2030 is a stark reminder of the country’s persistent struggles with democratic principles and constitutional integrity. The proposed 2030 agenda, driven largely by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his political allies, undermines the very constitutional framework that is meant to safeguard the future of Zimbabwe’s democracy. Zimbabwe’s constitution is clear about the limitations on presidential terms, yet there is growing momentum to bypass these constraints, pushing for an extension of Mnangagwa’s presidency. This development is concerning not just for its disregard for the rule of law but for the broader implications it has on the country’s political landscape. It highlights how political survival takes precedence over constitutional adherence, a trend that has become all too familiar in Zimbabwe’s recent political history. Mnangagwa’s rise to power through what many still describe as a military assisted transition,despite the political elites’ attempts to reframe it as a “non-coup” illustrates a troubling pattern of institutional manipulation. His leadership has relied heavily on suppression, internal party fragmentation, and an erosion of civil society, creating a political environment that stifles dissent and undermines democratic norms. This brings us to the question: what can be done to resist this shift towards autocracy? While constitutional mechanisms exist to prevent these changes, historical patterns show that these laws are often manipulated or ignored in favor of political expediency. The constitutional violations witnessed during Mnangagwa’s tenure, such as the extension of term limits for other key officials, demonstrate how flexible the legal system is when it suits the ruling party’s interests. Ultimately, the future of Zimbabwe lies in the hands of its people, particularly those at the grassroots level. Legal frameworks alone will not protect democracy; it’s up to the people to mobilize, organize, and push back against the growing autocratic tendencies within the ruling party. It’s crucial that Zimbabweans renew their commitment to democratic values and fight for a political system that values the rule of law, human rights, and accountable governance. As we reflect on these developments, the international community must also remain vigilant. If we are to support Zimbabwe’s path to genuine democracy, we must prioritize not just formal political structures, but the empowerment of its people to resist and reclaim their political space.

New Post: South Africa braces for what may be a milestone election. Here is a guide to the main players - https://lnkd.in/dQgRUGZf - After 30 years of dominating South African politics, the ruling African National Congress will face its toughest election this month as most opinion polls predict it will lose its parliamentary majority for the first time - #news #business #world -------------------------------------------------- Download: Stupid Simple CMS - https://lnkd.in/g4y9XFgR -------------------------------------------------- or download at SourceForge - https://lnkd.in/gNqB7dnp

#StatecraftInTheNews: Slovenia recognised a Palestinian state after a decisive parliamentary vote on June 4, joining recent moves by Spain, Norway, and Ireland. The motion, endorsed by Slovenia's government last week, passed with 52 votes in favour and none against in the 90-seat parliament. The remaining lawmakers were not present. Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon on X: “Dear people of Palestine, today’s final decision of Slovenia is a message of hope and peace. We believe only a two-state solution can lead to lasting peace in the #MiddleEast.” Slovenia's move follows the recognition by seven other EU members, including Spain, Norway, and Ireland. Palestine was previously recognised by five former East bloc countries and Cyprus in 1988 and Sweden in 2014. PM Robert Golob: “We have a duty to act. Slovenia’s decision comes in response to Israel’s recent attacks on Gaza. Slovenia stands for the security of both Palestinians and Israelis.” Golob drew parallels with Slovenia’s own fight for independence: “We Slovenians have dreamed of this right for 1,000 years. Unfortunately, the Palestinian nation has not yet received this right.” Despite opposition from the Slovenian Democratic Party, the ruling coalition's majority ensured the vote’s passage. An attempt to delay via referendum was rejected. Over 140 countries now recognise a Palestinian state, reflecting a global consensus for Palestinian statehood and peace in the region. Slovenia's recognition process began in early May but was accelerated due to recent escalations in Gaza. Slovenia pledges to work tirelessly for the security and peace of both nations, Palestinians and Israelis, highlighting its commitment to a two-state solution. Join our WhatsApp channel for exclusive updates. Don't miss out—click the link below to join now! https://lnkd.in/gHG96V9M

In case it escaped your attention, the proposed #constitutional change in Togo carries significant political implications and could result in #disruptions. It is the latest “undemocratic move” that could fuel tensions and “further jeopardize Togo’s #fragile social unity,” said Komlan Avoulete, a Sahel researcher at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a U.S. think tank. Coups in West and Central Africa have also highlighted the fragility of some regimes in the subregion. #Opposition groups in Togo are resisting a constitutional #amendment that could extend President Faure Gnassingbe’s stay in power for another decade. Gnassingbe, 57, became the West African country’s leader in 2005 following the death of his father, who had ruled since a 1967 coup. President Gnassingbe proposed changing Togo from a presidential to parliamentary system of government. It would see the transfer of executive power to a “president of the council of ministers,” effectively a prime minister. The change was adopted by 89 out of 91 lawmakers. Gnassingbe has many allies in parliament because opposition parties have boycotted past elections. The prime minister would be the lawmaker leading the majority party in parliament. They would serve a six-year tenure. The president would be a figurehead elected by parliament, no longer by Togolese voters, for a maximum six-year term. Togo can benefit from observing Senegal's approach to safeguarding democracy. This is not the Africa we want. #Politics #Togodemocracy #Africa #constitutionalchange #nottheafricawewant Details here 👉https://lnkd.in/eTYHvtNB

#Somalia / #Somaliland / #Ethiopia - Ethiopia Port Deal in Doubt as Opposition Wins Somaliland Vote - from BNN Bloomberg: An opposition leader won elections in Somaliland, casting doubt over whether the semi-autonomous region will honor a deal that will enable Ethiopia to build a military base on its coast on the Gulf of Aden. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, a former speaker of parliament popularly known as Irro, won about 64% of the ballots cast in the Nov. 13 vote and incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi 34%, official tallies released on Tuesday showed. “Irro has won the election with a landslide,” Muse Hassan Yusuf, the chairman of Somaliland’s National Electoral Commission, said at the announcement of the results in the capital, Hargeisa. Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, but has since failed to gain widespread international recognition as a sovereign state. Under an accord announced on Jan. 1, Somaliland granted Addis Ababa the rights to establish a military base and commercial facilities on its coastline. In exchange, Somaliland would get an unspecified stake in Ethiopian Airlines, the continent’s largest carrier, while Africa’s second-most populous country will consider granting it formal recognition. Somalia has said the deal violates its territorial integrity. Irro’s campaign pledges included reviving the region’s faltering economy, restoring national unity and maintaining political stability. He hasn’t specified whether he will honor the port deal. The incoming administration has yet to see the memorandum of understanding with Ethiopia and will likely only reach a decision on the matter after taking office in mid-December, according to Mustafa Ahmed, a representative for the incumbent government. He noted that several key members of Irro’s team oppose the deal. https://lnkd.in/eeRhPWeF

In its thirteen years as an independent country, South Sudan has been plagued by political and economic instability. Kenyan mediators are working to broker an agreement between the country’s government and various opposition groups seeking to strengthen the fragile power-sharing arrangement from six years ago. Amid fears of political deadlock and potential election delays, the situation is dire: 7.1 million of South Sudan's 12 million people are suffering from hunger. 📌 In this Q&A, Daniel Akech assesses how the talks are progressing:  https://lnkd.in/ePv4c2T5

Political analyst: South Africa will face “total bankruptcy” of the state by 2030 https://lnkd.in/eFVRYfr4 please visit our website Political analyst Andre Duvenhage warned on Wednesday that South Africa faces "total bankruptcy" of the state by 2030 if citizens vote for corrupt politicians in the general elections scheduled for May 29 next year. "The return to power of political figures like former president Jacob Zuma will push the country towards total collapse," Duvenhage said, noting that the country was witnessing growing imbalances in the state at all levels on a daily basis. Noting that citizens' trust in public institutions in South Africa continues to decline, he pointed out that some opinion polls indicate that nine out of ten South Africans are not satisfied with the performance of the African National Congress-led government. Read more

Japan's Diet has just passed sweeping reforms to boost transparency and restore voter trust today. These changes scrap undisclosed "policy activity funds," introduce a third-party oversight entity, and ban foreign nationals from buying fundraising tickets. Following a major 2023 scandal, these reforms mark a crucial step towards stricter rules and accountability. This closes the extraordinary Diet session, with the ordinary session starting on 24 January 2025. https://lnkd.in/g_ZKkN58 Follow GR Japan to stay ahead on Japan's political insights and developments! #GRJapan #GovernmentRelations #GRExpertlyHandled #PublicPolicyinJapan