June Latest Updates
International Association for Democracy
The International Association for Democracy (IAD) is an NGO that works to defend and promote democracy around the globe.
Here comes our June Newsletter! As always, we are in a hurry to bring you a portion of the most important democratic news around the world.
All eyes are still on the escalating conflict between China and Taiwan, democratic rights and freedoms are mercilessly eroded by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the US is preparing for a presidential election in which Donald Trump will participate in the race.
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Democracy - Latest Developments
Moments of challenge and progress
The UK Defence Secretary Warns that Russia-China Ties Are a Direct Threat to Democracy
The UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has expressed concern about the increasingly close ties between Russia and China after Vladimir Putin visited Beijing in May. The defence secretary warned that “these are two countries that do not believe in democracy. They are trying to spread their system to the rest of the world, we must see and have our eyes wide open that this is a direct threat to our way of life.” Mr Shapps expressed further concern over Russia's use of Iranian Shahed drones and purchase of North Korean weapons, saying he worried that an “anti-West block” was forming around Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Mr Shapps stressed the need for the UK to increase its support for Ukraine, arguing that the conflict represented a broader “existential battle about the way we run the world order and about democracy itself.” He also emphasized his view that Russia’s economy would be unstable in the long-term if it continued to pursue the conflict and that it was essential that the West maintains its commitments to Ukraine and prevent a Russian victory. Learn more
Social Media Ban and Violent Protests Over New Voting Rules in New Caledonia
The French territory of New Caledonia faced riots since May 13th, after a reform that expanded the electoral body for provincial elections to all residents who have lived in the territory for more than ten years, a move that would reduce the political weight of the indigenous Kanak community. This change has been denounced by the independentist movement that considers the former colonial power to rule illegitimately over the island. Several people died during the protests, leading the French government to declare a state of emergency on May 16th to restore order. The social media platform TikTok was banned in the territory for its usage by rioters. This unprecedented and controversial move led some to denounce the government’s attitude towards freedom of speech. The French state also accused Azerbaijan of having interfered with New Caledonian politics in order to exacerbate the conflict between loyalists and independentists.
First Female President of Mexico
Claudia Sheinbaum became Mexico’s first woman president after winning the presidential election. Preliminary results indicate she won around 60% of the vote, far ahead of her opponent Xóchitl Gálvez. The former mayor of Mexico City, Sheinbaum had the backing of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and promised to continue his welfare policies. Her presidential term will start on 1 October.
Hong Kong Has Convicted 14 Pro-Democracy Activists
Hong Kong has convicted 14 pro-democracy activists under the National Security Law imposed by China, marking the largest application of this law to date. Among the convicted are notable figures such as former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung and Helena Wong, and journalist-turned-campaigner Gwyneth Ho.
Rights groups and Western nations have condemned the verdict, viewing it as politically motivated and a further erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.
Tunisian President Crackdown on Dissent
Tunisian President Kais Saied has been targeting lawyers, journalists, and activists in an attempt to suppress critics ahead of the country’s elections later this year. The head of the Tunisian journalist’s union has said of the action, ‘We have now entered a logic of criminalizing opinion’. Following at least ten arrests over the course of this month alone, human rights group Amnesty International has spoken of an ‘unprecedented repressive clampdown’ on civil society within the country. Learn more
Lithuanian Gitanas Nauseda Calls Victory in Presidential Election
On May 26th Lithuania held the runoff presidential election where incumbent Gitanas Nauseda, who won the first round of elections with 44% of the votes, was facing Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte who came second in the first round with 20% votes.
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Lithuania is part of NATO and the EU and has been an ally of Ukraine since the Russian invasion. Both candidates agree that defence spending should be increased amidst perceived threats from Russia.
What Next for India, After the Elections?
India, the world's largest democratic nation, is holding elections in seven stages starting from April 19, 2024. The results are due to be declared on June 4th, and the sitting Prime minister is geared up to win yet again a third term. However, with India being divided more than ever on multiple socio-economic issues, the new government has its work cut out for them. The growing unemployment, lack of business opportunities, slow market, and challenging economic situations have made it very difficult for the common Indian man. The voter turnout in India has been very weak, highlighting the need for more democratic awareness and emphasis on the individual rights of the people and their collective power.
Trump's Historic Guilty Verdict Sets an Example
Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment ahead of the 2016 election. This conviction marks the first time a former US president has been found guilty of such crimes. Despite the verdict, Trump plans to continue his presidential campaign, with the true outcome to be determined by voters on November 5. The case highlights the justice system's resilience and emphasizes the necessity of holding everyone accountable. However, Trump's portrayal of himself as a victim of a "deep state" conspiracy has resonated with his supporters, and the Republican Party has supported his attacks on democratic foundations. Further complicating the situation are other serious legal cases against Trump, including attempts to overturn the 2020 election and illegal retention of classified documents. These cases are crucial for voters to make informed decisions. The final judgement will rest with the electorate on November 5.
Did you know Which is the Oldest Democracy in the World?
The United States of America is the oldest democracy in the world, with its constitution being adopted in 1789, famously beginning with the phrase “We the People”, and outlining the duties the government has to serve its citizens and the restrictions in place to prevent it from infringing on their rights.
Long term events around the globe
China Hardens Its Pressure on Taiwan
China held another round of large-scale military exercises surrounding the self-ruled island of Taiwan, claiming it to be a warning against “separatists” and external forces that would support them, referencing the US. In a speech, the Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the independentist forces would be “left with their heads broken and blood flowing”. Such brutal rhetoric is quite unprecedented. In reaction, Lai Ching-te, president of Taiwan, advocated for pacific coexistence and dialogue, claiming that Taiwan would neither provoke nor yield to Beijing’s government. Taiwanese forces stand on high alert as Chinese military pressure continues.
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