Politics
Municipal elections in Tunisia – a wakeup call
On 6 May, the first municipal elections in Tunisian history took place. But, only a third of eligible voters casted a ballot, and independent lists won more votes than the governing parties in contrast to high turnout in 2014. The results signal the population’s frustration with the country’s stagnation since 2011 and political fatigue among disappointed youth.
Malaysia’s post-election challenges
Malaysia is undergoing a period of upheaval following the unprecedented electoral defeat of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition and the subsequent release of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Although these are promising steps to restoring public and investor confidence in Malaysia’s government, a number of challenges need to be navigated before democracy can be fully achieved.
Turkey’s elections: the long term risks of an Erdogan win
The result could be the final straw in a fractured relationship with the West that moves Turkey ever closer to Russia and illiberalism and away from its NATO allies and EU membership aspirations and might make Erdogan the most powerful leader since Ataturk.
Abiy Ahmed: the dawn of a new day for Ethiopia?
Ethiopia recently swore in Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister. His appointment holds a great deal of meaning for Ethiopia and the region as a whole. His first months as Prime Minister will be closely watched by Ethiopians, neighboring countries, and the world.
The populist coalition in Italy and its impact on European politics
The populist coalition of the Five Star Movement (M5S) and League is likely to rattle Italian and European politics with a new approach to governance, and risks fracturing relationships with the dominant powers on the continent – namely France and Germany.
Will Brexit be the backdoor to a united Ireland?
Amid doubts over whether Theresa May can deliver a Brexit deal that avoids a hard Irish border, Winthrop Rodgers assesses whether the result will be a renewed push for a united Ireland.
Will the latest Israeli-Palestinian confrontations escalate further?
More than 100 Palestinian protesters were killed by Israeli armed forces in a recent confrontation at the border. What is the risk of these clashes escalating further in both scale and intensity?
Round Five for President Bouteflika?
Despite serious health problems, Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika may stand for a fifth term in office, leaving many to question if the country’s political elite are bereft of a feasible transition plan.
Freeing Burundi’s vote
The possible extension of President Nkurunziza’s term until 2034 was made possible by the vulnerability of Burundi’s national legislature, judiciary and electoral commission. Will institutional weakness continue?
The Week Ahead: 21-27 May
Colombian presidential elections threaten political system. Irish referendum divides country. Barbados goes to the polls. All in The Week Ahead. COLOMBIA: Presidential election threatens to whipsaw the political system This
