Stories about Governance from March, 2015
In Zambia, a Tomato Pushes Joblessness Center Stage
Zambia's unemployment rate is ranked 9th highest in Africa.
As Elections in Guinea Approach, the Opposition Raises Some Alarm
In 2010, the first round of voting, monitored by international observers, took place peacefully, though several violent incidents marred the second round, as 24 candidates stood for high office.
Tajikistan's Mosques Are Acting as Government Mouthpieces
"We left the mosque before [prayers] finished. We decided not to go there again because our mosques have turned into places of fraud."
Myanmar Rural Villagers Share Their Development Plans Through Facebook
"It is a valuable method because it identifies what the community truly needs, instead of what we think they might need.”
Municipal Referendum to Preserve Skopje Shopping Centre Scheduled
The local council of the Municipality of Centar, part of the Skopje downtown area, approved a proposal to hold a referendum to preserve the authentic look of the iconic Skopje Shopping Center. As Meta.mk reports, the referendum will take place on April 26. For the referendum to be successful, it needs a...
Revolutionary Extractivism in Bolivia?
Extractivism uses money (rents) from natural gas and mineral exports to improve public infrastructures and alleviate poverty through redistributive policies and has broad popular support in Bolivia.
Community Tributes for Lee Kuan Yew Draw a Million People in Singapore
Lee Kuan Yew is Singapore's founding Prime Minister who ruled the country for more than three decades.
The Media's Role in Mexico's ‘Warped’ Democracy
Blogger Fernando Vázquez Rigada reflects on the role of the media in Mexico, a country where he says democracy is “warped” because it only works on a formal level, and society isn't adequately represented by the political institutions. He adds that Mexican media bear a huge responsibility in this issue....
The Arduous Journey of Colombian Migrants Headed for Chile
Global Voices, in collaboration with Connectas, Agenda Propia, Útero.pe, Vice and El Mercurio de Antofagasta, explored the challenges and history of migration in Latin America during a Google Hangout.
The Collapse of Civilisation Is Already a Reality for the Children of Ambovombe, Madagascar
A scientific publication in the Journal of Ecological Economics argues that “over-exploitation of either Labor or Nature will result in a societal collapse” if nothing is done to prevent it. Based on a mathematical model, the study explains (via The Guardian) that the convergence of ” the stretching of resources due...
#HackEC15 — An Open Data Challenge in Ecuador
As part of the Second International Conference on Democracy and Digital Government 2015 (ICEDEG 2015), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is hosting Hack Ecuador Challenge 2015 (HEC'15). The event welcomes Ecuadorians with open-data apps that promise to deliver needed services in local communities, improving the nation's online ecosystem, especially in the...
Giving Voice and Hope to the ‘Forgotten’ Victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines
"Solidarity is a rainbow that inspires people to overcome the tragedies that threatened to destroy their lives."
Tunisian Activists Fear Rights Setbacks After Bardo Museum Attack
Tunisian activists are worried that the authorities' response to the deadly Bardo museum attack may trample on rights.
How One Fukushima Family Is Moving on Four Years After the Great East Japan Earthquake
Four years on, Japanese blogger Takayoshi Saito recounts how his youngest sister and her family fared in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.
Afghan Woman Beaten to Death and Burned for Allegedly Setting a Quran on Fire
"What happened in #Kabul today was absolutely against the law, Sharia law and does NOT represent Muslims in Afghanistan."
Empty Shelves: Venezuela's Economic Shortage Explained
Despite the promise of a new year, Venezuelans haven't begun 2015 in the happiest of ways, however, enduring one of the worst economic shortages in recent memory.
The Ebola Epidemic Isn't Only Threatening Guineans’ Health
The epidemic has lead to outbursts of violence and slowed the country's economic growth, increasing the potential for food insecurity.
Will the Largest Financial Prize in the World Improve Governance in Africa?
The recipient receives US$500,000 a year for ten years, and US$200,000 a year thereafter.
Why Students Think Reforms Fall Short of Fixing Chile's ‘Educational Apartheid’
A new Chilean law bans profits, tuition, and selective admissions in private primary and secondary schools that receive state subsidies, but students say much more is needed.
Israel’s Elections: ‘It’s Us or Them’, ‘Anyone but Bibi’ and Everything in Between
Israelis head to the polls today. While major candidates for prime minister are still making game-changing announcements, a significant portion of voters are still undecided.
Why Students in Chad are Protesting and It's not Just About the Helmet Law
Police are violently repressing student protests in Chad since March 10. The official reason for the protest is the new safety regulation that require bikers to wear a helmet. Motorbikes are often used as taxis in the capital city, Ndjamena. However, the reason for protests are more profound than the new...
