Democracy is the practice or principle of social equality, writes Ros Limbo, 26, a Correspondent from Windhoek, Namibia, and has been well established by some African countries. However, she looks at those who have been left behind, and calls for more thorough application of democratic principles. What is the first thing that comes to mind when …

“Democratic Namibia: fact or fiction?” Read More »

The pressure of migration and the rise of so-called populism is driving politics in Europe and America. Carole Nyemeck, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Cameroon, looks deeper into history and examines the interplay between quest for power and targeted groups. In 2016, the economic crisis coupled with the rising migratory crisis pushed Europe towards division and …

“Missed target: Beware of the rise of populism” Read More »

For centuries, the role of the press has been recognised as the Fourth Estate and as a forum for public discussion, writes Abhay Shah, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Siliguri in India. As World Press Freedom day approaches, he describes the balance that the media must strike in maintaining that role. Democracy cannot thrive in …

“Criticising the media to defend democracy” Read More »

Nigeria’s motion for independence was supported by a unified aim to dislodge foreign powers from the helm of affairs. Yet Olawole Olakunle, 23, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, argues that Nigeria has failed to achieve the glory it could realise as a great nation. It’s important to note that at one point in time, the …

“Before the cock crows, work must be done” Read More »

The media plays an instrumental role in any democracy, and as such the freedom of the media is perhaps one of the most visible indicators of a functioning democracy, writes Victor Ndede, 21, a Correspondent from Eldoret, Kenya, as he examines the fundamental role of the media in the electoral process. One of the greatest …

“Media’s role in an electioneering period” Read More »

Health-related absences have marked this term of presidency in Nigeria. Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, looks at the facts and the impact on government and the public. The latest news about Nigeria’ President, Muhammadu Buhari is that he will now function as the commander in chief from the comfort of his room, according …

“Nigeria and its ‘freelance’ president” Read More »

Oluwasegun Olakoyenikan, 22, a Correspondent from Benin City, Nigeria, makes the case for an open state budgeting system, arguing that it will improve the level of transparency and accountability in governance. A budget is considered open if citizens have access to budget documents and a high level of involvement in the budgetary process. Corruption in many …

“Calling for a transparent budget process” Read More »

The president of the USA visited Saudi Arabia on his recent international mission. Aisha Anne Habiba, 27, a Correspondent from Mombasa in Kenya, looks at what that visit might mean for future relations between the two countries. Following the omission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from US President Donald Trump’s infamous executive order limiting …

“Trump’s historic visit to Saudi Arabia” Read More »