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Tag: Democracy


Reading history gave Jake Elson, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, insight into a political and social trend that he argues could threaten the democratic progress of past generations. Not long ago, I began reading Zimbabwean politician David Coltart’s book The Struggle Continues. Whilst I am only at the beginning, it provides a …

“Taking notes on the return of jingoism” Read More »

The media’s job is to challenge institutions on behalf of the public interest. But Aisha Anne Habiba, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Mombasa in Kenya, raises concern about restrictions on media curtail that ability. Media houses in Kenya are facing increasing pressure from ordinances that interfere with the concept of media freedom. Though Kenya has …

“Censorship as antithetical to public interest” Read More »

Elections are a crucial part of a healthy democracy, but Angelique Pouponneau, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from the Seychelles, raises the issue of how we should consider the environment during an election campaign. The pinnacle of a democratic country is a constitution that makes provision for people to decide the direction of their country through …

“Facing the environmental cost of democracy” Read More »

A bold decision by the Supreme Court of Kenya offers lessons for the judiciary in other countries, writes Badru Walusansa, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda. The Supreme Court ruling in Kenya that led to the nullification of President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta’s election victory provides key lessons on how an independent judicial system …

“Emulating Kenya’s judicial independence” Read More »

International election observers praised the handling of Kenya’s August election, but the Supreme Court later annulled the results. Folmi Yohanna, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bauchi State in Nigeria, looks at what that means for future election observer missions. Results of Kenya’s general election in August 2017 indicated incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta was re-elected with …

“Observer missions in election monitoring” Read More »

Politics in African countries are based on tribalism, writes Paul Odhiambo, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya, who argues for adherence to democratic practice. In moving toward general elections in Africa, leaders from different tribes come together to form coalitions or parties based on tribalism but not ideologies. They often convince citizens that their …

“Will bad politics end in African countries?” Read More »

A prolonged election process created a state of tension for Kenya. Sunday Memba, 21, a Correspondent from Matete in Kenya, examines the core of the problem and suggests how to move forward. Chinua Achebe, the eminent African writer and critic, stated the problem on page one of his 1984 book, “The Trouble with Nigeria”. “The trouble …

“Examining the trouble with Kenya” Read More »

Events and reports over the past two weeks have left Zimbabweans scrambling to sort fact from rumour, reports Kiyara Matambanadzo, 16, a Correspondent from Harare in Zimbabwe. The biggest question is what comes next. The unrest that had taken over Zimbabwe in the past few years came to a tumultuous head within the space of …

“Anticipation for change swirls in Zimbabwe” Read More »

RCS Associate Fellow Julius Karl Fieve, 28, is one of the youngest people elected as an Assembly Member to represent his community at the District Assembly in Ghana. Michael Gyekye, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Ghana, speaks with this rising young community leader.  Michael Gyekye: Can you tell us something about yourself – family, education and …

“From teenage farmer to community leader” Read More »

Recently, Uganda’s media was awash with a bribery story involving top government officials. Badru Walusansa, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, argues the story underlines the need for nation-wide commitment to fight corruption. The scandal happened after President Museveni had declared war against all corrupt bureaucrats in his government, and near the same time …

“We need political will to tackle corruption” Read More »