Elections

By Lisa Vives | — NEW YORK (IPS) – Muhammadu Buhari, his hand on the Holy Book, was sworn in as Nigeria’s president at an open-air ceremony this past Friday in the capital city of Abuja. His speech acknowledged many of the challenges facing the largest democracy in Africa but offered hope that these challenges […]

Democracy

As Elections approach, Turkey’s Political Wildcard is the Kurds

contributors

H. Akın Ünver | (Informed Comment) | – Regardless of the outcome of June 7 elections, Kurds have already grown into Turkey’s main corrective political camp with domestic and international implications. The real, long-term effect of Turkey’s People’s Democracy Party (HDP), which is the only political outlet rooted in the Kurdish movement, goes beyond the […]

Corruption

Turkish Voters worried about Integrity of Elections, Deterioration of Democracy

contributors

By Deniz Erkmen | (Informed Comment) | — As Turkey approaches a pivotal parliamentary election on June 7, there is growing doubt about just how “free and fair” this election is going to be. A recent survey conducted by academics Ali Çarkoğlu and S. Erdem Aytaç shows that among the public, trust in the […]

Democracy

Lurch to Far Right keeps Netanyahu in power, but for how long?

contributors

By Luisa Gandolfo | (The Conversation) | – Only weeks after Israel’s snap Knesset elections, the Likud party was bluntly reminded that winning the most seats does not guarantee an easy ride. It met its latest challenge with a series of coalition-saving deals with the HaBayit HaYehudi (Jewish Home) party, whose leader Naftali Bennett agreed […]

Democracy

Mideast Reacts with Horror: “Israel has elected Extremism and Racism”

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) – Observers in the Arab press who contemplated the victory of far right Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu in the Israeli elections express emotions from “concern and anxiety” to out and out horror at the potentially destructive impact it will have on the region. Barhoum Jaraisi writes in the Jordanian […]

Democracy

The Palestinian-Israelis’ Selma Moment?

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) Ayman Odah, leader of the Joint Arab List, the party representing Palestinian-Israelis and elements of the Israeli left, responded late Tuesday to the news that Israelis of Palestinian descent came out in droves to vote. Their turnout in the last Israeli election had only been 56%. Odah said from […]

Dissent

Palestinian-Israelis Aspire to National Role after Elections

contributors

France24 | – At 20% of the Israeli population, Israelis of Palestinian heritage have united to back a single party and for the first time could lead the opposition in parliament with the third-largest party, giving them an official role in diplomacy. This marginalized community dreams of gaining the influence its numbers support. – JC […]

Dissent

Dear MSM: The Israeli Elections are about Minority rights, not Iran

contributors

By Sammy Smooha | (The Conversation) There are 5.3 million eligible voters living in Israel today (votes may be not cast abroad). Among these voters there are three main minority (non-dominant) groups. Their numbers break down, according to my own estimates, as follows: Palestinian Arabs are 15%, Mizrahim or “Oriental” Jews (who immigrated from Muslim […]

Democracy

Why Tough Talk from Netanyahu won’t Guarantee his Election Victory

contributors

By Simon Mabon | (The Conversation) – For decades, Israeli politicians have argued that they live in a “tough neighbourhood” in an effort to justify and legitimise their foreign policy. While historically the threat posed to Israel came from the surrounding Arab states, in recent years, the threat has shifted to non-state actors and Iran. […]