Politics

Electoral College: The people who ultimately pick the US president

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:10:01 +0000

Electoral College: The people who ultimately pick the US president admin Mon, 12/14/2020 - 16:10

Monday, December 14, 2020

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Original Article

Electoral College: The people who ultimately pick the US president

BBC Reprint By Sam CabralBBC News, Washington US election 2020 The US presidential election was five weeks ago, but the votes that officially anoint the next president are just about to be cast. When Americans go to the polls in presidential elections, they are not directly voting for president. They are actually voting for a […]

Montserrat

Caribbean

No mask, No voting, IEBC says ahead of 5 by-elections

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 14:30:01 +0000

No mask, No voting, IEBC says ahead of 5 by-elections admin Mon, 12/14/2020 - 14:30

Monday, December 14, 2020

Original Publisher

Kenya – Capital News

Original Article

No mask, No voting, IEBC says ahead of 5 by-elections

NAIROBI, Kenya Dec 14 – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned voters in five by-elections set for Tuesday that they will not be allowed at polling stations without facemasks.

Commissioner Boya Molu said the protocols that entail the use of face masks, social distancing, disinfecting surfaces among others must be adhered to in all polling stations to curb the spread of COVID-19.

He said the COVID-19 protocols were developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health and had been circulated to all election officials for strict compliance.

“We shall have an officer who shall have a thermo-gun to check the temperature, we have water and sanitizers at every polling station, and gloves and masks for all our officials. So we are asking the public to strictly comply with these requirements,” he said.

This comes a month after President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a “No mask, No service” public sensitization campaign to encourage adherence to COVID-19 containment measures.

The by-elections will be held in Msambweni constituency, new MCAs in Kahawa-Wendani in Kiambu County, Kisumu North in Kisumu and Lake view in Nakuru County, Dabaso in Kilifi County and Wundanyi/Mbale wards in Taita Taveta County.

Msambweni Returning Officer Yusuf Abubakar Mohamed said there were no major incidents reported during the two-month for campaigns and expressed optimism of an incident-free election.

“Voters are expected to come to the polling stations masked. We are trying our bit as a Commission to contain the spread of Coronavirus,” Abubakar said.

He said 60 polling centres with a total of 129 stations across the constituency had been fumigated as part of the COVID-19 containment measures.

MSAMBWENI

The Msambweni seat fell vacant following the death of ODM legislator Suleiman Dori in March 2020.

Key candidates in the by-election are Wiper Democratic Movement’s Sheikh Abdurahman Mahmoud, Omar Boga of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Deputy President William Ruto’s ally Feisal Bader.

The other candidates are Marere Wamwachai of The National Vision Party, Hassan Mwakulonda of Party of Economic Democracy and independent candidates Charles Bilali and Mansour Kumaka.

The candidates are scrambling for the 68,621 registered voters in Gombato/Bongwe, Ukunda, Kinondo and Ramisi Wards.

KISUMU NORTH WARD

Meanwhile Returning Officers who will be overseeing the mini-polls confirmed that preparations were complete as the Commission finalised the dispatch of voting materials to the various polling stations.

Kisumu North Ward Returning Officer Dennis Omare announced adequate security within the polling stations and outside to ensure peace prevails during the exercise.

“We have organised with the security teams so that they can be going around conducting patrols. They will be checking on any kind of mischief,” Omare told a news briefing Monday ahead of the polls.

The Kisumu North Ward seat fell vacant when the MCA Elisha Oraro was elected Kisumu Count Assembly Speaker.

The Commission cleared nine candidates to contest the ward representative’s seat, with three candidates vying on independent tickets while the rest are sponsored by various parties.

DABOS

Kenya

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Wa NPP Youth Wing demonstrate against leaders

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 13:30:01 +0000

Wa NPP Youth Wing demonstrate against leaders admin Mon, 12/14/2020 - 13:30

Monday, December 14, 2020

Original Publisher

Politics – Ghanaian Times

Original Article

Wa NPP Youth Wing demonstrate against leaders

The Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party in the Wa Central Constituency of the Upper West Region has demonstrated against their leaders for their alleged roles in the defeat of the party in the just ended presidential and parliamentary elections.

The group has, therefore, called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to as a matter of urgency, remove the Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih from office for allegedly failing to work hard to sustain the gains made by the party in the 2016 general election.

They further asked that the Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Issahaku Tahiru Moomin, the Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mustapha Ahmed and the Director at the Regional Office of the Youth Employment Department, Adams Muda be removed from office for their parts in the defeat.

Convener and Leaser of the group, also known as Concerned NPP Youth of the Wa Central, Alhassan Samad Dumbu, who addressed the press, after a protest march, said that the poor performance of the party was as a result of the alleged refusal of the aforementioned personalities to campaign for them.

The march which saw the youth holding placards with inscriptions such as “Chairman Kamara, Minister and Adams Muda must go,” and “Enough is enough” started and ended at the party office as the demonstrators were prevented from marching to the regional administration by the police.

Mr Dumbu alleged that “some of them lured party people with money to vote against their fellow compatriots; we have glaring evidence and we will be forced to present them if our call is not heeded to,” he said.

In an interview with the Ghanaian Times on the issue however, the Regional NADMO Director, Mr Ahmed said that he was not guilty of the allegations levelled against him saying he had supported Hajia’s campaign to a tune of GH¢ 30,000.

He insisted that the parliamentary candidate won the elections in his electoral area where he had earlier joined others to campaign for her.

Meanwhile the Public Relations Officer for the Regional Police Command, Inspector Gideon Ohene Boateng who was among the police personnel at the march stated that the police prevented the demonstrators from having access to the Central Administration in order to forestall possible destruction of state property as a result of party grievances.

Nana Akufo-Addo secured 105,947 votes in the just ended polls in the region as against 102,843 votes in 2016.

FROM LYDIA DARLINGTON FORDJOUR, WA

The post Wa NPP Youth Wing demonstrate against leaders appeared first on Ghanaian Times.

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Politics

President Kenyatta says BBI constitutional review seeks to resolve negative ethnicity

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 19:50:02 +0000

President Kenyatta says BBI constitutional review seeks to resolve negative ethnicity admin Mon, 10/26/2020 - 19:50

Monday, October 26, 2020

Original Publisher

Kenya – Capital News

Original Article

President Kenyatta says BBI constitutional review seeks to resolve negative eth…

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 26 – President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday defended the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) constitutional review report he launched at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi saying it seeks to address negative ethnicity.

The Head of State said the law review process under BBI will culminate in an inclusive governance structure that will enhance unity and cooperation among Kenyans.

The report launched a week after it was jointly presented to him and his BBI co-partner Raila Odinga proposes the expansion of the national executive by adding the position of Prime Minister and two deputies, all appointed by the President from among the parliamentary membership of the majority party.

President Kenyatta defended the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) constitutional review report he launched at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi saying it seeks to address negative ethnicity/PSCU

The Head of State said there is need to manage the youth carefully, not by inciting them but by including them in decision making processes.

He urged Kenyans to support the BBI because it will end the tribal divisions that have characterized the successive elections in the country.

President Kenyatta also thanked his handshake partner Raila Odinga for agreeing to the 2018 Handshake which he termed as a watershed moment that has redrawn the country’s political architecture.

Kenya

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Raila says uncontested BBI referendum ideal as Kalonzo urges consensus

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 19:50:02 +0000

Raila says uncontested BBI referendum ideal as Kalonzo urges consensus admin Mon, 10/26/2020 - 19:50

Monday, October 26, 2020

Original Publisher

Kenya – Capital News

Original Article

Raila says uncontested BBI referendum ideal as Kalonzo urges consensus

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 26 – Orange Democratic Movement Party leader Raila Odinga and his Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka on Monday underscored the need for a national consensus to achieve an uncontested referendum on constitution review proposals captured in Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.

Odinga said the 2010 constitution was a ceasefire document and the time has come for the country as a whole to look at outstanding issues that may not have been addressed when the constitution was originally framed.

While quoting the Bible and the Quran, Raila said the proposed constitutional amendment should be a unifying factor.

He quoted Isaiah 1:18: “Come now let’s reason together.”

“The Quran says those who listen to all statements and then follow the best of it these are the ones whom Allah has guided and these are the ones possessed of minds, so that’s why we are saying let us come and reason as a people of Kenya and let’s talk together and not talk at each other,” Odinga further outlined.

He also dismissed claims that he was pushing for BBI for him to become President, saying he was yet to declared his interest on the seat.

Kalonzo who spoke ahead of Odinga at the event had urged for consensus building to ensure a non-contested constitution review process under the BBI/PSCU

Odinga said the Jubilee government should be given time to complete deliver on its Big 4 agenda before the next General Election.

Kalonzo who spoke ahead of Odinga at the event had urged for consensus building to ensure a non-contested constitution review process under the BBI.

Kalonzo noted that unity is paramount even as the country gears to a possible referendum to make crucial amendments.

“For once I think we have a God given opportunity to have a non-contested Referendum, let’s listen to everyone and the church so that we build the consensus,” he said.

L – R: Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto during the launch of the BBI report at Bomas of Kenya on October 26,2020/PSCU

Kenya

Africa

Malawi veep Chilima’s ‘Mindset Change’ public lecture this Friday

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 11:20:01 +0000

Malawi veep Chilima’s ‘Mindset Change’ public lecture this Friday admin Mon, 10/26/2020 - 11:20

Monday, October 26, 2020

Original Publisher

Politics – Malawi Nyasa Times – News from Malawi about Malawi

Original Article

Malawi veep Chilima’s ‘Mindset Change’ public lecture this Friday

Malawi Vice-President Saulos Chilima is set to deliver a thought provoking and enlightening public lecture on mindset change this Friday at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. This will be the second public lecture that Chilima will be delivering after the first one on ‘Moral decadence’ at the Great Hall, Chancellor College in Zomba in […]

The post Malawi veep Chilima's ‘Mindset Change’ public lecture this Friday first appeared on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Malawi

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Politics

UL officials arrest two academic fraudsters

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 02:50:01 +0000

UL officials arrest two academic fraudsters admin Mon, 10/05/2020 - 02:50

Monday, October 5, 2020

Original Publisher

The New Dawn Liberia

Original Article

UL officials arrest two academic fraudsters

Authorities at the University of Liberia (UL) over the weekend arrested two young men who were posing with the same name for an absentee candidate in person of one Zwannah God-sent Martin, thwarting the duo’s attempts to fraudulently sit the university’s entrance on behalf of candidate martin.

The move backfired Saturday, 3 October on UL’s Capitol Hill campus when an exam plotter noticed that two persons had shown up in the exam hall with the same candidate’s name, but had no resemblance to the actual candidate’s face on the form. UL Police were immediately alerted and the suspects were taken in for questioning.

The candidate form bears the name of one Zwannah God-sent Martin, and details that this candidate hails from Grand Cape Mount County and graduated from Mary help of Christians Catholic High School in 2018.
In conversation with this paper, one of the arrested men who calls his own name as James N. Roberts from Clay Street admitted that two weeks prior to the day of the test, he had been contacted by his friend Martin to sit the exam in his place.

“He was going Bomi County for a conference, actually I [told] him that it’s wrong; I’m your friend, don’t put me into problem, he said that my man I beg you, go and take my test because I [don’t] want for my effort to go in vein,” says Roberts. He says he accepted to sit in for Martin as a good friend, adding that he went for the test which was being administered on UL’s Capitol Hill campus.

“When I was on the test, he sent another person. I don’t know if it is he that did it or his relative that sent another person behind me. I was already taking my test and my other brother came in and he say his name Martin Zwannah too,” Roberts explains further.

According to him, the plotter got confused, and then looked at the two of them, asked them questions. “So later on I confessed because I knew that what I was doing is wrong and I tell the people that my brother sent me to do his test – my brother and friend, so I wrong. I appeal to them, they said that we should meet the authority because it’s already in the authority’s office,” he says. According to Roberts, he and Martin are childhood friends from the same community, noting that Martin went on a trip in Bomi for a training.

In an effort by this paper to hear from the other accused man who allegedly attempted sitting the exam in the place of Martin, the suspect says he has no comment, noting: “I’m guilty.” He also declines to mention his name.

By Winston W. Parley

The post UL officials arrest two academic fraudsters appeared first on The New Dawn Liberia.

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NEC unveils referendum symbols today

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 02:50:01 +0000

NEC unveils referendum symbols today admin Mon, 10/05/2020 - 02:50

Monday, October 5, 2020

Original Publisher

The New Dawn Liberia

Original Article

NEC unveils referendum symbols today

The coordinator of the 2020 Constitutional National Referendum at the National Elections Commission (NEC) says final preparations leading to the unveiling of symbols for the conduct of the National Referendum concomitantly slated for 8 December with the senatorial election in Liberia have been concluded.

NEC Referendum Coordinator J. Jappah Nah discloses the first in a series of weeklong unveiling program takes place in Ganta City, Nimba County, starting today, Monday, 5 October 2020 to Wednesday, 7 October with the involvement of 120 Liberians from Grand Gedeh, Bong, Lofa and host Nimba counties.

The theme of the stakeholders’ meeting on the national referendum symbols is “Bringing Referendum to the people”, Mr. Nah reveals.

He says today, Monday, 40 Traditional Leaders from the above counties will gather to deliberate on the symbols, while tomorrow, Tuesday, another batch of40 participants comprised of local government authorities will brainstorm on the need for the symbols to be followed on Wednesday by the third and last in the series of 40 participants, which will include District Commissioners perusing the symbols.

According to him, the second in the series of unveiling program takes place in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County beginning 12 October 2020 to 14 October 2020 with another 120 participants.

He details the Buchanan unveiling ceremony will begin with 40 representatives of registered political parties in Liberia to be followed by 40 representatives from Civil Society groups, including Faith-Based Organizations, and Community Based Organizations on Tuesday, 13 October 2020.

The NEC referendum coordinator says to climax the unveiling ceremony on Wednesday will be another batch of 40 participants consisting of representatives of local and national media institutions from across Liberia.

Jappah explains that after unveiling of the symbols of the four propositions for the December 8, 2020 referendum and senatorial election, a massive civic and voter education awareness and distribution of symbols will be implemented in all 15 counties.

Liberians go to the poll in December to elect 15 senators that would join other 15 in the Liberian Senate, and to vote for four propositions in a national referendum that seeks to change the presidential term from six to five years; term in the Senate from nine to seven years; term for members of the House of Representatives from six to four years, and dual citizenship, respectively.

By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor–Editing by Jonathan Browne

The post NEC unveils referendum symbols today appeared first on The New Dawn Liberia.

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I Am Not Under Any Pressure, Ize-Iyamu Declares

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 19:30:02 +0000

I Am Not Under Any Pressure, Ize-Iyamu Declares admin Thu, 09/24/2020 - 19:30

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Original Publisher

NEWS – Leadership Newspaper

Original Article

I Am Not Under Any Pressure, Ize-Iyamu Declares

By: Patrick Ochoga, Benin City Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recently conducted governorship election in Edo State, has debunked claims that he is under pressure from party leaders to accept defeat. He stated this while reacting to a report in the newspapers, urging the various media agencies to […]

Nigeria

Africa

LSK asks Treasury to suspend MPs’ salaries over dissolution advise

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 12:50:01 +0000

LSK asks Treasury to suspend MPs’ salaries over dissolution advise admin Thu, 09/24/2020 - 12:50

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Original Publisher

Kenya – Capital News

Original Article

LSK asks Treasury to suspend MPs’ salaries over dissolution advise

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 24 –The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) wants the National Treasury to suspend payment of national lawmakers’ salaries effective October 12.

LSK President Nelson Havi announced the decision on Thursday saying the measure was intended to safe-guard public resources in the event that President Uhuru Kenyatta does not dissolve Parliament within 21days.

“Mindful of the impunity that have been perpetuated by Parliament and the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate, we have written to the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the National Treasury, to cease the remittance of salaries and allowances to members of the National Assembly and Senators of the Twelfth Parliament with effect from October 12. Man shall not eat what he has not laboured for,” he told a news conference held at LSK Offices.

Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) whose chair is National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi already gave an assurance that the 419 legislators will continue receiving the remuneration until their term of office expires after the 2022 general election.

LSK latest demand is premised on Chief Justice David Maraga’s decision advising President Uhuru Kenyatta to dissolve Parliament for failure to enact a law to operationalize the two-third gender constitutional principle.

Under the two-thirds gender rule, the dominant gender should only occupy 66.66 per cent of public offices. Currently, men dominate the National Assembly as only 59 out of 349 MPs are female.

Havi said the LSK also petitioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission stating that Parliament shall be not conduct lawful business beyond the said timeline.

The lawyers’ lobby group also asked Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to withdraw security detail attached to the Members of Parliament.

“We have written to the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government as well as Inspector General of Police to withdraw all police officers designated to guard these, who will be former parliamentarians.”

“We have also asked the Parliamentary Service Commission to ensure that the two Houses are closed because these individuals will no longer have the authority of the people of Kenya,” The LSK President stated.

The PSC, which ensures smooth running of both the Senate and the National Assembly, has already announced its intent challenge the CJ’s advice in court.

The Commission on Tuesday claimed that the Chief Justice jumped the gun by issuing the advisory despite two impending petitions before the High Court.

While issuing the advisory on Monday, Justice Maraga cited Article 261 (1) and the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides that the enactment of the two-thirds gender principle was among the things Parliament was to do within five years after the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010. This has not happened 10 years later.

Kenya

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