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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

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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

Africa

DC calls for relief support as rains displace people in Mangochi

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 12:10:02 +0000

DC calls for relief support as rains displace people in Mangochi admin Mon, 12/14/2020 - 12:10

Monday, December 14, 2020

Original Publisher

Malawi Nyasa Times – News from Malawi about Malawi

Original Article

DC calls for relief support as rains displace people in Mangochi

Mangochi district commissioner (DC) Dr. Raphael Piringu has appealed for more humanitarian support for hundreds of households whose houses and property have been damaged by stormy rains in the district. The DC made the appeal on Saturday following an assessment report on a recent disaster in Traditional Authority (TA) Namavi where 183 households were affected […]

The post DC calls for relief support as rains displace people in Mangochi first appeared on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Malawi

Africa

The attack on the Northern Command through the eyes of Major Amsalu Demeke

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:40:01 +0000

The attack on the Northern Command through the eyes of Major Amsalu Demeke admin Mon, 11/23/2020 - 15:40

Sunday, November 22, 2020

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News – Ethiopian Press Agency

Original Article

The attack on the Northern Command through the eyes of Major Amsalu Demeke

BY ADDISALEM MULAT

It is to be recalled that the TPLF junta has gruesomely attacked the Ethiopian National Defense Forces base situated in the Tigray state. Regrettably, the sudden attack which was carried out by the junta ended up claiming the lives of quite a lot of soldiers.

Many of them closed their eyes never to open them again. On this account, Ethiopians residing all over the world have been expressing their disappointment strongly time and again.

The aforesaid statement was made by Major Amsalu Demeke, one of the survivors from the attack carried out by the TPLF Junta
members two weeks ago.

As the Major was not in the position to enter into an agreement with them, he managed to pass through many twists and turns. He did not anticipate he would stumble across such a heartbreaking scenario from his colleagues.

For refusing requests for standing by the side of the TPLF junta, the Major was able to pass through many highs and lows. Whatever came to pass, he was not interested to give the cold shoulder for his motherland-the only thing that he possesses on the planet earth.

While on the subject, Major Amsalu is one of the members of the 4th mechanized brigade. As learned from the interview he gave to the Ethiopian National Defense Forces media, as some of the mercenaries in the Ethiopian

National Defense forces’ in the brigade have had a hidden relationship with the TPLF junta officials they almost kept the military equipment except for guarding arms in the storehouse.

According to Major Amsalu, afterward, the murderous force made sure that everything fell under their control; they embarked on opening fire on the Ethiopian National Defense Forces. As everything was strange to him, he could not believe what he was seeing. He did not imagine this kind of evil-acts would take place in all his born days.

“When we headed straight to the army surplus store, we came across something that we did not anticipate. We encountered unanticipated things. The thing is, the junta’s force jumpstarted opening fire on the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and claiming the lives of several people at the stroke of a pen,” he continued.

Almost immediately, the TPLF Military junta snatched military equipment and slaughtered quite a lot of soldiers. They as well started taking off the soldiers’ military uniforms and hijacking them almost immediately. In due course, the TPLF junta force provided us with an option: “Without hesitation, stand by the side of us. If you fail to do, you will be killed at the drop of a hat.”

To the surprise of everyone, they have lived with us for more than twenty years. Though we showered the brute killers to pull themselves out of their evil acts, they kept on turning a blind eye. As they found that the fourth mechanized brigade remained stubborn, the situation kept on moving into uncharted waters. As time went by, all their efforts went for nothing as swiftly as possible.

Be that as it may, sometime in the past, the former officials of the camp were constantly paying a visit to the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and giving training for the mercenaries. By sending civilians, they sometimes made an effort to humiliate the army and sow division amid them.

The desired goal of sending them was to make the Ethiopian National Defense Forces lose patient and take measures against them. In doing so, they would like to make the general public stand against the Ethiopian National Defense Forces.

The Ethiopian Herald November 22/2020

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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

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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

Africa

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

276 COVID-19 cases reported from 2,126 screened samples, positivity rate averages 13pc

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

276 COVID-19 cases reported from 2,126 screened samples, positivity rate averages 13pc admin Mon, 10/26/2020 - 19:50

Monday, October 26, 2020

Original Publisher

Kenya – Capital News

Original Article

276 COVID-19 cases reported from 2,126 screened samples, positivity rate averag…

NAIROBI, Kenya October 26 – The health ministry announced 276 more coronavirus cases on Monday picked from 2,162 samples analyzed over a period of 24 hours.

This represents a 12.98 per cent positivity rate with the five-day mean standing at 13.1 per cent, a figure that is almost triple the five per cent threshold stipulated by the World Health Organisation.

The new figure brings to 49,997 the total reported cases out of the 662,046 cumulative tests conducted since March.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, through a statement sent to newsrooms also announced that eighteen patients had succumbed to coronavirus raising the national death tally to 920.

Kagwe said that there are ninety-two patients who are on emergency care including twenty patients under Intensive Care Unit (ICU), fifty-two on supplementary oxygen and twenty on High Dependency Unit.

The Ministry of Health noted that 220 more patients were cleared including 150 who were under Home-Based Care Program and seventy who were discharged from various hospitals.

The the total number of patients who have been cleared after recovering from the virus since April 1 rose to 34, 429.

Another 1,191 patients were said to be hospital-based care while 1, 406 were being monitored under the home-based care protocol.

The new cases reported include a two-year old baby and are distributed among 179 males and 97 females.

Mombasa, Machakos and Nairobi accounted for the highest cases with 71, 58 and 50 cases respectively while Kilifi and Busia followed with 21 cases each.

Other cases were distributed in Kwale (19), Kajiado(13), Garissa (6), Nakuru (5), Narok(4), Makueni(3), Kiambu(3), Taita Taveta(1) and Tharaka Nithi (1).

Kenya

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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

Africa

Canada & the World Food Programme READY to advance resilience and adaptability to disasters in the Caribbean

admin — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 21:00:01 +0000

Canada & the World Food Programme READY to advance resilience and adaptability to disasters in the Caribbean

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admin Mon, 06/05/2023 - 21:00

Monday, April 3, 2023

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Political – The Bajan Reporter

Original Article

Canada & the World Food Programme READY to advance resilience and adaptability …

CARICOM Member States benefitting from regional project activities. As the home of the Regional Logistics Hub and Centre of Excellence, Barbados will also share in capacity building initiatives and technical assistance opportunities under the Disaster READY Project. Sharon Peake and Regis Chapman review the Disaster READY Project agreement at the High Commission of Canada in Barbados.

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Caribbean

Politics

Re-Globalising the World – Mia Amor Mottley and Ngozi Okonjo Iweala

admin — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:00:01 +0000

Re-Globalising the World – Mia Amor Mottley and Ngozi Okonjo Iweala

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admin Mon, 06/05/2023 - 18:00

Saturday, April 15, 2023

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Political – The Bajan Reporter

Original Article

Re-Globalising the World – Mia Amor Mottley and Ngozi Okonjo Iweala

The COVID-19 Pandemic derailed economies everywhere, and in most developing countries, incomes remain well below pre-pandemic levels. Inflation, made worse by the war in Ukraine, is particularly painful in low-income and vulnerable countries where essentials like food and energy dominate household budgets. Higher interest rates are exacerbating debt distress across much of the developing world...

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Caribbean

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