The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has lauded the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its exemplary conduct during the September 1, 2025, general and regional elections. In a recent statement, the UNDP highlighted that GECOM, with technical assistance from UNDP Guyana and funding from the UK Government, orchestrated one of the most transparent, credible, and professionally managed elections in the nation’s modern history. This marks a significant milestone for Guyana, which has historically faced political unrest and controversies surrounding its electoral processes since its first free and fair elections in 1992. The UNDP emphasized the strategic advice provided by its Electoral Technical Support Team, which played a pivotal role in overcoming bottlenecks and ensuring the acceptance of election results. Despite recount challenges, the tabulation process was efficiently organized, with results announced promptly and accepted by all political parties. The UNDP also acknowledged the legal reforms enacted in 2022, which introduced groundbreaking technological advancements to enhance transparency. GECOM’s in-house statement of poll upload system, fortified with cybersecurity measures, ensured seamless result uploads even during website outages. An upgraded results tabulation application, praised for its clarity and user-friendliness, was deployed across 20 counting centers. The UNDP’s Information Technology Specialist underscored the critical role of technology in fostering credible, inclusive, and resilient elections. However, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) noted concerns regarding GECOM’s appointment model, which risks inefficient decision-making and diminished public trust. The EUEOM also raised issues about potential voter manipulation, campaign financing, and the alleged misuse of state resources by the incumbent party.
分类： politics
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Erdogan: There will be no world peace without a Palestinian state
During a press conference concluding the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan articulated a resolute stance on the Palestinian issue, as reported by the Anadolu agency. Erdogan declared that Turkey remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause, asserting that this commitment is unwavering and fearless. He emphasized that Turkey will continue to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people across all international platforms. Erdogan also condemned what he described as a ‘genocide’ in Gaza and other Palestinian territories, attributing responsibility to the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the dire situation in the region. He reiterated his belief that the conflict in Gaza constitutes a genocide, a statement made amidst widespread international alarm over the high number of civilian casualties. Additionally, Erdogan commended South Africa for its ‘courageous and exemplary’ position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly regarding its actions at the International Court of Justice, where South Africa has accused Israel of genocide. Turkey has expressed its support for South Africa’s legal initiative in various diplomatic arenas.
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Macron’s popularity slumps for 2nd consecutive month
A recent monthly barometer released by the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP) and published in Le Journal du Dimanche reveals that President Emmanuel Macron’s approval rating is nearing the record low of 13 percent, previously set by his predecessor, Francois Hollande. Hollande, a member of the Socialist Party (PS), holds the unenviable title of the most unpopular president in the history of IFOP polls. Macron’s disapproval rating has now surged to 56 percent, reflecting growing discontent among the French populace. Frederic Dabi, IFOP’s Director General, suggests that Macron’s declining popularity is beginning to affect other key political figures within his administration, notably Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Lecornu’s approval rating has dropped to 34 percent among 2,000 respondents surveyed in the past week, marking a four-point decline since October. France remains embroiled in a series of acute political crises and polarization, which have led to the rapid turnover of four prime ministers in less than a year. These include conservative Michel Barnier, who was ousted in December, centrist Francois Bayrou, removed in September, and Lecornu, who resigned in October only to be reappointed by Macron shortly thereafter.
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OPINION: The unfinished fight for women’s political inclusion in Saint Lucia (Part 2)
In the Caribbean, particularly in Saint Lucia, the political landscape is shaped by deeply ingrained societal norms and gender stereotypes. Data reveals that the archetype of a successful politician aligns with a conservative image: a middle-aged, married, Afro-Caribbean man with a family. Women, however, face significant scrutiny and delegitimization if they do not conform to this somatic norm. Single, childless, or divorced women are often subjected to harsh criticism, with their likability and leadership capabilities questioned based on their marital status or appearance. Society’s objectification of women extends to their political roles, where their attire and physical appearance are often prioritized over their policy expertise and experience. Interestingly, women who embody traditional maternal traits—such as being caring and nurturing—sometimes leverage these qualities as political talking points. Yet, those who deviate from these norms are judged more critically, highlighting the double standards in political evaluation. Despite these challenges, women in Saint Lucia are surpassing men in educational achievements and professional experience. According to the Washington Post, Saint Lucia is one of three countries where women are more likely to hold leadership positions than men, with 52.3% of bosses being female. However, institutional barriers persist, hindering women’s political participation. UN Women highlights the disproportionate burden of family care responsibilities on women, making it difficult for them to balance domestic duties with political careers. Additionally, systemic issues such as limited access to campaign funding, political networks, and unwinnable seat placements further disadvantage women. While there are no explicit laws barring women from political office, entrenched practices within political parties perpetuate inequality. To address these issues, comprehensive measures are needed, including public education on gender equality, increased support for women candidates, and the implementation of quotas to ensure fair representation. Rahym R. Augustin-Joseph, a Rhodes Scholar and advocate for political reform, emphasizes the importance of dismantling patriarchal structures and fostering a more inclusive political environment in Saint Lucia and the broader Caribbean.
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Chief Sec expected to announce THA elections today
Chief Secretary of Tobago, Farley Augustine, is poised to reveal the date for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly elections following a crucial meeting of the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) screening committee. The announcement, expected on November 24, will outline the party’s chosen candidates for the 15 electoral districts. Augustine hinted at the impending announcement during a press briefing at the Lowlands Multipurpose Facility, though he refrained from disclosing specifics. Sources close to the matter have confirmed to Newsday that the announcement will indeed pertain to the election date. The TPP has yet to finalize candidates for two pivotal districts: Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, where the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has nominated former Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis, and Mason Hall/Moriah, previously won by Ian “Whitey” Pollard. Augustine dismissed public criticism of the selection process, emphasizing the importance of strategic candidate selection to secure all 15 seats. He highlighted the party’s commitment to earning the trust of Tobago’s citizens through diligent work and addressing the island’s issues over the past four years. Augustine expressed confidence in the party’s ability to build a robust economy for Tobago, should they return to office.
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BBC launches hunt for new boss as Trump row rumbles on
The BBC has officially commenced its search for a new Director General following the resignation of Tim Davie, who stepped down amidst a controversy involving a misleading edit of former US President Donald Trump. The edit, which falsely portrayed Trump as inciting violence prior to the 2021 Capitol attack, led to a public dispute with Trump, who has since threatened a $5 billion lawsuit. The BBC has firmly rejected his compensation demands. Davie, along with the corporation’s head of news, Deborah Turness, resigned on November 9 after Trump criticized ‘corrupt journalists.’ The job posting for the BBC’s top role went live on Monday, with applications closing on December 31. The position is described as one of the UK’s most significant public roles. This incident is one of several controversies the BBC has faced this year, including backlash over anti-Israeli military chants aired during the Glastonbury festival. BBC Chair Samir Shah, addressing a parliamentary committee, acknowledged that Turness’s resignation was justified due to the ‘error in her division,’ but expressed regret over Davie’s departure, stating that the board had full confidence in him. Shah also admitted that the BBC should have acted sooner to address the mistake, which was revealed in a leaked memo published by The Daily Telegraph earlier this month. Trump’s legal team has condemned the edit as ‘false, defamatory, malicious, disparaging, and inflammatory,’ while Michael Prescott, the memo’s author, suggested that Trump’s reputation was likely unaffected. The BBC, funded by a UK television license fee, continues to navigate these challenges as it seeks new leadership.
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Ex-PM: ‘March election’ if PLP wins
Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has forecasted that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) may call for an early general election if they secure victory in today’s Golden Isles by-election. Speaking at a Free National Movement (FNM) rally on Friday, Ingraham emphasized the high stakes surrounding the by-election, which both major parties view as a critical political litmus test. “If they win on Monday, they’ll push for an early election by March. If they lose, they’ll stagnate,” he remarked. The by-election, necessitated by the passing of Vaughn Miller, features PLP’s Darron Pickstock and FNM’s Brian Brown as the leading contenders, alongside Brian Rolle of the Coalition of Independents and independent candidate Karen Butler. Historically, by-elections have favored the ruling party, and political analysts are closely monitoring the outcome to gauge public sentiment ahead of the general election, which must occur before October next year. Voter turnout is expected to play a pivotal role, intensifying recent campaign efforts. Results are anticipated by early evening. Ingraham revealed he initially advised Brown against running, citing historical trends favoring the PLP in by-elections. However, Brown’s determination to represent the community prevailed. Ingraham framed the contest as both a referendum on the Davis administration and an opportunity for the FNM to reclaim influence in a constituency he believes has been neglected. He praised Brown as a grounded candidate with deep community ties, likening him to former Adelaide MP Frank Watson. Ingraham expressed surprise at Brown’s 2021 loss, given his strong local support, and highlighted Brown’s integrity, stating he seeks no personal gain from the position. “Brian Brown isn’t looking for anything; he’s here to serve,” Ingraham concluded.
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Cummings: Government locked out 300 aspiring farmers
Former Minister of Youth Development and National Service, Foster Cummings, has publicly accused the United National Congress (UNC) government of dismantling a significant labor-intensive agricultural initiative, leaving hundreds of young people unemployed. In a widely circulated social media video, Cummings revealed that the Youth Agricultural Shade House Project in Tucker Valley, Chaguaramas, has been abruptly shut down, barring access to approximately 300 trainees involved in the program. Launched in August 2024 by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, the project aimed to equip young nationals aged 16-35 with agricultural skills through shade-house cultivation of high-value crops. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service and The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, provided trainees with a daily stipend of $150. Cummings highlighted that the project was inspired by a successful Guyanese program and had four completed shade houses with 16 more under construction before the UNC came to power in the April 28 general election. He criticized the government for discontinuing the program, locking out the co-operative established to market produce, and halting construction work. Cummings also expressed concern over broader social-programme cutbacks, including the discontinuation of URP and CEPEP initiatives, and urged the government to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the impact on young people’s livelihoods. He further alleged that the site might be handed over to a private individual, sidelining the trainees. Despite multiple attempts to seek clarification from Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram, no response has been received.
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J’can Republican vows to fight on after losing bid for first Virginia woman governor
New York, USA — Winsome Earle-Sears, the Jamaican-born Republican Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, has pledged to persist in her political career despite her recent defeat in the 2025 gubernatorial election. Earle-Sears, who aimed to become Virginia’s first female governor, was decisively beaten by Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger, securing 42.3% of the votes compared to Spanberger’s 57.5%. In a heartfelt post-election speech, Earle-Sears emphasized her unwavering commitment to her values, stating, ‘I’m a Christian first and Republican second.’ She also reflected on her immigrant journey, having moved from Jamaica to the Bronx at age six, and expressed gratitude for the opportunities America has provided. Earle-Sears, a former U.S. Marine Corps pilot, made history in 2021 as Virginia’s first black female Lieutenant Governor. Her campaign, however, faced significant challenges, including criticism for her support of former President Donald Trump and her advocacy for gun ownership, which earned her the National Rifle Association’s endorsement. Internal party disputes and economic concerns, exacerbated by the Trump Administration’s policies, further hindered her campaign. Despite these setbacks, Earle-Sears remains resolute, declaring, ‘I’m not going anywhere — and neither are you.’
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Ingraham breaks with FNM over Returning Officer row
In a surprising turn of events, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham publicly supported the retention of Returning Officer Neil Campbell for the Golden Isles by-election, despite objections from his own party, the Free National Movement (FNM). This endorsement came just a day before Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson confirmed his decision to keep Mr. Campbell in his role, expressing confidence in the election’s transparency and impartiality.
The FNM, led by Chairman Dr. Duane Sands, had raised concerns about Mr. Campbell’s suitability, citing alleged conflicts of interest. These concerns were amplified when Mr. Campbell referred to Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis as his ‘adopted father’ during a press conference. However, Mr. Thompson defended Mr. Campbell, highlighting his voluntary disclosure of personal connections and his long-standing reputation as a respected public officer.
Mr. Thompson emphasized the challenges of finding individuals in The Bahamas who are entirely disconnected from political figures, given the country’s small size and interconnected society. He stated, ‘I do believe that Mr. Campbell will execute his public duties as Returning Officer without fear or favor.’
Meanwhile, Mr. Ingraham acknowledged Mr. Campbell’s inexperience but dismissed claims of wrongdoing. He attributed the FNM’s suspicions to procedural missteps during the advance poll, such as Mr. Campbell’s initial reluctance to place ballots in the designated box. However, Mr. Ingraham expressed confidence that Mr. Campbell had learned from these mistakes and would ensure a smooth election process.
Addressing FNM supporters at a rally, Mr. Ingraham urged them to focus on voter turnout rather than concerns about Mr. Campbell’s impartiality. He reassured the public that The Bahamas’ electoral system is robust, with sufficient safeguards to prevent election fraud. ‘Whoever wins on Election Day will win,’ he declared, emphasizing the country’s history of fair elections under various governing parties.
Mr. Campbell, who has extensive experience in overseeing elections both domestically and internationally, remains at the center of the debate as the Golden Isles by-election approaches.