presidential

The Complexities of Democracy in East Africa: A Personal Insight into Martha Karua’s Recent Deportation In an unsettling turn of events, renowned Kenyan lawyer and presidential candidate Martha Karua found herself detained in Tanzania, an action that raises questions about the state of democracy in East Africa. According to reports, Karua was held for three hours before being expelled from the country, a move her spokesperson confirmed. This incident occurred just as she prepared to observe the high-profile trial of Tindu…

Kenyan Presidential Candidate Expelled from Tanzania Martha Karua, a determined advocate for democracy and formidable lawyer, recently found herself unexpectedly expelled from Tanzania. Her journey there was intended to shed light on the trial of Tundu Lissu, a notable opposition leader facing grave treason charges. But the unfolding of events took a different, rather unanticipated turn. Karua, once Kenya’s justice minister, has consistently spoken against the "democratic backsliding" in East Africa. Her recent…

In a surprising turn of events, a distinguished diplomat has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency ahead of the 2026 elections. Essa Bokarr Sey, a seasoned figure who has represented The Gambia in various capacities—most notably as ambassador to France, Taiwan, and the USA—stands at the forefront of this political endeavor. However, his announcement does not occur in a vacuum. It emerges against a backdrop of significant controversy surrounding the recent revisions to the national constitution. The original…

In a world where development is often stymied by bureaucratic inertia, Sidi Ould Tah, the former Finance Minister of Mauritania, stands at the precipice of change. As he sets his sights on the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB), his vision for reform promises not just a shift in policy but a fundamental evolution in how the institution operates. Tah's aspirations will take center stage during the upcoming Board of Governors meeting in Abidjan, where critical decisions affecting the financial landscape of the…

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has announced his resignation following a decisive win by far-right opposition leader George Simion in the first round of the presidential election re-run. Ciolacu's own candidate faced a disappointing exit from the race. In light of the election results, Mr. Ciolacu declared that the centre-left Social Democrats will withdraw from the pro-Western coalition, effectively bringing it to an end. He noted, "This coalition is no longer legitimate," and emphasized that cabinet ministers…

Tidjane Thiam, a prominent figure in international finance and the former CEO of Credit Suisse, recently faced a significant setback in his political aspirations. Just a week after the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI) announced him as their presidential candidate, Thiam, currently 62, received notice of his disqualification from contesting the upcoming Ivorian presidential election, along with the inability to vote. This startling announcement underscores the complexities that often intertwine politics and…

On Sunday, voters in Romania will head to the polls for the second time in just six months to elect a new president. This repeat election follows a tumultuous political landscape and a significant decision made by Romania's constitutional court last December, which annulled the previous vote due to alleged campaign irregularities. The central figure in this heated debate is Călin Georgescu, a candidate who unexpectedly topped the first round of the November election. As a 62-year-old engineer and professor, Georgescu…

In a significant ruling that reverberated through the political landscape of Ivory Coast, a court recently determined that Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, was not eligible to run for office due to his registered French citizenship at the time of his electoral application. This decision, announced on a Tuesday, highlighted the contentious issues surrounding dual nationality and the complex legal framework governing Nigerian electoral candidacy. Thiam's legal team, in a statement provided to…

Mortar Attacks Close to Somalia's Presidential Palace Claim Lives and Devastate Many MOGADISHU, Somalia — As dawn broke over the vibrant city of Mogadishu on a seemingly ordinary Saturday, tragedy struck unexpectedly. Mortar shells descended upon several districts of the bustling capital, punctuating the morning stillness with chaos and sorrow. These attacks tragically claimed the lives of two individuals, including a bright-eyed 12-year-old girl full of dreams, and left five others nursing…

On June 3rd, South Korea will conduct its presidential election, as announced by the acting president following the removal of former leader Yoon Suk Yeol, who faced impeachment following a controversial declaration of martial law. Since December, the nation has been without a clear leader, a situation that arose when Mr. Yoon attempted to undermine civilian governance, leading to his swift impeachment by the National Assembly. In a decisive ruling last week, the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment, permanently…