These are interesting times, but also troubling times in India. India is rapidly approaching its 18th general election, and as the campaign for votes gains momentum, a serious apprehension is growing in a section of society and the academia that this might be the last election the country will see under the present constitutional framework; … Read more
Former Prime Minister Najib Razak is once again seeking to dilute the prison term he is serving for his role in the 1MDB scandal, filing a legal application to allow him to serve the remainder of his term under house arrest. In what The Associated Press described as a “surprise application” filed on Wednesday, Najib’s … Read more
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte allegedly made a “gentleman’s agreement” with the Chinese government for handling tensions in the South China Sea. Harry Roque, who served as Duterte’s presidential spokesperson, told the media this week that Duterte enjoined the Chinese government to observe the status quo in the disputed waters, which meant there would be … Read more
Much like the rest of Asia, political dynasties have long been a fixture in Thai politics. Just look at the current cabinet lineup. The tourism and sports minister is the daughter of former deputy commerce minister. The natural resources and environment minister is the brother of Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of Palang Pracharath Party. The … Read more
The Royal Thai Police announced yesterday that they will form a committee to investigate the deputy national police chief, who was arrested the day before on accusations of money laundering linked to an online gambling network. Gen. Kitrat Panphet, the acting national police chief, said that he would not immediately suspend Gen. Surachate Hakparn, who … Read more
Thailand’s Constitutional Court yesterday accepted a petition seeking the disbanding of the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), in connection with the party’s pledge to amend the country’s severe lese-majeste law. The court said that it agreed to take on a complaint filed by the Election Commission on March 12. The complaint requested that it disband … Read more
Ahead of the 2024 South Korean legislative election, the battle for public opinion rages, fierce and fractured, as new political parties are formed and dismantled seemingly overnight. Amid the political chaos, South Korean citizens will take to the polls on April 10 to elect the next National Assembly, South Korea’s legislative body. The upcoming legislative … Read more
With the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) electoral juggernaut looking to dominate the upcoming polls, the Indian opposition has responded by uniting to create a grand coalition: the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). We’re joined by Snigdhendu Bhattacharya and Gilles Verniers, who help break down the dynamics of the opposition alliance, their struggles against … Read more
Their days often began at the crack of dawn. They’d head out to a church, a temple, a park and set up a stall. They’d seek out seniors in particular, those who are perhaps the most vulnerable citizens of the information-saturated society that has enveloped them. To get people to stop and listen, they’d offer … Read more
The 2024 election bugle sounded in India with the announcement of dates for polls in the country’s 28 states and eight federal territories. The announcement, alongside the completion of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharatiya Jodo Nyay Yatra (BJNY) — “Unite India Justice March” — has once again brought to the fore discussion of the electoral prospects of … Read more