KAZAKHSTAN: Surprise election
Just weeks after the country’s one-party parliament approved a referendum to extend President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s current term to 2020, he decided to call a snap election for 3rd April. Opposition politicians have boycotted the “sham” elections, arguing they allow no time to campaign. Observers have suggested that Nazarbayev, who has ruled this energy-rich nation since 1991, was influenced by the Arab uprisings when he announced the vote in early February.
NIGERIA: Unsurprising election
Nigeria’s presidential, parliamentary and state elections, held between 2nd and 16th April, may signal whether the uprisings in north Africa have had an impact further south. President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian southerner, faces opposition from former military dictator Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim northerner, and former anti-corruption chief Nuhu Ribadu. Violence has already left dozens dead and the vote is expected, as usual, to be marred by corruption. Johnson’s ruling People’s Democratic party, which has been in power since the end of military rule in 1999, is widely expected to prevail again—although experts predict it could be a closer call this time.
FRANCE: Islamic headache
France’s governing UMP party will launch a national debate on the role of Islam in society, just one week before the burqa ban comes into effect on 11th April. The debate has attracted ridicule from Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s National Front, who claimed it would only boost her party’s popularity, and dissent from within the UMP, with ministers concerned that a “poorly prepared” debate would stigmatise Muslims. Concern over Islam’s place in France’s secular society has already become a campaign theme ahead of next year’s elections.
ITALY: Trial of the century
Silvio Berlusconi has pledged to appear in person for each Monday of the “Ruby Heartstealer” trial, due to start on 6th April. The prime minister, who is charged with paying for sex with a minor and abuse of office, is also involved in three other trials, for allegations of fraud and corruption. Berlusconi, who denies any illegal activity, says the trials are politically motivated and that he plans to show up for all of the hearings.
UNITED STATES AND CHINA: “Fake foreign devil”
Former Commerce Secretary Gary Locke takes up his new role as US ambassador to China on 30th April. Locke is of Chinese descent but has been labelled by Chinese bloggers as a “fake foreign devil” and a “traitor” who has “forgotten his ancestors” because he cannot speak Mandarin. As a champion of trade and US exports, his appointment underlines the Obama administration’s desire to improve its economic relationship with China. Yet it may not herald an entirely cordial future. Earlier this year Locke criticised China for not opening its markets, urging other countries to join the US “in getting China to modernise.”
Just weeks after the country’s one-party parliament approved a referendum to extend President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s current term to 2020, he decided to call a snap election for 3rd April. Opposition politicians have boycotted the “sham” elections, arguing they allow no time to campaign. Observers have suggested that Nazarbayev, who has ruled this energy-rich nation since 1991, was influenced by the Arab uprisings when he announced the vote in early February.
NIGERIA: Unsurprising election
Nigeria’s presidential, parliamentary and state elections, held between 2nd and 16th April, may signal whether the uprisings in north Africa have had an impact further south. President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian southerner, faces opposition from former military dictator Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim northerner, and former anti-corruption chief Nuhu Ribadu. Violence has already left dozens dead and the vote is expected, as usual, to be marred by corruption. Johnson’s ruling People’s Democratic party, which has been in power since the end of military rule in 1999, is widely expected to prevail again—although experts predict it could be a closer call this time.
FRANCE: Islamic headache
France’s governing UMP party will launch a national debate on the role of Islam in society, just one week before the burqa ban comes into effect on 11th April. The debate has attracted ridicule from Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s National Front, who claimed it would only boost her party’s popularity, and dissent from within the UMP, with ministers concerned that a “poorly prepared” debate would stigmatise Muslims. Concern over Islam’s place in France’s secular society has already become a campaign theme ahead of next year’s elections.
ITALY: Trial of the century
Silvio Berlusconi has pledged to appear in person for each Monday of the “Ruby Heartstealer” trial, due to start on 6th April. The prime minister, who is charged with paying for sex with a minor and abuse of office, is also involved in three other trials, for allegations of fraud and corruption. Berlusconi, who denies any illegal activity, says the trials are politically motivated and that he plans to show up for all of the hearings.
UNITED STATES AND CHINA: “Fake foreign devil”
Former Commerce Secretary Gary Locke takes up his new role as US ambassador to China on 30th April. Locke is of Chinese descent but has been labelled by Chinese bloggers as a “fake foreign devil” and a “traitor” who has “forgotten his ancestors” because he cannot speak Mandarin. As a champion of trade and US exports, his appointment underlines the Obama administration’s desire to improve its economic relationship with China. Yet it may not herald an entirely cordial future. Earlier this year Locke criticised China for not opening its markets, urging other countries to join the US “in getting China to modernise.”
