Zimbabwean gold mining faces more elite manipulation

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mining ◽  
The State ◽  
Political Elites ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gold Market ◽  
Political Clout ◽  
Elite Level ◽  
Target Set ◽  
The Government ◽  
Production Target

Significance However, sectoral mismanagement and elite-level corruption has meant that this resource is allegedly enriching a handful of politically connected individuals, while impoverishing many and destabilising swathes of the country. The government has recently begun dismantling the sole trader of gold in the country, Fidelity Printers and Refiners (FPR), seemingly offering a boost to the local gold market. Impacts Most gold will continue to be smuggled out of the country, depriving citizens and the state of crucial revenues. Zimbabwe will not reach the 40-tonne-per-year production target set by the government by 2023. Gold militias controlled by political elites will be an increasingly important source of political clout in moments of crisis.

Florida voters react to Biden's Caribbean policy

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Electoral Politics ◽  
The State ◽  
Pivotal Role ◽  
Economic Recovery ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Connections ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
The Government

Significance Many areas of the Caribbean have trade, investment and family connections with communities in Florida. As the state now plays a pivotal role in US electoral politics, crises in the region can take on added political importance for parts of Florida’s electorate. Impacts Forecasts of short-term economic recovery for Florida remain highly uncertain given the continuing impact of the pandemic. Clashing interests across the Caribbean may demand greater coordination of US policy than the government can currently offer. Healthcare and disaster relief capabilities within the state are severely overstretched and could be overwhelmed by a new crisis.

Combating corruption in Pakistan

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feisal Khan
Keyword(s):  
The State ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Ruling Elite ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
British Colonial ◽  
The Government ◽  
Systemic Corruption ◽  
Institutional Capabilities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current state of corruption in Pakistan and evaluate attempts by the government to combat its entrenched corruption culture. Design/methodology/approach – The paper shows that Pakistan’s legacy of British colonial rule, its ethno-linguistic conflict and alternating civilian governments and military coups have weakened institutional capabilities, hindered capacity building and allowed systemic corruption to flourish there. Pakistan’s many anti-corruption efforts failed because they were used to attack political foes instead of strengthening institutional capabilities. Findings – Pakistan has maintained its highly authoritarian form of governance inherited from the British in 1947. The ruling elite view the state as a milch cow for their personal enrichment and this attitude is also reflected in the performance of its bureaucracy. Existing rules of conduct and administration are not enforced as citizens encounter corruption in their dealings with officials. At the policy level, key decisions are often made to benefit the decision makers. The paper concludes that without political will no significant improvement in the state of corruption in Pakistan is likely to occur. Originality/value – This paper will be useful for scholars, policy-makers and anti-corruption practitioners who are interested in corruption in Pakistan and whether the apparent institutionalization of parliamentary democracy has reduced corruption there.

Greek economy could slip into recession again

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Private Investment ◽  
The United States ◽  
Gdp Growth ◽  
Investment Climate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Real Gdp ◽  
Greek Economy ◽  
Target Set ◽  
The Government

Subject Greece’s stagnating economy. Significance The economy failed to turn a corner in 2016, registering zero real GDP growth. The ambitious 2.7% GDP growth target, set for 2017 by the government and Greece’s lenders, now looks hard to achieve. However, the economy’s stabilisation, albeit at a level much lower than before the crisis, is evident. Impacts A swift end to the bailout review might lift uncertainty and improve the investment climate, allowing both domestic and private investment. Inclusion into the ECB’s quantitative easing programme would help inject additional liquidity into the economy, stimulating credit growth. Over the medium term, rising protectionism in the United States and Europe might restrict trade, reducing Greek goods and services exports.

Mongolia mine move raises nationalisation fears

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Prime Minister ◽  
Public Support ◽  
The State ◽  
Russian Government ◽  
Mining Company ◽  
Foreign Investors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Parliamentary Elections ◽  
Main Obstacle ◽  
The Government

Subject The sale of the Erdenet mine. Significance The day before parliamentary elections in June last year, Prime Minister Saikhanbileg Chimed announced the sale of 49% of shares held by the Russian government in the Erdenet Mining Corporation and the Mongolrostsvetmet mining company to Mongolia Copper Corporation, an unknown private Mongolian company. Subsequent parliamentary inquiry concluded that the sale was unconstitutional and the government ordered the shares transferred to the state on February 16 this year. The government’s actions received wide public support while polls reveal that the electorate views corruption as the main obstacle to Mongolia’s development Impacts Talk of 'nationalisation' in the Western media threatens to derail Mongolia's efforts to fix its image and attract foreign investors. The unusual circumstances of the sale raise suspicions of corruption and collusion between Mongolia's previous government and largest bank. The new government's will to scrutinise sale demonstrates the strength of Mongolia’s democracy.

Congo’s political elites begin electoral manoeuvres

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Political Activity ◽  
Economic Recovery ◽  
Electronic Voting ◽  
Political Elites ◽  
Voting Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Un Peacekeeping ◽  
The Government

Significance PALU’s call is the latest in a flurry of recent political activity, as Congo’s political elites scramble to cement alliances based on a newfound belief that elections, delayed since 2016, are now becoming a realistic prospect. Impacts Electronic voting systems will increase the potential for fraud. The UN peacekeeping mission’s new mandate may feature strong words but few surprises. Congo’s slight economic recovery will bolster the government.

Elite rivalry could destabilise South Sudan's Dinka

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Group ◽  
Political Elites ◽  
General Malaise ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South Sudanese ◽  
Communal Relations ◽  
The Government

Subject Tensions among South Sudanese political elites. Significance In January, President Salva Kiir accused his former army chief Paul Malong Awan of fomenting a new rebellion. Even if this latest escalation in the standoff between the former allies does not result in armed hostilities, it could still destabilise the government, as well as communal relations within South Sudan’s majority Dinka ethnic group, to which both men belong. Impacts Salary arrears could accelerate possible army fractures. Unrest in Greater Bahr el Ghazal could aggravate a fragile humanitarian situation. General malaise in government may see further political fissures emerge.

Mauritania opposition crackdown aims at 2019 election

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
The State ◽  
The Political ◽  
Gold Mine ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Political Scene

Significance Journalists say the move is part of a wider crackdown that includes a judicial campaign against senate members who dispute the government’s right to abolish the upper house after winning a constitutional referendum on August 5. Officially, the focus of the crackdown is concern that an exiled businessman, Mohamed Bouamatou, may be financing opponents of the regime. However, the strategy also has a wider intimidatory effect on opponents and independent voices that might scrutinise the government. Mohamed Ould Ghadda, one of the most prominent critics, is already in jail, journalists and trade unionists have been subjected to questioning and the state prosecutor is pursuing other senators. Impacts The senate’s abolition removes a key institutional channel through which opponents can try to hold the government to account. Abdelaziz will become even more dominant on the political scene now that the senate has been shut down. The start of gas exports from the Tortue field in 2021 and expansion of the Tasiast gold mine will boost the government’s confidence.

Bolivia's business elites have shifted to Morales

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Business Groups ◽  
Political Stability ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
The Political ◽  
Political Elites ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Business Elites ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collaborative Working ◽  
The Government

Subject Government-business relations. Significance President Evo Morales’s government has established a collaborative working relationship with the country’s most powerful business elites that belies its leftist rhetoric. This is based on an understanding that while government offers large corporate interests favourable economic conditions, business groups will refrain from conspiring against the government in the political sphere. Thus, the government has managed to minimise the sort of pro-regional tensions that characterised its first term in office (2006-10), driving a wedge between economic and political elites. Impacts The economic policies pursued by the Morales administration will continue to prove, broadly, good for business. Smaller-scale businesses have been less beneficially treated, but lack political lobbying power. Avoidance of strife with the more powerful business groups will continue to help underpin political stability.

Mexico energy moves could cause lasting damage

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
International Agreements ◽  
The State ◽  
Private Firms ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Electricity Prices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resource Nationalism ◽  
The Government ◽  
Legal Procedures

Significance The moves are intended to strengthen the state-owned Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) -- a goal the government seems keen to achieve even if it means greatly restricting the activities of private firms. Impacts Aggressive resource nationalism risks spooking investors potentially interested in sectors other than energy. Higher electricity prices may eventually prove problematic for some economic activities, such as manufacturing and commerce. The government will probably face lengthy arbitration and legal procedures under trade and other international agreements.

Malawi’s Mutharika faces poll dispute storm

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Electoral System ◽  
Vice President ◽  
Power Sharing ◽  
Democratic Progressive Party ◽  
Court Cases ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Challenges ◽  
Elite Level ◽  
The Government ◽  
Progressive Party

Significance Incumbent President Peter Mutharika of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) narrowly won re-election, ahead of the main opposition candidates, Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and former Vice-President Saulos Chilima of the United Transformation Movement (UTM). The elections were marred by accusations of rigging, and both Chakwera and Chilima have launched court cases to overturn the result amid sizable post-poll protests. Impacts The opposition has ruled out power-sharing, but this may re-emerge as a compromise option should legal challenges fail. Opposition and civil society groups will increase calls for an amendment to the electoral system, with likely increased public backing. International donors will maintain pressure on the government over persistent budget overruns and elite-level corruption.

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