Libya unity government will probably prolong its term

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Main Task ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
National Elections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Popular Support ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
Is Security ◽  
The Government

Significance The Government of National Accord in Tripoli had handed over power on March 16. The ceremony means Libya now has its first unified government since 2014. The new government has a short mandate: its main task is to hold national elections on December 24. However, it faces many challenges, including ensuring that a constitutional framework exists for such an election and that there is security for it to take place. Impacts Dbeibah’s decision to keep the defence portfolio himself demonstrates the sensitivity of security issues. Infrastructure development may be the key way for Dbeibah to generate popular support and build a patronage network. The government may expedite oil infrastructure programmes in order to increase production and use the proceeds.

Venezuela's Maduro gains breathing space, for now

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Selection Process ◽  
Socialist Party ◽  
Bolivarian Revolution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Assembly ◽  
Parliamentary Elections ◽  
Popular Support ◽  
Broad Base ◽  
Breathing Space ◽  
The Government

Significance The party base of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) began the process of nominations for primaries that will be convened in June to select candidates for the 2015 National Assembly elections. The government enters the selection process on the back of a rise in popular support catalysed by perceived US aggression and Maduro's strong anti-imperialist narrative. Impacts The broad base of the PSUV nominations process contrasts with MUD plans, fuelling doubts over MUD divisions. Chavista 'battle units' will nominate four candidates, a strategy that is boosting waning enthusiasm for the Bolivarian Revolution. The primaries process strengthens the government's commitment to the parliamentary elections, the date of which has yet to be set.

Invalid Hungarian referendum will gain Orban little

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Prime Minister ◽  
Constitutional Amendments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Popular Support ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Eu

Subject The Hungarian government's anti-immigration stance. Significance Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his government have been campaigning against the wave of migrants seeking refuge in Europe, and the EU's handling of the resulting crisis. The government hoped a referendum on October 2 would reject EU settlement of non-Hungarians in Hungary without parliament's consent. With a turnout of less than 50%, the referendum is null and void. Orban's Fidesz party nevertheless claimed victory, as 98.6% of those who cast a valid vote opposed relocation. Impacts The opposition to Fidesz will be able to frame the referendum as its first victory since 2010 and try to build unity on that basis. Fidesz will be unable to extend its popular support on the basis of these results. The EU is unlikely to react forcefully to constitutional amendments in Hungary, given Brexit and elections in France and Germany.

Myanmar's partial ceasefire faces precarious future

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Armed Groups ◽  
National Elections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National League ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Military

Subject Outlook for Myanmar's ceasefire process after eight ethnic armed groups agreed to sign up. Significance Myanmar's government will sign a ceasefire agreement on October 15. Despite the deal's "nationwide" title it covers only eight of 15 ethnic armed groups, raising security and political concerns ahead of national elections on November 8. Impacts The government will push for current non-signatory ethnic armed groups to join the ceasefire. The National League for Democracy will foster links with ethnic groups, anticipating the post-election period. The military vote may be used to manipulate the election's result.

Iraq’s Shia parties will hawk nationalist credentials

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sharp Increase ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
National Elections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Break Up ◽  
The Government

Significance The Kurdish referendum has complicated Abadi’s efforts to win reselection after provincial and national elections, expected in April 2018. Abadi -- an Arab Shia -- is vying for voters within a fractured Shia constituency. The referendum, which could break up the country, is deeply unpopular among the Shia base; Abadi, however, needs an alliance with the Kurds to confront Shia political rivals. Impacts The referendum is likely to go ahead, and could prove a flashpoint. Iraq will boost diplomatic engagement with Washington, Riyadh and Ankara. Mainstream Shia parties will work together to limit the rise of Shia militia leaders. A sharp increase in IS terrorist attacks could undermine faith in the government.

Nigerian banks will struggle to repeat 2017 results

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
National Elections ◽  
Treasury Bills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Balance Sheets ◽  
Domestic Debt ◽  
The Government ◽  
Run Up

Subject Nigerian banking sector. Significance Some of Nigeria’s largest banks made significant profits in 2017 despite the country’s recession, benefitting mainly from high-yielding Nigerian Treasury Bills. This is unlikely to be repeated this year, with yields falling as the government replaces expensive domestic debt with cheaper Eurobonds, and banks attempt to shore up their balance sheets. Higher oil prices will help this process, yet many smaller banks are struggling to replicate their larger rivals' success. Impacts A restructuring of telecommunications company 9Mobile’s loan would benefit banks' non-performing loan numbers. Any uptick in Niger Delta insecurity could negatively impact banks, as most have significant loans with the upstream oil and gas sector. The CBN may issue more loans via commercial banks to small businesses and farmers in the run-up to next year's national elections.

Bolivia's regional elections auger poorly for MAS

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
The Political ◽  
Santa Cruz ◽  
Legislative Elections ◽  
Demographic Trends ◽  
National Elections ◽  
La Paz ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Natural Gas Prices ◽  
The Government ◽  
Regional Elections

Significance On the basis of exit polls and preliminary rapid counts, the MAS has clearly suffered an electoral reverse. However, in line with previous sub-national elections, this reflects the problem the party has in selecting sufficient candidates at that level who command widespread support. For the opposition, the election represented something of a recovery from its poor showing in last October's presidential and legislative elections. Impacts Demographic trends will further underline the political and economic strength of Santa Cruz vis-a-vis La Paz. The downturn in natural gas prices will mean that the government will have less money to redistribute to sub-national tiers of government. Costas has reaffirmed his position as Morales's chief political foe, but his appeal beyond Santa Cruz is limited.

Private funds to underpin Ecuador infrastructure push

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Private Investment ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Political Challenge ◽  
Basic Services ◽  
The Government ◽  
Regional Elections

Subject Infrastructure politics. Significance In its efforts to improve Ecuador’s infrastructure, President Lenin Moreno’s government has turned to the private sector and international organisations. Infrastructure development is a key political challenge for Moreno, particularly given the substantial improvements made in this area by his predecessor and ally-turned-rival, Rafael Correa. The government is also grappling with corruption networks and embarking on a long-term programme of fiscal consolidation -- two factors that look certain to complicate matters further for Moreno. Impacts Infrastructure will be a key topic in next year’s regional elections, especially projects relating to basic services. Private investment and public-private partnerships will help the government limit the rise of public overseas debt. The opening of Quito’s new metro will put pressure on Guayaquil’s local government to pursue major new developments.

Greece’s Syriza may lose 2019 vote to come back later

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Opinion Poll ◽  
National Elections ◽  
Government Bonds ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pension Reforms ◽  
International Investors ◽  
The Government ◽  
To Come ◽  
New Democracy

Significance The minority Syriza government has declared its intention to row back from tax and pension reforms to regain popularity ahead of the upcoming polls and the autumn national elections. Since its rushed-out programme, the 11-percentage-point opinion poll lead that opposition New Democracy (ND) had built up has nearly halved, but Syriza has angered its international creditors, who see it as having reneged on post-bailout commitments. Impacts EU partners could revoke debt repayment concessions forcing the government to call on reserves. Interest rates on government bonds will rise as international investors fear a return to fiscal uncertainty. The electorate could turn from Syriza over the longer term, because of its repeated policy U-turns.

The causes of poor infrastructure management and maintenance in South African municipalities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Odwa Mazele ◽  
Christopher Amoah
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
South African ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Infrastructure Management ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Property ◽  
The Government ◽  
Development And Management

PurposeInfrastructure development and management form the central part of the government's commitment and responsibility to deliver essential services to the communities. However, much focus has been placed on the development aspect, with very little focus on the management and maintenance aspects, causing service delivery problems. This study explores the causes of poor management of immovable municipal infrastructure in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was adopted; thus, a sample of 15 participants consisting of senior municipal workers, local organizations and forums in Ngqushwa Municipality in Eastern Cape were identified and interviewed. The interview data were analyzed using thematic content analysis to determine the common themes and the frequencies.FindingsThe study's findings indicate numerous causes of poor municipal infrastructure management, including lack of funding, lack of capacity, poor planning and oversight, lack of By-laws, grant dependency and corruption. The municipality's failure to address these issues has resulted in increased service protests, destruction of public property, interruption of services and loss of confidence in municipal administrations.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study concentrated on one municipality, the findings may be applicable to other South African municipalities.Practical implicationsTo provide efficient services for the inhabitants to curtail aggravated service delivery protests, there is an urgent need for the municipalities to institute effective measures to manage and maintain the infrastructure that serves the communities.Originality/valueThe study has identified the factors underpinning ineffective management of the municipalities' facilities and the resultant's effects. Thus, the findings will guide the government and the authorities on the infrastructural management strategies for effective service delivery.

Rising crime will test Uganda’s security sector

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Security Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
Police Investigations ◽  
The Government

Significance The identities and motives of the attackers remain contested, and police investigations are ongoing. However, two opposition legislators have been charged in connection with the murders, although the charges are widely seen as politically motivated. Impacts Growing insecurity will provide fodder for opposition critiques of the government. The government’s crumbling legitimacy will undermine efforts to persuade Ugandans to rally behind the flag on security issues. The fragile post-pandemic economy may face more shocks as perceptions of instability discourage investment.

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