The search for a direct causal connection from public opinion to specific policies, including gun control, may be like hunting for the holy grail. Many factors influence how legislation gets passed.
Zimbabwe’s youth are most affected by democratic processes, but they appear to be the least interested.
Reuters//Siphiwe Sibeko
In a survey of 80 teens and college-aged Americans, most said they’d experienced physical or emotional distress before and after the 2016 presidential election.
Young people walk in front of a billboard in one of Jakarta’s malls.
Reuters/Beawiharta
Jan Leighley, American University School of Public Affairs and Jennifer Oser, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Citizen activists can influence the policy positions of their elected representatives. Their activism might well counter the advantages of the wealthy in America.
Tasmania’s ageing population matters because as people get older they become more reliant on the services provided by governments (for example pensions, health and aged care).
Dave Hunt/AAP
Population growth for growth’s sake (as a proxy for economic growth), without consideration for the demands this creates might actually compromise Tasmania’s economy.
A new analysis shows STEM majors tend to vote less than others. But researchers say the relationship between a college major and voter turnout is not necessarily cause and effect.
Political parties have increased the numbers of female legislative candidates. But the numbers of elected female legislators haven’t significantly increased.
Reuters/Beawiharta
Ella S. Prihatini, The University of Western Australia
Indonesia obliges political parties to have at least 30% of women candidates in their legislative candidates list. But then why this hasn’t significantly increase women’s electability?
Judges in North Carolina just threw out the state’s congressional district map. The decision could have major implications for the future of partisan gerrymandering across the US.
New ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa shortly after hearing he’d been elected to the top job.
EPA/Kim Ludbrook
Brought to its knees by the recklessness of the Zuma presidency, the South African economy needs a new deal. The ANC’s new leader Cyril Ramaphosa needs to act quickly if he’s going to make his mark.
If only expensive documents such as passports are acceptable forms of identification at polling stations, many people may be denied their democratic rights. Free voter cards are essential.
A strong judiciary isn’t enough to keep democracy in place. Kenya’s Supreme Court decision nullifying the re-election of Uhuru Kenyatta is a case in point.
Reuters/Baz Ratner
The past 12 months provided further evidence of the danger of democratic backsliding in Africa. But it also saw powerful presidents suffer embarrassing setbacks in a number of countries.
Congolese soldiers arrest anti-government protester in North Kivu province.
Kenny Katombe/Reuters
President Joseph Kabila was supposed to step down at the end of his term in 2016. By clinging on to power he threw the Democratic Republic of Congo into a vicious cycle of deadly conflict.
It’s still unclear whether Zimbabwe will manage an effective transition to participatory democracy and freedom. And the current signs are not encouraging.
The political troubles of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe comes with lessons for his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma.
REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
The unfolding misfortunes of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe hold key lessons for his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma who faces the possibility of a forced exit.