Politics – The Singapore Post

Thailand’s “double standards” and Thaksin’s parole are causing ire among political parties.

19Feb

By Nectar GanNo Comments

Thailand’s “double standards” and Thaksin’s parole are causing ire among political parties.

Critics are concerned that conflict could ensue if Thaksin remains ‘above the law’ amid mounting speculation of his return to politicsLast year’s poll appears to show Thailand is moving away from old-style populism associated with Thaksin and his family The parole of ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is proving as divisive as his time in power, with critics on the left and right of Thai politics saying justice has not been served by the release of a man who has turned the wheels of the kingdom’s chaotic politics more than any other figure over the last 20 years.The 74-year-old’s circuitous journey from a political star and champion of the poor to a fugitive nemesis of the elite – and now an elderly returnee to Thailand allowed to live at home – was captured in an Instagram post by h

The military continues to control Pakistani politics as the country’s election approaches.

24Jan

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Politics, World

The military continues to control Pakistani politics as the country’s election approaches.

In the lead-up to upcoming general elections in Pakistan, the country’s Human Rights Commission has voiced significant concerns about “pre-poll rigging” and the “blatant manipulation” of the electoral process. The Feb. 8 elections are apparently unlikely to be conducted in a fair and free manner. Pakistan has a history of electoral engineering, with the military often playing a pivotal role as a “kingmaker.” This consistent military interference in Pakistani politics explains current fears about the integrity of the democratic process in the upcoming elections and beyond. The military’s holdFor more than three decades in Pakistan’s 76-year history as an independent nation, the powerful military establishment has wielded significant influence. Even during periods when the milit

India-Maldives dispute: “We can’t guarantee every country will support us; politics is politics,” says Jaishankar

15Jan

By Nectar GanNo Comments

Politics, World

India-Maldives dispute: “We can’t guarantee every country will support us; politics is politics,” says Jaishankar

Amid the ongoing diplomatic row with the Maldives, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently said that “politics is politics” and that “it can’t be guaranteed that every country will support or agree with India every time” even as he highlighted India’s continuous efforts to build global connections. “But, seriously, as a solution, what we have been trying to do in the last 10 years, with a lot of success, is to build a very strong connect, so that, though the politics may go up and down, the people of the country, the society, generally have good feelings towards India and understand the importance of having good relations with India,” the minister said. Jaishankar was speaking at a conference in Nagpur on Saturday, a day before the Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu set

PM Tobgay’s Return And The Revitalization Of India-bhutan Relations

14Jan

By Stuart WhiteNo Comments

Asia, Politics

PM Tobgay’s Return And The Revitalization Of India-bhutan Relations

In a recent parliamentary election, Bhutanese voters have chosen the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to lead the nation, securing 30 of the 47 National Assembly seats. Led by former Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, the PDP's victory marks a return to power after a five-year stint in opposition. Tobgay's notable conservation advocacy, coupled with Bhutan's commitment to a democratic journey, is evident as voters undertook arduous Himalayan journeys for a two-stage electoral process. This political shift reflects Bhutan's evolving democracy, underscored by strict regulations addressing social media's influence, making Tobgay's return a testament to experienced leadership's enduring appeal. PM Tobgay's Vision for Economic Recovery and Strong Bhutan-India Ties Tshering Tobgay, Bhutan's r...

<strong>MDP’s Resounding Victory: Charting New Courses Amid Diplomatic Strains in Maldives Politics</strong>

14Jan

By Stuart WhiteNo Comments

Asia, Politics

MDP’s Resounding Victory: Charting New Courses Amid Diplomatic Strains in Maldives Politics

In a setback for Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), secured a decisive victory in the Mayoral election in the capital, Male. The electoral landscape further tilted as Azim secured an impressive lead with 5,303 votes after counting 41 ballot boxes, while Aishath Azima Shakoor, Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) candidate, garnered 3,301 votes, according to a report from the Maldives' Sun Online news portal.[1] Aftermath of this dramatic poll, one cannot ignore the glaring impact of the ill-fated statements made by three deputy ministers of the Muizzu government against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.[2] These derogatory remarks, which stirred diplomatic tensions and sparked a heated exchange in Maldives, impacting electoral fortunes of M...

Sheikh Hasina’s Fifth Term And The Transformative India-bangladesh Partnership

10Jan

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Asia, Politics

Sheikh Hasina’s Fifth Term And The Transformative India-bangladesh Partnership

Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has etched her name in history by securing a fifth term in office after her Awami League swept the recent national elections. At the age of 76, Hasina once again reaffirmed her status as the world's longest-serving female head of government. She clinched her fifth term in power with a decisive victory in Sunday's general election, marking a remarkable journey that includes four consecutive terms. With 223 seats secured out of 299, her Awami League party achieved a comfortable majority, cementing her dominance in the country's political sphere. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wasted no time in congratulating his Bangladeshi counterpart on this landmark victory, celebrating both her personal achievement and the successful conduct of the electi...

<strong>China may be liking Hamas-Israel conflict for geopolitical gains</strong>

8Jan

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Asia, China, Politics

China may be liking Hamas-Israel conflict for geopolitical gains

As the international community struggles to put an end to the ongoing Hamas-Israel war amid chaotic and complex global political moves, China’s role in the entire conflict is becoming clearer as it deepens. While China’s stand has been ambiguous, some emerging evidence suggest Beijing may desire the Gaza conflict continues for geopolitical reasons. China offered to work on a plan to end the Hamas-Israel conflict even as it vetoed the resolution for UN action on the Gaza conflict.[1][2] “China is looking to play a diplomatic role by calling for calm and de-escalation and – at the same time – showing strong support for Palestine,” said Sanam Vakil, Middle East expert at London-based Chatham House. “This should be seen sort of opportunistically.”[3] Beijing appears to have tried to inc

India-russia Relations: Historic Ties, Navigating Challenges, And Future Collaborations

8Jan

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

Asia, Politics

India-russia Relations: Historic Ties, Navigating Challenges, And Future Collaborations

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar initiated a five-day visit to the Russian Federation on December 25th, 2023. On December 27, Dr. Jaishankar held separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. His visit falls within the framework of the frequent high-level exchanges between the two nations, covering the full spectrum of the two countries' bilateral relations, with a special focus on key areas like trade, energy, defence, and connectivity. The visit, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs, offered a valuable platform to review ongoing collaborations across various domains, ranging from trade and economics to energy and defence. Highlighting the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" that binds India and Russia

<strong>The Struggle for Democratic Equilibrium: Pakistan’s Ongoing Election Conundrum</strong>

8Jan

By Stuart WhiteNo Comments

Asia, Politics

The Struggle for Democratic Equilibrium: Pakistan’s Ongoing Election Conundrum

Pakistan's much-anticipated General Elections awaited after nearly a six-month delay following the dissolution of the National Assembly in August 2023, are yet again marred by political discord. The Senate's recent announcement of an indefinite postponement, citing "security concerns" and the ongoing delineation of constituencies following the latest census, arrives amidst a mere 15 members out of 100 in attendance. This recurring postponement raises serious questions about power dynamics in both Pakistan's internal landscape and its global political standing, potentially brewing a societal crisis. It is notable that the last general elections in Pakistan took place in 2018. The intricate relationship between democracy and hypocrisy is emblematic in Pakistan's tumultuous journey toward...

<strong>BNP is trying to keep Bangladeshi voters away from the polling booth</strong>

3Jan

By Stuart WhiteNo Comments

Asia, Politics

BNP is trying to keep Bangladeshi voters away from the polling booth

The design is as clear as daylight. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its ally hardline Islamist forces want to sabotage the Parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. They are not participating in the general election scheduled on January 7 and are instead resorting to large-scale violence. The aim is to dissuade voters from exercising their franchise and assume power through the backdoor. Boycotting elections and resorting to violence is an old and preferred twin tactic of the BNP. They adopted this path during the 2014 election as well but without much success. The history may repeat itself in 2024. At a time when the country’s Election Commission (EC) is taking every measure to ensure a free and fair election, and the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government is extendin

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