Latest news with #elect
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Time for councillors to take back control
Conservative councillor Phil Doggart This week the voters in Craiglockhart and Fountain-bridge have the opportunity to elect a new councillor. But what will that councillor do once they walk into City Chambers for their first meeting in August? Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Last week's council meeting was always going to be tetchy with the presentation of Kevin Dunion's report, but it exceeded expectations. My group leader, Cllr Iain Whyte, covered the 'who decided what and when' story of the Tour de France funding in his Friday column. Of course, no one knows who decided what and when, but there were some very nervous officers in City Chambers on Thursday, as councillors 'expressed their concerns'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We also had references to the Integration Joint Board. Every councillor will have received correspondence from organisations whose grants have been cut, threatening excellent services to the old, the ill, the lonely and others who depend on support during life's challenges. Former Scottish Information Commissioner Kevin Dunion Part of the problem here is how the unelected and seemingly unaccountable have responded to councillors. In November 2023, all five parties agreed to re-negotiate the relationship between the IJB and its funding partners, the council and NHS Lothian. What has happened to that negotiation? Not a lot - despite repeated requests for updates. It seems what councillors decided is not really that important, if you measure importance by officers doing what councillors decide. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Other issues raised included the lack of enforcement of rules agreed by councillors for BBQs in parks and why decisions affecting one ward have not been followed through. It isn't just Le Tour, it is everyday decisions that matter. Some of my colleagues may have mocked when I suggested we take back control, but it is a serious point. There are excellent councillors of all political colours who know what they were elected to do. They do their best, but all councillors must ensure decisions taken are implemented. I hope the excellent Mark Hooley joins our group after the by-election. But whoever wins, my wish is they will join the group of councillors determined to ensure we are the decision-makers. Conservative councillor for Liberton/Gilmerton ward
Filipino Times
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
House members decry Senate's return of impeachment articles as ‘unconstitutional, insulting'
Incoming House prosecutors and several lawmakers strongly criticized the Senate's decision to return the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives, calling the move 'unconstitutional,' 'insulting,' and a dangerous precedent. Akbayan Rep.-elect Chel Diokno and Mamamayang Liberal Rep.-elect Leila de Lima, both set to join the prosecution team, condemned the remand, accusing the Senate of violating constitutional principles. 'This is a blatant abandonment of the Constitution,' said Diokno. De Lima questioned the legal foundation of the Senate's actions: 'Where does a court dismiss a complaint without first hearing both sides?' Members of the Makabayan bloc echoed these sentiments. ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro argued that the Senate had no authority to return the articles, stating, 'Our role is done. The Senate, as a co-equal chamber, cannot demand explanations from the House.' Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas warned that the move would further erode public trust in democratic institutions, while Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel accused the Senate of shielding corrupt officials through political maneuvering. House Assistant Minority Leader Gabriel Bordado Jr., a signatory to the impeachment complaint, said the remand was deeply disappointing. 'This has never happened before. It's insulting to the House, which fulfilled its constitutional duty,' he said. The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, opted not to dismiss the case outright. Instead, 18 senators voted in favor of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's amended motion to return the articles to the House, without terminating the proceedings. In February, the House impeached Vice President Duterte with 215 votes, citing graft, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
MK proposes major constitutional changes: land, elections, compulsory military service
The MK Party's proposed constitutional amendments seek to reclaim land, recognize indigenous languages, and prioritize South African citizens, framing the Constitution as a transformative tool for justice and sovereignty. Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Media The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has submitted a comprehensive set of proposed constitutional amendments to the Constitutional Review process for 2025 that will see changes to how South Africa elects its leaders, land redistribution, a state bank and compulsory military service. The party says its proposals aim to "affirm national sovereignty" and reframe South Africa's Constitution as a "transformation document which puts the interests of the citizens first and addresses historical injustices committed against the indigenous majority." According to MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, 'South Africa belongs to all its citizens, united in our diversity.' This revised clause sets the tone for the rest of the proposals, which the party frames as citizen-centred and de-colonial in nature. Key among the proposed amendments is the revision of Section 25 of the Constitution to allow for land expropriation without compensation. The MK Party argues the current framework protects the property rights of the beneficiaries of "colonial and apartheid land theft" and forces the state to compensate for stolen land. The land issue remains deeply contentious in South Africa and has drawn international attention. This comes after President Donald Trump controversially claimed there was a genocide in South Africa. This claim resurfaced when a second, small group of white Afrikaners quietly arrived in the US under Trump's offer to resettle them amid false claims of white genocide and persecution. IOL reported that during a high-level meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa last month, Trump asserted that he had received numerous complaints about the treatment of Afrikaners, alleging brutal murders and land seizures. These claims were widely criticised by the South African government as unfounded and inflammatory. The MK Party also wants to introduce direct presidential elections, giving voters the power to elect the president outside party structures, without abolishing party-based processes. Language inclusion is another focal point. The MK Party proposes that Khoi and San Nama languages be officially recognised, aiming to safeguard indigenous heritage. The party also proposes enshrining the right to full employment, rather than just access to job opportunities. In the realm of marriage, the MK Party seeks to constitutionally differentiate traditional marriages from other unions, classifying the latter as civil unions while maintaining their full legal protections. In terms of public services, the party proposes prioritising South African citizens ' access to healthcare, housing, and education. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Earlier this week ActionSA's parliamentary leader, Athol Trollip, said his party also seeks to amend sections of the Bill of Rights to limit the state's obligation to non-citizens. Trollip said: 'The current universal application of Section 26 has led to unintended consequences,' referencing municipal housing pressures. He further cited health clinics in Johannesburg reporting that over 70% of patient files belong to foreign nationals and that court-ordered school enrolments are straining education resources. The MK Party also proposes restricting citizenship rights to those born of two South African citizen parents and limiting voting rights to individuals with only South African citizenship, citing a need to "ensure patriotism and allegiance to the South African Republic." The party wants to introduce term limits for ministers, premiers, and mayors to promote accountability. It proposes relocating Parliament from the Western Cape to align with the executive and judiciary, arguing this move will harmonise governance structures. In line with promoting national identity and discipline, the party calls for compulsory military service for citizens aged 18 to 25. Another major shift proposed is the nationalisation of strategic mineral resources and the creation of a sovereign wealth fund to manage and distribute the nation's mineral wealth equitably. The MK Party also supports establishing a state bank with constitutional authority to print currency, which it says will contribute to the decolonisation of the economy and end the monopoly of white capital. The party further proposes realigning Chapter Nine institutions by merging the Office of the Public Protector with the Special Investigating Unit and elevating the National Prosecuting Authority into a Chapter Nine institution. It says these changes will improve the functionality and coordination of oversight institutions. 'These amendments seek to strengthen a citizen-centred constitutional dispensation to forge a constitutional arrangement that puts the citizens first,' said Ndhlela. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PML-N's Hina Arshad Warraich wins PP-52 Sialkot by-election
Listen to article Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Hina Arshad Warraich has secured a decisive victory in the PP-52 Sialkot by-election, winning 78,419 votes, Radio Pakistan reported. Her closest rival, Fakhir Nishat Ghumman, was significantly behind with 40,037 votes, according to unofficial results from all 185 polling stations. PTI has decried alleged rigging. Congratulations to Hina Arshad Warraich. I hope she will carry the legacy of her father and that legacy is helping the people of the constituency. Good luck 🍀 #PMLN — Sunny 🏆🇵🇸 (@Its_SuNnYzzZ_77) June 2, 2025 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated Warraich on her success, describing the victory as a clear reflection of public trust in the government's policies. Both leaders expressed their gratitude towards the electorate for showing overwhelming support for the ruling party. The by-election, which was closely watched, further strengthens PML-N's position in the Punjab Assembly, with analysts pointing out the magnitude of Warraich's victory as a significant political win for the party. Earlier, she was leading with 78,702 votes in PP-52 Sialkot by-elections, according to unofficial and incomplete results from 165 out of 185 polling stations received in the late hours of Sunday. Hina was fielded as the ruling party's candidate in the by-elections announced after the death of MPA Chaudhry Arshad Warraich, who had won the seat in the Feb 8 general elections on the PML-N's ticket. Hina held a clear lead over candidates from other parties, including the PTI-backed independent candidate Fakhir Nishat Ghumman, who secured 39,018 votes, according to the unofficial tally. Speaking to a private TV channel, Hina said the people did not elect her for politics but for service. "I stand here today because of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz," she stated. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who also belongs to Sialkot, visited the residence of Hina Warraich. Addressing party workers, he thanked those who participated in the election campaign across Punjab, adding that based on results from 165 polling stations, Hina is securing a decisive victory. "Sialkot was, is, and will remain a stronghold of the PML-N," he said. PTI's Central Secretary for Information, Sheikh Waqas Akram, during a press conference in Islamabad, however, alleged that the by-election in PP-52 Sambrial witnessed "thuggery under police patronage". "The turnout at our rally in Sambrial was unforgettable. People came out early in the morning to protect the mandate, but the PML-N's goons resorted to violence," he claimed. He alleged that under police protection, PTI supporters were forcibly removed from polling stations and subjected to violence. "PML-N forcibly entered polling stations and cast fake votes," he said. PPP Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also accused the PML-N of resorting to rigging in a press conference held in Sambrial. "The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) must take notice of the rigging in the PP-52 by-election. Our polling agents and workers were attacked in Roliya, Begowal, Mitranwali, and Babundoki Chamiyan. "Local PML-N leadership should not have resorted to such actions this undermines the credibility of the entire electoral process," he added. Elections should be free and fair. Our people were harassed and forced out of polling stations." PPP General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza also claimed that the PML-N cannot contest elections "without siding with the umpires". The 2024 elections, he said, witnessed the worst rigging in history." After the press conference, the ECP issued a statement describing Raja Pervaiz Ashraf's allegations of rigging in PP-52 Sialkot as baseless. It advised PPP leaders to file a formal complaint with solid evidence. "The ECP will address all complaints promptly," it said, adding that the reports about the administration shutting down various polling stations are completely false.
Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PML-N leads in Sialkot by-elections
PML-N's Hina Arshad Warraich was leading with 78,702 votes in PP-52 Sialkot by-elections, according to unofficial and incomplete results from 165 out of 185 polling stations received in the late hours of Sunday. Hina was fielded as the ruling party's candidate in the by-elections announced after the death of MPA Chaudhry Arshad Warraich who had won the seat in the Feb 8 general elections on the PML-N's ticket. Hina held a clear lead over candidates from other parties including the PTI-backed independent candidate Fakhar Nishat Ghumman, who secured 39,018 votes, according to the unofficial tally. Speaking to a private TV channel, Hina said the people did not elect her for politics but for service. "I stand here today because of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz," she stated. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who also belongs to Sialkot, visited the residence of Hina Warraich. Addressing party workers, he thanked those who participated in the election campaign across Punjab, adding that based on results from 165 polling stations, Hina is securing a decisive victory. "Sialkot was, is, and will remain a stronghold of the PML-N," he said. PTI's Central Secretary for Information Sheikh Waqas Akram, during a press conference in Islamabad, however, alleged that the by-election in PP-52 Sambrial witnessed "thuggery under police patronage". "The turnout at our rally in Sambrial was unforgettable. People came out early in the morning to protect the mandate, but the PML-N's goons resorted to violence," he claimed. He alleged that under police protection, PTI supporters were forcibly removed from polling stations and subjected to violence. "PML-N forcibly entered polling stations and cast fake votes," he said. PPP Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also accused the PML-N of resorting to rigging in a press conference held in Sambrial. "The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) must take notice of the rigging in the PP-52 by-election. Our polling agents and workers were attacked in Roliya, Begowal, Mitranwali, and Babundoki Chamiyan. "Local PML-N leadership should not have resorted to such actionsthis undermines the credibility of the entire electoral process," he added. "Elections should be free and fair. Our people were harassed and forced out of polling stations." PPP General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza also claimed that the PML-N cannot contest elections "without siding with the umpires". The 2024 elections, he said, witnessed the worst rigging in history." After the press conference, the ECP issued a statement describing Raja Pervaiz Ashraf's allegations of rigging in PP-52 Sialkot as baseless. It advised PPP leaders to file a formal complaint with solid evidence. "The ECP will address all complaints promptly," it said, adding that the reports about the administration shutting down various polling stations are completely false.
