All articles tagged with #constitutional change
El Salvador's legislature approved changes to the constitution allowing President Nayib Bukele to serve unlimited terms, further consolidating his power and moving the country towards autocracy.
Australians have voted against a landmark referendum to recognize Indigenous people in the country's constitution. The proposal, known as the Voice, aimed to establish a First Nations body to advise the government on issues affecting their communities. The No campaign argued that the referendum would be divisive, while Yes advocates saw it as an opportunity for historic change. The result has sparked concerns about the rise of racist abuse and misinformation during the campaign. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for unity, stating that the referendum does not define Australians and that the country must move forward together.
Australians have voted against a referendum that aimed to recognize Indigenous people in the constitution and create an Indigenous advisory body. Preliminary results indicate that the majority of voters rejected the proposal, dealing a blow to hopes of modernizing the nation's founding document. Supporters of the Yes campaign argued that the change would address issues such as high rates of suicide, domestic violence, and incarceration in Indigenous communities. However, conservative parties criticized the proposal as lacking detail and unnecessary. The No campaign capitalized on voter apathy and fears of division, ultimately swaying public opinion. The outcome is seen as a rejection of reconciliation and self-determination for First Nations people, with lasting consequences for the nation.
Ambiguity in the language of Measure 113, a constitutional amendment passed in Oregon in 2022 to penalize lawmakers for walkouts, may factor into a looming legal battle. The amendment disqualifies legislators with ten unexcused absences from floor sessions from holding office for the term following the end of their current term. However, the language is unclear about when the disqualification would go into effect, leading to a potential loophole that could extend the political lives of affected senators. Republican lawmakers who walked out this session have reached the threshold of 10 unexcused absences and plan to challenge Measure 113 in court.