All articles tagged with #constitutional reform
El Salvador's congress approved reforms abolishing presidential term limits, enabling President Nayib Bukele to seek unlimited re-elections and extending his term to six years, amid criticism that this move undermines democracy and consolidates one-party rule.
Italy's government has approved a constitutional reform that would significantly increase the powers of the prime minister, allowing for direct election by the people for a five-year term. The proposal aims to ensure stability and guarantee that those in power are chosen by the people. Italy's traditionally weak prime minister role, combined with a fractious political landscape, has contributed to the country's political instability, with 68 different governments in the past 77 years.
Australians have rejected a proposed constitutional reform to recognize Indigenous people, as the "Yes" votes failed to reach the required threshold. The reform aimed to create an Indigenous advisory body called the "Indigenous Voice to Parliament." Opponents argued that the reform was divisive and ineffective, while supporters believed it would help reconcile the country. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended his decision to push for the referendum and expressed optimism for finding a new way forward. The vote may also have implications for misinformation, as a campaign spread through social media prior to the vote, sparking fears about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament becoming a third chamber of parliament.
Guinea-Bissau's opposition coalition, led by the former ruling PAIGC party, has won a majority in legislative elections, ending President Umaro Sissoco Embalo's plans to push through a change to the constitution that would have allowed him to consolidate power. The West African country has seen frequent political turmoil, with at least 10 coups or attempted coups since it gained independence from Portugal in 1974.
An alliance led by Thailand's progressive Move Forward party signed an agreement to draft a new constitution, end monopolies, and allow same-sex marriage, among other aims, but made no mention of a divisive royal insult law. The opposition Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties dominated last week's election and are seeking to form a coalition government with six other parties. The alliance's agreement includes most of Move Forward's flagship policies, such as a push for decentralization of power and budget and to "cancel monopolies and support fair competition in trade in all industries".
Mexico's Supreme Court has ruled that the transfer of the National Guard from civilian to military control was unconstitutional, dealing a blow to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador who created the security force in 2019. The National Guard was created to replace the disbanded federal police, but last year, Mexico's Congress passed legislation shifting control of the National Guard to the military. López Obrador had argued that it was the only way to avoid the corruption that engulfed the federal police.