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Tag: Democracy


The news media has a vital role as both a conduit and a filter of the news, writes Ibrahim Olalekan, 27, a Correspondent from Abuja in Nigeria, who argues the news media must exercise responsibility and standards in fulfilling that role. McQuail (2005) says that the term “gatekeeping” has been widely used as a metaphor to describe …

“Gate keeping in the Nigerian media” Read More »

As Kenya’s 2017 election approaches, Joshua Orawo, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kenya, has been thinking about elections in Africa and the customary tendency of candidates to resort to their communal-support bases in anticipation of any election. Certain intricacies surround any general election in Africa, and they are not exclusive to Africa. One of these is …

“The social contract stands breached…” Read More »

Nigerians voted for change in the most recent election, but as Emmanuel Olutokun, 23, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria writes, change has to come from both the leadership and the people.  Nigeria’s present administration rode into power on the mantra of change. Many Nigerians did buy into it because the insight was apt, but …

“In this campaign, where does change begin?” Read More »

Will Nicholl, 23, a Correspondent in London, UK, notes that in the aftermath of the events of the last six months, commentators have done their best to find patterns through which to make sense of the world. He argues for the need to take a longer viewpoint. Tempting though it is to pivot the narrative onto …

“Take your narcissism, the left didn’t do it” Read More »

The findings of the ‘Kenya Youth Survey Report’ provide revealing information about the integrity of Kenyan youths and the next generation, writes Paul Odhiambo, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya, as he explains the background and recommends ways to restore integrity. The Kenya Youth Survey study shows 50 per cent of Kenyan youths …

“Ensuring integrity in Kenyan youths” Read More »

As the residents of tiny Tobago consider more legislative autonomy, Latoyaa Roberts-Thomas, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, looks at the practical and legal implications. The island of Tobago, with a population of approximately 60,000 persons, has a unique political arrangement with its counterpart, Trinidad, within in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. …

“Tobago’s quest for internal self-government” Read More »

by Diyaulhaq Bin Usman The custom of older men and women dominating the government of the people is annoying, as it tends to mean the youths are sidelined and not included in running the affairs of a nation. This custom can be said to have robbed the youths of their right to vote and be …

“Are youths not worthy of being leaders?” Read More »

Millions of Ghanaians turned out on December 7 to elect a new set of parliamentarians and a president who would govern the country for the next four years. Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Ghana, cast his ballot and reflects on the positive experience of a well-run national election.  As a first-time voter, …

“Ghanaians have a lot to make them proud” Read More »

10 December is observed by the international community as International Human Rights Day, to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. Although the UDHR is not a binding human rights document, it has inspired more than 60 human rights instruments which together have created the international standard …

CYHRDN celebrates Human Rights Day 2016 in Bangladesh Read More »

While there is some debate about the role of the Privy Council, Jake Elson, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, argues that the critical function of justice is best determined by those who are directly affected. ‘The administration of Justice is the firmest pillar of Government’. This quote, in a letter by retired …

“The Privy Council in 21st century justice” Read More »