Northern Territory Government’s Post

#DPPconvention2024 Party convention season! The co-ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP)'s convention in Lilongwe that ended on August 10 set the pace. Next is the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) convention on August 17 - 18 in Blantyre. I was privileged to have taken part discussing DPP's convention in today's Daily Times newspaper. DPP's President and the country's immediate past President, Peter Mutharika, is expected to go unopposed. No doubt, the party will have a peaceful and successful convention. But the biggest task lies ahead; September 2025 general election. In the shadows of the dreadful 50+1 electoral system; who will the party attract as alliance partners? Already, the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) seems to have softened up its heart and mind for DPP. But this may not be enough. More partners will be needed, and this will be the greatest task for the new executive committee; seek partners, agree on a deal, and hammer a winning strategy. Let's wait and see.🇲🇼

#EDITORIAL: Minister for Bougainville Affairs Manasseh Makiba yesterday described our front-page report as “sensational and not worthy of the front page” but we reject his assertion and maintain that the report is and what it is. Read more here: ( https://lnkd.in/gz-zhrFT )

Instead of creating an enemy out of GPS in Sarawak, DAP should focus on institutional check and balance on the GPS-led Sarawak regional government. Where is DAP's shadow cabinet which the state chair had mentioned it before this? Why talk but no action? Members of the Shadow Cabinet does not have to be a state legislator since the number of DAP legislators had decreased in the last state elections. Coming up with a shadow cabinet to scrutinise the GPS government will do more good by addressing policy issues to check on errors of GPS ministers, propose alternative policies and pressure GPS for corrective actions. This is how an opposition should do? We are sure DAP should have the sufficient resources to undertake such roles in the legislature, isn't it so, DAP? https://lnkd.in/gKUnkTZs

SAMA-SAMA:  A New Path Forward to Confront the Threat of a Political Duopoly In commemoration of Akbayan Party's 26th founding anniversary, we are organizing a forum entitled "Sama-sama: A Forum on a New Path Forward to Confront the Threat of Political Duopoly" on January 30, 2024, Tuesday, at 9:00 AM. Our forum aims to address the urgent need for a "new way forward" to rebuild the broad ranks of the democratic and reform-oriented forces leading to the 2025 mid-term elections. This effort is crucial to effectively counter the imminent threat posed by a political duopoly or what we call “sila-sila governance,” epitomized sharply by the warring factions among the ruling elite, as well as efforts to amend the constitution for prolonged power. Our vision is to contribute to the creation of beacons of hope, guiding the nation toward a future where voters have a broader array of options beyond the confines of the rival factions within the political and economic elite. By fostering collaboration and instigating positive change, this forum seeks to jumpstart the reshaping of our national narrative, emphasizing shared aspirations that can pave the way for enduring prosperity and harmony for all. “Sama-sama,” as opposed to “sila-sila,” we believe we can chart a new course toward a truly resilient, progressive, and inclusive future. Speakers: ✳️ Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros Keynote Address ✳️ Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio "A Dangerous Dance: The Need to Defeat Cha-cha" ✳️ Former Senator Leila De Lima "The ICC and the Quest for Justice and Accountability:  Putting an End to Dutertismo" ✳️ UP Professor Emeritus Randy David "The 2025 Midterm Elections: Why the Stakes are High" ✳️ Edicio Dela Torre Atin Ito Co-Convenor "Lessons in Unity-building: The Historic Civilian Mission to the West Philippine Sea" ✳️ Rafaela David Akbayan President "Sama-sama: A Pluralist Response to the Marcos-Duterte Duopoly " #SamaSama #Akbayan26

FAOA Board of Governors Election live through 30 August Thanks to all of you who have elected to participate in the FAOA BoG election as nominees - the response was outstanding with 24 vetted candidates! The online election is now online as of last night 8 August through 30 August. This year’s nominee group is diverse in both composition, geography and experience. There is an even spread of active duty and prior service experience, and equal representation from the NCA (National Capital Area) as well as from CONUS/Overseas. All geographic FAO areas are well represented, with the following breakdown - INDOPACOM - 29%; EUCOM - 29%; AFRICOM - 18%; SOUTHCOM - 18% and CENTCOM - 6%. How to Vote Current members of the FAOA in good standing and registered on FAOA+Connect have already received ballots by email and will link you to the ElectionRunner platform to vote. If you are not a member of the FAOA, now is your chance to become a member and make your own impact in this vital process to guide the future of the organization!

BREAKING NEWS: Ningi Steps Down as Chairman of Northern Senators Forum ____ Senator Abdul Ningi has officially resigned from his role as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum. In a statement, Ningi cited the unfolding events in the National Assembly, the North, and the nation as a whole as the reasons behind his decision. “I will like to resign my position as the Chairman of Northern Senators forum. This is of course necessitated by unfolding events in the National Assembly, the North and the Nation at large. ... CLICK LINK FOR FULL ARTICLE #makesensepromotions #beyondbuzzbuildingbrands

On 9 June 2024, #Belgium elected not only the European Parliament but also a new national parliament as well as the three regional parliaments of Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels and the parliament of the German-speaking Community. The country has an asymmetrical party landscape with different political trends in Flanders and Wallonia: While the trend in the north is tending to strengthen in favour of the political fringes to the left and right of centre, the south of the country is moving further towards the political center. Read our analysis of the election outcome and the outlook here: https://lnkd.in/e4YZuHfT

Today marks a new era in the life of current parliament. There will be no opposition but independents who will use their own judgement and agenda to either support or oppose the budget. There will be no Fiji First and party directive how to vote and no one to draft your speeches. My only message to all the members of the parliament is not to think about today and your self interests but have a vision. Don't think of the life of this parliament or securing the next election, think and be concerned about securing the next generation. Think about the people who voted for you to represent them in parliament - it's about them and not about you. Focus on your purpose, passion, principles, the interests of the people and vision. Think about your roots and their upbringing and values that they have given you. Your behaviour and decisions you make in that temple of democracy is nothing but reflection of your upbringing. Think about your country, your people and your future generations and nothing else. Be guided by your principles and not your interests. God bless our country, our leaders and our people.

Regional parties v/s National Parties The regional parties are much much in focus these days . in the loksabha election 2024, they ( nearly 25 plus parties ) have, put togather secured as many as 210 seats ! As against this , the two national parties ( BJP and Congress ) have , put togather secured barely 330 seats . Forming of a government without the support from regional parties is impossible for either BJP or Congress . Now, just look at the regional parties... nearly 20 to 25 have less than even 3 to 4 seats . As a group, it is simple for them to shift their alliance from one national party to another without risking the disqualification clause because they are moving as a group ( even one or two members of a distinct party will be considered a group ). This proves the Arm Twisting strength of a tiny regional party in certain situations . This to my mind is not fair. The regional parties will have their regional priorities which will rule supreme over national priorities in some cases .This will make it very difficult to set national developmental priorities, in place . I wonder why these regional parties are allowed to be represented as a distinct party in the national assembly ? They have their role restricted to the legislative assembly . In the national assembly, they have to formally get aligned with one of the national parties and shifting their alliance should amount to disqualification of the member who intends to shift the alliance . This I believe will at least help in assuring some certainties and stability at the national level.

The provisional election result, which indicates a shift away from the major parties and a expanded crossbench, is indicative of a failure of the major parties to adequately address the real issues that matter to Tasmanians, those being cost of living, health and housing. A key takeaway from this initial result is the adversarial approach to politics is a thing of the past, and people quite rightly expect their government to work across the chamber to reflect the views of the community. Read more: https://lnkd.in/guAXzMv4