democratic reforms

Germany's new citizenship reforms, effective June 27, 2024, allow for multiple citizenships, reduce residency requirements for naturalization, and ease access for children born to foreign parents. The changes aim to integrate long-term residents faster, including the 'guest worker' generation, without stringent tests. Critics fear cheapening of citizenship, while proponents emphasize social inclusivity and democratic values in the naturalization process.

28 out of 71 ministers in PM Narendra Modi's cabinet have criminal cases, including serious charges like murders and crimes against women. BJP ministers Shantanu Thakur and Sukanta Majumdar from West Bengal have murder charges against them. Suresh Gopi, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and Jual Oram also face criminal charges. Additionally, Amit Shah and Giriraj Singh have cases of hate speech.

412 crorepati candidates are contesting Odisha Assembly elections. ADR and Odisha Election Watch analyzed 1,283 candidates' affidavits. Average assets per candidate is Rs 2.89 crore.

Hearing an application filed by NGO 'Association for democratic reforms' (ADR) in its PIL pending since 2019 and seeking identical mandamus to EC, a vacation bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma said, "We are prima facie not inclined to grant interim relief as prayed for in the application..."

The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court that final voter turnout data is only provided to candidates or their agents, not to the public. The EC filed an affidavit in response to NGO ADR's request for public turnout figures. The Supreme Court accused ADR of creating entitlement by filing the application during an election period.

Protests outside Taiwan's parliament criticized government oversight backed by opposition parties. President Lai Ching-te faced accusations of undermining democracy, sparking tensions with the ruling party. The fractured legislature debated reforms proposed by the Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party. Key issues included parliamentary reforms, contempt of parliament, and defining false statements.

As India prepares for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, a total of 1,717 candidates are vying for victory across 96 constituencies spanning 10 states and Union Territories. Based on an analysis conducted by the Association for democratic reforms (ADR) of the self-sworn affidavits submitted by 1,710 out of the 1,717 candidates contesting in the fourth phase scheduled for May 13,

In Bihar's second phase of Lok Sabha elections, 12 out of 50 candidates have criminal cases, with 9 facing serious charges. RJD leads in criminal cases. Top 3 wealthy candidates have assets over Rs 15 crore.

Keir Starmer is the new UK PM after Labour's victory. Sunak resigned, meeting King Charles. Starmer, who will attend the NATO Summit, also has Jojo, his cat, joining 10 Downing Street, where Larry the cat resides. “Our work is urgent and we begin it today,” Starmer said. Labour had 412 votes and two seats were left to be declared at the time of going to press.

From Labour To Tories and newly formed outfits, all the key players have fielded Indian-origin candidates for the July 4 elections to UK's lower House

Britain's deputy prime minister warned Sunday that the country's upcoming general election faces threats from hostile actors such as Russia seeking to influence the UK's democratic process. "There is a threat in all elections, and indeed we see it in this election from hostile state actors seeking to influence the outcome of the election campaign," Oliver Dowden told Sky News. His comments came after the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that it had uncovered five Facebook pages spreading the same pro-Kremlin talking points.

ADR activists, lawyers and a retired navy officer were key to the Supreme Court striking down the poll funding scheme. Here is their journey towards a more accountable democracy

Recent Election Commission data reveals Congress leading in electoral bond receipts over Trinamool Congress (TMC). Despite Trinamool's initial advantage, Congress received more bonds. The data of 2017-18 and 2018-19 combined put the Trinamool ahead of Congress. A crucial period before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls showed significant differences in funding amounts.

Polls opened Sunday to elect a new Tokyo governor with incumbent Yuriko Koike challenged by opposition figure Renho, two prominent women in Japan's male-dominated political sphere. "I will implement genuine long-term fertility measures," said Renho, who is backed by Japan's main opposition parties.