Diaspora

Indonesians Protest Against Government’s Attempt To Block Smaller Parties From Elections

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2024

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Indonesians Protest Against Government’s Attempt To Block Smaller Parties From Elections

Thousands of people in Indonesia have come together to protest against their government’s efforts to overturn a ruling by the constitutional court, which would allow candidates from smaller parties to challenge them in elections.

Demonstrators have assembled outside the parliament building in the capital city, Jakarta, as well as in other major cities like Padang, Bandung, and Yogyakarta.

On Wednesday, Indonesia’s highest court decided that political parties would not require a minimum of 20% representation in their regional assemblies to put forward a candidate. However, within 24 hours, parliament introduced an emergency motion to reverse this ruling, an action that has led to widespread criticism and concerns about a potential constitutional crisis.

The swiftly processed legislation, which will undo parts of the court’s ruling, is anticipated to be passed later on Thursday. It would preserve the current system, which benefits parties in the ruling coalition of the outgoing president, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, and his successor, Prabowo Subianto. Consequently, many local elections are expected to become uncontested.

The parliamentary decision also implies that a prominent government critic, Anies Baswedan, would be barred from standing for the powerful position of Jakarta governor. The Indonesian government is also seeking ways to bypass the constitutional court’s ruling to maintain the existing minimum age limit of 30 for candidates, which would prevent Widodo’s 29-year-old son, Kaesang Pangarep, from competing in a regional election in Central Java.

Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is the incoming vice president who ran on a ticket with Prabowo. Analysts suggest that the power struggle between Indonesia’s parliament, which is heavily influenced by Widodo’s supporters, and the country’s constitutional court could trigger a political crisis.

However, Widodo has downplayed the conflict, claiming that the amendments were part of the “checks and balances” within the government. One of the protesters, Joko Anwar, said the nation’s leaders seemed determined to cling to power. “Eventually, we’ll just become a powerless mass of objects, even though we’re the ones who gave them power,” he said. “We have to take to the streets. We have no choice,” he added.

On social media, blue posters featuring the words “Emergency Warning” above Indonesia’s symbolic national eagle have been widely circulated. According to Titi Anggraini, an elections analyst at the University of Indonesia, the parliamentary move to overturn the court’s decision is unconstitutional. “This is a robbery of the constitution,” she told BBC Indonesian.

Diaspora

Diaspora Diva – Duckie Thot

Published

7 days ago

April 4, 2026

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Duckie Thot has become one of the most recognisable faces in global fashion, admired for her striking beauty and strong presence on international runways. Born Nyadak Thot on October 23, 1995, in Melbourne, she is of South Sudanese heritage and grew up in Australia after her family fled conflict in South Sudan before her birth.

Thot first gained public attention in 2013 when she competed in Australia’s Next Top Model, finishing as one of the top contestants. Al-though the exposure helped launch her career, she initially struggled to secure opportunities in Australia, which she attributed to limit-ed representation for models of colour in the local fashion industry.

Determined to pursue her dream, she later relocated to New York, where her career quickly gained momentum. A breakthrough moment came when she was invited to work with Kanye West, leading to her runway debut at the Yeezy Spring/Summer 2017 show. Since then, she has walked for major fashion houses and featured in campaigns for brands including Fenty Beauty, Balmain and Moschino.

Her profile rose further when she starred as Alice in the 2018 Pirelli Calendar in-spired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The project, which featured an all-Black cast, celebrated diversity in fashion and helped cement Thot’s reputation as one of the industry’s most influen-tial models.Beyond modelling, Thot has also been vocal about di-versity and inclusion in the beauty and fashion world. Having once struggled to find makeup suited to her skin tone on photo shoots, she now advocates for broader repre-sentation behind the scenes and on the runway, inspiring a new generation of models to see themselves reflected

Diaspora

Diaspora Watch Vol. 86

Published

2 weeks ago

March 29, 2026

Excel Blogger

Diaspora Watch Newspaper Rolls Out 86th Edition

Diaspora Watch Newspaper announces the publication of its 86th edition, a robust compilation of major global developments, policy debates, and defining moments across politics, economy, and culture.

Diaspora Watch FREE Digital View: https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-86/

On Demand Print: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3294104?__r=1069759

SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE LINK BELOW !!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/

Leading the edition is a striking governance story from Madagascar, where the President has proposed the use of lie detector tests for cabinet members—an unprecedented move that has ignited conversations around transparency and executive accountability.

Also headlining the front page is the uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of engagement with Iran, a development that has triggered mixed reactions and heightened global attention amid already fragile diplomatic dynamics.

In Europe, Hungary has launched an official investigation following claims that its Foreign Minister was subjected to illegal wiretapping, raising serious questions about privacy, state surveillance, and political intrigue. In a related development, Trump has stirred further controversy after sharing a satirical skit mocking British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, even as sensitive discussions around the Iran situation continue.

On the international stage, China has cautioned the United States and Israel against escalating crises, invoking lessons from the Iraq War as a warning against the far-reaching consequences of military conflict.

From Africa, the World Health Organization has confirmed the deaths of 64 individuals in a hospital attack in Sudan, highlighting the deepening humanitarian emergency in the region. Additionally, African governments are intensifying efforts to regulate the digital economy, with new moves to tax online gambling platforms facing resistance from industry operators.

In the Caribbean, the private sector has lauded Afreximbank’s $5 billion investment pledge, describing it as a transformative initiative expected to strengthen economic cooperation and unlock new opportunities for growth within the region.

Completing the edition, the back page celebrates global pop culture, as bold, feather-inspired fashion takes center stage at the Oscars red carpet, reflecting creativity and evolving style narratives in the entertainment industry.

This edition reinforces Diaspora Watch Newspaper’s dedication to delivering authoritative journalism, in-depth analysis, and stories that matter to a global audience.

Stay Informed and ahead of the curve with the 50th edition of Diaspora Watch, where we explore the complex dynamics shaping our world and provide insights into the stories that matter.

Stay connected with the world around you – read Diaspora Watch today!

Celebrating African excellence and spotlighting pressing global issues.

#DiasporaWatch #AfricaInFocus #GlobalNews #CulturalVoices #AfricanPerspective

Diaspora

Zenith Bank to Host Diaspora Engagement, Banking Services for Nigerians in Texas

Published

2 months ago

February 19, 2026

diasporawatch

Zenith Bank to Host Diaspora Engagement, Banking Services for Nigerians in Texas

Zenith Bank Plc has announced a Diaspora engagement programme aimed at providing essential banking and identity services to Nigerians residing in the United States, with activities scheduled to hold in Houston and Dallas, Texas.

The initiative, according to information obtained by Diaspora Watch Newspaper, targeted at Nigerians in the diaspora, is designed to ease access to banking services and strengthen financial inclusion among citizens living abroad.

The programme will feature free Bank Verification Number (BVN) enrolment, National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, seamless account opening, account reactivation, and digital banking onboarding.

Diaspora Watch Newspaper further gathered that participants will also benefit from mobile and internet banking activation, instant debit card issuance, and access to mortgage products offered at concessionary rates.

The engagement will further provide a platform for interaction with IT experts, creatives, influencers, and other service exporters, in line with efforts to deepen diaspora participation in Nigeria’s economy.

The Houston leg of the exercise will take place at the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria on February 24, 25 and 28, 2026, while another session will hold at The Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, on February 26 and 27, 2026.

The Dallas session is scheduled for March 3, 4 and 5, 2026, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria.

Activities are expected to run daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Prospective participants have been advised to come along with valid proof of address as stipulated in the registration requirements.

Zenith Bank noted that the programme forms part of its ongoing diaspora banking strategy, aimed at supporting Nigerians abroad with convenient access to financial services and fostering stronger economic ties between the diaspora community and Nigeria.

For further enquiries, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Zenith Bank’s Diaspora Banking desk via WhatsApp or telephone, or through the official diaspora banking email.

Website: https://www.zenithbank.com

WhatsApp/call: +234 913 107 2967

Zenith Bank to Host Diaspora Engagement, Banking Services for Nigerians in Texas