Introducing the 44th edition of The PEP Weekly Digest, where we present to you the most recent updates and news on the global political stage.

Recent and upcoming elections influence the worldwide political landscape in eight nations, slated between March 17, 2024 and April 19, 2024. These elections hold significant importance, as they will determine the direction and governance of each respective country’s future.

One noteworthy event has occurred in Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s planning minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka appointed as the African nation’s first woman prime minister, state television announced. An economist, she takes over as prime minister from Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, following President Felix Tshisekedi’s sweeping re-election on December 20. Tshisekedi officially triumphed with 73.47 percent and the vote passed largely peacefully in a country long torn by violence and instability. The opposition branded the ballot a sham. Voting was officially extended by a day due to logistical snarls and polls were open for days after in remote areas. Parties supporting Tshisekedi garnered more than 90 percent of the seats in parliament, allowing him to legislate with ease. The new prime minister will be tasked with pushing the president’s declared priorities of employment, youth, women and national cohesion for the nation of about 100 million people.

Shifting our focus to Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono has been sworn in as the eleventh President of Malta in a state ceremony at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta. Trumpeters from the Armed Forces of Malta sounded a fanfare and a 21-gun salute was fired from the Saluting Battery to mark her entering the office. She took an oath, swearing to uphold the consititution, during a ceremony at the Throne Room. Delivering her speech, the new president said she intended to be “visible and accessible” throughout her five-year term. “I will not interfere or speak about everything. I will speak out whenever I feel there’s the need to do so. I wish the next five years to be a presidency of the people and for the people.” Spiteri Debono highlighted the need for politics that seeks dialogue, persuasion and compromise.

In Nigeria, Former Deputy Governor of Kwara State Elder Peter Kisira died at the age of 74. Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who broke the news in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaiye stated that he is sad to receive reports of his death. Similarly, Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has mourned the death of the former Deputy governor who served him during his two terms as governor of Kwara state described him as a stateman and an accomplished politician. According to the press statement issued by Governor AbdulRazaq CPS,,”On behalf of the people and government of the state, Governor AbdulRazaq sends his heartfelt condolences to the people of Baruten and the family of Elder Kisira, whom he urges to take solace in his fine legacies as a public servant and a bureaucrat who rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary in the state’s civil service.

In the realm of regulatory affairs, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has launched the first centralised digital platform to facilitate sharing of customer information among financial institutions (FIs) to combat money laundering (ML), terrorism financing (TF) and proliferation financing (PF) globally. The Financial Services and Markets (Amendment) Act 2023 (FSMA) and accompanying subsidiary legislation, which set out the legal basis and safeguards for such sharing, came into effect at the same time.

Shifting our attention to legal advancements, in United States, in a significant development within Los Angeles City Hall, former Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan has been found guilty of engaging in a comprehensive corruption scheme. The federal jury delivered a verdict convicting Chan of racketeering, bribery, fraud, and providing false statements to investigators. This decision came swiftly, less than a day following the conclusion of closing arguments. Chan’s sentencing has been scheduled for June 10.