This Week in Politics
Arizona and Abortion
The Arizona state House of Representatives has voted to overturn the state's Supreme Court decision that an 1864 abortion ban was enactable. Creating the possibility of a repeal. It took 2 attempts for the GOP to bring forth the proposal last week. The Democrats rallied behind the bill. Only 3 Republicans (out of 31) in the House voted for the legislation whilst all 29 Democrats voted for the cause. The bill now moves to the state Senate where it is expected to pass and then be signed by the Democratic governor. The question is contentious and only a small number of Republicans dared vote with the Democrats after many GOP representatives stated their distaste for the defectors' decision. Abortion enjoys widespread support amongst Americans and the willingness of Republicans to uphold such bans and create new ones will surely benefit the Democrats with concerned voters. The GOP has taken on more than it can chew, making the Democrats' intended scary speculations a tangible reality that could rally support for President Biden in swing states.
North Macedonian Run-off
North Macedonia has held its first round of presidential elections. No candidate garnered over half the vote, meaning a run-off election will be held between the 2 most popular candidates. The right VMRO-DPMNE party candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova won a stunning 40%, double what the incumbent social democrat won. The final election is scheduled for May 8. A central question for the North Macedonian Presidential election has been EU membership. Both main parties wish to join the European Union, however, want to do so in different ways. Bulgaria has hindered the nation from joining, wanting the country to recognise its ethnic minority in the North Macedonian constitution. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of the VMRO-DPMNE believes the nation should first become a member and then change the constitution. Whilst the social democrats believe that amendments could be made beforehand.
Maldivian Dramatic Election
The pro-China People's National Congress (PNC) headed by President Mohamed Muizzu has made sweeping gains in the Maldivian legislative election. The Rayyithunge Majilis, People's Majlis (ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލިސް) functions as the nation's parliament. It holds a key place in creating and passing bills, something that President Mohamed Muizzu struggled with in the last People's Majlis as the pro-India Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held a majority. However, Mr Muizzu's party gained over 60 seats in a parliament of 93 total members, in other words, the PNC has a tremendous majority. The election is a testimony to the current widespread support the Maldivians have for the president and subsequently his party, the PNC. Since the presidential election of 2023, the PNC has begun a process of moving toward China, opposite to the prior focus on India. The election results showcase the public support for this policy, or at least see some benefit from it. The parliamentary election of 2019 reflected a similar result, however, for the MDP. Whether the PNC and Mohamed Muizzu can continue to hold power for a prolonged period is yet to be seen, however, currently at least his policies and governance are seemingly popular.
