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الوسم: referendum

  • Icelanders Decide Against Joining the EU

    Icelanders Decide Against Joining the EU

    Icelanders have voted to remain outside the European Union, according to broadcaster RUV on Sunday. The vote rejected a government effort to reopen EU membership negotiations, aligning with those who believe Iceland’s fishing waters are too crucial to risk.

    Although some votes are still pending from one constituency, they were not expected to alter the overall result. A rejection would disappoint officials in Brussels, as some considered Iceland a low-risk candidate that could help alleviate skepticism about EU expansion and bolster the bloc’s strategic stance amid rising Arctic security concerns.

    The government had portrayed joining the EU as a safeguard against trade conflicts and Arctic tensions, emphasizing a moment of urgency with a “now or never” approach. Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir warned that a “no” vote would set aside the question of membership for the foreseeable future. A government press conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. (1300 GMT).

    Decades-long discussion over membership
    Iceland first sought EU membership in 2009 during a financial crisis that severely impacted its small economy. Negotiations halted in 2013 under a government skeptical of EU accession.

    Recent geopolitical instability—such as conflicts in the Middle East and U.S. tariffs—has renewed interest in whether Iceland should join the bloc. Proponents of joining argue it could lower interest rates and provide more security amid global uncertainties like the Ukraine war and threats to Arctic territory, including remarks from then-U.S. President Donald Trump about Greenland.

    Opponents believe EU membership could undermine Iceland’s sovereignty and fishing rights. The referendum has sparked a national debate about the country’s place on the world stage. After voting in the capital on Saturday, Prime Minister Frostadottir expressed relief that Iceland finally has the chance to weigh in. She added her government will proceed with its plans regardless of the voting outcome.

    Economic concerns: interest rates and cost of living
    Discussions have largely centered around interest rates, fishing rights, and living costs rather than security. Iceland is battling high inflation and mortgage rates, which have made borrowing expensive. Supporters of joining the EU—and possibly adopting the euro—say it could help stabilize the economy. Currently, Iceland’s central bank interest rate stands at 8%, compared to 2.25% set by the European Central Bank.

    Economist Vilhjalmur Hilmarsson from the largest labor union, Viska, noted that while EU membership wouldn’t resolve all of Iceland’s structural issues, it could serve as a catalyst for a healthier economy. Meanwhile, opposition leader Gudrun Hafsteinsdottir challenged this, asserting that Icelandese politicians need to address these problems independently rather than rely on the EU.

    Voter Ragnhildur Skarphedinsdottir, 70, emphasized Iceland’s ability to stand on its own. Before casting her ballot in Reykjavik, she stated, “Staying independent gives us a bright future.”

    Under EU regulations, fishing quotas are based on historical fishing activity, which some officials believe would allow Iceland to retain control over its waters, since no EU countries have fished there in recent decades. Hafsteinsdottir, however, disagreed, warning that despite promises of flexibility from the EU, deeper commitments could threaten Iceland’s sovereignty over its fishing grounds.

  • Rain Doesn’t Dampen Khalistan Referendum Turnout in Indianapolis

    Rain Doesn’t Dampen Khalistan Referendum Turnout in Indianapolis

    Members of the Sikh community speak to attendees during a referendum supporting the formation of Khalistan in India. — Reporter

    INDIANAPOLIS: A Khalistan referendum took place in Indianapolis, Indiana, organized by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Officials stated that members of the Sikh community traveled from various cities and states to vote.

    Despite rain, voters, including women and families with small children, continued to arrive at the polling site. The organizers announced that voting would go on until 6 p.m., with the final tally expected shortly afterward.

    Participants chanted slogans supporting Khalistan and called for the liberation of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Ghazala Habib, chair of Friends of Kashmir, spoke at the event. She noted she was the only non-Sikh invited to address the crowd and highlighted chants for Kashmiri independence during her speech.

    Vikramjit Singh, involved with the Khalistan referendum effort, explained that the initiative started in 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first vote was held in London on October 31, 2021, where, he claims, thousands of Sikhs participated.

    Since then, voting has occurred across several countries, including the UK, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, and Canada. In Canada, three votes took place in Toronto, two in Vancouver, and one in Calgary.

    In the U.S., previous referendums were held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Indianapolis became the latest American city to host the vote.

    Singh estimated that approximately two million Sikhs worldwide have participated in the referendum process so far, though this number couldn’t be independently verified.

    He also accused the Indian government of injustices against Sikhs, citing violence targeting the community, the destruction of the Akal Takht in 1984, and the exploitation of Punjab’s economic resources.

    Singh advocated for a complete overhaul of India’s federal system, believing fundamental political changes are necessary for lasting peace. These views align with the campaign’s stance and were expressed during the event.

    He emphasized that the movement aims to achieve its goals through peaceful, democratic means, seeking a binding referendum in Punjab that could lead to tangible political results.

    Organizers promised that more details, including the total ballots cast in Indianapolis and future steps, would be announced after voting concluded. They also revealed that the next Khalistan referendum was tentatively scheduled for October 18 in Canada, though the specific city was not clearly specified.

  • Switzerland Considers Population Cap of 10 Million Votes Pending

    Switzerland Considers Population Cap of 10 Million Votes Pending

    Switzerland held a referendum on Sunday to decide whether to implement a proposal that would cap the country’s population, a move compared to Britain’s Brexit vote, with potential significant impacts on its economy and its relationship with the European Union.

    The initiative, driven by worries over immigration, strain on public services, and housing shortages, was proposed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP). It aims to limit the population to no more than 10 million by 2050, with official forecasts indicating this threshold could be reached as early as the early 2040s.

    This radical approach to legislating population limits aligns with a growing trend among Europe’s political right to tighten immigration controls, motivated by frustrations over rising costs of living, sluggish economic growth, and security concerns.

    Helen Gulea, a 58-year-old seamstress and part-time kiosk worker in Zurich, originally from Kenya, expressed her support for the cap. She said, “If the population exceeds 10 million, it will get tight, and immigration should be restricted.” Voting results were expected to start emerging around noon.

    If the proposal passes, reaching the 10 million mark would trigger steps that could lead Switzerland to revoke its free movement agreement with the EU, which provides the framework for much of the country’s labor force. Switzerland’s aging population has already surpassed 9 million, and public opinion appears to be closely divided. Recent polls indicated a shift against the measure, while earlier surveys suggested it could pass.

    Patrick Leisibach, an immigration specialist at the think tank Avenir Suisse, noted widespread concern about overcrowding placing excessive pressure on public infrastructure. He added, “There’s a traditional anti-immigration vote on the right, but nowadays, many on the left are feeling the weight as well.”

    Switzerland’s system of direct democracy means citizens vote on national referendums roughly four times annually, requiring a majority vote and support from a majority of cantons for approval. The government and parliament have urged voters to reject the so-called “sustainability initiative,” warning it could jeopardize Switzerland’s export-driven economy during a delicate period.

    Johanna Alves, a 33-year-old student, voted against the proposal, worried about its possible repercussions. “I work in an international environment, and I fear it could be in danger if this passes. It would also be disastrous for our economy, healthcare, and research,” she said.

    Last year, the U.S. under President Donald Trump imposed the highest tariffs on Swiss goods in Europe, highlighting how population policies could influence corporate planning. SVP lawmaker Thomas Matter argued that Switzerland’s rising prosperity hasn’t kept pace with increased immigration, and the country needs to slow things down.

    Months before Trump’s return to power, Switzerland signed agreements with Brussels to deepen economic ties with the EU—agreements that might be threatened if a population cap leads to the suspension of free movement.

    While Swiss voters have historically rejected measures harmful to the country’s long-term economic interests, recent decisions have been less predictable. In 2014, voters narrowly approved an SVP-backed measure to limit EU immigration, though its implementation was later softened through legislative adjustments.

    In the event the populist initiative passes, certain aspects, like the potential termination of free movement with the EU, could face further referendums, according to private sources. Some SVP members claim that the proposal isn’t intended to end free movement but is meant to serve as a wake-up call. Heinz Taennler, an SVP politician and finance director for the canton of Zug, stated, “I don’t want to end free movement. Another million people can still move here, but the government must take action.”

  • Early Results Show Tight Race in Bangladesh Election Amid High Voter Turnout

    Early Results Show Tight Race in Bangladesh Election Amid High Voter Turnout

    Tens of millions of Bangladeshis cast their votes in a crucial national election, with early results indicating a close contest between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, as counting commenced on Thursday. The election, the first since the youth-led uprising of 2024 that ousted long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saw both coalitions vying for control amid hopes of stability, especially after months of protests disrupted daily life and major industries, including the vital garment sector, the world’s second-largest exporter.

    Counting started shortly after polls closed, with trends expected to be clear by midnight and full results by Friday morning, according to officials from the Election Commission. The main contest is between two alliances led by former allies, BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, with polls suggesting BNP holds a slight lead. Early data shows BNP leading in 10 seats and Jamaat-e-Islami in seven of the nearly 20 most-anticipated constituencies. Bangladesh’s parliament has 300 seats, with 151 needed for a majority.

    Voter turnout is on track to surpass the 42% recorded during the 2024 election, with reports indicating that over 60% of registered voters have cast ballots. Both leading candidates—BNP’s Tarique Rahman and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Shafiqur Rahman—expressed confidence in their chances. Rahman told reporters, “I am confident I will win. People are enthusiastic about voting,” while Shafiqur Rahman called this election a “turning point” for Bangladesh and emphasized the public’s desire for change.

    Opposition leader Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League has been banned from participating, and she remains in exile in India, an ally of Bangladesh. This situation has opened avenues for Chinese influence amid strained relations between Dhaka and New Delhi. Critics say elections under Hasina have often been marred by boycotts and intimidation. She dismissed the current vote as a “carefully planned farce,” accusing it of lacking genuine voter participation and claiming her supporters rejected the process. She called for the election’s cancellation, the lifting of bans on the Awami League, and the restoration of voting rights under an impartial caretaker government.

    Alongside the ballots, a referendum on constitutional reforms was held, focusing on establishing a neutral interim government, restructuring parliament into a bicameral system, increasing women’s representation, bolstering judicial independence, and limiting prime ministers to two terms. More than 2,000 candidates, including many independents, vied for office, marking a record number of parties contesting. Voting was postponed in one constituency due to a candidate’s death.

    Security was heightened but no major violence was reported. Approximately 958,000 personnel from police, military, and paramilitary units were deployed nationwide, with most polling stations guarded by armed forces. Voters described the atmosphere as freer and more celebratory than previous elections. For example, Mohammed Jobair Hossain, 39, expressed excitement about voting freely after 17 years and said, “Our votes matter and have significance.” Other voters in Dhaka noted the election felt festive, with some polling places displaying messages such as “Vote without fear” on mounted police horses.

  • Bangladesh Sets National Election Date for February 12

    Bangladesh Sets National Election Date for February 12

    Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections on February 12, following the recent unrest that prompted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government to flee to India last year. The country’s Election Commission announced the date this Thursday, marking the first nationwide vote since the deadly student protests.

    Since then, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has managed the Muslim-majority nation of 173 million people. However, mounting dissatisfaction over stalled reforms has sparked new protests and deepened political divisions.

    On the same day, a referendum on the proposed “July Charter” — a comprehensive reform plan developed after the unrest — will also take place, according to Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. The charter aims to make significant changes to state institutions: reducing executive power, boosting the independence of the judiciary and election authorities, and curbing the influence of law enforcement agencies.

    The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is widely considered the main contender in the upcoming elections. They are competing alongside Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamic party, which has re-entered electoral politics after restrictions were eased by the interim government.

    Jamaat was previously unable to contest elections due to a 2013 court ruling that found its registration conflicted with Bangladesh’s secular constitution. Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party, formed by student leaders after the 2024 protests, trails behind BNP and Jamaat, struggling to turn street activism into electoral success.

    Hasina’s Awami League, which is barred from running this election, has issued warnings of unrest if the ban isn’t lifted. Voters are focused on key issues such as restoring democratic governance, revitalizing the economy—a sector hurt by the disruptions affecting the export-driven garment industry—repairing strained relations with neighboring India, addressing corruption, and safeguarding media freedom.

  • Yunus Announces Bangladesh Referendum on Reform Charter

    Yunus Announces Bangladesh Referendum on Reform Charter

    Bangladesh’s interim government has approved the July National Charter, aiming to reform the nation’s politics, constitution, and institutions. The government plans to hold a national referendum on the charter, which was drafted after last year’s student-led protests, to determine its implementation. Muhammad Yunus, leading the interim administration, announced that the referendum will coincide with the parliamentary elections scheduled for early February. He emphasized that this concurrent scheduling could enhance the election’s vibrancy and efficiency without delaying reforms.

    The July Charter proposes significant changes, including greater representation for women, limits on the prime minister’s tenure, expanded presidential authority, enhanced fundamental rights, and increased judicial independence. While most political parties signed the charter in October, the National Citizens Party—formed by leaders of last year’s protests and several left-leaning groups—boycotted it, citing concerns over the absence of a legal framework ensuring the implementation of the charter’s commitments.

    Supporters view the charter as a cornerstone for institutional transformation, although critics worry that without legal backing or broad parliamentary consensus, its effects could remain largely symbolic. Yunus expressed hope that political parties will accept the move in the national interest, projecting that the country will transition toward a lively election and a “New Bangladesh.”