Georgia: probes into alleged electoral fraud
01 Nov 2024
State prosecutors in Georgia are investigating possible election fraud following opposition claims that the results of the recent parliamentary elections were falsified. They will question president Salome Zourabichvili, a vocal critic of the election process; she has declared the results invalid due to a ‘Russian special operation’ – a charge denied by Russia. Joe Biden and the EU have expressed concerns over irregularities and democratic decline in Georgia. Although the ruling Georgian Dream party was declared the winner with 54% of the vote, the opposition condemned the results as a ‘constitutional coup’. International observers noted instances of voter intimidation, bribery, and ballot stuffing, but did not go as far as labelling the election as rigged. The electoral commission has defended the election as fair, but said that it would conduct a recount at a small number of randomly selected polling stations.
The UN has warned that global climate action is ‘falling miles short’ of what is required to avert economic and environmental catastrophe. According to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), current national plans would cut emissions by just 2.6% by 2030, whereas scientists assert emissions must decline by 43% by then to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. With the likelihood of keeping global warming within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels said to be ‘virtually zero’, there are calls for ambitious commitments before the upcoming COP29 summit in Baku. UNFCCC chief Simon Stiell notes that robust climate plans could generate economic growth, better health, and clean energy solutions. Poorer nations say they need increased financial aid from wealthier nations to transition from fossil fuels and manage climate impacts, while Greenpeace has called for urgent action to confront this huge challenge. See also Europe article about flash floods in Spain.
The recent decision by the Israeli parliament to ban UNRWA from operating in Israel and Gaza has met with widespread condemnation. Israel has justified the decision by citing alleged links between some UNRWA staff and Hamas, but said it will continue cooperating with other UN agencies on humanitarian assistance for Palestinians. UNRWA has been labelled a terrorist organisation, and all official contact with the Israeli government has been blocked. This decision, opposed by the USA and other nations, raises concerns over worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where more than 1.9 million have been displaced. A UNICEF spokesman has warned that without UNRWA, critical necessities such as food, water, and medicine could not be distributed effectively. That would likely cause the collapse of Gaza’s fragile humanitarian system.
As 5 November draws near, the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is extremely close, with Harris at 48% and Trump at 47% support according to a recent poll. Harris garners stronger personal support, especially on issues like reproductive rights, uniting the country, and protecting democracy, while Trump is seen as stronger on the economy, immigration, and foreign policy. Trump’s supporters focus on economic issues, particularly inflation, whereas Harris’ supporters prioritise protecting democracy. Both candidates have a gender divide in support, with independent women favouring Harris and independent men leaning toward Trump. The poll also highlights a nation divided on political violence: 77% believe current political discourse encourages violence, with more fearing escalation if Trump wins (57%) than if Harris does (42%). Emotions run high, with nearly equal numbers expressing fear (47% for Trump, 45% for Harris) and excitement (41% for Trump, 40% for Harris) depending on the winner. Both candidates inspire complex reactions, reflecting shifts from past elections and a broader concern about the country’s direction. For a discussion about what difference the result of the election would make, see
Cuba: misery caused by prolonged blackouts
01 Nov 2024
Cuba has had one of its toughest weeks in years, with a nationwide blackout leaving its ten million citizens powerless for days, alongside devastation from Hurricane Oscar. For many, energy shortages have become routine, but this prolonged blackout forced people to resort to firewood when regular gas supplies ran out. The government has blamed US sanctions for hampering infrastructure upgrades, while critics argue that mismanagement has directed funds to tourism instead of energy. President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned against protests, no doubt wishing to avoid a repetition of the widespread demonstrations over similar issues in 2021. The government suspended all non-essential work and schools for a week, to avoid another collapse on the grid. Electricity generation now meets only 60-70% of demand, and there has been a 25% production drop since 2019. Hurricane Oscar’s destruction further underscored the nation’s vulnerability, leaving Cubans braced for more challenges as the crisis continues.
An Indonesian woman known as Suzy has reportedly lost over RM4 million (£700,000) to a Malaysian-based foreign currency investment scheme. She began investing in 2020, and received a 20% annual return in 2021 and 2022. However, the company cited licensing issues last year and ceased dividend payments, leaving her unable to access her funds. She has now filed a police report, joining 69 others from Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei. An expert said that the scheme had resulted in estimated losses of RM100 million (£17.5 million) for over 500 Malaysian locals. He urged authorities to take this cross-border case seriously and take action to protect the country's good name from being seen as a fraud syndicate hub.
A tragic hotel collapse in Argentina has claimed the life of an elderly man and left seven to nine individuals missing. The ten-storey building, undergoing renovations, imploded in the early hours, tilting and damaging part of an adjacent structure. Over three hundred workers are conducting a challenging search using sniffer dogs, drones, and specialised equipment to locate survivors. The collapse caused widespread concern as locals described the disaster as sounding 'like a missile’, with nearby residents feeling intense vibrations before the building fell. Rescuers managed to save a 79-year-old woman, guided by her knocking sounds. Authorities said the hotel was operating renovations illegally, prompting the arrest of the foreman and three bricklayers. Meanwhile, anxious family members wait at the site for news of their loved ones.
Exalting Jesus in Ephesians
w/ Dr. Jason Hubbard
We invite you to be inspired, and to grow in your faith as you watch this series of nine video teaching sessions on "Exalting Jesus in Ephesians" led by Dr Jason Hubbard
Video Recording of Session III
Video Recording of Session VII