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Thailand: Flood Maps and Disaster Monitoring Tools · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Last year, news reports described the flooding in Thailand as the worst that ever hit the country in many decades. But the flooding is worse this year. Most of the provinces are flooded, dams have reached their retention capacity, and the country’s premier industrial estate is completely inundated. The disaster center said that it already received 100,000 calls with most of the callers asking for updates on the floods.
Flooded Temple. Photo from Pailin C
The official flood situation report identifies the roads affected by the floods and the capacity of major dams:
75 main highways in 18 provinces are flooded and cannot be passed. 192 rural roads in 29 provinces are not passable.  All the 18 North-bound (railway) routes are cancelled
The capacity of Major Dams:
– Bhumibol Dam: it reached 99 Percent of retention capacity.
– Sirikit Dam: it reached 99 Percent of retention capacity.
– Kwae Noi Dam: it reached 100 Percent of retention capacity.
– Pasak Dam: it reached 136 Percent of retention capacity.
– Ubonrat Dam (Khon Kaen Province): it reaches 120 Percent of retention capacity.
– Lampao Dam (Kalasin Province): it reaches 100 Percent of retention capacity
The rising floodwater is also caused by the release of water from overflowing dams. Bangkok Pundit asks why the water in the dams was not discharged earlier:
There was a delay in discharging water and once the dam started to become too full, they suddenly had to discharge a lot of water starting in August. Why was this water not discharged earlier?
Will we receive an explanation as to why so little water was discharged in the dry season leading to the dams becoming fuller and fuller to the point that such a large daily discharge was required in the rainy season once the flooding had already started?
In an earlier post, Global Voices featured some of the online maps which were created to monitor the floods. The Google Crisis Response page links to other useful maps and web pages that provide information about the floods. For example, below is the map of the severely affected flooded areas:
Below is the map of shelter areas:
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research or UNITAR has a report on the flood waters over Nakhon Nayok, Thailand based on analysis of satellite data. Another map identifies the critical areas targeted for sandbagging operation:
Satellite image of flooded areas in Thailand
The relevant twitter hashtags are #bkkflood, #thaifloodeng, #thaiflood. Here are some reports and reactions
@greatamm: Just reckon that if we don't have those all kind heart volunteers.What's happening in BKK right now? How these gov. handle it??#ThaiFloodEng
@noomniim: Wishes that some people would think about the worries of other people and not always put themselves first.
@worramon: Now 500,000 labour workers are jobless due to the flood and closedown of all factories
@georgebkk: Flooding near Bangkok has taken about 25 percent of the world's hard disk manufacturing capacity offline
@tulsathit: RT @veen_NT: And according to FROC, Navanakorn Industrial Estate is now 100% flooded.
George posted in a forum about the need for the government to reveal the real situation:
The Thai army together with hundreds of volunteers has launched a massive rescue operation in Nava Nakorn, but it risks being overwhelmed by the sheer scale of problem. Tonight, four districts in eastern Bangkok are under a foot and a half of water– an area twice the size of Singapore. If an extensive system of temporary levees are breached – this situation will get much worse.
I spoke to a senior government official. He told me “the situation is critical.” He had seen the data, he said, but said the government didn’t want to release it for fear of “panicking people”. I think many here would rather be forewarned.
Tweet Yourself Thai wants more accurate information:
If one thing, apart from its sheer scale, has been a feature of this catastrophe it’s been the confusion over just what the status of the inundation is. With various conflicting reports coming from all angles – not just social media but within and between governmental departments – it’s been hard to know how well informed we all are.


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Trinidad & Tobago: Children & the Internet · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

In the wake of a controversy in which a teacher was allegedly involved in a sexual relationship with a student [the situation came to light because of photos he posted online], blogger Mark Lyndersay posts an interview in which he discusses ways in which parents can help manage children's use of the Internet.

source: news-globalvoices

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Janine Mendes-Franco


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Trinidad & Tobago: The Question of Race  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“I feel that a person loses a bit of who he or she is internally by having to limit themselves by that one word. And it can be quite a burden to live up to. And with the growing group of interracial individuals who identify with more than one group, I believe that having that question on applications is obsolete”: A diaspora writer blogs at Outlish about “the incessant need to make our racial or ethnic background our definite identification”.


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USA: October 15 on the Streets and Social Networks · Global Voices
Robert Valencia

This post is part of our special coverage #Occupy Worldwide.
It's no secret that Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, among other social networks, have played a key role in the recent local and global protests. In 2009, the world found out the details of the green wave in Teheran thanks to these platforms, and the same happened in Tahrir Square in Cairo and with the “indignados” in Madrid. As was expected, the global protests of October 15, 2011, also thoroughly used these networks.
October 15 saw an endless flow of hashtags on Twitter, including #ocuppyWallStreet, #OWS, #globalday, #15oct, #Oct15, and #occupyeverywhere, amongst others, making a call to all who wished to join. At the moment when the protest was taking place in Times Square, hundreds of thousands of people used their smartphones to tweet or record everything that was going on, and Global Voices was no exception, as is shown in the following video:
Bloggers didn't let this phenomenon pass by unnoticed. Jennifer Preston of Media Decoder, shows video samples of the protests throughout the world and offers figures of the networks usage compared to the demonstrations:
The online conversation about Occupy Wall Street grew steadily on social media platforms in recent weeks and increased among users abroad in the last week as the global demonstrations approached. According to Trendrr, a social media analysis company, the number of posts about Occupy Wall Street on Twitter outside the United States grew to more than 25 percent of total posts on Friday, up from 15 percent during the same period the week before.
(Please read more of Global Voices’ stories on Occupy Wall Street here and here).
Protests did not only take place on squares and parks, but also on the Internet. There is a blog called “We are the 99 Percent”, which shows pictures of people holding signs with details on their economic problems. The blog Democracy in America doesn't only think of this blog as praiseworthy, but also measures the differences between Facebook and Twitter regarding the impact of their messages:
Facebook fans aren't much of a guide to anything, since you can become one and then forget about it entirely. Tweets are slightly better, as they indicate how many people are aware of an event while it's going on. But they indicate only awareness, not support. And it's hard to work out the overall trend of the past few days because people have been moving from the #occupywallst hashtag to the shorter #ows
And that's how we collected reports on Twitter of the events of October 15. DC Debbie (@DCDebbie) used the hashtag #ows to explain why an American news outlet seems to be against the protesters:
Fox News wants to portray the #ows crowd as directionless, ignorant slackers. That's why they'll NEVER air this video: http://www.observer.com/2011/10/exclusive-occupy-wall-street-activist-slams-fox-news-anchor-in-un-aired-interview-video/
A short while ago, President Barack Obama declared, on the opening of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, that the deceased leader would have backed up the October 15 movement if he was alive. Nevertheless, Liza Sabater asks (@blogdiva):
but does he really? #ows RT @thaiparampil: Obama: MLK Jr. Would Have Supported Occupy Wall Street | RealClearPolitics http://is.gd
Harakahdaily's tweet (@hdaily09) is an example of how social networks are used in a developing story:
Occupy Wall Street protests continue worldwide as 175 arrested in US: LONDON, Oct 17: Inspired by the Occupy Wall… http://dlvr.it/qzsdz
Following are pictures of the October 15 protests in New York City, which took place from Zuccotti Park to Times Square:
Some clashes between law enforcement forces and the press in Times Square. Picture by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
Police trying to control access to pedestrians. Picture by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
Protesters gathered at the heart of Times Square. Photo by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
The protest flow didn't stop even with police presence. Photo by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
Sign with the number "15" in reference to October 15th protests. Photo by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
Sign saying "Bring our war money home". Photo by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
As the protest developed, the tensions between policemen and protesters grew. Picture by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
Protesters passing in front of the Nasdaq index in Times Square. Photo by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
Meanwhile, some Occupy Wall Street protesters stayed at Zuccotti Park. Picture by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
Women disguised as zombies took part of the protest. Photo by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
Even kids joined the protest. Picture by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
In Zucotti Park, also know now as Liberty Park, sanitation and food centers were placed. Photo by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
Protester with a sheep mask and a sign that says "Sheep of the world, awake". Photo by Robert Valencia for Global Voices, 2011
This post is part of our special coverage #Occupy Worldwide.

author: Robert Valencia


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Zimbabwe: Deportations of Zimbabweans a Political Move · Global Voices
Pamela Mutamba

“Mwana washe muranda kumwe” is an old Zimbabwean saying which means that when one is a foreigners they are a nobody in the eyes of the host country and this rings true today as thousands of Zimbabweans face deportation from South Africa back to Zimbabwe.
The South African government has decided to lift a moratorium on deportations of undocumented Zimbabweans who did not apply for legal status through the Zimbabwe Documentation Process (ZDP).
Zimbabweans queue to apply for work permits last year. Photo courtesy of newzimbabwe.com
People Against Suffering Oppression and Poverty (PASSOP) is extremely concerned about deportation of Zimbabwe. The organisation believes that deportation is an Apartheid tendency:
We believe that deportation is an Apartheid tendency and that deportations of fellow Africans is un-African.
We also believe that the situation in Zimbabwe is not resolved and this move will put immense pressure on Zimbabwe.
Commenting at TalkZimbabwe.com following the revelations that the government deported 261 Zimbabweans on 11 October 2011, Firebird said:
Recently Malema [the president of the African National Congress Youth League] demanded that all the whites leave. (Yes, of course that includes the Investors.) Now its the Zimbabweans. What about the Nigerians and the Somalians?
The fact is that anyone in that country without a work permit is depriving every unemployed South African of a job…
Yet these foreign people are just like those Mexicans risking their lives to jump borders in the USA, prepared to do those awful menial jobs that no red-blooded American would dream of doing.
Did you hear about that female cop in SA who patrols the border into Zimbabwe and does not hesitate to shoot anyone crawling under the barbed wire-whether that person has a child on their back or not.
Alex Bell of SW Radio reported:
A Zimbabwean rights group in South Africa has slammed the country’s apparently clandestine decision to resume deporting Zim nationals, after hundreds were forcibly removed from the country this week.
More than 500 nationals had been taken across the border and handed over to immigration officials at Beitbridge by Thursday evening [13 October 2011]…
He continued:
A Zimbabwean rights group in South Africa has slammed the country’s apparently clandestine decision to resume deporting Zim nationals, after hundreds were forcibly removed from the country this week.     The Zimbabwe Exiles Forum (ZEF) has previously warned that arrests and detentions of Zim nationals have been underway for several weeks, despite the documentation project that was launched last year. The group’s Director, Gabriel Shumba, told SW Radio Africa on Friday that the return to deportations now is ‘alarming’.
Responding to the SW Radio report, Dumbu said:
Let`s go home and prepare to vote out Mugabage.
Wildfire left this comment:
Its sad what is happening to my fellow bothers and sisters in SA, but one thing I. Can tell u is that 2day most people were arrested in the morning in one area and by night fall they had been released, having paid R50 to R100 to police officers
Lillian Mhosva argued that the move is politically motivated:
One has to look at these deportations from the point of view of the South African government. The voice of discontent amongst the poor and working class in South Africa is rising and the ANC government must be seen to sympathize with the needs of the electorate. As ANC Youth Leader Julius Malema continues to voice discontent among the poor and workers go on strike there is a need for the government to be seen on the side of the poor and working class to quiet the discontent looming in the townships. This is a class act by the South African government to silence the voice of discontent in the midst of the global recession and Zimbabweans unfortunately are just caught in the middle of politics.
Why is President Robert Mugabe wary of the deportations:
President Robert Mugabe and Zanu (PF) are understood to be jittery over the resumption of the deportation of undocumented Zimbabweans from South Africa.
There are fears the deportees might tilt the scales in favour of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai in the fresh presidential and harmonised elections President Mugabe wants held in March 2012.
Whether these people will be safe upon returning home remains to be seen.

author: Pamela Mutamba


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Bahamas: Visual Poetry  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Two new video poems have been posted at tongues of the ocean, here and here.


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Bangladesh: EMV And Bangladesh Elections · Global Voices
Rezwan

An Ordinary Citizen reports that the introduction of electronic voting machine is drawing sharp criticism from the oppostion and they will oppose any attempt to introduce it in the next Bangladesh election.

author: Rezwan


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Brazil: Thousands March Against Corruption · Global Voices
João Miguel Lima

20,000 people attended the 2nd March Against Corruption in Brasília, on October 12. Youtube user estnagum registered the event. Chanting slogans and the national anthem, protesters held brooms to “sweep away” corruption and impunity. The first march, on September 7 (independence day), was motivated by the secret voting that absolved deputy Jaqueline Roriz [pt], caught on tape receiving a bribe.

author: João Miguel Lima


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Cameroon: Retrospective on the 2011 Presidential Election Candidates · Global Voices
Philippe Menkoue

This post is part of our special coverage Cameroon Elections 2011.
So much has already been said about the recent presidential election in Cameroon: too many candidates [fr], strange promises, unflattering political slogans, and so on. One thing is definite however, the 9 October poll has got people talking.
The ballots are now in and votes being counted; here is a quick review of the candidates programs and slogans.
The clear favourite
Incumbent President, Paul Biya, in office since November 1982, is presenting himself as “the people's choice”. He has promised to make Cameroon an emerging economy by the year 2035, [fr]  and affirms [fr] that his next seven-year term will focus on making “great achievements” come true.
Elacam (Cameroon's election body) distribute voter cards. Image from @billzimmerman via Twitter.
Opposition heavyweights
These are the ones who keep falling short against President Biya, yet remain in opposition at every election.
John Fru Ndi of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) [fr] is a historic figure of the opposition whose meeting with Paul Biya last December provoked much commotion in the streets and in the press media. He seems more confident than ever, as demonstrated by his slogan: “In your hearts, you know he is right” [fr]. Is he a megalomaniac? In any case, he wishes to lead people to believe that the era of Paul Biya [fr] is now a thing of the past.
Jean Jacques Ekindi (blog) of the Mouvement Progressiste (Progressive Movement – MP), chose the slogan “Together, let's revive Cameroon” and has promised [fr] to establish federalism, as reported by this article from Africapresse.com:
In his political program, the leader of the Mouvement Progressiste is already considering transforming the Republic of Cameroon into a federal State as soon as he reaches the highest office.
Is Cameroon following in the footsteps of the nation formerly known as the Federal Republic of Germany? Only the future will tell.
Garga Haman Adji [fr] of the Alliance pour la Démocratie et le développement (Alliance for Democracy and Development -ADD), is another candidate who cannot be blamed for false modesty.  His slogan “Garga Haman Adji:  the right man to rebuild Cameroon” already says enough about his desire for change.
The blog Sinotables [fr] provides us with details of his program:
Our agricultural policy will be fundamentally groundbreaking, especially in the area of industry.  Agricultural, animal and halieutic production will have to be substantially increased to be able to create and keep industries operating.  It's this agricultural, halieutic and pastoral production that we are going to transform. … Also, we are going to exempt large companies from taxation because we know that tax is not meant to kill the country.  We are going to encourage investors to come to Cameroon instead of doing things that make them run away.
Adamou Ndam Njoya of the  Union Démocratique du Cameroun (Democratic Union of Cameroon – UDC) was only recently designated [fr] as the candidate to represent the Équipe Républicaine Démocratique (Democratic Republican Team). Without a well-established program on which to campaign, he is trying to portray himself as the man for the job by making scathing attacks [fr] on the current regime.
What about the women?
For the first time in Cameroon, women are contending [fr] in a presidential election. These women have clearly stated their ambitions and according to Ismaila Hina from Africavox.com, they also hold quite a few trump cards [fr]:
Kah Walla and Esther Dang are the only women who will have their eye on the top job on 9 October. Well-known politicians and well-tried activists with a long list of qualifications between them, they have all it takes to covet the most prestigious position of authority.  This is a first for Cameroonian democracy, now discovering women are on the road to presidential elections.
The “reinstated candidates”
Initially the candidatures of the following candidates were rejected but now they have been reinstated [fr] by the Supreme Court: Grégoire Anicet Ekane of the Mouvement Africain pour la Nouvelle Indépendance et la Démocratie (African Movement for New Independence and Democracy – Manidem), who believes “The time has come for the patriots” [fr]  and Daniel Soh Fone of the Parti Socialiste Unifié (Unified Socialist Party – PSU).
The newcomers
Marcus Lontouo [fr] of the Congrès National Camerounais (Cameroon National Congress – CNC),  Olivier Anicet Bilé [fr], of the Union pour la fraternité et le progrès (Union for Fraternity and Progress – UFP) and Jean de Dieu MOMO [fr] of the Patriotes Démocratiques pour le Développement du Cameroun (Democratic Patriots for the Development of Cameroon – PADDEC), are all presidential candidates for the first time [fr].
Green candidates
Fritz Pierre Ngo is the candidate [fr] from the Mouvement des Ecologistes Camerounais (Movement of Cameroonian Greens – MEC), who is campaigning under the slightly ridiculous slogan – “Cameroon Ecology Yes”.  In an interview [fr] that appears on the site Journal du Cameroun, he sings his own praises and tries to pass himself off as someone who is somewhat misunderstood:
We believe today that we have been on a great journey;  it has been 12 years of sacrifices, sacrifices in the sense that our strength is the experience we bring to our country in the environmental domain, but at the same time we recognise that our weakness is that there is a lot of poverty and we are not responsible for it;  that's why we are looking to the presidential mandate to resolve this scourge.  Unfortunately, this poverty ensures that people don't understand our message but it must be recognised that we have had a brilliant journey.
At least he won't be taken for a dreamer:
Our objective is to be among the first four on the day of this presidential election;  we are clear-headed and realistic when it's said that we can be fourth.  So if we are second, or third or fourth, we are going to hold a bit of power that will allow us to have our voices heard.
As for the other candidates, their virtual absence from the scene and from the political debate means that we forget them, sometimes even their names.
Results are due to be announced at the latest on October 24 but some members of the opposition are already demanding that the elections be canceled [fr] because of irregularities.
This post is part of our special coverage Cameroon Elections 2011.

author: Philippe Menkoue


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Cuba: Immigration Policy  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

At Translating Cuba, Jeovany J. Vega blogs about the country's immigration policy, calling it “one of the most traumatic and thorny issues in Cuban society. The twisted mechanisms created to impede the free flow of people, whether to travel or to emigrate, have turned what would normally be one more choice in the life of any Cuban, into a real ordeal.”


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Cuba: Journalist Held While Trying to Pay Respects to Pollan  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Uncommon Sense reports that “the Cuban independent journalist and blogger Dania Virgen Garcia Garcia was beaten and arrested…while trying to attend a gathering at the home of the late Laura Pollan.”


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Ecuador: International Free Culture Congress Held in Quito · Global Voices
Silvia Viñas

Juan Arellano has published two Storify posts with tweets covering the first [es] and second [es] days of the International Free Culture Congress [es] held in Quito, Ecuador on October 17 and 18, 2011.

author: Silvia Viñas


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El Salvador’s School Food Program · Global Voices
Silvia Viñas

Colleen O'Brien, from the blog Locavore del Mundo, writes about El Salvador's school food program: “The Ministry of Education has recently announced that this new school  feeding program to be a success (mission accomplished?), but apparently  many schools are not receiving nearly enough food.”


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France: A Criticism of the “Imperialist Consensus” · Global Voices
Suzanne Lehn

“The televised debate between (presidential candidates) Hollande and Aubry showed us that, for the most part, the Socialist Party shares the opinions of the right on foreign policy,” writes [fr] the blog Le Petit Blanquiste, for whom the positions of the Socialist Party on Afganistan, Palestine, Iran, nuclear strategy and arms, and ex-colonial French Africa demonstrate a continuation of an “imperialist policy”.

author: Suzanne Lehn


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France:  The Twittosphere Pokes Fun at the Presidential Election Campaign · Global Voices
Anna Gueye

As can be seen on social networking sites like Twitter, the 2012 presidential campaign is well and truly underway in France.
The left wing Primaries have animated the media landscape over the last couple of weeks, and resulted in François Hollande being named the Socialist Party (PS) representative.  On Twitter, many Trending topics make reference to the up coming elections and are provoking amused reactions.
On his blog, Sarkofrance (FR) tells us that after the Socialist Party primaries Nicolas Sarkozy wants us to start talking about him (again). (FR)
Sarkofrance goes on to say that with this in mind the UMP, current presidential party and majority holder, has decided:
To “go head to head with the Socialist Party candidate”
This Tuesday afternoon the UMP therefore held a convention (FR).  Some forty representatives of the majority, including fifteen government ministers and Monsieur Sarkozy's communications advisor, met together on Tuesday evening to thrash things out in preparation for the presidency.
On Twitter, @MehdiYanis of the Pudding à l’arsenic (FR) (Arsenic pudding) blog decided to retaliate by launching the hashtag #UMPanique which, after just a few hours was leading the francophone Twittersphere (FR) thanks to a succession of amusing and ironic comments. For example :
@Pierre_C_Porter :
Very happy to see #UMPanique ahead of #toiaussiparticipealaconventionump (youalsoparticipateintheumpconvention) (launched by UMP campaigners)
Its been a long time since the French Twittersphere has had so much fun, as confirmed by @mathieulinares:
Its such a long time since I've laughed like that on Twitter!! Thank you #UMPanique and #conventionUMP
Here are a few of the comments:
@intox2007 :
Coming to a screen near you soon #UMPanique
@Isabellegachet :
Hang on, these  #UMPanique guys are really funny, “My name's Bond … Euro Bond“
@Romain_Pigenel :
The UMP wants to “light the way”=> project for Sarko for 2012: “the shining path” #UMPanique
@_brahim_ :
#UMPanique It was like being at a telethon with their pocket calculator
@_J_E_A_N_N_E :
Huh, the meter ringing like a cash register, though I was on The Price is Right.  I'm stopping I can't stand it any longer. #UMPanique #conventionUMP
@Romain_Pigenel :
I didn't follow, the meter that was on display was the amount of Valise RTL, hey, françafricaine?
@PierreKanuty :
#UMPanique“we can't leave our France is this state for the socialists” .  Freudian slip
@nl_green :
As intelligent as I know humankind is, how can a UMP campaigner swallow what #UMPanique say
@1_rien :
The UMP's only major achievement in 5 years is that everyone is now interested in the PS. #UMPanique #ZéroBonneFoi
@la_question :
Go on, lets make it all about apprenticeships, no need for education.  The poor don't need to think. #UMPanique
@ZeFML :
What would make me laugh is if Carlita gave birth now :-) #UMPanique
The final tweet comes from @GillesBonMaury:
Now there needs to be a PS convention on the UMP convention on the PS plan so that the UMP can react to our reaction. #UMPanique
But it isn't just the “gauchosphere” (leftosphere) which is so critical and mocking.  So the blogger @ZeFML has written a note on her blog whose title encapsulates the mood of some on the right:  Here lies the UMP… (FR)

author: Anna Gueye


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France: Tunisian Diaspora Set to Vote · Global Voices
Claire Ulrich

Tunisian residents in France will vote ahead of their compatriots, from Thursday, October 20, until Saturday, October 22, whereas polls in Tunisia open on Sunday 23 October. There are an estimated 600,000 Tunisians living in France. Les cahiers de la liberté (Notebooks of Freedom,) [fr, ar] has published a guide to the many candidates and parties competing for the diaspora vote, as well as videos, debates, and even an online application to sort various political standpoints and corresponding candidates via a list of questions.

author: Claire Ulrich


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France: Violence Erupts in French Overseas Departement Mayotte · Global Voices
Claire Ulrich

Violence has erupted during demonstrations against the rising cost of living in Mamoudzou, the capital city of the French overseas departement  Mayotte,  where one man has died and another is reported wounded [fr]. Events can be followed on Twitter via the #mayotte hashtag. Rue89 has published testimonies [fr] from Mayotte citizens, while Politis accuses France of being indifferent [fr] to the fate of its Indian Ocean departement. Strikes and demonstrations are also underway in the nearby Republic of Comoros [fr], due to the soaring oil price.


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Indonesia: Yogyakarta Royal Wedding · Global Voices
Juke Carolina

The Yogyakarta princess, Gusti Raden Ajeng (GRAj) Nurastuti Wijareni a.k.a Jeng Reni, tied the knot Tuesday October 18, 2011, and everybody was invited to witness the ceremony via the Internet.
Jeng Reni, the youngest daughter of Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, married Achmad Ubaidillah, known affectionately as Yuda, and for the first time ever, a royal wedding was reported in realtime through Twitter.
Prior to the wedding, Ubai was knighted and given the name Kanjeng Pangeran Haryo Yudanegara. As for Reni, her new royal title will be Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Bendara.
Javanese royal names can differ depending on the person's current status, whether the person is a man, woman, young adult, or adult, proximity to the Sultan, and so forth.
The wedding updates can be accessed through Twiticker, Tumblr, Twitter via #kratonwedding and #kirab, as well as the official Twitter account @kratonwedding.
Ubai, a Javanese descent born in Jakarta, met Jeng Reni through a mutual a friend. The lovestruck Ubai didn't know at first that the girl he fell in love with was a Javanese princess of one of the oldest royal houses in the archipelago. The couple dated for four years.
Waves of wishes, greetings, and comments were pouring at #kratonwedding and #kirab (author's note: means carnival in Javanese).
@arieslukman: This is how people in Yogyakarta loves their Sultan an Family! #kratonwedding http://instagr.am/p/Qkslv/
@kikoadh: #KratonWedding !!!! Malioboro is so crowded and everyone's sweating. But it was fun
@helloikun: Turut berbahagia untuk pernikahan GKR Bendara & KPH Yudanegara semoga menjadi keluarga sakinah dan bahagia #kratonwedding
@ferrymbaldan: Luar biasa….lautan manusia yg hadiri kirab dr Kraton ke Kepatihan….DIY: Memang Istimewa dan Harus Tetap Istimewa #kratonwedding
Some Twitter users, like Dayu, were disappointed that major TV networks didn't care enough to cover one of the major events of the year:
@DayuWijanto: Kenapa hanya di BChannel? Kemana TV2 keren dan beken lainnya? Ini urusan warisan budaya bangsa lho.. *tetep ga trima*
Javanese weddings are known for their elaborate processions which could begin days before the nuptial, and last up to seven days. A strict dress code is applied to guests and those who are allowed to enter the ceremony hall.
The Royal Guards. Photo by irwan_f3
The photographers in traditional Javanese attire. Photo published by @kratonwedding on Twitpic.
Yogyakartans await Prince Yuda outside of the Knights' Ward. Photo published by Bakpia Pia Djogdja on Lockerz.
Her Serene Highness GKR Hemas and the relatives arrived at the Knights Ward. Photo by Kraton Wedding on Tumblr.
Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, the couple and President Yudhoyono. Photo by @kratonwedding on Twitpic.
Bedhaya Sangaskara dancers. Photo by @kratonwedding
Greeting the Yogyakartans from the open carriage. Photo by @kratonwedding published on Twitpic.
The Indonesian state recognizes Yogyakarta as a Special Region in the archipelago with Sultan Hamengkubuono X acting as its governor.
The Yogya Sultan is highly revered by his subjects. Back in 2009, he was nominated as a presidential candidate by Golongan Karya (Golkar) party.

author: Juke Carolina


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Israel: Netanyahu Rapped for Exploiting Shalit’s Return · Global Voices
Carmel L. Vaisman

While it seems that the entire state of Israel has either taken to the streets or been glued to the television cheering for the release of the kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit after 1,941 days of Hamas captivity, something entirely different is going on in the back channels of social media.
On October 11, 2011, when the prisoner exchange deal was first announced, many of the leading social media activists were busy re-organizing the #j14 social protest to support and align with the #OcuppyWallStreet movement and the entire wave of protests we have seen this year.
Along with the relief and happiness for Shalit's family, the activists couldn't help but wonder about the timing of this deal, claiming the government could and should have done such a deal years ago and now it seemed to some that it was a “spin” aimed to bury the protest coverage and re-frame the collective memory of Netanyahu's regime.Some were even directing their criticism towards Israeli society and/or challenging the longstanding Israeli ethos of treating one of our own as worth a thousand of others.
The first hug. Taken by Avi Ochayon, Government Press Office.
A few typical examples include [*Bibi = Benjamin Netanyahu's nickname]:
@a_Daydreamer: Well did go, Netanyahu, for pulling the Gilad Shalit card. I'm sure he kept it for times of distress.
@ygurvitz: Gilad Shalit is the last resort for these bastards
@Vandersister: So all it took to free Shalit was a general workers strike and collapsing the health system? Why didn't you say so earlier?
@yairtar: What a wonderful people we are, oh, the solidarity! It is exciting how Israelis will do anything for someone they don't even know… unless he is a cancer patient/contract worker/homeless/simply poor
Uri Breitman:
The Shalit deal is Bibi's way to overcome the low tide of his image. For cheap rating that will probably last for a month, Bibi sells all of us and frees 1000 prisoners. No soldier in the world is worth 1000 people, not even Bibi himself
Libi Bageno, Nana10:
Bibi is preparing the ground for  the next elections with a speech  that most of it is “I, I, me”. You are  right that we are all united and  our hearts have expanded but the  fact you did a wonderful thing today  doesn't make anyone forget the  truth – that it's still pretty shitty  here, and only a month and a half  ago there was a social protest here  that almost buried you down under  the power of its wrath.
During the past week it was the same activists who campaigned on social media, mainly through spreading a Facebook event,  asking people not to watch mainstream media on the day Shalit is returned, to show that the people cannot be turned back to blind media consumers that easily and to let Shalit be after five years in captivity instead of prying into his life.
Yesterday, as all Israeli and most international media have been following Shalit's return live, Prime Minister Netanyahu is heavily critiqued for the choices he made throughout the entire day, especially upon insisting meeting Shalit first and having army officials there, before he even saw his family or a doctor (due to his weak condition).
While most mainstream media are taking on a formal coverage angle, it is left for social media and a few marginal sections of the online newspapers to highlight this critique of how PM Netanyahu has exploited and objectified Shalit.
@YehudaNuriel: Alon Ben David (TV news reporter – c.v): “Bibi will be the first person Gilad meets. According to PM's office, it was the request of Shalit's family. Shalit family told us there was no such request”. Awesome.
@Jeronimo_: I have brought your child back home” says Netanyahu to the Shalit family, so no one will miss the connection.
I'm not sure I understood from Bibi's speech – who is responsible to the return of Shalit? Who decided? Who's a leader? Too much subtext….
@Galchs: funny, bibi forgot to mention in his speech that Noam shalit was camped across his house for a few years and he didn't come out to talk to him even once
Ariana Melamed, Ynet:
In Netanyahu's eyes, Gilad Shalit isn't more important than the supertanker cockpit or lighting Shabbat candles with Madonna. According to his worldview, he is the star of these events and the cause is just the exquisite set stressing his importance, his efforts, his accomplishments and his necessity as a PM… When becoming a PM one has to loose quite a bit of shame, manners and respect. This is how, apparently, Netanyahu allows himself to be the first to greet Shalit and to push himself in euphoria to the picture of the father hugging his returned son… Netanyahu is a hero once more. Gilad shalit is already an indirect object.
Many who seem to have noticed and shared this “photo – opportunity” critique already responded to it in the language of social media – by starting a meme over it. A series of photos were posted and circulated on Facebook portraying Netanyahu as a self-promoter in other historic moments:
Source: Facebook
(Bibi pushing himself into Gilad Shalit's X-ray photo)
As it is with memes, this is probably just the beginning. See more updates on Bibi appearing in various historic (and fictional) moments here and here.

author: Carmel L. Vaisman


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Italy: October 15 Protest Turns Violent in Rome · Global Voices
Ylenia Gostoli

This post is part of our special coverage #Occupy Worldwide.
Inspired by the “Occupy Wall Street” movement in New York and by the Spanish “Indignados”, citizens in 951 cities and 82 countries across the world took to the streets on October 15, 2011, to protest against the stranglehold on the economy of the global financial and political powers to the benefit of the few, calling for real democracy and a re-thinking of capitalism under the slogan “united for global change”.
Tens of thousands of people from across Italy gathered in Rome on Saturday 15 October, in support of the global movement.
Oct 15 in Italy
Whilst demonstrations were relatively peaceful elsewhere in Italy, the march towards Piazza San Giovanni in Rome turned into urban conflict as an estimated couple of hundred individuals (“black-blocks”) burned vehicles, smashed windows, and hurled rocks and bottles at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons.
"We will not pay for the crisis debt"
Many peaceful demonstrators were also caught up in the violence as chaos spread on the streets of Rome, with over 130 people injured (mostly police officers) and 12 arrests.
As the riots stole headlines around the world, on the Internet  people have been expressing their frustration at the way the motivations behind the protests have been overshadowed by the violence.
@GianMarioBH [it] tweeted:
Non sono ne dalla parte dei celerini ne da quella dei BB, sono tra chi si è stufato di doversi svegliare vergognandosi del suo paese #15ott
Whilst @zimok [it] commented on the media’s thirst for sensationalism:
Tutti che correvano, assatanati di violenza e vandalismo. chi? i giornalisti, gli inviati, i media. alla prima auto bruciata. #15ott
Clashes with riot police in Rome
Blogging on independent newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano, Sandro Ruotolo asks why police were unable to prevent the violence,  and writes [it]:
Ieri a Roma era tutto organizzato fin nei minimi dettagli. C’erano due piazze in piazza. Il movimento democratico che, come nel resto del mondo, voleva lanciare la sua sfida al capitalismo finanziario in modo pacifico e indignato sconfitto da poche decine di irriducibili violenti il cui unico scopo era “combattere”. Nessuno potrà accomunare gli indignati ai violenti. Ci sono stati episodi concreti di condanna se è vero che tre Black bloc sono stati consegnati alle forze dell’ordine. Un gesto importante.
Others like Alessandro from the communist collective Militant, think that such a distinction between the “good” and the “bad” protesters will not help us understand [it] yesterday’s events:
La rabbia si è espressa, ragioniamo sul domani, su come rendere incanalabile questa rabbia verso un processo politico alternativo a questo sistema. No reiterando i soliti clichè fra i bravi manifestanti pacifici e i cattivi (o gli infiltrati) manifestanti col cappuccio in testa.
Some have criticised the police for not being able to prevent the violence, and for focusing on protecting institutional and political buildings rather than people. Others, like Christian Mazzoni in a comment on Il Fatto Quotidiano [it] go even beyond that:
Perchè non sono stati fermati prima? Semplice, perchè fanno comodo alla classe dirigente. Oggi la nostra classe dirigente avrebbe dovuto rendere il conto delle politiche sbagliate nei confronti delle nuove generazioni, ma ha avuto gioco facile nello sviare l’argomento parlando solo degli episodi di teppismo.
Context of violence
The violence comes only a day after Berlusconi faced a confidence vote in parliament, won by an extremely narrow margin of 316 votes to 301. A few weeks ago, the rating agency Standard & Poor downgraded Italy’s credit rating, largely due to what they perceived as the inability of the Italian government to implement economic measures to combat the country’s sovereign debt crisis.
As the third largest economy in the Eurozone, it is feared that if Italy’s debt should spiral out of control, it could have disastrous consequences on the European economy, and the European Central Bank is putting pressure on the government to implement measures including privatisations and deregulation of the job market.
Protests and sit-ins have been staged across the country this week by a group who call themselves the “rebel dragons” (Draghi Ribelli), including one in front of the Italian Central Bank, organised on Twitter under the hashtags #occupiamobancaditalia and #occupiamobankitalia. Earlier this week, the group wrote an open letter [it] to the Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, an appeal not to abide to the European Central Bank’s wishes on how Italy should deal with the financial crisis:
La questione generazionale è semplice: c’è una generazione esclusa dai diritti e dal benessere, che oggi campa grazie al welfare familiare, e sulla quale si sta scaricando tutto il peso della crisi […] Caro Presidente, garantire e difendere la Costituzione oggi, vuol dire rifiutarsi di pagare il debito, così come consigliano diversi premi Nobel per l’economia; vuol dire partire dai ventisette milioni di italiani che hanno votato ai referendum contro le privatizzazioni e in difesa dell’acqua bene comune; vuol dire partire dalle mobilitazioni giovanili e studentesche che da diversi anni, inascoltate e respinte, hanno preteso di cambiare dal basso la scuola e l’università, chiedendo risorse e democrazia; vuol dire partire dalla domanda diffusa nel Paese di un nuovo sistema di garanzie, che tenga conto delle differenze generazionali, ma che, soprattutto, non metta le generazioni l’una contro l’altra: così, in primo luogo, si tiene unita l’Italia!
On their blog Giap [it], a member of the writers collective Wu Ming, writing under the pseudonym Wu Ming 1, also addresses the question of a “lost generation” in relation to the violence in Rome:
Rendiamoci conto di una cosa: non ci sarà mai più una “manifestazione nazionale di movimento” che non includa quel che abbiamo visto oggi. Quando si sceglierà quel format, si acquisterà sempre il “pacchetto completo”. C’è una rabbia sociale talmente indurita che non la scalfisce un martello pneumatico, e due generazioni allo sbando completo, derubate di futuro e furibonde, tutte pars destruens, prive di fiducia nei confronti più o meno di chiunque.
The format of the protest in Italy was discussed at length and criticised on the web. @barbapreta tweeted:
What went wrong with occupy movement in Italy? It bluntly ignored the experiences of other occupy movements in organizing protests #15ott
On the website of the publishing house Apogeo Online, sociology professor Giovanni Boccia Artieri reflects on the meaning of taking to the streets [it] in the era of digital communication:
Le masse del Novecento non sono le moltitudini di oggi. Non abbiamo a che fare con il movimento organizzato della classe operaia, con le grandi organizzazioni politiche. Gli indignati sono una moltitudine che racchiude sotto uno stesso termine ombrello una molteplicità di differenze, anche estreme. Non è possibile il principio di rappresentatività interna, non c’è un leader del movimento da intervistare. [..]
La logica e i linguaggi della rete ce lo hanno insegnato nel nostro avere imparato ad abitare il web, ad auto organizzarci, a costruire informazione quotidianamente e a condividerla, ad auto rappresentare le nostre istanze e le nostre opinioni. Certo, non tutti e con tutti i distinguo che volete. Ma quello che la rete ci ha insegnato, ad esempio, è creare un nuovo rapporto fra aggregazione collettiva e delocalizzazione. Non c’è bisogno di essere tutti nello stesso luogo per esprimere contemporaneamente la stessa opinione.”
The masses of the twentieth century were different from today’s “multitudes”. We’re not dealing with the organised movement of the working class, or with large political organisations. “Indignants” is an umbrella term for a multitude of experiences and ideas, often extremely different. The principle of representation does not apply; there isn’t a leader to be interviewed. […]
The nature and language of the Internet have taught us this as we were learning to use the web, to self-organise, to produce and share information on a daily basis, to speak out for our own grievances and opinions. Yes, not everyone and not without exceptions. […] But the Internet has taught us, for instance, to establish new dynamics between mass mobilisation and de-localisation. We don’t all have to be in the same physical space to express a shared opinion.
Artists from the occupied Cinema Palazzo parade at Saturday's march in Rome, before it turned violent.
On the topic of marching as a form of protest, Repubblica journalist Vittorio Zambardino [it] wrote on his Facebook page:
E se fosse venuto il tempo di dire addio al corteo come forma di protesta? Alla prossima perché non vi sedete in una piazza e cantate? O qualche altra cosa gandiana e non violenta? Lo sciopero del sale dell'indignato. Spremetevi le cervella o le conseguenze della guerriglia ci travolgeranno tutti.
Finally, blogger and journalist Gennaro Carotenuto [it] writes about future social engagement, drawing a parallel between what happened on Saturday in Rome and the London riots of some months ago:
Ma dopo di ieri è chiaro che la scorciatoia di un presidio, l’occupazione di una scuola o un’università, i 140 caratteri di twitter servano a molte cose ma non sostituiscono il lavoro sociale quotidiano, il dialogo con i dannati delle periferie, spesso così disperati da farsi male e far male con la violenza di sabato a Roma.
This post is part of our special coverage #Occupy Worldwide.

author: Ylenia Gostoli


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Jamaica: New Prime Minister · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Jamaican bloggers talk about the swearing-in of the country's new Prime Minister, which is scheduled to take place this Sunday.


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Malaysia: Food and Blog Action Day 2011 · Global Voices
Jerrenn Lam

For this year’s Blog Action Day with the theme of ‘food’, many Malaysians took part in the cause, and wrote about highly diverse topics in their blogs.
The blogger at Boy Meets World wrote about how fortunate he was for not having to face food deprivation, and how many things he took for granted:
I'm grateful to be able to live in a country where food deprivation doesn't come as an issue. In fact, we have huge supermarkets, with wide varieties of food along every shelf, in practically every aisle for us to choose from. Some people on the other hand, like those who live in the Horns of Africa strive to survive each day praying for anything edible and here I am complaining about mom's cooking while having ice-cream for dessert. We don't even have to make effort to cook ourselves now with restaurants and food courts right at our doorsteps.
Shuwen, too, had an epiphany when she realised she was blessed for being able to live to eat, after realising that many people, especially children, are struggling to even find food:
While you're busy asking your friends for suggestions on where to have lunch, these kids don't even know what lunch is.
They don't care how good the food tastes like, all they want is food because unlike the majority of the people reading this, they eat to live.
Not too long ago, I thought of something that I really am ashamed of. I told myself
“So what if I waste food ? Its not like the poor kids will be getting the food I'm wasting anyway” But honestly, I take that all back.
Kuching Kolo Mee. Photo from Facebook of Daniel Tay
Anesh Shapiah, on the other hand, talked about her favourite food. Cutebun, too, wrote about her favourite food, a Sarawakian dish.
My favourite food gotta be Kolo Mee! Kolo Mee from Kuching, Sarawak is quite different from other places especially the type of noodle used! We call that type of noodle ‘kiew mee’ meaning curly noodle.
Why? you may ask. I started eating Kolo mee since I'm 3 years old when my family move back to Kuching from Sabah. =)  Can you feel how deep my love for Kolo Mee yet? <3
Felicia gave a recommendation for a restaurant:
The other day, on the 13th of October, bf and I went to redeem one more everyday.com.my coupon! :D I totally forgot to take a picture of us redeeming with the voucher, so I've decided to to this instead. Hope it counts xD
Yes, this is the coupon. RM9.90 for a 5 course meal!
Kim wrote about her favourite food place, a Hello Kitty-themed restaurant.

author: Jerrenn Lam


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Commemorating Mozambique’s Founding Father, Samora Machel · Global Voices
Janet Gunter

Mozambique commemorates on October 19, 2011, the 25th anniversary of the loss of its founding father and President Samora Machel, who was killed in a plane crash in Mbuzini, South Africa on October 19, 1986. The government declared 2011 the “Year of Samora Machel”.
The week started with a ceremony on Monday 17 October near the crash site in South Africa, attended by numerous presidents, including Zuma of South Africa and Rousseff of Brazil.
Today, on the anniversary of his death, which has been declared a public holiday in Mozambique, tributes to him on Twitter have been flowing from Mozambique, South Africa, Brazil and beyond.
@abcuna: Os herois morrem mas as suas obras ficam R.I.P Samora Moises Machel primeiro presidente de Moçambique independente
Mozambicans commemorate President Samora Machel. Image from lockerz.com
@possesful: On this day 1986 Samora Moisés Machel 1st President of Mozambique died in a plane crash, but as mama makeba said “a luta continua” (the struggle continues) [Miriam Makeba sang a song with this line]
@BenjamimNhumaio: Samora Machel foi o presidente e nao um presidente de Mocambique
@AlexMarime: A ToDo psoal da TwitterLandia feliz dia alusivo ao Marechal Samora Machel pai da Republica Mocambicana e defensor da Soberania. Samora VIVE!
Twitter user @SuperCjr used Brazilian slang (perhaps alluding to Obama's similar comment about former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva):
@SuperCjr: Samora Machel era o cara. #SamoraMachel
Others were nostalgic for Machel: his politics, his charisma and what he represented.
@cydia_buster: R..I..P SAMORA MACHEL. O teu povo hoje precisa de ti
@CelsoDomingos: “A qualidade do moçambicano não se define pela cor. Não há minorias, há povo moçambicano”. Samora Machel 6
Some observed that his ideals have been overshadowed today
@WOLKER_MOZ: Samora, samora, samora ideais de samora WTF
Some young people who never lived through socialism are hearing the older generation reminisce:
@Cle0_Princess: Minha momz ta contar cenas do tempo de Samora. a rir pakas……
The new statue
New Samora Machel statue, Maputo. Image from yfrog.
The statue inaugurated today in front of capital Maputo's City Hall is a massive bronze monument, made in North Korea. Many people have been commenting about it. The first Mozambican participant in African Big Brother @DJWizardMZ, tweeted this photo from the ceremony (see right).
@DonCherinda: Estatua D Samora Moises Machel e LEGEND
Mystery shrouding Machel's death
Others were concerned with the cause of the plane crash that killed Machel, which is still shrouded in mystery. It is commonly believed in Mozambique that Machel's death was not merely due to pilot error, as was found by the South African-sponsored investigation at the time. Conspiracy theories abound, but none were pronounced on Twitter.
@cyrep: Who killed mozambique president Samora Machel 25 yrs ago? I feel former SA gov owes mozambique ppl answers.
@andradedundas: Querem nos tapar a vista,sabem bem quem matou #SAMORA
@IrioP: Só saberão quem matou Samora, quando todos os intervenientes estiverem mortos, ou não. Ou seja, parem de encher o saco com esse papo.
South African radio announced that even Machel's widow Graça is not satisfied:
@amliveonsafm: Graca Machel calls on government to re-open the investigation into the death of Samora Machel

author: Janet Gunter


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Pakistan: Release Of Mumtaz Qadri · Global Voices
Rezwan

Aftab Afridi writes about the  inherent flaws in the religiously inspired laws of Pakistan. He warns that if Mumtaz Qadri, the killer of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, is released, it will have very serious ramifications for the coming generations.


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Puerto Rico: Animal Rights  · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Dondequiera says that “Puerto Rico has seen some horrible abuses with respect to animal cruelty”, adding that the high kill rate at animal shelters is essentially “a funding problem.”


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Sri Lanka: Lanka E News Blocked By Mobile Service Providers · Global Voices
Rezwan

Sunanda Deshapriya reports that “two of Sri Lanka’s Internet Service Providers – Dialog and Telecom – have illegally blocked Lanka E News to their customers”.


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Trinidad & Tobago: Project Runway’s Social Media Queen · Global Voices
Karel McIntosh

The season finale for Lifetime network's hit reality show, Project Runway, is almost here and the pressure is on!  Trinidad and Tobago’s Anya Ayoung-Chee, a designer who has made it into the top five – thanks to her undeniable flair for fashion and the unwavering support of her fan base – not only has a shot at winning this season's coveted prize, but has also become a stiff competitor for Twitter’s fan favourite competition.
Created to help attract more viewers, the fan fave competition has been heated; it draws to a close at midnight on October 26. Fans, especially viewers from Trinidad and Tobago, have been feverishly including her Twitter hashtag #PR9Anya in all their tweets, as these will be counted to determine the winner.  Ayoung-Chee has managed to retain the lead for several weeks, but was recently pushed into second place by Anthony Ryan, who was ousted from the general design competition, and now enjoys the fan favourite lead. Today's stats show Ryan having 52% of the votes and Anya, 43%.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Anya Ayoung-Chee. Image by Flickr user Bill Bedzrah (CC BY-NC 2.0).
Not only will the eventual fan favourite win the popularity vote, he or she will be awarded a cash prize of US $10,000.  Should she win, Ayoung-Chee has pledged to donate the sum to children’s charitable organizations, no doubt an extra incentive for her supporters.
Dynamic personality
A dynamic personality, Ayoung-Chee seemed primed to enjoy a high profile at the show's outset.  Her early revelation that she’d only learned how to sew a mere four months before the competition, her frankness about having learned how to compete on the international stage (Ayoung-Chee was Trinidad and Tobago's Miss Universe delegate in 2008) without letting other people's negative energy affect her, not to mention host, judge and executive producer Heidi Klum’s liking for her – catapulted her into the spotlight.
From week to week, Anya is a topic of discussion – if not for her designs and winning streak throughout several challenges (one that earned her design a US $20,000 prize and an editorial shoot in Marie Claire magazine and another that saw her dress featured on Amazon.com as part of Heidi Klum's sportswear line), then certainly for a bit of designer rivalry, with some more seasoned contestants feeling incredulous about her performance, despite her relative inexperience.
On Facebook, Ayoung-Chee has close to 16,000 “likes” and over 2,000 more people “talking about” her; the other contestants have only hundreds.  Are all of Ayoung-Chee’s fans Trinbagonians?  Unlikely – but what is certain is that she has solid, tangible support from a sizeable segment of her online compatriots, the virtual wind beneath her wings.  Of course, Ayoung-Chee is also an American citizen, having been born in New York to Trinidadian parents.  She moved to Trinidad when she was just two years old, was raised there, and is as Trini as her undiluted accent and her cool Caribbean sense of style.
Support from netizens
Netizens, of course, are all supporting Ayoung-Chee for different reasons. Carnival Fete-ish was clear about why she cheers her on:
Even if she were a complete stranger, I tend support to my fellow Trinis without restraint. I was pleasantly surprised to find the Project Runway show interesting and low enough on exaggerated drama that I could tolerate it even if Anya weren’t on it. However, Anya IS on it…
I have stated on Twitter that I am not a fan, I am a supporter. I want to see her do well. That scandal* could not have been easy, and she has an amazing sense of style and I mean hey, she’s from Trinidad! Why wouldn’t I support her. She has gone up against a group of people with more experience than her and held her own very well. I think that her being on the show and doing well is great for Trinidad as it gives exposure to our world of fashion and I’m all for good publicity.
(*The scandal which Carnival Fete-ish refers to is a sex tape, allegedly leaked by a third party, that put Ayoung-Chee on the front pages of local newspapers and piqued online interest in her).  But the attention that Ayoung-Chee is getting from her appearances on Project Runway's ninth season is all about her great designs…which leads to the Trini pride factor.
Popular fashion blogger Afrobella, who is also a member of the Trinidadian diaspora, tweeted during episode 12:
@Afrobella: Project Runway made me shed a tear tonight! #PR9Anya @AnyadeRogue – the Trini pride you inspire at home and around the world is amazing!!
Another supporter, @SammyJo947 tweeted:
@SammyJo947: @AnyadeRogue was smashing as usual; more than deserves to be in the top 4.
Wuzdescene seemed to sum up the general feeling nicely:
…Wow ….. what pride ….. and happiness ….. fuh Anya …. and fuh Trinbago ….. cuz yuh know us ….. we like tuh see weself on TV ….. especially if is in America!
Even Tumblr users have joined in the Project Runway chatter; there, you’ll find Ayoung-Chee’s fans debating with critics.  Take, for instance, gabeschmabe.tumblr.com, who said:
Give the girl some freaking credit. If she is just lucky, good for her. Every major designer has had more than their fair share.
Still, the next few hours will be nail-biting ones for fans, as they attempt to help Anya gain on Ryan’s lead. Carnival Fete-ish noted how stiff the competition is:
“I’ve been on a relentless Twitter campaign with some other dedicated fans/supporters and while she held the lead for quite some time, it seems that the recently ousted Anthony Ryan and his fan base have resorted to multiple accounts and bulk tweeting to put him in the lead and attempt to keep him there. I can understand their motivation, but is it a match for mine? I guess we won’t know until the last tweet has been counted at the end of the season…”
Popular Carnival blog Trinidadcarnivaldiary.com, also invited readers to help push Ayoung-Chee back to first place, encouraging people to use Hootsuite or TweetDeck to schedule multiple tweets for her that included the #PR9Anya hashtag – and  to get their friends and family to do the same.
Being popular on social media networks doesn’t just happen. You must have a compelling story, an approachable personality, and a deep level of engagement – all of which Ayoung-Chee has going for her – so, even for those who may not be fans, she still engages interest on a deeper level than just wanting to see another Trinidadian make an impression internationally.
Fashion blogger inkblotphotography was very pragmatic about Ayoung-Chee’s chances:
When this season began, I was completely ready to be objective about Anya's work. Solidarity aside, I've been watching this show for long enough to know that the competition challenges designers to move past their regular aesthetic. Not all designers are good at doing that. So far, I think I've been pretty good about being objective. I was very open about not liking her work with Olivier in the stilt walker challenge, and I wasn't immediately keen on the maxi dress from last episode.
That said, I am completely and totally ready to go full Stan for Anya this week… I think she's shown enormous growth so far as a designer (her usual design aesthetic tends to be a bit more regimented) and I'm SO glad she's finally shown that she isn't just ‘that girl who just learned to sew’.
This perspective certainly addresses concerns that Au Courant Daily raised early in the season:
She has the design bit down-pat, but I've always wondered if the one-time beauty queen can indeed manage the technical aspect of fashion design on her own, something that a designer can't totally avoid, whether in real life or in the parameters of a show like Project Runway.
Can she handle the patterning + grading, material selection, and, quite frankly, the actual sewing of a garment from conception to completion? Whether by hand, or by industrial machine?
So those will be the sort of issues for Ayoung Chee to confront during the upcoming season of the popular show. We're rooting for her, and I sure do hope she goes the distance and produces some outstanding designs along the way.
This is, of course, exactly what she’s done with an aesthetic Au Courant calls “individualistic” with “a very identifiable design lexicon around simple shapes and bold, ethnic patterns”.
Undoubtedly, Ayoung-Chee is making the most of the momentum she’s gained. She has increased her confidence, expanded her international visibility, and built new networks from the experience.  She is also focused on getting her line, Pilar, (named in honour of her late brother) into outlets abroad, and designing a section for a currently undisclosed mas band for Trinidad and Tobago's 2012 Carnival celebrations.
Aisha Williams, who blogs for a local ad agency, had this to say:
Even if she doesn’t win outright…Trinis will do their mightiest to ensure Anya wins Fan Favourite.  Tech-savvy Trinis have shown their might against Project Runway’s international fanbase. The raw stats get even more interesting when we note that Fan Favourite is based on the number of Twitter hashtag mentions (#pr9anya) and Twitter Followers is based on the number of Tweeps. I say interesting because, you know, Trinis supposedly don’t do Twitter.
With all of the buzz around her, how does Ayoung-Chee feel about the unwavering social media support she’s had? In an interview with JayBlessed.com, she said:
It is so overwhelming. So overwhelming. What I love about it, is that it is so genuine. It doesn’t feel fanatical, it feels so real and I just… I just all of a sudden want to know these people. I want to know them. It is so validating and humbling.

author: Karel McIntosh


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Tunisia: Democratic Test for Tunisians on October 23 Election Day  · Global Voices
Afef Abrougui

This post is part of our special coverage Tunisia Revolution 2011.
It is a matter of only few days before the so-called Arab Spring which led to the fall of three autocratic regimes in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, faces its first democratic test.
Next Sunday (October 23, 2011), Tunisians will head to polls to elect a national constituent assembly which will be responsible for the writing of a new constitution, and forming a new interim government.
The elections are much anticipated by Tunisia, as they were delayed by three months, for logistic reasons. As the North-African country is now technically ready for what everyone hopes to be free and fair elections, there are fears that the number of voters to show up on election day might be disappointing.
Passerby glances at election posters in central Tunis, Tunisia. Image by Jonathan Mitchell, copyright Demotix (12/10/11).
@Arabasta1 tweets [fr]:
Mon cauchemar pour le 23/10 : un faible taux de participation, ce jour là ça sera pas les partis qui perdront mais la Tunisie, ALLEZ VOTER!
Nadia published a post on her blog called ”Votez” (Vote) [fr], to encourage her fellow citizens to cast their votes.
She says:
Quelques jours seulement nous séparent d'une date historique. Rien n'est garanti quant aux résultats de cet évènement, attendu par certains depuis des décennies. Personne ne peut décemment prétendre savoir à coup sur combien de tunisiens iront voter, dans quelles conditions le vote se déroulera, quels partis et quelles personnalités indépendantes réussiront à convaincre et quel aspect aurait l'assemblée constituante suite au vote.
Tout ce que je peux dire aujourd'hui est que ceci est un rendez-vous que nous ne devons pas rater
Only a few days separate us from a historic day. Nothing is guaranteed when it comes to the results of this event, anticipated by many for decades. No one can pretend to know how many Tunisians will go vote, in which conditions will the election take place, and which parties and independent figures will succeed to convince, and which look will the constituent assembly have after the vote.
The only thing that I can say today is that this is a date that we should not miss
On October 17, Bassem Bouguerra published the following post on his blog:
“I am a revolutionary and I will vote”
Tell it to the young, tell it to the old
Tell it to the rich, tell it to the broke
“I am a revolutionary and I will vote”
You touched our hearts and fueled our souls
You freed our nation and made us proud
You are Tunisian and you will vote.
Non-governmental organisations also joined the voices calling for Tunisians to cast their votes.
The following YouTube video,  shared by the association Engagement Citoyen features the residents of La Goulette (a city in Tunis), waking up in the morning of October 18 to find out that their city was decorated by a gigantic portrait of former Tunisian President Zeine El Abeidine Ben Ali.
Overcome by anger, the residents and passers by took down the portrait and a message saying ”Beware Dictatorship Can Return. On October, 23 Vote” appeared.
American blogger, living in the capital Tunis, Erik Churchill gives his own point of view about the turnout:
In my estimate, a turnout of less than 60 percent would be a big disappointment for the country. Less than 50 percent could lead to some major problems concerning the legitimacy of the elections. On the other hand, a turnout of over 70 percent, with wide age, gender and geographical distribution would send the strongest symbol yet that Tunisians will stand for their rights and hold their government to account.
Meanwhile the clock is ticking, for the 50 percent or so of eligible Tunisian voters who have not yet made up their mind about who to vote for. Emna El Hammi writes [fr]:
Un sondage d’opinion réalisé en septembre par l’Institut de Sondage et de Traitement de l’Information Statistique (ISTIS) révélait que 72 % des Tunisiens avaient l’intention d’aller voter le 23 octobre mais que, parmi eux, seuls 34 % savaient pour qui ils voteraient et pour 47 % d’entre eux ce choix n’était pas définitif.
This post is part of our special coverage Tunisia Revolution 2011.

author: Afef Abrougui


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Why Occupy Singapore Failed · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

This post is part of our special coverage #Occupy Worldwide.
It seems Singaporeans are preoccupied with something else because nobody showed up in the OccupyRafflesPlace event which could have been the Singapore equivalent of the Occupy Wall Street protest. Raffles Place is Singapore’s financial district.
The protest was first announced on Facebook
Occupy Singapore is about engaging the public in the democratic process and creating a new form of democracy. It has become clear that our “leaders” can no longer handle the responsibility of becoming a representative of the people. So, we invite all to join us in occupying the Singapore Financial District aka Raffles Place.
We are a peaceful, non-violent resistance movement that aims to encourage people to participate in democracy and use their voices to influence positive change. We are the 99% and our voice will be heard.
But Singapore Sojourn notes that instead of going to Raffles Place, Singaporeans went to a food event
With the Occupy Wall Street protesters figuring prominently in the news it comes as no surprise to learn that there are copycat demonstrations springing up like mushrooms.
There is a Facebook Page that someone has put up but it has failed to mobilise the masses and motivate them sufficiently to assemble at Raffles Place.
As one Facebook contributor said “Instead of going to Raffles Place today, everyone went to #OccupyBenJerryChunkfest instead”.  Given the Singaporean love of a good food event this is hardly surprising.
Patricia Lau commented on Facebook that the organizers should have first clarified the objectives of the event
@Occupy Singapore, so are you going to Raffles Place to shop or to protest? Perhaps you should make the objective of your “OccupyRafflesPlace” event clear.
Mr Brown said there were more journalists than ‘protesters’ in the venue
The (unintentionally) funniest Singapore-related Facebook page right now is Occupy Singapore. This bunch, with much fanfare, announced that they too, will join the Occupy movement that started with Occupy Wall Street in New York City.
On Saturday, Occupy Raffles Place was to take place under the leadership of these mysterious rebels without a clue. At zero hour, well, zero turned up. There were more journos there than protesters.
Some blamed the protest failure to the threat issued by the police against those who will join an illegal public demonstration. Lucky Tan said the no-show in Raffles Place reflects the ‘repressive political climate’ in the country.
We cannot interpret the no show by Singaporeans at Raffles Place as a lack of problems in Singapore. We have the highest income inequality among developed nations – higher than many of the countries where there were protests. There is serious structural unemployment and deep unhappiness with the large foreign influx.
Nothing happened at Raffles Place today. A sad reflection of the repressive political climate, draconian laws, and a citizenry that has capitulated to the belief that they cannot change, shouldn't  try to change, shouldn't be bothered to change what is not right about our society today.
Gilbert Goh thinks Singaporeans are not yet ready for an Occupy Movement type of protest
Singaporeans – pretty divided by nature, individualistic and not the gutsy type – are not prime candidates for organizers to galvanize in any illegal street protest. No one dares to go against the law by being openly defiant – there is the danger that he will not only face police charges but also jeopardize his employment status if he is arrested.
We are perhaps too boxed in by fear and cultural inhibitions to ever pull off a public protest effectively.
Singapore will never be ready for the Occupy Raffles Place protest event given the tight control wielded by our authorities.
Every little dissent is clamped down and Singaporeans have nowhere to vet their frustrations except through the cyber space channels.
Ng E-Jay insists there are valid reasons to protest against the economic inequality in Singapore
However, the issues confronting Singaporeans are exactly the same as the issues raised by protestors all around the world.
Just because the majority of people of the civilized world enjoy the freedom of peaceful assembly but we do not, does not make the issues any less real for Singaporeans. The denial of peaceful assembly only serves to sweep the issues under the carpet where they will ferment until the government cannot control or contain them anymore.
funny little world commends the organizers for attempting to stage a protest
I might not necessarily agree with their message (yet), but I stand by their right to try, to assemble, to make their voices heard. And knowing Singapore, I have to give my respect to the organisers for stepping forward to make this attempt. They, at least, are not just keyboard warriors.
Some of the comments from Singaporeans I have seen have also betrayed what might be a pervasive Singaporean mindset; namely, a revulsion of public protests and demonstrations, no matter how peaceful. There seems to be a misconception that any sort of public assembly undermines the country’s security and economic growth, thus “bringing us down”. There also seems to be a widespread belief that any sort of protest will inevitably lead to chaos that will plunge Singapore into darkness.
But the author also blamed them for poor planning
It was all very disappointing. I guess it was just poor planning; there’s much more to starting and organising a movement than just creating the FB and Twitter pages and asking people to turn up.
The organizers have already apologized for the failure of the protest. They promise to organize a bigger and better action next time.
The group commented that “just because we didn’t talk to the media doesn’t mean we weren’t there. We are obviously very disappointed with the lack of ground support, We take the blame for lack of logistics and planning, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused”.
They expressed their appreciation to all who had turned up and promised to do “it bigger and better next time”.
This post is part of our special coverage #Occupy Worldwide.

author: Mong Palatino


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Armenia: Extreme Metal in the Caucasus · Global Voices
Onnik Krikorian

Shreddernet examines the Extreme Metal scene in Armenia and asks whether its dark melodies and themes have a place in the Caucasus. For a small number of the region's inhabitants the blog says the answer appears to be yes, and the post includes an interview with Daeron, a local metal band who perform in Armenia and Georgia.

author: Onnik Krikorian


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Armenia: Newfound Support for Domestic Violence Victims · Global Voices
Liana Aghajanian

Domestic violence has long been a taboo subject in Armenian circles. But when 20-year-old mother Zaruhi Petrosyan was brutally beaten to death by her husband and mother-in-law last October, the case mobilized individuals and organizations in confronting this issue which affects over a quarter of women in Armenia.
The awakening gave way to the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women in Armenia, a seven member organization that has been following Petrosyan's case and working to make changes to the criminal code about domestic violence. Along with the Women's Resource Center, Society Without Violence, PINK Armenia, Zangakadun, Women's Rights Center,  The Tufenkian Foundation in partnership with the Armenian International Women's Association and USAID the Women's Support Center which now seeks to raise new funds to open a shelter for abused women in Armenia.
We spoke to Tufenkian's Country Director, Mary Matosian in September about the challenges and hopes for the project.
Zaruhi Petrosyan, a young mother who was beaten to death last year by her husband and mother-in-law/Image courtesy of family via News.am
Global Voices (GV): What kind of work has your organization done in the scope of domestic violence in Armenia thus far?
Mary Matosian (MM): We have created posters and fliers and distributed them. This has not been very easy because we would like to put them in store windows, and some have accepted and some have not. We ran our hotline number [on television] and people called us from all over Armenia. We teach positive parenting, many of these women continue to be physically violent to their children, so the children become perpetrators of violence. Many of these women didn't even know this was a problem because this is what they’ve seen in their families and they think this is the norm. Together with British Embassy, we also ran a training program for journalists, speaking to them about what exactly domestic violence is, and how to interview victims of violence.
GV: How do you change attitudes about domestic violence in Armenia?
MM: We need to educate people at all levels, government officials, teachers, doctors. For example we did training with teachers. They were women, and very adamant about not wanting to talk about this subject, and very resistant. Women themselves are not ready to think towards their own good. International organizations play a major role in this, and the diaspora too. Because on a local level as much as we scream and yell, nothing happens. When there's outside pressure they start to react. We have to start changing legislation. Laws are very important for the protection of victims and punishment of abusers.
Armenian diasporans in Los Angeles supported activists in Armenia by organizing a march against domestic violence earlier this year. Image by Liana Aghajanian.
GV: Why is this an important enough issue for those who are not Armenian to care about?
MM: Domestic violence is an international issue. We get grants from organizations that have no presence in Armenia. The solidarity of women around the world to promote women issues and to protect women is something universal, without borders. Through the internet now, we are so connected with each other and we can present experiences to Armenians and mention how are things in Africa and South America and other parts of the world, and where they have dealt with the issues – and that in itself creates a parallel for them to be inspired.
GV: What about critics who will point out that men get abused too. Do you have programs available for male victims of domestic violence?
MM: We have indeed two men in the program who were abused as well. We had one particular family where all members of the family were hitting each other. We cannot address everything – there's all sorts of violence – you need to focus on something, but there are other cases and they should be addressed.
GV: What does the future hold for curbing domestic violence in Armenia?
MM: If we go at this pace, I think the future is very bright. Because if we can continue to be well-organized and continue to have funding and be active the way we are now, more and more information will be spread around. Even though we have had good results in the past few years, we are still in the nascent stages of this struggle. For example, the word ‘feminism’ for some reason has bad connotations in Armenia.  We still have to explain to people, to women, what women's rights are. Women are not even aware that they have problems. We are still in the very early stages.
Other organizations in the country are also establishing infrastructure for domestic violence victims. In July, the non-profit charity Paros “Lighthouse” opened a new shelter and women's center near Etchmiadzin, where they house expecting mothers and women with children up to 2 years old who have been abused and have no where to go. The center has received three women so far, who come for support for milk, clothing, diapers and therapy. According to founder Seta Ghazarian, it has capacity for up to 16 women.

author: Liana Aghajanian


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Bolivia: TIPNIS Indigenous Marchers Arrive in La Paz · Global Voices
Eduardo Avila

This post is part of our special coverage Indigenous Rights.
The indigenous march in defense of the Indigenous Territory and National Park Isiboro Sécuro (TIPNIS for its initials in Spanish) reached its final destination on October 19, 2011, when it arrived at the seat of government in La Paz, Bolivia.
Despite meeting one of its objectives, the marchers still have hopes of meeting with President Evo Morales face-to-face to discuss the 16-point list of demands, including the definitive halt in the construction of the section of the highway that would cut through the heart of their territory.
When word arrived that the march was approaching the city, residents began to prepare the grand reception. Some even traveled to meet the marchers in localities in the Yungas region, such as Tonny Lopez, who posted a few photos of the march's stop in Coroico. When the march passed through “La Cumbre,” which is the highest point of the march sitting at approximately 4,700 meters above sea level, many of the indigenous, who come from the lowland region of Bolivia, had trouble adjusting to the high elevation.
Eighty women from the nearby market of Urujara arrived to this mountainous region to show solidarity and provide a meal of rice soup and sandwiches for the marchers. In this video interview by the user En la UPEA, one of the women says that she feels sorry for the marchers for how long their journey has been; the women of the market will provide meals over two days:
Ever since the police repression of the marchers in the town of Yucumo on September 25, there has been even more public support for the marches and their demands. In light of this police repression, and the public declarations by Morales and his ministers labeling the marchers everything from being misled by NGOs to being “tourists,” many people began to wonder how they would be received by the government when they did arrive.
Manuel Alfaro (@_rogermanuel) asks [es]:
Despues de decirles traficantes, maleantes, pagados, en fin haberlos descalificado a diario, como recibira evo a los indigenas del #TIPNIS ?
While there was a question about how the country's first indigenous president would receive the marchers, there was no question how the city of La Paz would greet the approximately thousand-strong group that had been traveling over 600 kilometers for more than 60 days.
Since early in the morning, residents started to line the streets preparing water and food, as well as Bolivian flags and signs of encouragement. It was a true heroes’ welcome.  Jose Luis Chuquimia (@chuquijosel) was in the streets and described what he saw [es]:
las calles pacenhas….quedaron flores, mixtura, banderas de papel…lagrimas, abrazos…sonrisas..pasos que calan historias #TIPNIS ES VIDA
Many others from the Bolivian Twitter community also were present throughout the day reporting from the city streets. Several took photographs and posted them to Twitter. Nicole Gerke (@nicolegerke) posted photos of the crowd joining the march and of public support from the Afro-Bolivian community.
Others like Mariana (@ama1607) posted this photograph of women waiting for the marchers with flowers:
Photo by @ama1607 and used with permission.
Journalist and blogger Boris Miranda (@ivanbor) also accompanied the march and captured images of some of the well-wishers along the route:
"Welcome home brothers from the TIPNIS. We support you. Long live Nature" Photo by @ivanbor and used with permission.
Photo by @ivanbor and used with permission.
It was a photograph taken by Centa Rek, a Senator from the opposition party, that elicited an active response from the Twitter community. Throughout the day, many were commenting about the appearance of opportunists that took advantage of the outpouring of support as a way to benefit themselves. Twitter user @AndreaMiCaHe had some words of advice [es]:
Politicos oportunistas respeten marcha dl #TIPNIS no vayan a la marcha a solo aparecer n la foto, oposicion inutil xfavor manter distancia!!
Twitter user Alexis Argüello (@alexisarguello) used a play-on-words to [es] to describe those jumping on the bandwagon, calling them “OporTIPNIStas” instead of the Spanish word of “oportunistas” (opportunists).
The indigenous marchers arrived to the Plaza Murillo, which sits facing the Presidential Palace and Congress, in anticipation of a meeting with the President. No one is quite sure what will happen next and the indigenous marchers vow to not leave La Paz without a law that prohibits the construction of the highway through their territory.
Ana Rosa López Villegas of the blog Mi Voz, Mi Palabra summarizes the hopes of the marchers and the general public that supports them [es]:
Hace dos meses que caminan y que claman, hace dos meses que quieren ser escuchados. Hace más de dos meses que buscan en las pupilas oscuras y la piel cobriza de su “hermano” Presidente, el respaldo que los acoja en su legítima demanda.
This post is part of our special coverage Indigenous Rights.

author: Eduardo Avila


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Cameroon: An Open Letter to the President · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

An open letter to the President of Cameroon from opposition presidential candidate Ayah Paul Abine: “Mr. President, You would have known by now that of the seven candidates who signed the Yaounde Declaration demanding the cancellation of the recent presidential election, four are Anglophones and three are from the West Region.”

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Cameroon: Biya Tipped to Win After Temporary Results Are Leaked · Global Voices
Julie Owono

This post is part of our special coverage Cameroon Elections 2011
A week after the October 9, 2011, presidential election in Cameroon, the National Commission of General Census has just finished analysing minutes of the 24,000 polling stations disseminated in Cameroon and abroad, and established a temporary count of the votes.
Weekly newspaper Le Messager published a leak of these temporary results in an article; the latter was republished on camer.be [fr]. Final results should be announced by the Supreme Court [fr] on October 24, 2011.
The possible re-election of Paul Biya
The temporary figures, as counted by the National Commission of General Census grant the outgoing President Paul Biya, who was running for re-election, 77% of the votes. Following is his historical opponent, Ni John Fru Ndi with around 10% environ and then Garga Haman Adji who gathered 3.21% of the vote.
Temporary results as transmitted to the Supreme Court. From www.camer.be
A Cameroonian netizen commented on camer.be post [fr]:
le messager ne respecte pas la loi, on a interdit de publier les tendances
Radio France Internationale (RFI) [fr] explains:
A ce stade, aucun résultat provisoire n’est publié. Cette prérogative a été retirée à Elecam par l’Assemblée en mai dernier, au profit du seul Conseil constitutionnel.
Beyond the possible breach of the law by the Cameroonian newspaper, some netizens seemed to expect such results and assume that the opposition is to blame. 18OO°-CELSIUS [fr] from Germany:
18 individus réunissent en tout et pour tout 5,01% ! quelle moquerie! rembourser nos dizaines de millions que vous avez reçus pour la pseudo campagne! on ne vous connait pas! toute l'opposition réunie n'arrive mm pas à franchir le cap de 25% de suffrages, quelle honte!
ALEXANDER_LEGRAND [fr] continues:
L'homme lion est très fort, pas les histoires que Gbagbo avait voulu gagner avec 51% . Quelque soient les contestations il sera au dessus de 50%. 7 longues années de misère nous attendent encore, à moins qu'il casse sa pipe avant.
Netizen The Economist comments from Sweden:
The problem in cameroon is not the opposition. Democracy permits whosoever (including you and me) to become president as long as he can receive the trust of the people. forcing opposition parties to unite with others is an abuse to democracy. the truth is elsewhere and is about the electoral system in place.
Adding:
The drawing line should be the introduction of a second round election that will force the minor parties to rally with the major ones. Lets only ask for a credible electoral sysytem and stop stone throwing for nothing!
Early results as a test of reactions?
These results seemed surprising to some netizens. In fact, according to the Google trends tool, Edith Kahbang Walla was among the top three most researched candidates on the Google search engine. No opinion poll was given during the presidential vote, and due to the low Internet penetration rate in Cameroon, this estimation should be tempered, as it might mainly concern search by the diaspora community.
Netizen AmaraSt comments on social network Twitter:
0.71% for #KahWalla really surprising… Maybe she did focus too much on #diaspora and not enough on those in #Cameroon
To this Dibussi, Cameroonian writer and jouranlist based in Chicago, replies:
I think these results are a trial balloon by regime to see how people will react and to prepare public for Supreme Court results
The assumption that the incumbent power might have orchestrated the leaking of these results is shared by other journalists: Edouard Tamba, a journalist based in capital Yaoundé, says that “everything is possible with the Cameroonian Press”. Another anonymous Cameroonian journalist adds:
C’est cette presse qui est allée toucher de l’argent au Ministère de la Communication et au Cabinet civil de la présidence de la République pour la “couverture” de l’élection
This statement is confirmed by Cameroonian journalist Christophe Bobiokono on his blog in a post entitled “Controle of medias: the Renewal (reference to the political program of the candidate Paul Biya during the electoral campaign) covers the Press with banknotes in order to buy peace“.
The fear of a post electoral crisis
On her Facebook Page, Edith Kahbang Walla, also known as Kah Walla announced:
Yesterday October 15th, 6 leaders of the Cameroonian opposition (Kah Walla, John Fru Ndi, Adamou Ndam Njoya, Ben Muna, Jean de Dieu Momo, Albert Dzongang) met and developed a common position and plan of action with regard to the electoral process carried out on October 9, 2011. Details will be communicated in a press conference on Monday, October 17th at 11:00 a.m. at the UDC headquarters in Yaounde.
They signed the Declaration of Yaoundé [fr] in which the coalition denounces irregularities of the ballot, and therefore demands  the cancellation of the election of October 9, 2011, in accordance with Article 99 of Law number 92/010 of September 17, 1992 [fr], and the organisation of new elections within six months.
According to a Voice of America article, Fred Mitchell, who led the Commonwealth observer mission to Cameroon expressed satisfaction with the elections:
We observed the fact that the election was conducted peacefully,” said Mitchell, “that people felt no form of coercion to come out to vote, and although there were some administrative and logistical problems, we believe that there was a valued first effort to establish ELECAM as an independent acting body for elections. I think that is something that your country ought to be proud of.
At the French National Assembly, Alain Juppé, when questionned [fr] by an opposition deputy on the constant backing by France of African dictators, stated that:
Ce que je peux vous dire, c’est que, selon l’Organisation internationale de la francophonie et le Commonwealth qui ont suivi le déroulement de ces élections, on peut considérer aujourd’hui qu’elles ont eu lieu dans des conditions acceptables.
Nevertheless Panafrican magazine Jeune Afrique reported [fr] the slaughter of Virginie Takoguem, an alleged SDF partisan, killed on the day of the election, incircumstances which until today remain uncertain [fr].
Moreover, pictures of the counting of the votes in certain polling stations of the country circulated on the web. Africa Through a Lens blog posted some of them:
An electoral official checks an election result sheet using a lantern after the Presidential election in Yaounde, Cameroon, Sunday, October 9. 2011 – www.africathroughalens.com
The daily newspaper Le Jour [fr] also reported that one of the 22 opposition candidates, Jean-Jacques Ekindi, denounced irregularities on his Facebook page. In the following video posted in Youtube by user JeanMarieEssono, the allegedly indelibile voting ink has disappeared from the thumbs of two citizens who have just voted:
Journalist Edouard Tamba [fr], referring to the temporary results recently leaked, explains:
Pour tout observateur de la scène politique au Cameroun, il n’y a pas de surprise réelle dans ces “résultats”. Les choses étaient mal parties avec: Elecam et ses responsables proches du pouvoir en place, un exécutif hyper-puissant et maître absolu du calendrier, une opposition qui excelle dans l’amateurisme et s’agite à la dernière minute. Où je vis à Yaoundé, tous ceux qui sont revenus des bureaux de vote n’avaient plus d’encre aux pouces. Certains n’ont pas eu leurs cartes. Et d’autres ont eu plusieurs cartes dans la même ville ou dans plusieurs ville. Le résultat ne peut être qu’en faveur de celui qui organise et se préparait depuis des années.
Radio France Internationale [fr] reports a statement by John Fru Ndi, leader of the Social Democratic Front, and historical opponent of Paul Biya:
Dans le cas ou le Conseil constitutionnel refuse d’annuler cette mascarade électorale et persiste à déclarer les résultats, nous appelons par la présente le peuple à venir massivement manifester en faveur de leur droit de participer à des élections libres et transparentes
Serge Alain Ka’abessine wonders [fr] on opposition news site Germinal:
S’achemine-t-on vers une crise postélectorale ? Tout laisse à penser, si on tient compte de la détermination affichée par les signataires de la Déclaration de Yaoundé (…).
This position is not shared by Agenor Peter on the Largest Cameroonian Group on Facebook [fr]:
Ils sont bien nombreux les charlatants, les apprentis sorciers, les marabouts qui ce disent opposant. Ils sont derniers partout même dans leurs decisions, alors ils doivent assumer les conséquences; pas question de se mobiliser pour ces bons à rien de l'opposition qui ne comprennent rien à rien de la politique.
This post is part of our special coverage Cameroon Elections 2011

author: Julie Owono


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Cameroon: Election Irregularities Noted by US Ambassador in Yaoundé · Global Voices
Julie Owono

Robert Jackson, the United States (US) Ambassador in Cameroon, stated in a declaration made public by AFP [fr] that US observers of the October 9, 2011, presidential election noted “irregularities at every level” of the electoral process, and “technical difficulties by Elecam [Cameroonian Electoral Commission] in its management of the election”. This follows the decision by the Cameroonian Constitutionnal Court [fr] to dismiss an appeal by opposition candidates to annul the election.


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Central America: Bloggers Attempt to Raise Awareness as Heavy Rains Continue  · Global Voices
Silvia Viñas

Mike from Central American Politics links to English language blogs covering the damage caused by the heavy rains that have been falling on Central America for over one week.

author: Silvia Viñas


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Chile: Photos of October 19 Student Protest · Global Voices
Silvia Viñas

Chilean students marched for education reform on October 18 and 19. Kena Lorenzini posts numerous pictures of the second day on her personal blog.