Short Democracy Update

Just a quick one today guys, exam season is upon me, and much needed revision is required!

• Poland has welcomed the main opposition candidate in the Belarus Presidential ballot. Alexander Milinkevich told a cheering parliament that his people wanted transparent elections, not revolutions.

• Hamas has secured a majority in the Palestinian legislative elections. The truest words of the day came from the Arab League (an organisation I seldom agree with) "The US can't promote democracy but then reject the results of this democracy". The people have spoken, they must live with the consequences of their choice good or bad. Here's hoping it isn't the start of another large scale war between Palestine and Israel.

• Kyrgyzstan continues to take the mick, in regard to U.S Air Base fees. When will Bakiyev realise such low quality profit isn't going to help Bishkek in the long run? Until the government begins to attract foreign investors through liberalisation etc. poverty will remain widespread.

• Forgot to cover this one yesterday. Reuters looks at the appointment of a new PM for Mongolia and the likely consequences.

• Finally it's China Vs India - A battle of Ideologies. Thanks to the International Herald Tribune.

Enjoy!

Matt Jay