Democracy Update: Friday 31st March 2006

On what has been a day filled with natural tragedies, there is little in the way of Democracy news. However here are a few quick links to what's been happening across the globe at 14:50 GMT

• Progress in one of the more Liberal Middle-Eastern regimes. Immigrant workers who have long been poorly treated in the United Arab Emirates are to be allowed to form trade unions. Not only should this provide an outlet to end the sub-human conditions associated with pre-industrial Europe, but could be a step on the way to UEA Democracy. Small steps.

• Good news for Jamaican women - the first female PM has been sworn into office. Not much I can add to that really - other than with some of the worst crime rates in America she has her work cut out.

• Finally opponents of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are becoming increasingly desperate. Despite their attempts to force the Central Election Commission to disqualify him, opinion polls say 70% of respondents want the current demonstrations to end.

Thats all for now, a very slow day, take care, and enjoy your weekend!

Matt Jay