Democracy Update: Thursday 6th April 2006

Quite a busy day, so here is how the world's Democracy looks at 18:00 GMT

• Northern Irish Republican's and Unionists have been given a 24th November deadline by which to resume their power sharing government. For those of you unaware under the devolved system, all elected parties must form a coalition government. Unfortunately the levels of stand-point mistrust run high. So much so that the government was suspended in October 2002 following allegations of a Republican spy ring. Lets hope progress can be made, for the sake of all Northern Irish people's future.

• We thought it was all over. Perhaps not. Former Thai PM has said he will retain his parliamentary seat, and his leadership of the ruling 'Thai's Love Thai's' party. Effectively he will therefore still be calling the shots for any future PM. The opposition reaction? More Protests.

• Reporters Without Borders has slammed the Singaporean authorities after they slapped a ban on political podcasts. To be honest it is somewhat expected. Almost all media in Singapore is favorable to the government, and sites already have to register with the government if wishing to post political comment. The scope for free expression in the media is quite literally suffocating im afraid.

• Uganda's election has, like last time around, been narrowly approved by the constitutional court. A majority of just 1 declared that the election would not have been affected by intimidation, violence and ballot box stuffing. President Yoweri Museveni will be inaugurated in May.

• There are worries in Kyrgyzstan after an alleged crime-lord was allowed to participate in a Parliamentary by-election.

• Nigeria's Vice-President has come firmly out against a third term for existing Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo. Personally I agree with him. I think President Obasanjo is merely trying to cling to power, and back-tracking on Democratic reforms at a slow pace (ala-Museveni). If the Southern based leader ignores the call of his Northern deputy the seeds of Civil War could easily be sowed.

• And whilst it looked like a new coalition in Ukraine was likely, Tymoshenko and the Socialists have poured cold water on Our Ukraine's offer. RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty has the story.

That's all for now guys, Enjoy!

Matt Jay