Politically Exposed Person (PEP) Weekly Digest – Volume 63

PEP Weekly Digest Vol 63:

Introducing the 63rd Edition of The PEP Weekly Digest, where we present the most recent updates and news on the global political stage.

Recent and upcoming elections are influencing the worldwide political landscape in eight nations, slated between July 15, 2024, and September 20, 2024. These elections hold significant importance, as they will determine the direction and governance of each respective country’s future.

Bolivian President Replaces Energy Minister Amid Fuel Crisis, Protests Loom

One noteworthy event has occurred in Bolivia. President Luis Arce on Monday appointed Alejandro Gallardo as the nation’s new Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons as the country faces widespread fuel shortages. The previous minister, Franklin Molina, had been criticized for his handling of the ongoing issue. Unions and shopkeepers were set to take to the streets later on Monday in the city of Cochabamba to protest shortages of hard currency and petrol at the pumps.

“There is still much work to be done,” Arce said in a live message after also swapping out the nation’s labor and rural development ministers. “Each change represents an opportunity to resolve several problems we’re facing.” Arce’s government is dealing with an energy crunch linked to years of declining oil and gas production, which has hit exports and the country’s main source of foreign currency. Protests against regular diesel shortages have become common since the start of this year.

Tanzania’s President Reshuffles Cabinet, Appoints New Health Minister Ahead of Elections

Shifting our focus to Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan removed long-serving Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu in a mini-Cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, a move seen as part of broader efforts to realign her government ahead of general elections next year. According to a statement issued by Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka, the president has appointed Jenista Mhagama as the new Minister of Health. Mhagama previously served as the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, and Coordination.

Mwalimu, who held the health portfolio for a long time, has not been reassigned any other duty. In the same reshuffle, President Hassan appointed renowned law professor Palamagamba Kabudi as the Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, a portfolio previously held by Pindi Chana. Chana, in turn, has been appointed as the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, a docket she had held previously.

Jackson City Council Member Resigns Amid Federal Bribery Case in Mississippi

In the United States, Angelique C. Lee has resigned from the Jackson City Council ahead of a guilty plea in a federal bribery case, adding the latest layer to a sustained period of civil dysfunction in Mississippi’s capital. The news came on Wednesday afternoon when an August 7 federal grand jury indictment against the Democratic legislator was unsealed, revealing tens of thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise she received in a pay-to-play scheme dating back to earlier this year.

An unnamed “co-conspirator” and other involved individuals are mentioned in the five-page document, which details an FBI sting operation and Lee’s agreement to exchange the benefits for favorable votes in her capacity as a city council member. She is also said to have attempted to cover up the bribes after the fact.

Indian Finance Ministry Approves 15 Securities Firms for Aadhaar-Based KYC Process

In regulatory affairs, the Finance Ministry has authorized 15 securities firms to conduct Aadhaar-based customer verification, according to a notification issued by the Revenue Department. The approved firms include SBICAP Securities, IIFL Securities, and Angel One, among others. The notification, issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, allows these firms to use Aadhaar for the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.

Other entities granted permission include JM Financial Services, Arihant Capital Market, SMC Global Securities, Aditya Birla Money, R.K. Stock Holding, Monarch Networth Capital, RKSV Securities, Comfort Securities, and OPG Securities Pvt Ltd., reports PTI.

Tunisian Opposition Leader Sentenced to Prison as Presidential Election Nears

Shifting our attention to legal advancements, a potential Presidential candidate in Tunisia has been sentenced to two years in prison, marking another setback to the country’s fledgling opposition challenging President Kais Saied as he seeks a new term. Abir Moussi, a 49-year-old lawyer and the head of the right-wing Free Destourian Party, was arrested in October after criticizing the electoral process and the Presidential decrees guiding it, alleging a lack of transparency.

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