Politically Exposed Person (PEP) Weekly Digest – Volume 78

78th PEP Weekly Digest:

Introducing the 78th edition of The PEP Weekly Digest, where we present to you the most recent updates and news on the global political stage.

Recent and upcoming elections influence the worldwide political landscape in eight nations, slated between Nov 05, 2024 and Feb 02, 2024. These elections hold significant importance, as they will determine the direction and governance of each respective country’s future.

Bangladesh’s New Election Commission Sworn In

One noteworthy event has occurred in Bangladesh, newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and four other commissioners were sworn in nearly three months after the resignation of the previous commission as deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime was toppled in a student-led mass upsurge. Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed administered the oath of office to the new commission at the Supreme Court Judges’ Lounge at a ceremony joined by the top court judges and concerned officials.

The swearing-in ceremony was staged days after a search committee appointed by the interim government of Muhammad Yunus recommended the names of the new Election Commission chief and members who previously served as civil servants, military officers and lower judiciary judges.

Iran’s New Head of Mission in Kabul Takes Office

Shifting our focus to Iran, Alireza Bigdeli, Iran’s newly appointed head of mission in Kabul, has commenced his duties in Afghanistan. Bigdeli arrived in Kabul on Saturday and was greeted by senior Afghan officials. This appointment follows Bigdeli’s extensive diplomatic career, including service as Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs and ambassadorial postings to Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Cyprus. His selection as head of mission was announced by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on November 24th. Upon his arrival, Bigdeli received an official welcome from the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He succeeds Hassan Kazemi Qomi, who also served as the Iranian president’s special representative in Afghanistan.

In his inaugural address after arriving in Afghanistan, Bigdeli expressed, “It is a privilege to represent the Islamic Republic of Iran in Afghanistan in this new capacity.” He emphasized that a key priority for the Iranian embassy’s mission in Afghanistan is to foster friendly relations, drawing on the numerous shared interests between the two nations.

Malta’s Tourism Minister Resigns Amid Scandal

In Malta, Clayton Bartolo resigned as Tourism Minister and as a Labour MP, weeks after a Standards Commissioner report concluded that he abused his ministerial power by giving his wife a top-paid consultancy job she did not do. Prime Minister Robert Abela said he spoke to Bartolo, 37, on Monday evening and again on Tuesday morning, when that decision was confirmed. He said the decision was taken in light of a second scandal that emerged concerning Bartolo and which Times of Malta asked questions about some days ago.

UAE Gains Observer Status in Eurasian Group

In the realm of regulatory affairs, the United Arab Emirates has officially joined the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Launderin and Terrorist Financing (EAG) as an observer, becoming the first country in the region to achieve this status. This move highlights the UAE commitment to enhancing regional and global cooperation in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Tunisia Convicts Former Environment Minister for Corruption

Shifting our attention to Tunisia, Former Environment Minister Riadh Mouakher was convicted to three years in prison by the Financial Corruption Cases Chamber of the Tunis Court of First Instance. This verdict is part of a corruption case related to administrative and financial irregularities.

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