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In The News

Families, Not Political Parties Still Reign in the Philippines

May 22, 2013

Manny Pacquiao's wife Jinkee Pacquiao files her certificate of candidacy on Tuesday, October 2.

There has been some controversy about the quality of the May 2013 general elections in the Philippines, during which some 18,000 local and national positions were elected. But the fairest verdict of this exercise in electronic voting would seem to be that, like in May 2010, elections changed, but politics didn't. As always, discussing the May elections inevitably involves talking about families and personalities but not political parties. When it comes to the nationally elected upper house of the legislature – the Senate – much has been made of the fact that nine of the 12 winners came from President Aquino's slate, dubbed "Team PNoy." It's important to note that from the start, this was not a group of Liberal Party (LP) members – only three candidates were Liberal Party members (and of those, only one had been a Liberal Party member for more than a few months).

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Notes from the Field

In 21st Century Asia, Civil Society Blossoms

May 22, 2013

With ongoing tensions in Northeast Asia – North Korea threatening war, pervasive struggles over island territory, and disputes over history and trade – there is a temptation to grow impatient with dialogue and diplomacy. But for more than 60 years, economic growth, peace, and stability in this region...

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In The News

Can Engaging with Gang Members in the Maldives Break Cycle of Violence?

May 22, 2013

With presidential elections in the island nation of the Maldives approaching in September, anxiety over an increase in gang-led violence is on the rise, despite the Maldives Police Service having successfully reduced crime on the streets of the capital, Male, in recent months.

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In The News

United Efforts, Not Boycotts, Will Help Bangladesh's Garment Workers

May 15, 2013

Bangladeshi Garment worker

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In The News

Pakistan's Elections Give Grounds for Hope

May 15, 2013

These were the elections which many did not expect to see in Pakistan. Despite persistent and widespread rumors right up until the actual day of elections that they would be cancelled or postponed, Pakistan's General Elections took place as scheduled on May 11. Around 50 million citizens took part in this historical event...

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In The News

Cautious Optimism in the Philippines as Elections Considered 'Generally Peaceful'

May 15, 2013

In the lead up to the Philippine midterm elections on May 13, the Philippine National Police (PNP) identified 15 provinces as priority areas where there was a risk of election violence. These areas have a history of intense political contestations...

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Notes from the Field

Cambodia's Small Businesses Serve as Backbone of Sustainable Economy

May 15, 2013

Cambodian small business owner

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