Political Interference Research Articles

THE ENFORCEABILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS IN REDUCING CORRUPTION CASES IN INDONESIA

The role of the legal system, particularly through the Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) and other law enforcement agencies in Indonesia, is pivotal in addressing high-profile corruption cases. However, these efforts have been impeded by factors such as political interference, resource limitations, and a lack of anti-corruption culture, posing challenges for the future. This article employs a normative legal research methodology, utilizing statutory and conceptual frameworks. Data collection involved a thorough literature review of relevant laws and regulations related to anti-corruption issues. In this context, the collaboration between the legal system and civil society emerges as a synergistic force in establishing a robust anti-corruption ecosystem. Emphasizing preventive measures like asset declarations and conflict-of-interest regulations offers valuable insights into the proactive role the legal system can assume in averting corruption before it spreads.

Political Interferences in the Exercise of Public Policy and the Functioning of Subnational Bodies and Especially in the Management of Water Resources

Political Interferences in the Exercise of Public Policy and the Functioning of Subnational Bodies and Especially in the Management of Water Resources

Who Leads? Who Follows? Exploring Agenda Setting by Media, Social Bots and Public in the Discussion of the 2022 South Korean Presidential Election

Social media not only changes the traditional communication environment but also brings new changes to agenda-setting. The main body of agenda-setting has shifted from the traditional media to the politicians, political parties and grassroots people. With the increasing use of social bots in public opinion manipulation and political election interference, whether they can participate in or influence agenda-setting has become an urgent concern. So far, there has been less literature focusing on engagement in agenda-setting for social bots. This paper studies the social media discussion content of the South Korean presidential election, determines the participation of social bots, and explores the connection between media agenda, bot agenda, and public agenda from the perspective of agenda setting. This study finds that while the main agendas of media, social bots, and the public are not the same, their agendas are relevant. In addition, the media agenda is not timely ahead of the bot agenda and the public agenda, and the time order only appears between the social bots and the public.

Challenges faced by CEOs in executing turnaround strategies in state-owned enterprises in South Africa

Purpose: Building on theories of the firm, this research examines the challenges faced by chief executive officers (CEOs) in executing a turnaround strategy in the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa.Design/methodology/approach: This is a qualitative study conducted within 10 of the 21 SOEs classified as Schedule 2 (major public institutions) in the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) that previously embarked on a turnaround. The study comprised 24 semi-structured interviews with CEOs, chief financial officers (CFOs), chief operating officers (COOs), boards, union representatives, regulators, and shareholders as the key players in a turnaround of a SOE. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data.Findings/results: This research suggests that political landscape and power struggles, inappropriate practices of board, politicians and shareholders, inefficient internal operations, leadership instability, legislation and corporate governance hinder the execution of turnaround strategies in the SOEs. This research is consistent with public choice, agency and resource dependence theories.Practical implications: State-owned enterprises need to be free from political interference to be able to turn around. Government, board, shareholders, communities, regulators, service providers and unions need to relook at how they portray the CEOs of SOEs, and rethink how they deal with them.Originality/value: This research contributes to policy, theory, practice, economy and society by expanding the theories of the firm, capturing real-life challenges the CEOs of SOEs face in executing a turnaround strategy and solutions to tackle the challenges. A roadmap to assist SOEs in executing a turnaround strategy successfully is recommended.

The Historic, Present and Future Role of Regulation in Securing the Standards of ‘Public Value’ Media

AbstractThis article examines the evolution of public service broadcasting (PSB) regulation in the UK, contrasting two opposing perspectives on its role and addressing its contemporary challenges. Analysing the historical context and recent regulatory changes, the article argues that PSB remains vital to the UK's media landscape, providing high quality content and serving the public good. However, it identifies technological advancements and political interference as significant threats to its continued success. The article critically evaluates the draft Media Bill's potential to address these challenges and enhance PSB's competitiveness. Additionally, it raises concerns about potential bias within the regulatory body, Ofcom, urging greater transparency and fairness in its oversight of the media market. The article emphasises the need for a robust regulatory framework to ensure the continued viability of PSB and foster a vibrant and diverse media ecosystem.

Political Revenge? Downgrading Indonesia’s KPK From Hero to Villain

The importance of Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi [KPK]), has once again been brought into focus during the 2024 presidential election campaign period when politics and corruption collide. This article suggests that legislative and political actions since 2019 to the KPK’s purpose and structure severely limit its capacity and independence making it susceptible to greater political interference and coercion. The KPK was established by Law 30/2002, as a response to and recognition of rampant corruption throughout the governmental, political and public sectors, business communities, and society in general, which became common practice during President Suharto’s New Order Regime. The KPK’s commission encompasses conducting investigations, indictments, and prosecutions. However, in late 2019, the People’s Representative Council enacted amending legislation to weaken its authority and ability to operate independently. Crucial legislative changes included creating a government-appointed supervisory body overseeing the KPK’s internal operations and changing KPK employee status from independent agents to public servants. These two provisions alone seriously weaken the KPK’s autonomy and create the risk of turning it into a politically controlled auxiliary state agency. In some respects, KPK has become a victim of its own successes, having achieved convictions of senior ministers, politicians, government officials, and business leaders, which in turn has produced enemies. Without political protection, the KPK faces the prospect of not only becoming, in essence, a nonentity but also facing further deterioration of its credibility and authority.

Autonomy of Universities and Judicial Review: Irreconcilable Concepts?

The autonomy of universities represents the main functional principle of universities in EU Member States. Is is an instrument of defence of higher education institutions from ideological, political and religious interferences and an essential middle of implementing educational right of individuals. Its role is to contribute to the improvement of higher education, to universities performance and to the developments of society. But what happens when decisions of higher education institutions, their inaction or unjustified refusal to resolve a demand are brought in front of tribunals? Is the judicial review possible, does it have limits and which are these limits? The answer assumes to establish the aim and the content of the university autonomy and to assess the judicial review both from the perspective of legality and opportunity. Our research is descriptive and explanatory and contains relevant case law. Our conclusion is in the direction of a complete judicial review made by the administrative courts, both from the perspective of the legality and of the opportunity of the act submitted to the control.

A Critical Appraisal of Gilgit-Baltistan Education Strategy 2015-2030

This study aims to analyze Gilgit-Baltistan Education Strategy 2015-2030 and its revised strategy and implementation plan issued on September 2023 by the Directorate of Education Gilgit-Baltistan. An objective analysis reveals that none of the promised goals outlined in Education Strategy w.e.f 2015 to 2023 have been achieved at any satisfactory level. Revised Strategy and Implementation Plan w.e.f 2023 to 2030 do not reflect on major causes of failure to achieve previously set targets/goals. The strategy paper entails abstract assumptions, encouraging intervention from private sectors and an idealistic call for financial commitments from provincial and federal government. The findings of the study reveals that the subject strategy fails to chart out clear guidance to acclimatize the available resources and it does not incorporate any pragmatic mechanism to eliminate risk factors indicated against each set of goal and objective. The study underscores the importance of considering judicious utilization of available financial and human resources and revision of departmental regulations and statutory laws to curb undue favours and prevent political interferences in Education department Gilgit-Baltistan.

Governance, policy, and health systems responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand: a qualitative study.

Since 2020, Thailand has experienced four waves of COVID-19. By 31 January 2022, there were 2.4 million cumulative cases and 22,176 deaths nationwide. This study assessed the governance and policy responses adapted to different sizes of the pandemic outbreaks and other challenges. A qualitative study was applied, including literature reviews and in-depth interviews with 17 multi-sectoral actors purposively identified from those who were responsible for pandemic control and vaccine rollout. We applied deductive approaches using health systems building blocks, and inductive approaches using analysis of in-depth interview content, where key content formed sub-themes, and different sub-themes formed the themes of the study. Three themes emerged from this study. First, the large scale of COVID-19 infections, especially the Delta strain in 2021, challenged the functioning of the health system's capacity to respond to cases and maintain essential health services. The Bangkok local government insufficiently performed due to its limited capacity, ineffective multi-sectoral collaboration, and high levels of vulnerability in the population. However, adequate financing, universal health coverage, and health workforce professionalism and commitment were key enabling factors that supported the health system. Second, the population's vulnerability exacerbated infection spread, and protracted political conflicts and political interference resulted in the politicization of pandemic control measures and vaccine roll-out; all were key barriers to effective pandemic control. Third, various innovations and adaptive capacities minimized the supply-side gaps, while social capital and civil society engagement boosted community resilience. This study identifies key governance gaps including in public communication, managing infodemics, and inadequate coordination with Bangkok local government, and between public and private sectors on pandemic control and health service provisions. The Bangkok government had limited capacity in light of high levels of population vulnerability. These gaps were widened by political conflicts and interference. Key strengths are universal health coverage with full funding support, and health workforce commitment, innovations, and capacity to adapt interventions to the unfolding emergency. Existing social capital and civil society action increases community resilience and minimizes negative impacts on the population.

Uncovering the Synergy: Karnataka Government's Collaboration with Third Sector Organizations (TSOs) for Rural Development and Support during Covid-19

Aims: Third sector organisations comprises of charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups supporting communities at local level. The study has focused on the relationship between the State and Third Sector Organizations (TSOs) in delivering services to impoverished rural community. Study Design: Mention the design of the study here. Place and Duration of Study: Thirty TSOs were chosen from Kolar, Chikkaballapur, and Tumakuru districts, encompassing a variety of entities including NGOs, SHGs, and primary-level cooperatives, which collectively constitute the third sector comprising charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups supporting local communities. The data pertains to the year 2021-22. Methodology: To achieve the specific objectives of the study, descriptive statistics were employed to assess the service delivery dynamics between the State and TSOs. Results: The findings revealed that during the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Third Sector Organizations (TSOs) have played a crucial role in extending support to communities in various spheres. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, TSOs extended educational support to 1,687 individuals, representing 2.06 per cent of the total beneficiaries. A significant majority (83.33%) of these organisations actively participated in implementation of Government-supported projects, maintaining a two-way relationship with the government (73.33%). The organisations had also taken financial help from Government in the form of funds (70 %), grants (33.33 %), and subsidies (33.33 %). The study also revealed that majority (66.67 %) of the organizations were having political interference in TSO. Furthermore, a substantial majority (90%) of the organizations anticipated timely financial support from the Government. Conclusion: The study underscores the indispensable role of Third Sector Organizations (TSOs) in bolstering impoverished rural communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite challenges, TSOs actively engage in government-supported projects, fostering a symbiotic relationship. However, concerns persist regarding political interference within TSOs, highlighting the need for safeguarding their autonomy. Overall, the findings emphasize the necessity of consistent and timely financial support from the government to sustain TSO initiatives effectively. The study recommended the necessity of providing punctual financial support from the government to encourage TSOs in enhancing their service delivery to the rural poor.

The Romanian Media System: Dynamics, Challenges, and Implications for Democracy

This article endeavors to delve into the recent transformation of the Romanian media landscape, aiming to offer a nuanced comprehension of the cultural and political dynamics that have influenced journalistic practices. The Romanian media environment has undergone swift changes, transitioning from a monolithic structure to one increasingly driven by commercial interests, all while navigating economic and political pressures. The shift toward a free-market framework has not only reshaped the social and political fabric but has also significantly impacted the media sector. This article posits that the Romanian media landscape is shaped by the interplay of cultural, economic, and political forces, evident in journalistic outputs across both traditional and digital platforms. This assertion aligns with Hallin and Mancini’s (2004) notion of parallelism between journalism and politics. Moreover, it extends this perspective to encompass cultural influences and the evolving media landscape resulting from shifts in the media market, changing consumption patterns, and the proliferation of digital media. Key indicators such as professional standards, editorial autonomy, transparency, financial sustainability, political influence, and media regulations are critically examined within the unique context of Romania, in which political interference and growing reliance on advertising revenue often curtail editorial independence. In conclusion, the article reflects on the current state of the Romanian media system and the manifold challenges it confronts amidst the changing dynamics of the media landscape.

Challenges of Transnational Education in the Global South

Abstract About ten per cent of Egyptian students are registered in 27 private universities and four private community universities in Egypt, amounting to 300,000 students studying in 169 faculties. Based on resident field experiences and drawing on communications with senior university managers in two private universities spanning six years, this research argues that a number of challenges persist in the implementation of transnational education in Egypt. Through the prisms of rational choice theory and institutional theory, it is found that underfunding, political interference (including ‘pedagogical balancing’) and negative norms set by university owners, managers and students alike, compounded by macro-economic instability, have had a major impact on the student experience and wider society. The findings are to various degrees applicable to other states in the Middle East, Africa and the wider Global South, as well as primary foreign stakeholders, such as the United Kingdom in this case.

Ethical dilemmas: Experiences of secondary school teachers in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia

Being a teacher involves multi-layered ethical challenges and decisions. The purpose of this research was to explore the ethical dilemmas faced by secondary school teachers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In addition, the study aimed to explore the ways and approaches to resolving ethical dilemmas. A phenomenological qualitative research approach served as the guiding methodology. Eight participants were involved in the semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed by exploring potential themes and sub-themes using thematic analysis. The major ethical dilemmas that emerged from the data include (a) not being governed by schools’ rules and regulations (disrespect and dis-rule), (b) not being honest in the position they have, (c) lack of acceptance and recognition among the school community, and (d) being indecisive due to deep personal challenges of students and political interference. The major approaches utilized in addressing ethical challenges were (a) respecting the code of conduct of students’ discipline, (b) open discussion and confrontation, (c) understanding causal factors, and (d) being ethical. The need for professional development plans and training based on guiding books have been suggested as means of action in preparing secondary school teachers to deal with ethical challenges and to help them be good at decision-making.

ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES IN THE BRAZILIAN NATIVE CHARCOAL PRODUCTION CHAIN

The charcoal production chain in Brazil over the last century has always been linked to labour analogous to slavery. After actions by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, this crime has diminished, but it is still part of a system of illegalities that range from land grabbing, to the waste of raw materials, the approval of fraudulent forest management projects, to poor supervision and a high level of corruption on the part of environmental management institutions. With the Complementary Law 140/2011, the competence to manage forests comes under the federation states, which has meant that local political interference has made environmental management bodies nothing more than caretakers for the illegal production of timber and native charcoal. The charcoal makers as the weakest actors in the production chain and without proper protection from the state, since their profession is not even recognized and they wear PPE that makes it difficult to carry out their work, continue to produce native charcoal independently as a means of survival. This work is part of the doctoral thesis defended by the author at the Open University (UAb), Lisbon, on 19/01/2022 and sought, by searching of semi-structured interviews with 23 charcoal burners (their names have been omitted), to understand a little more about how they are involved in the illegal exploitation of Brazilian forests, in the Amazon, in the Cerrado and Pantanal.

Pension Management Challenges and Retirement Life Experiences: A Policy Implication

Remarking on the discourse of pension management in Nigeria, scarce research attention can be traced to the understanding of pension management challenges and life after retirement experience through the prism of policy implication. To address this gap, the study assesses the pattern of pensioners’ life after retirement, the arrays of pension management challenges, and appropriate policy implications for effective pension management. A mixed-method research approach was employed. 345 retirees were randomly recruited and administered a questionnaire, and 18 purposively semi-structured interviews were conducted with the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria. Quantitative data were analyzed with the frequency distribution and the Q-Q plot to determine the normal probability plot, while the NVivo (12) qualitative software was used for the identification of themes and sub-themes from the transcribed data. Findings revealed prolonged health challenges, poverty, and abrupt pension payment as life after retirement experiences. Verification bottleneck, poor monitoring and evaluation efforts, and administrative incompetency were issues around pension management challenges. The implication includes addressing political interference in pension management and administration, safeguarding retirees’ savings through legal commitment, and a call for employers’ contributions. The study recommends that the National Pension Commission become more responsive in its role of providing quality pension service, especially in terms of quality leadership, monitoring, and evaluation of Pension Fund Administrators.

Psychological science in Mongolia: Its history, development, and future prospects

This review paper explores the history, development, current state, and future prospects of psychological science in Mongolia. The establishment of the first department of pedagogical psychology in 1954 and the publication of the first Mongolian psychology textbook in 1960 marked the initial steps in the field's development. Dr. Sanjjav Damdinjav's pioneering PhD in 1966 and subsequent international representation paved the way for further growth. Currently, most Mongolian psychologists work across both public and private sectors. Education, healthcare, and justice/military services are the key employer groups in the public sector. Promising research has emerged in recent years, focusing on child and youth development, social support and well-being, psychological factors and financial credit risk, and tool adaptation for psychological assessment. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. These include a need for nationally licensed graduate programs, limited research funding, an outdated academic system, political interference in public university governance, a shortage of specialised personnel, and high research infrastructure costs. The most pressing issue is the need for graduate programs and corresponding job opportunities for major specialities like clinical, cognitive, and developmental psychology. Potential solutions include introducing graduate programs in key specialities, establishing licensure regulations, addressing systemic gaps, and increasing financial support for research institutions and universities. These steps would lay a strong foundation for the field, fostering its sustained growth and enabling meaningful contributions to Mongolian development.

Derailing of Fourth Pillar of the Democracy and Future of Accountable, Transparent Democratic System

The fourth pillar of democracy, often referred to as the "Press" or "Media," plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of accountability and transparency within democratic societies. This paper explores the challenges faced by the media in contemporary times, leading to the potential derailment of its vital role. In the age of rapidly evolving technology and information dissemination, traditional journalism faces numerous threats, including misinformation, political interference, and economic pressures. The first section of the paper delves into the historical significance of the fourth pillar and its evolution over time. It highlights the essential role of a free and independent media in fostering an informed citizenry, holding the government accountable, and acting as a watchdog against corruption and abuse of power. The second section examines the contemporary challenges that threaten the integrity of the fourth pillar. The rise of digital platforms, social media, and the proliferation of fake news have significantly impacted the credibility of traditional journalism. Political interference, censorship, and attacks on journalists further exacerbate the erosion of media independence. The third section explores the consequences of a weakened fourth pillar on the democratic system. Diminished media freedom can lead to reduced government accountability, increased corruption, and a decline in public trust. The paper argues that the erosion of the fourth pillar poses a direct threat to the foundations of democracy itself. The final section outlines potential strategies and prospects for revitalizing and safeguarding the fourth pillar. This includes the promotion of media literacy, regulatory frameworks to counter misinformation, and international collaboration to protect journalists and media freedom. Additionally, fostering a diversified and sustainable media landscape is crucial for ensuring the continued vibrancy of the fourth pillar. In conclusion, this paper emphasizes the critical importance of a robust fourth pillar in sustaining a healthy democratic system. It calls for collective efforts from governments, civil society, and the media industry to address the challenges and preserve the essential role of the media in promoting accountability, transparency, and a well-informed electorate. Only through concerted action can we hope to secure the future of a democratic system built on the principles of an independent and responsible press.

Perspectives of healthcare workers on integrated management of childhood illness in Pakistan: A phenomenological approach.

In 2019, an estimated 5.2 million deaths were reported among children less than 5years of age. At primary healthcare level, healthcare workers (HCWs) mostly rely on history and clinical findings and less on inadequate diagnostic facilities. To enhance case management skills of HCWs, World Health Organization devised an integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI) strategy in 1995, modified to distance learning IMCI in 2014. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to explore perceptions of HCWs about standard and distance IMCI. Four focus group discussions were conducted with purposively selected 26 HCWs (IMCI trained) from 26 basic health units of Abbottabad district in Pakistan. Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics were adopted during the inductive thematic analysis. Five themes that emerged are inexorable health seeking behaviors, IMCI being a comprehensive algorithm for consultation, a tedious protocol, scaling up protocol to specialists and private practitioners, and administrative insufficiency by the department of health. Improvement in case management skills of HCWs was reported as a result of IMCI trainings. It needs administrative support, regulations to control poly-pharmacy and provision of drugs without prescription, and a curb on political and bureaucratic interference.

Organizational commitment of non-tenured employees in the Philippine government service: A behavioral model

Non-tenured employment, often seen as less prestigious, is thought to lead to negative attitudes at work. However, research suggests that non-tenured workers can be just as dedicated to their organizations. Despite the clear need to understand the behaviors of these workers, there is a lack of research in this area. This study looks into what helps or hinders non-tenured government employees in the Philippines from feeling committed to their organization and develops a model to explain their behavior. Using a grounded theory approach, interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 18 non-tenured staff, including office workers, teachers, and service personnel, in Philippine government settings in 2021. These discussions were analyzed to identify themes inductively. The findings show that these workers are indeed committed to their organizations and highlight both the positive influences (facilitators) and obstacles (barriers) to this commitment. Positive work environment, fair pay, convenient location, and the chance of securing a tenured position were identified as facilitators, whereas political interference, challenging tasks, and limited professional development opportunities were seen as barriers. To better understand these factors, the study introduces a cause-reason-intention-behavior (CRIB) Model, a new framework specifically designed for non-tenured employees. This model is unique in that it focuses on how feelings of comfort, love for the job, and enjoyment of work, despite insecure job conditions, can encourage a strong commitment to the organization.

Education as a necessity of life: An exploration on Ugandan Education System Quality with reference to John Dewey's Philosophical Correlates

AbstractEvery country desires and aspires for an education system that caters for learners’ physiological needs, belonging, love, self‐esteem, security and self‐actualisation at the top, which are rarely provided by a few countries. With a review focus on the Ugandan education system, several challenges related to the education borrowing suggestions as proposed by John Dewey have been attributed to creating an environment that has seen most graduates ending up unemployed, and with leadership challenges, inadequate funding, poor teacher perception, low research and innovations in higher institutions of learning, less involvement of the informal sector in development, low literacy levels, political interference among others. Thus this exploratory analytical‐qualitative review focuses on John Dewey's teachings in his book Education and Democracy—specifically chapter 1, ‘Education as Necessity for Life’—with attention on how education as an engine that empowers life, ensures independence through self‐reliance, sustenance, freedom, and is syndrome‐free to enhance appreciation of the contemporary trends in education—critical aspects that are extremely lacking within the current Ugandan education system and can impact on the future of education to the future of education as recommended in National Development Plan III (NDP III). Thus the review recommends that while reflecting on the state of the Ugandan education system, there is a need to revitalise the research and innovations in higher institutions, especially catering for an integral‐education system with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from primary school to university, involvement of the informal sector through skills education as proposed by the Ugandan Vision 2040 and NDP III, as well as addressing low literacy levels and providing adequate teaching and learning through quality and balanced funding from all relevant government agencies and development partners.