Navigating the Era of Gerontocracy: Health, Age, and Political Stagnation

Lately, the remarkable strides in medical science have undeniably enhanced the quality and expectancy of human life. This triumph, however, has ushered in an unintended consequence in the political arena, leading to the emergence of a gerontocracy—a governance system where the elderly hold significant power and influence. This phenomenon raises pertinent questions about the interplay between health, age, and political stagnation, and how these factors shape governance in various nations across the globe.

The term ‘gerontocracy’ originates from the Greek words ‘geron’ meaning old man and ‘kratos’ meaning power. It aptly describes a situation where leadership is predominantly in the hands of an older generation, often resulting in a resistance to change and innovation. This is particularly poignant in today’s fast-paced world, where adaptability and technological savvy are paramount.

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Pakistan: Situational update & digital campaign analysis

Summary

  • The vote count for Pakistan’s recent election has concluded, with Imran Khan’s allies winning the most seats in the National Assembly, but not enough to form a majority.
  • With no single party having enough seats to create a government independently, hopes of ending political turmoil are dampened. Khan’s party has declared victory and is urging all institutions to respect its mandate.
  • However, there have been protests and petitions challenging the election results, and foreign governments have expressed concerns about irregularities and manipulation.
  • Khan’s populist rhetoric and the country’s internet-savvy youth are reshaping Pakistani politics. His party used social media and AI to reach voters and mobilize support, bypassing state censorship.
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PPM Newsletter

We’ve moved our newsletter, formerly hosted on Substack, to this blog.

The (youth) gender divide

Young voters have been a constant theme for this newsletter. One article published recently has caused a great deal of controversy by suggesting that, contrary to popular belief, Gen Z can actually be considered as two distinct groups rather than one. Specifically, women aged 18 to 30 are significantly more liberal compared to their male counterparts [paywall]. This marks a shift from previous decades where both genders were relatively evenly distributed across liberal and conservative ideologies. In fact, the difference in liberal views between women and men in this age group is as high as 30%.

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Indonesian elections: situational brief

Summary

The 2024 Indonesian presidential election will involve a complex interplay of economic challenges, political legacies, and the rising influence of young voters. 

  • The Economy: The main worries for the people in Indonesia are inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. These problems have got worse because of global events like the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy and the war in Ukraine.
  • Political Dynasties: Political dynasties have also become a critical issue, with President Joko Widodo’s son running as a vice-presidential candidate, sparking debates about the role of political dynasties in Indonesian politics. 
  • Youth vote: Young voters, including Gen Z and Millennials, will play a significant role in the election, with their concerns about employment and climate issues influencing their voting decisions. The use of social media platforms like TikTok in political campaigning is also indicative of a shift in election dynamics. 
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Indian state elections: situational brief

Summary

  • Results: In the recent 2023 state elections in India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a significant victory in several key states. The BJP swept the Hindi heartland states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, showcasing its dominance in the lead-up to the 2024 general election.
  • The BJP machine: The BJP’s resounding victories reflect its robust electoral machinery and the enduring popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, positioning it strongly for the national polls. These wins underscore the BJP’s effective governance narrative and its appeal across a significant voter base.
  • A weak opposition: Conversely, Congress’s mixed results, particularly its losses in politically crucial regions, point to challenges in mounting a strong opposition. The emergence of a multi-party alliance led by Congress had suggested an evolving political landscape. However, the BJP’s dominance in key states indicates a potentially uphill battle for the opposition.
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Maldives: situational update

Summary

  • Election Outcome: Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, from the People’s National Congress, wins the 2023 Maldivian presidential election with 54% of the votes, defeating incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
  • Foreign Policy Shift: Muizzu is seen as more China-aligned, contrasting with Solih’s India and Western-focused foreign policy, hinting at a significant reorientation in the Maldives’ international relations.
  • Domestic Governance: Solih’s tenure was marked by democratic reforms and transparency. In contrast, Muizzu’s governance style might lean towards more centralized control, reflecting a change in domestic political management.
  • Economic Policies: Under Solih, there was an emphasis on anti-corruption and transparency in economic dealings. Muizzu’s presidency may focus on attracting more foreign investments, possibly with a stronger Chinese influence.
  • Social and Human Rights Policies: Solih’s government was more liberal, particularly in terms of speech and religious freedom. Muizzu’s administration might adopt a more conservative stance in these areas.
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Taiwan: situational update

Following up from our previous situational brief on Taiwan’s elections, some dramatic developments last week.

Summary

  • The Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), had agreed to field joint candidates in the upcoming presidential election, increasing the chances of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) losing power.
  • However, the panel of polling experts chosen by the parties was unable to reach an agreement on who will lead the joint ticket. 
  • The experts recommended continuing the discussion at a later date.
  • The candidate registration deadline is November 24, and there is still the possibility of a last minute deal.
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Ross Perot’s 1992 presidential campaign: flashback

With interest in third-party and insurgent presidential candidates in the US at a high point, our team thought it would be fun to do a series diving into some outsider candidates from previous campaigns, both presidential and primary runs. Today, we’re looking at Ross Perot’s 1992 run for the presidency.

Ross Perot was born on June 27, 1930, in Texarkana, Texas, and made a name for himself not just as a successful businessman and billionaire, but also as a noteworthy political figure. He was the driving force behind Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962 and later, Perot Systems in 1988, both big hits in the IT world.

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Taiwan’s Presidential Elections: Situational brief

Taiwan’s upcoming January 2024 presidential election is a pivotal moment in its political landscape, marked by the candidacy of four main contenders: Vice President Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang Party (KMT), Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and independent candidate Terry Gou. This election is closely watched by both Washington and Beijing, given its implications for cross-Strait tensions and Taiwan’s global relationships.

The election’s focus is on managing relations with China, a key foreign policy issue, alongside domestic concerns such as economic and environmental policies. Lai Ching-te emphasises increasing Taiwan’s autonomy and security through closer relations with the United States and other democracies. The DPP has been at the helm during a period of growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Conversely, Hou Yu-ih from the Kuomintang (KMT) party, campaigns on averting war with China, asserting that the KMT is better equipped to manage cross-strait tensions.

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