ConstitutionNet Updates: January 2019

Dear Reader,

The January Newsletter contains three original Voices from the Field pieces. Pakistan’s Prime Minister has formed a committee to consult with opposition parties towards the extension of a 2014 constitutional amendment that empowers military courts to try terrorism suspects. Revelations on the internal workings of these courts necessitate the lapsing of their mandate.

Togo’s political crisis continues with the postponement of the constitutional referendum planned for December 2018. The outcomes of the legislative elections may mean that the ruling party will push its version of reforms, bypassing both the people and opposition groups, which is likely to exacerbate the crisis.

While Sri Lanka now has a ‘draft’ constitution, the reform coalition that launched the process has collapsed, postponing hopes for a new constitution. Nevertheless, there may still be a level of consensus to end the executive presidency and establish a parliamentary system.

The Newsletter also contains news updates from Uganda to Slovenia and Maldives to Panama. A new publication on territory and power is also available.

ConstitutionNet Analyses - Voices from the Field
	Why Pakistan should not renew mandate of military courts to try terrorism suspects by Muhammad Zubair	Togo’s continuing constitutional crisis and ECOWAS’s failed mediation effort by Dr. Kangnikoé Bado	Sri Lanka’s (un)ending road to a new Constitution: Technical progress, political collapse by Dr. Asanga Welikala

Africa	Kenyan leaders agree to review constitution Ugandan Supreme Court hears case on presidential age limits Mauritanian president rejects constitutional amendments that remove presidential term limits Liberian Senate considers constitutional amendment regarding citizenship Kenya considers constitutional amendments on structure of government In South Africa, party leader says constitution should not be amended regarding property rights Comoros president seeks re-election after constitutional amendment extended presidential term limits Ugandan opposition leader proposes various electoral reforms and constitutional amendments
Asia and the Pacific	India passes constitutional amendment for new quota Japanese Prime Minister hopes to amend the constitution Sri Lankan draft constitution could be presented before Parliament in early February Referendum in Papua New Guinea regarding Bougainville Former Premier says Taiwan needs new constitution and proposes referendum Indian Union Cabinet approved constitutional amendments to increase powers of autonomous councils Church leaders in the Philippines oppose proposed constitutional amendments Maldives President calls for constitutional amendment to clarify system of government Myanmar Parliament approved proposal to amend the 2008 constitution
Europe	Macedonian parliament passes constitutional amendment to change country name Slovenia considers electoral reforms following Constitutional Court decision Government coalition proposes new constitution for Luxembourg Irish Parliament approved referendum regarding constitutional amendment on divorce Some Norwegian MPs favor abolishing monarchy in annual debates on constitutional reform
Latin America and the Caribbean	Cuban draft constitution approved, referendum to take place in February Panamanian Parliament considers bill to convene a constituent assembly to draft a new Constitution
Middle East and North Africa	Momentum in Egypt to amend the constitution
North America	USA needs one more state to ratify constitutional amendment on gender equality

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ConstitutionNet Updates: January 2019

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