Easier Whistleblowing in China

The Chinese government has launched a website that allows the public to report corrupt officials online:

The new site (www.jubao.gov.cn) is run by the party’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Ministry of Supervision.

The Web site offers Chinese villagers and others a way to lodge complaints directly, bypassing local authorities who are sometimes criticized for retaliating against petitioners or refusing to take action on complaints.

China has the world’s second-largest population of Internet users after the United States, with more than 100 million people online.

China also has a huge problem with peasants getting screwed over by middle management while higher levels of government turn a blind eye. This certainly won’t solve the problem, but it could be a good start.

Chile, Liberia Elect First Female Leaders

ChileFormer political prisoner, Michelle Bachelet, ran for president of Chile and has won with 53% majority with almost 98% of the vote counted. The left-leaning politician has now become the first female president in the country, the female vote is argued to have made the majority happen.

Bachelet’s family has a legacy of challenging bad politicians, with her father protesting Pinochet.
Liberia
In related news, Africa has its first ever elected female leader in the state of Liberia. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is inaugurated today as Liberia’s 23rd president. She aims to fight corruption within government and to rebuild the country after a massive civil war.

Thanks, Justin!