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One Nation candidate Warren Pickering’s bombshell press conference yesterday, admitting to past illicit drug use and drink driving, has prompted an unusual question for Victoria’s MPs. 10 News State Political Reporter Jessica Maggio asked politicians whether they’d ever consumed illicit substances themselves... and some had a little more fun... show more

10 News Melbourne

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54,940 views • 29 days ago •via X (Twitter)

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4 Comments

ShiningLightXL🇦🇺🦘🌏28 days ago

@jbmaggio ALP full of cokeheads

Marcus Aurelius28 days ago

@jbmaggio His children can speak

mandygunn61.bsky.social28 days ago

@jbmaggio Maybe you should have pushed WP about the three drink driving charges, that's quite a lot don't you think?

Jedi Pietas28 days ago

@jbmaggio Well done Jess @jbmaggio

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"Heads need to roll." One Nation’s Victorian leader Warren Pickering has sat down with 10 News State Political Reporter Jessica Maggio for an exclusive interview ahead of November’s state election. The Pakenham candidate was put on the spot in a quick-fire round, revealing where he stands on some of the party’s key policies and beliefs. Watch 10 News Melbourne for 5pm for the full interview.

"Heads need to roll." One Nation’s Victorian leader Warren Pickering has sat down with 10 News State Political Reporter Jessica Maggio for an exclusive interview ahead of November’s state election. The Pakenham candidate was put on the spot in a quick-fire round, revealing where he stands on some of the party’s key policies and beliefs. Watch 10 News Melbourne for 5pm for the full interview.

10 News Melbourne

81,457 views • 1 month ago

Peta Credlin and Andrew Clennell debate Warren Pickering’s past drug use. The press has seized on Pickering’s admitted drug use as a young man to paint him as unfit. He has owned it: and now calls a mistake. He denies being an addict, says he has been clean for more than 16 years, disclosed it when he joined the Army, and rebuilt his life. Credit to Credlin for raising Tanya Plibersek’s husband, convicted of conspiracy to import heroin, jailed for nearly three years of a nine-year sentence, later one of NSW’s most senior public servants. That story was framed as redemption. Plibersek was not hounded out of public life over it. Past misconduct should be scrutinised. It should not be a lifetime ban unless that standard applies to everyone.

Peta Credlin and Andrew Clennell debate Warren Pickering’s past drug use. The press has seized on Pickering’s admitted drug use as a young man to paint him as unfit. He has owned it: and now calls a mistake. He denies being an addict, says he has been clean for more than 16 years, disclosed it when he joined the Army, and rebuilt his life. Credit to Credlin for raising Tanya Plibersek’s husband, convicted of conspiracy to import heroin, jailed for nearly three years of a nine-year sentence, later one of NSW’s most senior public servants. That story was framed as redemption. Plibersek was not hounded out of public life over it. Past misconduct should be scrutinised. It should not be a lifetime ban unless that standard applies to everyone.

katy 🌸

16,775 views • 29 days ago

Warren Pickering, One Nation’s Victorian state leader, has a story of personal redemption. Warren does not deny the mistakes he made as a young man. He openly acknowledges his past drug use, drink-driving offences and failures as a father, and he expresses genuine regret for the hurt those choices caused his children and the people he loved when he was younger. Rather than asking to be excused or judged as blameless, Warren accepts responsibility for his past and asks to be judged by the man he has worked to become. Warren’s character is reflected in his willingness to own his mistakes, rebuild his life, serve his country, stand by his family and face public scrutiny with honesty. Warren says he stopped using drugs before joining the Australian Defence Force and credits his military service with giving him the discipline, purpose and direction he had been missing. He joined the ADF in 2013, held a Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance, served operationally in eight countries and remains in the standby reserves. That service helped Warren understand that supporting others gave his life meaning and later inspired him to pursue community and political service. His commitment to his family is also central to his story. Warren assumed custody when his children needed care, remained involved in the lives of his daughter and stepsons, and tried to support their mother’s recovery. His daughter and stepson stood beside him at the press conference, while his stepson spoke of the difference Warren had made to their lives, expressed respect for the person he had become and said he forgave him. Warren’s greatest regret is that he could not give his children the childhood they deserved, but the close relationship he now shares with them points to the effort he has made to repair that harm. He has faced painful questions in public, answered them directly and accepted that voters must weigh both his past and the life he has led since. As One Nation said at the press conference, “One Nation does not grow its candidates in petri dishes like Labor and the Liberal Party. They come from lived experience.” The major parties should reflect on their own shortcomings before condemning a man who has acknowledged his failures, rebuilt his life and demonstrated through his family, military service and community involvement that people can change. Warren’s story shows a man who confronted his mistakes, changed the direction of his life and chose not to remain defined by the worst decisions of his youth. I encourage you to watch his press conference in full and make your own judgement.

Warren Pickering, One Nation’s Victorian state leader, has a story of personal redemption. Warren does not deny the mistakes he made as a young man. He openly acknowledges his past drug use, drink-driving offences and failures as a father, and he expresses genuine regret for the hurt those choices caused his children and the people he loved when he was younger. Rather than asking to be excused or judged as blameless, Warren accepts responsibility for his past and asks to be judged by the man he has worked to become. Warren’s character is reflected in his willingness to own his mistakes, rebuild his life, serve his country, stand by his family and face public scrutiny with honesty. Warren says he stopped using drugs before joining the Australian Defence Force and credits his military service with giving him the discipline, purpose and direction he had been missing. He joined the ADF in 2013, held a Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance, served operationally in eight countries and remains in the standby reserves. That service helped Warren understand that supporting others gave his life meaning and later inspired him to pursue community and political service. His commitment to his family is also central to his story. Warren assumed custody when his children needed care, remained involved in the lives of his daughter and stepsons, and tried to support their mother’s recovery. His daughter and stepson stood beside him at the press conference, while his stepson spoke of the difference Warren had made to their lives, expressed respect for the person he had become and said he forgave him. Warren’s greatest regret is that he could not give his children the childhood they deserved, but the close relationship he now shares with them points to the effort he has made to repair that harm. He has faced painful questions in public, answered them directly and accepted that voters must weigh both his past and the life he has led since. As One Nation said at the press conference, “One Nation does not grow its candidates in petri dishes like Labor and the Liberal Party. They come from lived experience.” The major parties should reflect on their own shortcomings before condemning a man who has acknowledged his failures, rebuilt his life and demonstrated through his family, military service and community involvement that people can change. Warren’s story shows a man who confronted his mistakes, changed the direction of his life and chose not to remain defined by the worst decisions of his youth. I encourage you to watch his press conference in full and make your own judgement.

Pauline Hanson 🇦🇺

77,015 views • 29 days ago

BREAKING: New Shocking Footage has been released of a Democrat Candidate in Springfield, Massachusetts committing election fraud in broad daylight. City Hall officials wrote sworn affidavits saying the candidate Justin Hurst paid people $10 to vote for him The video reveals Hurst and his campaign team driving multiple people to City Hall to vote. The voters were required to present Hurst with "I Voted Early" stickers to get the money they had been promised Some of the voters people appeared to be homeless as well, $10 & a free ride to the voting location is quite the incentive for a homeless person Justin Hurst conducted a press conference denying the accusations. Officials in the state have also begun an investigation Thank you to Jennifer Asper (Jennifer Asper) for exposing this story

BREAKING: New Shocking Footage has been released of a Democrat Candidate in Springfield, Massachusetts committing election fraud in broad daylight. City Hall officials wrote sworn affidavits saying the candidate Justin Hurst paid people $10 to vote for him The video reveals Hurst and his campaign team driving multiple people to City Hall to vote. The voters were required to present Hurst with "I Voted Early" stickers to get the money they had been promised Some of the voters people appeared to be homeless as well, $10 & a free ride to the voting location is quite the incentive for a homeless person Justin Hurst conducted a press conference denying the accusations. Officials in the state have also begun an investigation Thank you to Jennifer Asper (Jennifer Asper) for exposing this story

George

343,971 views • 2 years ago

“What’s one word to describe the blockade?” We asked people in Cuba this simple question and the answers say everything: cruel, criminal, inhumane, genocidal. For more than 60 years, U.S. policy has tried to suffocate an entire country economically, restricting fuel, food, medicine, and basic supplies in the hope that hardship will force political change. Under the Trump administration, these measures have intensified, tightening financial restrictions, targeting fuel shipments, and further isolating the island at a moment of deep economic strain. Listen to the words Cubans themselves use. The blockade is something people live with every single day. Take action:

“What’s one word to describe the blockade?” We asked people in Cuba this simple question and the answers say everything: cruel, criminal, inhumane, genocidal. For more than 60 years, U.S. policy has tried to suffocate an entire country economically, restricting fuel, food, medicine, and basic supplies in the hope that hardship will force political change. Under the Trump administration, these measures have intensified, tightening financial restrictions, targeting fuel shipments, and further isolating the island at a moment of deep economic strain. Listen to the words Cubans themselves use. The blockade is something people live with every single day. Take action:

Medea Benjamin

14,394 views • 7 months ago

Good interview by Carlos Quaremba on Sky yesterday. Pauline mentioned Carlos recently in one of her speeches. Carlos and his family came to Australia from Argentina when he was a baby. They embraced Australia and all it had to offer. You’d struggle to find a more fiercely patriotic State MP than Carlos! He makes sensible comments about the recent polls. Some have us out in front, while others have us just behind Labor. All have us a long way in front of the Liberals! We’re still a long way away from the Federal Election, though, and it’s a fool’s game reading too much into polls. Sections of the political and media elite are so desperate for any sign that One Nation is going to fade away, and for signs that their cosy political world isn’t under threat. A poll showing us dipping by two points is greeted as a seismic moment, supposedly precipitating our decline as a political force. What utter nonsense.

Good interview by Carlos Quaremba on Sky yesterday. Pauline mentioned Carlos recently in one of her speeches. Carlos and his family came to Australia from Argentina when he was a baby. They embraced Australia and all it had to offer. You’d struggle to find a more fiercely patriotic State MP than Carlos! He makes sensible comments about the recent polls. Some have us out in front, while others have us just behind Labor. All have us a long way in front of the Liberals! We’re still a long way away from the Federal Election, though, and it’s a fool’s game reading too much into polls. Sections of the political and media elite are so desperate for any sign that One Nation is going to fade away, and for signs that their cosy political world isn’t under threat. A poll showing us dipping by two points is greeted as a seismic moment, supposedly precipitating our decline as a political force. What utter nonsense.

One Nation Australia

15,824 views • 3 months ago

🚨PRINCE REZA PAHLAVI JUST WENT FULL NUCLEAR ON THE ENTIRE EU PRESS & PARLIAMENT! 🔥🧨 I want to speak DIRECTLY to the people of Europe. In the past two weeks I held TWO MAJOR press conferences — one in Stockholm, one in Berlin. Over 150 JOURNALISTS showed up. We spent MORE THAN TWO HOURS with them… And guess what? NOT ONE SINGLE of those 150 journalists asked about the 40,000 IRANIANS SLAUGHTERED on the streets of my country on January 8th and 9th! NOT ONE asked about the 19 political prisoners EXECUTED in the last two weeks. When I told them 20 more are currently sentenced to death — CRICKETS. Not a damn question. I stood right next to a grieving mother and father who lost their sons in that massacre and begged them to listen to their stories… NOT A SINGLE ONE of those 150 journalists asked them a thing. Let that sink in. My 40,000 BRAVE INNOCENT COMPATRIOTS who were butchered fighting for liberty? They don’t give a damn. They are too busy criticizing America and Israel for taking out the dictator who’s been slaughtering our people for 47 YEARS — instead of going after the regime that’s actually doing the killing! They’d rather dig up Iran’s history than talk about what’s happening RIGHT NOW or the free democratic Iran we’re fighting for. One EU parliament member even had the nerve to say Iranians aren’t ready for democracy. To that coward and to every fake journalist in the room I say this: Iranians aren’t just “ready” for democracy… 40,000 of them just DIED for it! And I will NOT let their blood be in vain. SO HEAR ME LOUD AND CLEAR: Whether Europe stands with us or not… Whether your journalists do their damn jobs or not… Whether your politicians grow a spine or not… I WILL FIGHT FOR MY PEOPLE AND MY COUNTRY. Even if we have to do this ALONE — we are fighting until IRAN IS FREE! 🇮🇷💪 #RezaPahlavi‌ForIran Reza Pahlavi

🚨PRINCE REZA PAHLAVI JUST WENT FULL NUCLEAR ON THE ENTIRE EU PRESS & PARLIAMENT! 🔥🧨 I want to speak DIRECTLY to the people of Europe. In the past two weeks I held TWO MAJOR press conferences — one in Stockholm, one in Berlin. Over 150 JOURNALISTS showed up. We spent MORE THAN TWO HOURS with them… And guess what? NOT ONE SINGLE of those 150 journalists asked about the 40,000 IRANIANS SLAUGHTERED on the streets of my country on January 8th and 9th! NOT ONE asked about the 19 political prisoners EXECUTED in the last two weeks. When I told them 20 more are currently sentenced to death — CRICKETS. Not a damn question. I stood right next to a grieving mother and father who lost their sons in that massacre and begged them to listen to their stories… NOT A SINGLE ONE of those 150 journalists asked them a thing. Let that sink in. My 40,000 BRAVE INNOCENT COMPATRIOTS who were butchered fighting for liberty? They don’t give a damn. They are too busy criticizing America and Israel for taking out the dictator who’s been slaughtering our people for 47 YEARS — instead of going after the regime that’s actually doing the killing! They’d rather dig up Iran’s history than talk about what’s happening RIGHT NOW or the free democratic Iran we’re fighting for. One EU parliament member even had the nerve to say Iranians aren’t ready for democracy. To that coward and to every fake journalist in the room I say this: Iranians aren’t just “ready” for democracy… 40,000 of them just DIED for it! And I will NOT let their blood be in vain. SO HEAR ME LOUD AND CLEAR: Whether Europe stands with us or not… Whether your journalists do their damn jobs or not… Whether your politicians grow a spine or not… I WILL FIGHT FOR MY PEOPLE AND MY COUNTRY. Even if we have to do this ALONE — we are fighting until IRAN IS FREE! 🇮🇷💪 #RezaPahlavi‌ForIran Reza Pahlavi

Neo

1,493,163 views • 5 months ago

When sitting MP Will Fowles smashed through a Canberra hotel door in 2019, during what he later described as a period of drug and alcohol addiction, he was given taxpayer-funded leave to recover. Three years later, Labor endorsed him to run again, and he won Ringwood. Compare that with Warren Pickering, who has admitted to and apologised for drug use as a young man - well before he turned his life around, raised his family and served his country. People should not be defined forever by mistakes they have taken responsibility for and worked to overcome. The key distinction between the two cases is that Fowles’ conduct occurred while he was already in office, whereas Pickering’s predates his entire political involvement by nearly 20 years. There has also been far too little weight given in subsequent reporting to the testimony of Pickering’s children, who have strongly defended their father and described his ex-partner as a “narcissistic liar”. The fact that she continues to be elevated by some journalists as a reliable source to fuel further negative coverage is deeply disappointing, particularly given the impact this is now having on the children, who say their father protected and supported them. There is also a clear double standard in the way the two stories have been treated. Fowles’ conduct while in office was ultimately absorbed by his party and, three years later, by the electorate. Pickering’s much older history, meanwhile, is being treated in parts of the media as though it should be disqualifying. Voters did not appear to concerned by Fowles’ conduct in office when they returned him to Parliament, and I suspect it will be much the same with those already voting for Pickering and One Nation Australia. I joined Prue MacSween and Rita Panahi on News24 Australia to discuss the coverage. #SpringSt

When sitting MP Will Fowles smashed through a Canberra hotel door in 2019, during what he later described as a period of drug and alcohol addiction, he was given taxpayer-funded leave to recover. Three years later, Labor endorsed him to run again, and he won Ringwood. Compare that with Warren Pickering, who has admitted to and apologised for drug use as a young man - well before he turned his life around, raised his family and served his country. People should not be defined forever by mistakes they have taken responsibility for and worked to overcome. The key distinction between the two cases is that Fowles’ conduct occurred while he was already in office, whereas Pickering’s predates his entire political involvement by nearly 20 years. There has also been far too little weight given in subsequent reporting to the testimony of Pickering’s children, who have strongly defended their father and described his ex-partner as a “narcissistic liar”. The fact that she continues to be elevated by some journalists as a reliable source to fuel further negative coverage is deeply disappointing, particularly given the impact this is now having on the children, who say their father protected and supported them. There is also a clear double standard in the way the two stories have been treated. Fowles’ conduct while in office was ultimately absorbed by his party and, three years later, by the electorate. Pickering’s much older history, meanwhile, is being treated in parts of the media as though it should be disqualifying. Voters did not appear to concerned by Fowles’ conduct in office when they returned him to Parliament, and I suspect it will be much the same with those already voting for Pickering and One Nation Australia. I joined Prue MacSween and Rita Panahi on News24 Australia to discuss the coverage. #SpringSt

Stephanie Bastiaan

14,619 views • 25 days ago

Today, on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - 2026, I had the honour of inaugurating the Anti-Drug Awareness Week organised by the Hyderabad Police Commissionerate at the ICCC, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The fight against drugs is not just a police priority it is a societal responsibility. I want to be very clear, the deadline is now. I have asked every officer, from Home Guard level to DGP, to remain committed to this fight so that our own children do not fall prey to it. What was once a transit point for drug trafficking has now become a consumption zone. Post-COVID, drug consumption has risen in both urban and rural areas. Our children are being targeted traffickers are going as far as mixing narcotics in chocolates and biscuits to hook young minds. This is nothing short of an anti-national activity. This is more dangerous than terrorism or Naxalism today and we must treat it with the same urgency. If there is no demand, there will be no supply. Reducing demand is our collective responsibility. I took an oath today along with my officers and the students present eradicating drugs is our priority, and EAGLE Force is in full action. We are working in close coordination with the School Education Department, DRI, Enforcement Directorate, and Customs to tackle this at every level. The Education Department has been asked to establish Anti-Drug Safety Clubs in every educational institution. Schools that fail to comply will risk losing their recognition. I urge every parent to monitor their children closely, and appeal to families and society to help rehabilitate addicts through de-addiction centres. Keeping our youth away from drugs is the foundation for a golden future of our nation. Together, we will build a drug-free Telangana. #EAGLEForce #AntiDrugAwarenessWeek #DrugFreeTelangana #TelanganaPolice #NashaMuktBharat

Today, on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - 2026, I had the honour of inaugurating the Anti-Drug Awareness Week organised by the Hyderabad Police Commissionerate at the ICCC, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The fight against drugs is not just a police priority it is a societal responsibility. I want to be very clear, the deadline is now. I have asked every officer, from Home Guard level to DGP, to remain committed to this fight so that our own children do not fall prey to it. What was once a transit point for drug trafficking has now become a consumption zone. Post-COVID, drug consumption has risen in both urban and rural areas. Our children are being targeted traffickers are going as far as mixing narcotics in chocolates and biscuits to hook young minds. This is nothing short of an anti-national activity. This is more dangerous than terrorism or Naxalism today and we must treat it with the same urgency. If there is no demand, there will be no supply. Reducing demand is our collective responsibility. I took an oath today along with my officers and the students present eradicating drugs is our priority, and EAGLE Force is in full action. We are working in close coordination with the School Education Department, DRI, Enforcement Directorate, and Customs to tackle this at every level. The Education Department has been asked to establish Anti-Drug Safety Clubs in every educational institution. Schools that fail to comply will risk losing their recognition. I urge every parent to monitor their children closely, and appeal to families and society to help rehabilitate addicts through de-addiction centres. Keeping our youth away from drugs is the foundation for a golden future of our nation. Together, we will build a drug-free Telangana. #EAGLEForce #AntiDrugAwarenessWeek #DrugFreeTelangana #TelanganaPolice #NashaMuktBharat

DGP TELANGANA POLICE

11,001 views • 3 months ago

Another Day, Another BJP Expose : On 10th of September, Senior Congress Ex-MP Shaktisinh Gohil Ex-MP has alleged that more than ₹10,000 crore in tax evasion was facilitated through 3,260 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs), and has demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, senior Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil alleged that these political parties were being used as vehicles for tax evasion and the conversion of unaccounted money into legitimate funds. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also questioned who was behind what he described as thousands of “sham political parties”. According to Mr. Gohil, individuals and companies allegedly donated money to such parties to claim tax benefits available for political contributions under the Income Tax Act. He alleged that a portion of the money was subsequently returned to donors, after commissions ranging from 2% to 15% were deducted. Congress further alleged that the issue had come to light following an Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report in 2025, but claimed that adequate action had not been taken. The party has sought investigation into the political parties, donors and others allegedly involved, along with criminal proceedings wherever wrongdoing is established. Mr. Ramesh also alleged that some of the parties enjoyed BJP patronage and questioned why investigations had not been pursued. Congress has demanded that the government constitute a JPC to examine the alleged transactions, identify beneficiaries and determine whether tax and electoral laws were violated. There was no immediate government response to the allegations in the reports cited. BJP = FRAUD ? BJP = SCAM ?

Another Day, Another BJP Expose : On 10th of September, Senior Congress Ex-MP Shaktisinh Gohil Ex-MP has alleged that more than ₹10,000 crore in tax evasion was facilitated through 3,260 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs), and has demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, senior Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil alleged that these political parties were being used as vehicles for tax evasion and the conversion of unaccounted money into legitimate funds. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also questioned who was behind what he described as thousands of “sham political parties”. According to Mr. Gohil, individuals and companies allegedly donated money to such parties to claim tax benefits available for political contributions under the Income Tax Act. He alleged that a portion of the money was subsequently returned to donors, after commissions ranging from 2% to 15% were deducted. Congress further alleged that the issue had come to light following an Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report in 2025, but claimed that adequate action had not been taken. The party has sought investigation into the political parties, donors and others allegedly involved, along with criminal proceedings wherever wrongdoing is established. Mr. Ramesh also alleged that some of the parties enjoyed BJP patronage and questioned why investigations had not been pursued. Congress has demanded that the government constitute a JPC to examine the alleged transactions, identify beneficiaries and determine whether tax and electoral laws were violated. There was no immediate government response to the allegations in the reports cited. BJP = FRAUD ? BJP = SCAM ?

✎𝒜 πundhati🌵🍉🇵🇸

22,033 views • 14 days ago

I had the incredible honour of serving as the Master of Ceremonies at the inaugural global conference on Artificial Intelligence in Political Campaigns, held in Cape Town, South Africa this past week. With 130 delegates from almost 30 countries, I understand this event achieved two significant milestones: hosting the world's first political campaign expo and the first conference focused on AI in Political Campaigns. The conference explored pressing topics such as: - the role of AI in shaping modern political campaigns, - AI and big data in political campaigns, - navigating truth and deception in political communication in the AI era, - and the regulation of AI in political campaigns. These discussions shed light on Africa's readiness for this technological advancement and the unique challenges it presents, ensuring our continent's active participation in shaping the future of AI. It was particularly encouraging to see more than 20 African countries represented, including representatives of electoral management bodies and members of ruling and opposition parties all in one room. The theme of the conference was "Transforming Political Campaigns: How AI and Big Data Amplify Voter Engagement and Shape Political Campaigns in Africa". Supported by International IDEA, Afrobarometer, 22 @ Sloan, and Shikamo Political Advisory and Campaigns Services, the event brought together global experts in political campaigns, researchers and academics, policymakers, and tech giants to explore the potential of AI. The conference provided valuable insights into pressing issues and raised important questions regarding the regulation of a technology that is still developing; Africa's readiness to embrace AI; the impact of deepfake videos during elections especially in Africa; and the prioritisation of legislative efforts over adaptation to the African context - some attendees asked why people were more concerned with legislating the use of AI as opposed to adapting it to the African context and making it fit for purpose on the continent. With more than 60 elections taking place worldwide in 2024, including 24 in Africa, it promises to be an interesting year for electoral processes. The İPE initiative will continue, and we look forward to the next follow-up expo. So don’t miss IPE25 on the 23 & 24th January in Cape Town next year.

I had the incredible honour of serving as the Master of Ceremonies at the inaugural global conference on Artificial Intelligence in Political Campaigns, held in Cape Town, South Africa this past week. With 130 delegates from almost 30 countries, I understand this event achieved two significant milestones: hosting the world's first political campaign expo and the first conference focused on AI in Political Campaigns. The conference explored pressing topics such as: - the role of AI in shaping modern political campaigns, - AI and big data in political campaigns, - navigating truth and deception in political communication in the AI era, - and the regulation of AI in political campaigns. These discussions shed light on Africa's readiness for this technological advancement and the unique challenges it presents, ensuring our continent's active participation in shaping the future of AI. It was particularly encouraging to see more than 20 African countries represented, including representatives of electoral management bodies and members of ruling and opposition parties all in one room. The theme of the conference was "Transforming Political Campaigns: How AI and Big Data Amplify Voter Engagement and Shape Political Campaigns in Africa". Supported by International IDEA, Afrobarometer, 22 @ Sloan, and Shikamo Political Advisory and Campaigns Services, the event brought together global experts in political campaigns, researchers and academics, policymakers, and tech giants to explore the potential of AI. The conference provided valuable insights into pressing issues and raised important questions regarding the regulation of a technology that is still developing; Africa's readiness to embrace AI; the impact of deepfake videos during elections especially in Africa; and the prioritisation of legislative efforts over adaptation to the African context - some attendees asked why people were more concerned with legislating the use of AI as opposed to adapting it to the African context and making it fit for purpose on the continent. With more than 60 elections taking place worldwide in 2024, including 24 in Africa, it promises to be an interesting year for electoral processes. The İPE initiative will continue, and we look forward to the next follow-up expo. So don’t miss IPE25 on the 23 & 24th January in Cape Town next year.

Violet Gonda

27,155 views • 2 years ago

Twelve years ago, Elizabeth Warren promised Massachusetts’ voters she would go to Washington and hold the bankers and banking industry accountable for their continuous illicit conduct. Recently, Jamie Dimon, CEO of the nation’s largest bank, J.P. Morgan, testified, rather, I should say - “testi-lied” - before the Senate Banking Committee, of which, Senator Warren is a member. I was waiting for Elizabeth Warren, a self-proclaimed fighter for consumers, small investors, and women, to show up and ask tough questions of Dimon and the banking industry, especially as it pertains to his bank, JP Morgan Chase. I’m still waiting. For example: “To date, JPMorgan Chase has paid a total of $39.68 BILLION in fines to resolve enforcement actions including securities abuses, banking violations, investor protection violations and other offenses.” 👇 We’re talking about $40 Billion dollars for illicit financial activities - against ONE BANK! When you add in Bank of America, Wells Fargo , Deutsche Bank HSBC, Goldman Sachs, and others, the fraudulent conduct, including money laundering for terrorists, and drug cartels, is staggering. For example, HSBC Bank USA laundered $881 million for notorious drug cartels like the Sinaloa in Mexico and Norte del Valle in Colombia. 👇 Yet, Senator Warren failed to ask a single question about any of this criminal activity. Instead, she asked questions solely related to her own political agenda - trying to ban the self-custody of #Bitcoin and other Crypto assets in the United States. Since she claims to be a fighter for women, I was also waiting for her to ask questions about how JP Morgan Chase financed Jeffrey Epstein’s child sex trafficking operation. In fact, JP Morgan settled with the U.S. Virgin Islands for $75 million, over a lawsuit “accusing the nation’s largest bank of facilitating Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking enterprise for 15 years.”👇 JP Morgan also paid $290 million to “sexual abuse victims of Jeffrey Epstein who claimed that the bank ignored warnings.” 👇 Yet, Senator Warren focused all her questions on Crypto of all things. Why has she remained silent on all of this? Is it because her friends or donors were involved? Many high profile politicians and individuals have been known to visit Epstein’s island. Her silence has been deafening to the victims. Another example of Elizabeth Warren’s SELECTIVE OUTRAGE: We know how much she hates crypto. In fact, when she announced she was running for a third term, she said she was building an anti-crypto army. Yet, she hasn’t asked Gary Gensler, a career banker himself, about his private meetings with the biggest Crypto fraudster of all - SBF. Is it once again, because her colleagues are involved? Gensler’s is a big time Democratic donor and operative. In the 2008 presidential campaign cycle, Gensler served as a senior advisor to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign and later advised the Obama campaign. In May 2015, Gensler was named chief financial officer of Clinton's campaign for president. Also, Gensler’s daughters worked on Senator Warren’s campaign. On top of that, SBF’s dad, Joe Bankman, was the architect for Senator Warren’s tax plan when she ran for president. SBF’s mother, Barbara Fried runs a super PAC called Mind the Gap, which supports progressive candidates, who share Elizabeth Warren’s political ideology. 12 years ago she went to D.C. to hold the big bankers accountable. A decade later, those same bankers write her bills. Her latest anti-crypto bill was written by the Banking Industry itself. Below is a perfect example of the type of Washington corruption people are sick and tired of and one reason, of many, of why I’m going to retire Elizabeth Warren.

John E Deaton

300,612 views • 2 years ago

Some have asked publicly how I could possibly know whether Diane Keaton had the shots which they think is doubtful. Don’t take my word for it because I was a Hollywood reporter for a decade in LA and interviewed her, it was 100% required by screen actors guild for the many films she was making up until just months ago, where she looked happy healthy according to her loved ones and headline news until recent weeks when she looked thinner and then just died suddenly. Rest in peace Diane Keaton. That’s one hell of a long sentence, but I’m getting a little tired of the question. She had the shots. So did the thousands of other public figures I have reported on who have died suddenly like she did. Most younger than she. Maybe all of them plus the extremely fit healthy athletes are all one big coincidence. Have a great day.

Some have asked publicly how I could possibly know whether Diane Keaton had the shots which they think is doubtful. Don’t take my word for it because I was a Hollywood reporter for a decade in LA and interviewed her, it was 100% required by screen actors guild for the many films she was making up until just months ago, where she looked happy healthy according to her loved ones and headline news until recent weeks when she looked thinner and then just died suddenly. Rest in peace Diane Keaton. That’s one hell of a long sentence, but I’m getting a little tired of the question. She had the shots. So did the thousands of other public figures I have reported on who have died suddenly like she did. Most younger than she. Maybe all of them plus the extremely fit healthy athletes are all one big coincidence. Have a great day.

Erin Elizabeth Health Nut News🥜

18,546 views • 1 year ago

When Zack Polanski calmly called for the legalisation and regulation of drugs, to move distribution from criminal gangs to the state e.g. the NHS Carole Malone shouted out a number of objections which were mostly based on half truths, outright lies, and misinformation Here are some of the key points of clarification: ➡️ Portugal decriminalised drugs in 2001, there is no evidence that they plan to reverse this ➡️ Individuals caught with drugs are typically referred to a "Dissuasion Commission" composed of social workers, medical professionals, and legal experts, who may recommend treatment or impose fines, but not criminal penalties ➡️ Portugal's example is such a success that other countries are looking to replicate it e.g. Ireland ➡️ Malone was right to say that between 2000 and 2015 there was a 30x increase in hospitalizations associated with cannabis use. But this isn't viewed as a failure of the policy, it has led to evaluating and tweaking the policy for better outcomes ➡️ There is no evidence that decriminalising drugs in Portugal has led to an increase in the number of child deaths. Instead, the 2001 decriminalisation of drugs has led to a decrease in the number of drug related deaths. Before 2001 they had 131, and in 2008 they had 20 ➡️ Portugal's drug death toll was among the lowest in the EU, at 3 per million, compared to the EU average of 17.3 per million ➡️ The Washington Post's July 2023 investigation into Portugal's drug decriminalization policy did not conclude that the approach has failed, but it highlighted emerging challenges e.g. the rise of drug use in tourist areas of Porto, or the underfunding of services to help those on drugs with sometimes year long waits to get help ➡️ The Washington Post credited the policy pointing out that deaths from drug use has dropped significantly, there's a huge drop in HIV transmission from drug use, and it has reduced the number of people jailed for drug-related offences ➡️ The King’s College London report Malone referred to does indeed refer to the dangers of drugs, but it refers to the dangers of illicit and illegal drugs in the UK, and not the impact of drugs in countries where drug use has been legalised, like in Portugal ➡️ Malone claimed that drug scams through airports are on the rise in countries where drug use is legal as people do not want to pay tax on their drug use. Trafficking drugs through any airport remains illegal. And in the case of Portugal, there has not been an increase in drugs taken through airports to avoid paying domestic drug taxes Zack Polanski remained calm and composed throughout Carole Malone's repeated shouty interruptions. It's as if she was trying to cover up the poor use of information to get an ideological point across with the brashness I would like to think that Carole Malone, like Zack Polanski, and most people would like to see drug use drop to improve people's lives in society. On that much we can probably agree. But as this one exchange showed, you can either use data and facts to make your point, or you can shout over other people spewing misinformation. The latter may appear more sincere because of the expressed emotion, but it's really the former that will lead to and drive meaningful change

When Zack Polanski calmly called for the legalisation and regulation of drugs, to move distribution from criminal gangs to the state e.g. the NHS Carole Malone shouted out a number of objections which were mostly based on half truths, outright lies, and misinformation Here are some of the key points of clarification: ➡️ Portugal decriminalised drugs in 2001, there is no evidence that they plan to reverse this ➡️ Individuals caught with drugs are typically referred to a "Dissuasion Commission" composed of social workers, medical professionals, and legal experts, who may recommend treatment or impose fines, but not criminal penalties ➡️ Portugal's example is such a success that other countries are looking to replicate it e.g. Ireland ➡️ Malone was right to say that between 2000 and 2015 there was a 30x increase in hospitalizations associated with cannabis use. But this isn't viewed as a failure of the policy, it has led to evaluating and tweaking the policy for better outcomes ➡️ There is no evidence that decriminalising drugs in Portugal has led to an increase in the number of child deaths. Instead, the 2001 decriminalisation of drugs has led to a decrease in the number of drug related deaths. Before 2001 they had 131, and in 2008 they had 20 ➡️ Portugal's drug death toll was among the lowest in the EU, at 3 per million, compared to the EU average of 17.3 per million ➡️ The Washington Post's July 2023 investigation into Portugal's drug decriminalization policy did not conclude that the approach has failed, but it highlighted emerging challenges e.g. the rise of drug use in tourist areas of Porto, or the underfunding of services to help those on drugs with sometimes year long waits to get help ➡️ The Washington Post credited the policy pointing out that deaths from drug use has dropped significantly, there's a huge drop in HIV transmission from drug use, and it has reduced the number of people jailed for drug-related offences ➡️ The King’s College London report Malone referred to does indeed refer to the dangers of drugs, but it refers to the dangers of illicit and illegal drugs in the UK, and not the impact of drugs in countries where drug use has been legalised, like in Portugal ➡️ Malone claimed that drug scams through airports are on the rise in countries where drug use is legal as people do not want to pay tax on their drug use. Trafficking drugs through any airport remains illegal. And in the case of Portugal, there has not been an increase in drugs taken through airports to avoid paying domestic drug taxes Zack Polanski remained calm and composed throughout Carole Malone's repeated shouty interruptions. It's as if she was trying to cover up the poor use of information to get an ideological point across with the brashness I would like to think that Carole Malone, like Zack Polanski, and most people would like to see drug use drop to improve people's lives in society. On that much we can probably agree. But as this one exchange showed, you can either use data and facts to make your point, or you can shout over other people spewing misinformation. The latter may appear more sincere because of the expressed emotion, but it's really the former that will lead to and drive meaningful change

Farrukh

237,826 views • 11 months ago

I am truly honored and humbled to be able to renovate a classroom in Mai Adua Local Government Area, Katsina State. I was unable to make it to the grand launching but I sent my representatives who opened it on my behalf. Education is the foundation upon which brighter futures are built, and every child deserves to learn in an environment that inspires hope, dignity, and ambition. This renovation is more than just bricks and paint, it is about giving the less privileged an opportunity to dream bigger, to believe in themselves, and to see that they matter. If even one child sits in that classroom tomorrow and feels encouraged to pursue their goals, then this effort has been worthwhile. For me, this is a reminder that success means little if it is not used to uplift others. It is my prayer that this small contribution sparks greater change, because investing in education is investing in the leaders, innovators, and nation builders of tomorrow.

I am truly honored and humbled to be able to renovate a classroom in Mai Adua Local Government Area, Katsina State. I was unable to make it to the grand launching but I sent my representatives who opened it on my behalf. Education is the foundation upon which brighter futures are built, and every child deserves to learn in an environment that inspires hope, dignity, and ambition. This renovation is more than just bricks and paint, it is about giving the less privileged an opportunity to dream bigger, to believe in themselves, and to see that they matter. If even one child sits in that classroom tomorrow and feels encouraged to pursue their goals, then this effort has been worthwhile. For me, this is a reminder that success means little if it is not used to uplift others. It is my prayer that this small contribution sparks greater change, because investing in education is investing in the leaders, innovators, and nation builders of tomorrow.

Sarkin Mota

120,976 views • 1 year ago

The former RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch warned people about #KeirStarmer before the election. Most of the media laughed it off. Many in Labour dismissed him. But he understood exactly what Starmer represented. Lynch said Starmer’s Labour was managerial, not political. A party run by lawyers, advisors, and communications professionals rather than people rooted in labour history, trade unions, industry, or working-class communities. A party that believed in management, not representation. Stability, not change. Administration, not politics. He warned that if Starmer won, Labour would not govern as a movement, but as a management team. If anything, Lynch understated it. What we have seen is not a political Prime Minister but an administrative one. Government by briefing note, by focus group, by legal framing rather than political vision. A Labour Party reshaped from a political movement into something closer to a corporate structure with MPs. Under Starmer, Labour has been changed more fundamentally than even under Blair. Blair at least had a political project. Starmer’s project has been control. Centralise the party. Remove internal opposition. Sideline unions. Purge members. Control candidate selection. Control messaging. Control policy. The result is a Labour Party that is now barely recognisable as a working-class party, and barely recognisable even as a democratic political party. It behaves more like an administrative arm of the state than a movement representing the people. Alongside this has come something else that should worry anyone who cares about civil liberties. Expanding surveillance powers. Restrictions on protest. Speech laws framed as safety. Increasing police powers. More powers for the state, fewer rights for the citizen. All passed in the language of responsibility and stability. This is managerial politics. Not leadership, not representation, not democracy in the traditional labour movement sense. Management of the population. Management of expectations. Management of decline. Mick Lynch saw a managerial Labour Party coming. What he didn’t see was a Labour Party rebuilt as a machine: centrally controlled, staffed with loyalists, a government with authoritarian instincts and no roots in the labour movement at all, parachuting in MPs with little to no experience outside political offices, hand-picked acolytes from outfits like Labour Together, selected not for independence or service to their communities, but for loyalty to the leadership. MPs whose first duty is not to their constituents, not to their country, but to the party machine and the people who control it. Labour didn’t win power for the people. Starmer won power for the global oligarchy and that little club he's been a member of since 2019... Paul Knaggs , Labour Heartlands

The former RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch warned people about #KeirStarmer before the election. Most of the media laughed it off. Many in Labour dismissed him. But he understood exactly what Starmer represented. Lynch said Starmer’s Labour was managerial, not political. A party run by lawyers, advisors, and communications professionals rather than people rooted in labour history, trade unions, industry, or working-class communities. A party that believed in management, not representation. Stability, not change. Administration, not politics. He warned that if Starmer won, Labour would not govern as a movement, but as a management team. If anything, Lynch understated it. What we have seen is not a political Prime Minister but an administrative one. Government by briefing note, by focus group, by legal framing rather than political vision. A Labour Party reshaped from a political movement into something closer to a corporate structure with MPs. Under Starmer, Labour has been changed more fundamentally than even under Blair. Blair at least had a political project. Starmer’s project has been control. Centralise the party. Remove internal opposition. Sideline unions. Purge members. Control candidate selection. Control messaging. Control policy. The result is a Labour Party that is now barely recognisable as a working-class party, and barely recognisable even as a democratic political party. It behaves more like an administrative arm of the state than a movement representing the people. Alongside this has come something else that should worry anyone who cares about civil liberties. Expanding surveillance powers. Restrictions on protest. Speech laws framed as safety. Increasing police powers. More powers for the state, fewer rights for the citizen. All passed in the language of responsibility and stability. This is managerial politics. Not leadership, not representation, not democracy in the traditional labour movement sense. Management of the population. Management of expectations. Management of decline. Mick Lynch saw a managerial Labour Party coming. What he didn’t see was a Labour Party rebuilt as a machine: centrally controlled, staffed with loyalists, a government with authoritarian instincts and no roots in the labour movement at all, parachuting in MPs with little to no experience outside political offices, hand-picked acolytes from outfits like Labour Together, selected not for independence or service to their communities, but for loyalty to the leadership. MPs whose first duty is not to their constituents, not to their country, but to the party machine and the people who control it. Labour didn’t win power for the people. Starmer won power for the global oligarchy and that little club he's been a member of since 2019... Paul Knaggs , Labour Heartlands

The Heartlands Tribune

105,438 views • 6 months ago

Embarrassment never ends with these people humiliating themselves on the world stage at every single opportunity. An Al Jazeera journalist asked Somalia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Balcad, a very clear and direct question about Somaliland’s claims: that Somaliland is more developed, more stable, and has stronger democratic institutions, governance, and systems than Somalia. The question was simple: How do you respond to these claims? Instead of answering any of those points, the minister responded with this: “Somaliland is a British-colonised region consisting of three regions. Isaaq is a tribe in the middle, 40% of the population. The west and the east want Somalia. Somalia has 400 clans.” Not a single sentence addressed the actual question. No answer about: development, stability, democracy, institutions and governance Nothing. Regardless of your view on Somaliland, or whether a country is big or small, internally divided or cohesive, large in number or limited in size, or where it is located, the question was straightforward: 👉 Is Somaliland better than Somalia in these areas, or not? What the minister delivered instead was a baseless demographic rant that neither answers the question nor defends Somalia’s position. It only confused the journalist and embarrassed the audience. Worse, his response ignored reality and well-documented facts on the ground, exposing a clear incapacity to comprehend the political situation he is supposed to represent. Let’s correct a few false narratives he pushed: - “Somaliland is three regions” False. At no point under the British Protectorate, the Somali Republic, or Somaliland has Somaliland ever been a “three-region” entity. Historically and legally, Somaliland has always consisted of six districts inherited from the British, with full constitutional control over five, and partial presence in one Laascaanood district. - Demographics misrepresented. Isaaq communities exist in five out of the six districts, not “in the middle.” Somaliland exercises territorial control over more than 89% of its claimed territory, and Isaaq constitute well over 40% of the total population. But here’s the key point none of this was even asked. The question was not about tribes, not about clan arithmetic, and not about population distribution. The Somaliland case rests on legitimacy, history, inherited borders, and compliance with international norms, alongside the practical reality of a functioning state with elections, institutions, and governance all features of modern statehood. The journalist asked about state performance and governance. The minister replied with tribal talking points. That alone tells you everything. When a foreign minister cannot distinguish between statehood and clanism, between governance and genealogy, the embarrassment is not accidental it is structural. And unfortunately, it is broadcast live to the world.

Embarrassment never ends with these people humiliating themselves on the world stage at every single opportunity. An Al Jazeera journalist asked Somalia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Balcad, a very clear and direct question about Somaliland’s claims: that Somaliland is more developed, more stable, and has stronger democratic institutions, governance, and systems than Somalia. The question was simple: How do you respond to these claims? Instead of answering any of those points, the minister responded with this: “Somaliland is a British-colonised region consisting of three regions. Isaaq is a tribe in the middle, 40% of the population. The west and the east want Somalia. Somalia has 400 clans.” Not a single sentence addressed the actual question. No answer about: development, stability, democracy, institutions and governance Nothing. Regardless of your view on Somaliland, or whether a country is big or small, internally divided or cohesive, large in number or limited in size, or where it is located, the question was straightforward: 👉 Is Somaliland better than Somalia in these areas, or not? What the minister delivered instead was a baseless demographic rant that neither answers the question nor defends Somalia’s position. It only confused the journalist and embarrassed the audience. Worse, his response ignored reality and well-documented facts on the ground, exposing a clear incapacity to comprehend the political situation he is supposed to represent. Let’s correct a few false narratives he pushed: - “Somaliland is three regions” False. At no point under the British Protectorate, the Somali Republic, or Somaliland has Somaliland ever been a “three-region” entity. Historically and legally, Somaliland has always consisted of six districts inherited from the British, with full constitutional control over five, and partial presence in one Laascaanood district. - Demographics misrepresented. Isaaq communities exist in five out of the six districts, not “in the middle.” Somaliland exercises territorial control over more than 89% of its claimed territory, and Isaaq constitute well over 40% of the total population. But here’s the key point none of this was even asked. The question was not about tribes, not about clan arithmetic, and not about population distribution. The Somaliland case rests on legitimacy, history, inherited borders, and compliance with international norms, alongside the practical reality of a functioning state with elections, institutions, and governance all features of modern statehood. The journalist asked about state performance and governance. The minister replied with tribal talking points. That alone tells you everything. When a foreign minister cannot distinguish between statehood and clanism, between governance and genealogy, the embarrassment is not accidental it is structural. And unfortunately, it is broadcast live to the world.

Gaboose

19,274 views • 8 months ago