Zimbabwean lawmakers have approved a bill that would replace direct presidential elections with a vote by parliament, a move criticized for potentially weakening democratic accountability. The bill passed the National Assembly with 216 lawmakers in favor and 42 against, and now moves to the Senate for final approval. The proposed changes would replace the direct election of the president with election by a joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly.
Why It Matters:
The approval of the bill in Zimbabwe to replace direct presidential elections with a parliamentary vote raises concerns about democratic accountability and the ruling party’s grip on power. Critics fear that the proposed changes could strengthen President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s influence and potentially allow him to remain in office beyond his current term. This move could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape and the ability of citizens to hold their leaders accountable. A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Science & Technology found that microplastics were discovered in human blood for the first time. The study examined the blood samples of 22 participants from eight different countries and found synthetic particles in all of them. This alarming discovery raises concerns about the widespread presence of microplastics in the environment and their potential impact on human health. Researchers are calling for further investigation into the health effects of these tiny plastic particles that can enter the body through various sources such as food, water, and air pollution.
Why It Matters
Microplastics have been a growing concern in recent years as they have been found in various ecosystems around the world, including oceans, rivers, and even in the air. The presence of these synthetic particles in human blood underscores the urgent need for more research on the health implications of microplastic exposure. Understanding how microplastics can affect human health is crucial for developing effective policies and strategies to mitigate their impact on both the environment and human well-being.
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