Politically Exposed Person (PEP) Weekly Digest – Volume 112

112th PEP Weekly Digest:

Introducing the 112th edition of The PEP Weekly Digest, where we present to you the most recent updates and news on the global political stage.

Recent and upcoming elections influence the worldwide political landscape in eight nations, slated between Jun 05, 2025 and Sep 01, 2025. These elections hold significant importance, as they will determine the direction and governance of each respective country’s future.

Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns as Vice President, Says Health Must Take Priority

One noteworthy event has occurred in India, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from office, citing health concerns and the need to follow medical advice. His resignation, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, comes into effect immediately under Article 67(a) of the Constitution.

In his resignation letter, Dhankhar said, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately.”

The 72-year-old, who also served as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, expressed gratitude to the President for her “unwavering support” and the “wonderfully harmonious working relationship” they shared during his tenure.

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers, Dhankhar said, “Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office.”

He also acknowledged the trust and warmth extended by Members of Parliament, calling it a “cherished memory.”

Tusk Names Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski Deputy Prime Minister in Strategic Government Reshuffle

Shifting our focus to Poland, Polish Prime Minister Tusk announces that Foreign Minister Sikorski will step into role as deputy prime minister.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is set to unveil significant changes to the government’s composition on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. According to unconfirmed reports, the reshuffle includes the appointment of Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski as the new deputy prime minister.

The reshuffle is expected to reduce the number of ministries and create two large ministries responsible for the economy and energy. This move comes amidst a broader restructuring of the Polish government aimed at strengthening its foreign policy capabilities. The appointment of Sikorski as deputy prime minister is seen as a strategic move to enhance Poland’s diplomatic influence.

Buti Kgwaridi Manamela Sworn In as South Africa’s New Minister of Higher Education

In South Africa, Mr Buti Kgwaridi Manamela was sworn in as the Minister of Higher Education on the 22nd July 2025.

Manamela served as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology until 21 July 2025. He previously served as the Deputy Minister for Planning and Monitoring in the Presidency (appointed 26 May 2014). He was appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education on 30 June 2024.

He formerly served as SASCO Deputy President (2001) whilst reading for his National Certificate, N5 (1998-2001) in Electronic Engineering. He also read for an Honours Programme in Public Administration (2008). He served on the South African Communist Party leadership band as National Secretary of the Young Communist League (2003), Ex Officio Central Committee (2003-to-date) and Ex Officio Politburo SACP (2003-to-date). He has been an ANC Member of Parliament since 2009.

Hong Kong Fines Indian Overseas Bank HK$8.5 Million for Anti-Money Laundering Failures

In the realm of regulatory affairs, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority has imposed a penalty of HK$8.5 million (Rs 9.3 crore) on Indian Overseas Bank, Hong Kong branch (IOBHK) for contraventions of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing ordinance (AMLO). It has pulled up the lender for “significant failure” to mitigate risks.

Apart from IOB, the authority has levied penalties against the Bank of Communications (Hong Kong) and Bank of Communications Co. Hong Kong branch for HK$ 4 million and HK$ 3.7 million, respectively.

Pakistan Court Jails Two PTI Lawmakers for 10 Years Over 2023 Military Site Attacks

Shifting our attention to Pakistan, a court in Pakistan sentenced two opposition lawmakers to 10 years in jail on Tuesday for their involvement in attacks on military installations in 2023, according to court records.

The two lawmakers are among 32 others who are facing similar charges.

Ahmed Chattha from the federal parliament and Malik Ahmed Bhachar, who is the opposition leader in the provincial Punjab legislative assembly, were convicted by an anti-terrorism court in the northeastern Sargodha district for their involvement in violence during protests against the arrest of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023.

They belong to Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI), the largest opposition party in both chambers of the federal parliament. 

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