Politically Exposed Person (PEP) Weekly Digest – Volume 141

141st PEP Weekly Digest:

Introducing the 141st 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 Feb 08, 2026, and Mar 22, 2026. These elections hold significant importance, as they will determine the direction and governance of each respective country’s future.

Rob Lantz Sworn in Again as Premier of Prince Edward Island

One noteworthy event has occurred in Canada: Hon. Rob Lantz was sworn in as the Premier of Prince Edward Island during a ceremony at Government House.

Premier Lantz returns to the role with a focus on steady leadership and delivering results for Islanders. His government will continue advancing priorities that support Island families, strengthen the economy, and build a province that works for today and the future.

Premier Lantz previously served as Premier of Prince Edward Island and has held several cabinet roles since being elected in 2023.

Erdogan Appoints Controversial Prosecutor Akin Gurlek as Turkey’s New Justice Minister

Shifting our focus to Turkey, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan appointed as his new justice minister Akin Gurlek, the Istanbul chief prosecutor behind the unprecedented crackdown on the main opposition party, drawing fierce criticism and defiance from the party.

Since his appointment as chief prosecutor in 2024, Gurlek has overseen a wave of arrests and indictments targeting the Republican People’s Party (CHP), including investigations into the Istanbul mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan’s main political rival who has been jailed since his arrest in March last year.

Sussan Ley Ousted as Australia’s Liberal Party Leader, Angus Taylor Wins Leadership Ballot

In Australia, the first female leader of Australia’s Liberal Party, Sussan Ley, has been ousted after just nine months in the job, losing a leadership ballot to her former shadow defence minister Angus Taylor.

Ley was elevated to the role after the party suffered a resounding defeat in last year’s election, but since then has been plagued by poor poll numbers and infighting among the conservative Liberal-National Coalition.

Taylor had announced he would challenge her for leadership of the opposition, ending months of speculation.

In a social media post, he said his election was “an immense honor” and that he looked forward to working with new deputy leader Jane Hume.

Bank of Maharashtra Fined ₹32.50 Lakh by RBI for SHG Credit Reporting and KYC Non-Compliance

In the realm of regulatory affairs, Bank of Maharashtra has received a monetary penalty of ₹32.50 lakh from the Reserve Bank of India for non-compliance with directions on Self Help Group credit reporting and Know Your Customer norms. The public sector lender informed stock exchanges on February 13, 2026, about the penalty through a regulatory filing.

The penalty follows the Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation conducted by RBI with reference to the bank’s financial position as on March 31, 2025. The inspection identified non-compliance with certain provisions of RBI directions on credit information reporting in respect of Self Help Group members and specific KYC directions. Based on these findings, RBI imposed a monetary penalty of ₹32.50 lakh.

Former South Korean Interior Minister Lee Sang-min Sentenced to Seven Years for Role in Failed Martial Law Attempt

Shifting our attention to South Korea, a South Korean court sentenced former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min to seven years in prison for his role in ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s botched attempt to place the country under martial law in December 2024.

The Seoul Central District Court found Lee, 61, guilty of taking part in an insurrection by relaying instructions to police and fire agencies to cut power and water to media outlets. He also committed perjury by denying he had taken these actions during Yoon’s impeachment proceedings, the judge said.

Special prosecutors last month sought a 15-year prison sentence, arguing the former interior minister played a critical role in enabling the insurrection – allegations Lee denied.

Lee has been in custody since August after a court approved his arrest.

He is the second member of Yoon’s cabinet to be sentenced for their role in the martial law declaration, after former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in jail in January.

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