Canada joined a growing list of countries refusing to send government officials to the Beijing Winter Olympics. The US, UK and Australia have already said that they won't send official delegations to the Games in response to China's human rights violations against Uyghurs.

Canada joins US, UK & Australia in diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics

Algeria voted Saturday in a parliamentary election boycotted by the long-running Hirak protest movement and marked by a high abstention rate. Pro-government parties had urged a big turnout for the "crucial vote" hoping to restore stability after two years of turmoil since the ouster of veteran President Abdelaziz Bouteflika under pressure from the protests.

Algeria voted Saturday in a parliamentary election boycotted by the long-running Hirak protest movement and marked by a high abstention rate. Pro-government parties had urged a big turnout for the "crucial vote" hoping to restore stability after two years of turmoil since the ouster of veteran President Abdelaziz Bouteflika under pressure from the protests. The Hirak movement, which had held weekly demonstrations for reform until they were effectively banned last month, rejected the polls as a "sham". Seven leading protest movement figures were arrested ahead of polling day while police deployed heavily in the capital of Algiers to preempt any attempt to rally. Turnout was just 30.2 percent, the lowest in at least 20 years for legislative elections, electoral commission chief Mohamed Chorfi said after polls closed. By comparison, turnout was 35.7 percent for the last legislative vote in 2017. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who was elected on an official turnout of less than 40 percent in late 2019, put a brave face on the low turnout. "For me, it's not the turnout percentage that's important, it's whether the lawmakers that the people elect have sufficient legitimacy," he said after casting his vote in Algiers. The shape of the new assembly should emerge on Sunday but it will be 96 hours before official results are announced, Chorfi said. In Algiers, only a trickle of people was seen entering polling stations, AFP correspondents said. "I've never voted, and this time it's no different. I don't believe it would change anything," said Fatiha, a shopkeeper in her 50s. Hamid, a 60-year-old office manager, said he voted for the sake of "stability". In the opposition stronghold of Kabylie, a mainly Berber region east of Algiers, most polling stations in the main cities of Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou remained closed, the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LADDH) and the CNLD prisoners' right groups said. Scuffles broke out in Kabylie, where ballot boxes were ransacked, and security forces detained dozens of people, the two groups said, with the CNLD also reporting arrests in Algiers and the nearby city of Boumerdes. 'Repressive atmosphere' More than 13,000 candidates stood for the 407 seats in parliament, more than half listed as "independent". The protest movement has urged boycotts of all national polls since it mobilised hundreds of thousands of people in 2019 to force Bouteflika and his cronies from power, after the ailing president launched a bid for a fifth term. It returned to the streets in February after an almost-year-long break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. But the government stepped up its crackdown last month, blocking protests and detaining hundreds of activists who have defied new restrictions on public gatherings. Leading opposition figure Karim Tabbou, independent journalist Khaled Drareni and the director of a pro-reform radio station, Ihsane El Kadi, were among seven people detained Thursday. The three were released on Friday night, a campaign group said. "These arrests mark a chilling escalation in the Algerian authorities' clampdown on the rights to freedom of expression and association," Amnesty International said, reporting more than 200 people were in detention in connection with the protest movement. Old guard and economic woes Tebboune claims to have responded to the protesters' main demands "in record time", and says those still protesting are "counter-revolutionaries" in the pay of "foreign parties". But the Hirak says Tebboune's past role as premier under Bouteflika confirms its narrative that the old guard, in power since Algeria's 1962 independence from France, retains an undiluted grip on power. Established parties linked to Bouteflika's rule -- the National Liberation Front (FLN) and the Democratic National Rally (RND) -- are seen as likely to lose seats. Islamist parties are hoping to take advantage -- but with their vote split between five rival factions, they may struggle to make real gains. Africa's fourth-largest economy is heavily dependent on oil revenues, which have slumped in the face of the global economic slowdown. Unemployment stands at more than 12 percent, according to World Bank figures. It has also been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 3,500 lives in the country, according to the health ministry.

Algerians shun parliamentary election under protest boycott

Britain's&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;William&nbsp;has joined a boycott of social media channels launched on Friday by football clubs, players and sporting bodies aimed at tackling online abuse.

A number of football organisations including the English Football Association and Premier League revealed they would not post on their platforms this weekend and the campaign has snowballed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-men-charged-over-alleged-online-racial-abuse-of-nrl-player-latrell-mitchell-379509">Two men charged over alleged online racial abuse of NRL player Latrell Mitchell</a>

European football's governing body UEFA is also observing the blackout, which will last from 1400 GMT on Friday until 2259 GMT on Monday.

In a statement released before the boycott began, the Premier League said social media companies must do more to stamp out online abuse.

A number of high-profile players including Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Chelsea full-back Reece James have been racially abused in recent months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disgusted-chelsea-strongly-condemns-online-racist-abuse-against-reece-james-360251">'Disgusted': Chelsea strongly condemns online racist abuse against Reece James</a>

"The Premier League and our clubs stand alongside football in staging this boycott to highlight the urgent need for social media companies to do more in eliminating racial hatred," said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.

Prince&nbsp;William, who is president of the English Football Association, threw his weight behind the campaign.

"As President of the FA I join the entire football community in the social media boycott this weekend," he tweeted.

In January&nbsp;William&nbsp;hit out at racist abuse in football, describing it as "despicable" and saying it must stop after several black players were targeted online.

A number of players posted statements shortly before the protest began on Friday, while football clubs changed their Twitter logos to show their support for the campaign.

Escalating abuse&nbsp;

Earlier, Manchester United said their own analysis had shown that online abuse aimed at their players had increased by 350 per cent since 2019.

"The analysis has found that since September 2019, there has been a 350 per cent increase in&nbsp;abuse directed towards the club's players," United said in a statement.

"By taking part in this boycott this weekend, we, alongside the rest of English football,&nbsp;want to shine a light on the issue," said United's group managing director Richard Arnold.

The Premier League club also said they had banned six fans alleged to have abused Tottenham's South Korean forward Son Heung-min on social media.

Chelsea said they had banned a supporter for posting anti-Semitic messages online.

"Following the conclusion of court proceedings in February, the club conducted our own investigation into the matter and has taken the decision to ban the individual from Chelsea FC for a period of 10 years," said a statement from the club.

A wide range of sporting organisations including England Rugby, British Cycling, the England and Wales Cricket Board and the International Tennis Federation are supporting the blackout.

Formula One is not taking part but world champion Lewis Hamilton said he was ready to join the boycott on the weekend of the Portuguese Grand Prix.

Wolverhampton boss Nuno Espirito Santo believes it will need to be repeated in the push for change.

"Not everyone on social media uses it badly, you have to balance, and we can't compromise our freedom but at the moment I think it's a good measure," he said.

"Will we have to repeat it again? Probably so, it takes time for people to understand the right message."

Britain's Prince William has joined a boycott of social media channels launched on Friday by football clubs, players and sporting bodies aimed at tackling online abuse.

Britain's Prince William has joined a boycott of social media channels launched on Friday by football clubs, players and sporting bodies aimed at tackling online abuse. A number of football organisations including the English Football Association and Premier League revealed they would not post on their platforms this weekend and the campaign has snowballed. Also read | Two men charged over alleged online racial abuse of NRL player Latrell Mitchell European football's governing body UEFA is also observing the blackout, which will last from 1400 GMT on Friday until 2259 GMT on Monday. In a statement released before the boycott began, the Premier League said social media companies must do more to stamp out online abuse. A number of high-profile players including Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Chelsea full-back Reece James have been racially abused in recent months. Also read | 'Disgusted': Chelsea strongly condemns online racist abuse against Reece James "The Premier League and our clubs stand alongside football in staging this boycott to highlight the urgent need for social media companies to do more in eliminating racial hatred," said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters. Prince William, who is president of the English Football Association, threw his weight behind the campaign. "As President of the FA I join the entire football community in the social media boycott this weekend," he tweeted. In January William hit out at racist abuse in football, describing it as "despicable" and saying it must stop after several black players were targeted online. A number of players posted statements shortly before the protest began on Friday, while football clubs changed their Twitter logos to show their support for the campaign. Escalating abuse Earlier, Manchester United said their own analysis had shown that online abuse aimed at their players had increased by 350 per cent since 2019. "The analysis has found that since September 2019, there has been a 350 per cent increase in abuse directed towards the club's players," United said in a statement. "By taking part in this boycott this weekend, we, alongside the rest of English football, want to shine a light on the issue," said United's group managing director Richard Arnold. The Premier League club also said they had banned six fans alleged to have abused Tottenham's South Korean forward Son Heung-min on social media. Chelsea said they had banned a supporter for posting anti-Semitic messages online. "Following the conclusion of court proceedings in February, the club conducted our own investigation into the matter and has taken the decision to ban the individual from Chelsea FC for a period of 10 years," said a statement from the club. A wide range of sporting organisations including England Rugby, British Cycling, the England and Wales Cricket Board and the International Tennis Federation are supporting the blackout. Formula One is not taking part but world champion Lewis Hamilton said he was ready to join the boycott on the weekend of the Portuguese Grand Prix. Wolverhampton boss Nuno Espirito Santo believes it will need to be repeated in the push for change. "Not everyone on social media uses it badly, you have to balance, and we can't compromise our freedom but at the moment I think it's a good measure," he said. "Will we have to repeat it again? Probably so, it takes time for people to understand the right message."

Prince William joins social media sports boycott to tackle abuse

The boycott — embraced by sports including soccer, rugby and cricket — comes as the U.S. tech giants continue to face criticism for failing to remove racist and sexist abuse that gets posted on their platforms.

British sport to boycott social media giants over online abuse

Myanmar’s pro-democracy protesters sprayed red paint on roads in Yangon on Tuesday in a reminder to the junta that it had blood on its hands as the crisis created by a military coup in the Southeast Asian nation dragged on with no end in sight.

Several groups called for a boycott of next week’s Thingyan Water Festival, which marks the Buddhist new year. Leaflets calling for the ban, distributed in Yangon, said it would be a sign of compassion for the families of those killed.

About 570 people have been killed during two months of unrest since the February 1 coup, and security forces have arrested close to 3,500 people, with about four-fifths of them still in detention, advocacy group the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said on Tuesday.

Demonstrators woke early in Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city, to spray and splash pavements, roads and bus shelters with red paint in protest at a sweeping crackdown by security forces that has caused weeks of international outrage.&nbsp;

"The blood has not dried," said one message in red.

Another daubed across a bus shelter implored rank-and-file soldiers not to be exploited by kleptocratic generals clinging onto power.&nbsp;

"Don’t kill people just for a small salary as low as the cost of dog food," it said in a message that went onto accuse junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, of stealing from people.&nbsp;

Anger has swept Myanmar in the past two months over the return of a military government and an abrupt end to a brief era of democratic and economic reform and international integration that was absent under the military’s oppressive 1962-2011 rule.&nbsp;

Some protesters have called their movement a ‘spring revolution’, characterised by street marches, quirky acts of non-violent rebellion and civil disobedience campaigns aimed at crippling the government apparatus.

Another protest scheduled for Wednesday has called for the burning of Chinese-made goods. Many protesters are opposed to China because it is seen as supporting the junta.

"The state of people now is that it doesn’t matter who called for what kind of protest, people are always ready to follow," Khin Sandar, an activist and a protest organiser, said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar’s pro-democracy protesters sprayed red paint on roads in Yangon on Tuesday in a reminder to the junta that it had blood on its hands as the crisis created by a military coup in the Southeast Asian nation dragged on with no end in sight.

Myanmar’s pro-democracy protesters sprayed red paint on roads in Yangon on Tuesday in a reminder to the junta that it had blood on its hands as the crisis created by a military coup in the Southeast Asian nation dragged on with no end in sight. Several groups called for a boycott of next week’s Thingyan Water Festival, which marks the Buddhist new year. Leaflets calling for the ban, distributed in Yangon, said it would be a sign of compassion for the families of those killed. About 570 people have been killed during two months of unrest since the February 1 coup, and security forces have arrested close to 3,500 people, with about four-fifths of them still in detention, advocacy group the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said on Tuesday. Demonstrators woke early in Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city, to spray and splash pavements, roads and bus shelters with red paint in protest at a sweeping crackdown by security forces that has caused weeks of international outrage. "The blood has not dried," said one message in red. Another daubed across a bus shelter implored rank-and-file soldiers not to be exploited by kleptocratic generals clinging onto power. "Don’t kill people just for a small salary as low as the cost of dog food," it said in a message that went onto accuse junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, of stealing from people. Anger has swept Myanmar in the past two months over the return of a military government and an abrupt end to a brief era of democratic and economic reform and international integration that was absent under the military’s oppressive 1962-2011 rule. Some protesters have called their movement a ‘spring revolution’, characterised by street marches, quirky acts of non-violent rebellion and civil disobedience campaigns aimed at crippling the government apparatus. Another protest scheduled for Wednesday has called for the burning of Chinese-made goods. Many protesters are opposed to China because it is seen as supporting the junta. "The state of people now is that it doesn’t matter who called for what kind of protest, people are always ready to follow," Khin Sandar, an activist and a protest organiser, said. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar protesters paint Yangon in red, call for Water Festival’s boycott

Goya Foods Inc is a popular&nbsp;Hispanic-owned food company in Latino Americans. However, the company is now in news not because of its great food, but because of a boycott campaign.

Bob Unanue, the CEO of Goya Foods, was invited to the White House&nbsp;for the signing of an executive order creating an advisory panel aimed at spurring Hispanic prosperity.

<a href="Trump signs order for better educational and economical opportunities for Hispanic Americans">Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;Trump signs order for better educational and economical opportunities for Hispanic Americans</a>

In that meeting, Unanue said,&nbsp;"We`re all truly blessed at the same time to have a leader like President Trump who is a builder, and that`s what my grandfather did," said Unanue, the third generation of his family to run the business. "We pray for our leadership, our president, and we pray for our country that we will continue to prosper and to grow."

The CEO was not expecting the backlash that came his way after that.

Donald Trump, who is re-running for President this year, has often been labelled as a racist. This move, therefore, was seen as a move to attract the voters of a key constituency who have often felt alienated by his policies and political rhetoric.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-hes-working-on-new-merit-based-us-immigration-system-312449">Also read:&nbsp;Trump says he's working on new merit-based US immigration system</a>

Therefore, the CEO praising Trump did not do well with the Hispanic community. Locals took to Twitter to protest against this statement, and #Goyaway and #BoycottGoya started trending on Twitter.

Trump supporters, on the other hand, supported the company by urging people to buy more products of Goya Foods. To lend support to his new friend, Trump tweeted, "I LOVE @GoyaFoods!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I LOVE <a href="https://twitter.com/GoyaFoods?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoyaFoods</a>!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1281731565278515202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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While people are divided on whether or not the boycott call is justified,&nbsp;Unanue in an interview with Fox channel made it clear that he will not apologize for his statement.

"I`m not apologizing," he told Fox News. "When you`re called by the president of the United States, you`re going to say, `No, I`m sorry, I`m busy, no thank you?` I didn`t say that to the Obamas and I didn`t say that to President Trump."

Lending support to Goya Foods,&nbsp;White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said, "It`s just a shame that people make everything so politicized, including food."

Goya Foods Inc is a popular Hispanic-owned food company in Latino Americans. However, the company is now in news not because of its great food, but because of a boycott campaign.

Goya Foods Inc is a popular Hispanic-owned food company in Latino Americans. However, the company is now in news not because of its great food, but because of a boycott campaign. Bob Unanue, the CEO of Goya Foods, was invited to the White House for the signing of an executive order creating an advisory panel aimed at spurring Hispanic prosperity. Also read: Trump signs order for better educational and economical opportunities for Hispanic Americans In that meeting, Unanue said, "We`re all truly blessed at the same time to have a leader like President Trump who is a builder, and that`s what my grandfather did," said Unanue, the third generation of his family to run the business. "We pray for our leadership, our president, and we pray for our country that we will continue to prosper and to grow." The CEO was not expecting the backlash that came his way after that. Donald Trump, who is re-running for President this year, has often been labelled as a racist. This move, therefore, was seen as a move to attract the voters of a key constituency who have often felt alienated by his policies and political rhetoric. Also read: Trump says he's working on new merit-based US immigration system Therefore, the CEO praising Trump did not do well with the Hispanic community. Locals took to Twitter to protest against this statement, and #Goyaway and #BoycottGoya started trending on Twitter. Trump supporters, on the other hand, supported the company by urging people to buy more products of Goya Foods. To lend support to his new friend, Trump tweeted, "I LOVE @GoyaFoods!" I LOVE @GoyaFoods! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2020 × While people are divided on whether or not the boycott call is justified, Unanue in an interview with Fox channel made it clear that he will not apologize for his statement. "I`m not apologizing," he told Fox News. "When you`re called by the president of the United States, you`re going to say, `No, I`m sorry, I`m busy, no thank you?` I didn`t say that to the Obamas and I didn`t say that to President Trump." Lending support to Goya Foods, White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said, "It`s just a shame that people make everything so politicized, including food."

Goya Foods faces backlash with #BoycottGoya trending; Trump lends support

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-american-brands-join-boycott-facebook-ads-campaign-309428">Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign!</a>

"My guess is that all these advertisers will be back on the platform soon enough" the Facebook chief executive has said.

The social media platform has been accused by advertisers of being reluctant and slow to remove some hateful content.

Zuckerberg sees this boycott as a PR stunt by big brands rather than serious step and is not planning any major response.

"We’re not gonna change our policies or approach on anything because of a threat to a small percent of our revenue, or to any percent of our revenue,” he said in an interview.

He said the boycott is a "reputational and partner issue" and the advertisers should be back "soon enough".

The statement was confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson who said "We take these matters very seriously and respect the feedback from our partners. We’re making real progress keeping hate speech off our platform, and we don’t benefit from this kind of content. But as we’ve said, we make policy changes based on principles, not revenue pressures."&nbsp;

On Wednesday, 500 brands including Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Ford and several others announced the boycott.

Since the current boycott is nothing like what Facebook has ever faced before, Zuckerberg has agreed to meet the advertisers next week.

After weeks of protest against racial injustice, several big brands came together for the very first time against hate speech on Facebook by targeting it's $70 billion in annual ad revenue.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements. Also see: Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign!

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements. Also see: Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign! "My guess is that all these advertisers will be back on the platform soon enough" the Facebook chief executive has said. The social media platform has been accused by advertisers of being reluctant and slow to remove some hateful content. Zuckerberg sees this boycott as a PR stunt by big brands rather than serious step and is not planning any major response. "We’re not gonna change our policies or approach on anything because of a threat to a small percent of our revenue, or to any percent of our revenue,” he said in an interview. He said the boycott is a "reputational and partner issue" and the advertisers should be back "soon enough". The statement was confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson who said "We take these matters very seriously and respect the feedback from our partners. We’re making real progress keeping hate speech off our platform, and we don’t benefit from this kind of content. But as we’ve said, we make policy changes based on principles, not revenue pressures." On Wednesday, 500 brands including Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Ford and several others announced the boycott. Since the current boycott is nothing like what Facebook has ever faced before, Zuckerberg has agreed to meet the advertisers next week. After weeks of protest against racial injustice, several big brands came together for the very first time against hate speech on Facebook by targeting it's $70 billion in annual ad revenue.

Advertisers' boycott of Facebook to end 'soon enough' says CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Serbians were voting Sunday for a new parliament in Europe's first national election since the coronavirus pandemic, though few expect major surprises with the ruling party poised to dominate a scattered opposition, some of whom are boycotting the ballot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-brazil-nears-50000-deaths-experts-fear-real-number-to-be-much-higher-307409" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Brazil nears 50,000 deaths; experts fear real number to be much higher</a>

In power since 2012, the centre-right Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is led by the country's powerful president, Aleksandar Vucic, who critics accuse of budding authoritarianism. &nbsp;

The 50-year-old is not running for parliament himself but has fronted the campaign as the chief of his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) with the slogan: "Aleksandar Vucic - For Our Children".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-members-of-trumps-campaign-team-test-positive-for-covid-19-307393" hreflang="en">Six members of Trump's campaign team test positive for COVID-19</a>

The party is tipped to garner more than 50 percent of the vote, according to recent polls, thanks to a weak opposition and recent successes in fighting the coronavirus outbreak.

Several of the main opposition groups are boycotting the vote altogether, decrying democratic backsliding under Vucic's domineering governance.

A slate of other small opposition parties are still in the race, but only a handful are expected to clear the three-percent threshold to enter parliament.

The biggest unknown in the election may be turnout, due to lingering fears over the virus and the boycott campaign.

In Belgrade, around 20 voters wearing face masks lined up at a polling station as soon as voting started at 0500 GMT.

Jelena Djikanovic, a 39-year-old economist, said she was eager for change but not sympathetic to the boycott campaign.&nbsp;

"Boycotting is not productive when the country is adrift," she told AFP. "I think it is not acceptable to surrender without a fight".

Vucic, who was previously prime minister, is riding a fresh wave of popularity after keeping the coronavirus situation under control, with some 260 deaths in a country of seven million.

Though the post of president is meant to be ceremonial, Vucic remains Serbia's top decision-maker, leading the nation through the health emergency with frequent new announcements and TV appearances.

After bringing the first curve of infections down with tight lockdown measures, Serbia bolted out of confinement in early May -- even allowing some 16,000 to gather at a recent football match.

Infections are now starting to rise again but the ballot, already delayed once by the virus in April, is going ahead with masks and gloves made available at polling stations.

Rallies have mostly been cancelled over virus concerns, leaving Vucic to take centre stage for several virtual gatherings, in which he addressed hundreds of computer screens bearing faces of supporters watching from home.&nbsp;

In addition to touting various infrastructure projects, he made promises such as raising salaries to 900 euros a month by 2025 -- nearly double the current 500-euro average.

Dusan Spasojevic, a political science professor at Belgrade University, says Vucic has used the same playbook as other populists on the continent.

"He found&nbsp;a way to speak on the behalf of people who were poor, less educated, lived in those places where you don't have many opportunities in your life... he gave them hope."

He also benefits from a warped media landscape populated with pro-government outlets, plus a vast voting base of public sector employees and their relatives.

His increasingly "authoritarian" grip, particularly over the media and state institutions, means "Serbia does not meet minimal conditions for elective democracy", says Spasojevic.

"I use the term competitive autocracy: when there is a competition but participants are not equal," he said.

On the international stage, Vucic, who is trying to lead Serbia in the European Union, has support from the West where he is seen as capable of brokering a deal to end Serbia's decades-long territorial dispute with former province Kosovo, a stalled process expected to resume after elections.

But concerns about Serbia's democratic credentials are mounting, with the US-based Freedom House recently deeming the country no longer a democracy but a "hybrid regime" because of Vucic's strongman tactics.

Radojko Sovrlic, a 58-year-old mechanical engineer in Belgrade, told AFP he thinks Vucic deserves to be supported.

"He has made a number of roads, tunnels, bridges, kindergartens. He has built quite a lot during his rule," he said.

Some 6.5 million people, including the diaspora, are eligible to vote, with initial results expected a few hours after polls close at 1800 GMT.

Serbians were voting Sunday for a new parliament in Europe's first national election since the coronavirus pandemic, though few expect major surprises with the ruling party poised to dominate a scattered opposition, some of whom are boycotting the ballot.

Serbians were voting Sunday for a new parliament in Europe's first national election since the coronavirus pandemic, though few expect major surprises with the ruling party poised to dominate a scattered opposition, some of whom are boycotting the ballot. Also read: Coronavirus: Brazil nears 50,000 deaths; experts fear real number to be much higher In power since 2012, the centre-right Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is led by the country's powerful president, Aleksandar Vucic, who critics accuse of budding authoritarianism. The 50-year-old is not running for parliament himself but has fronted the campaign as the chief of his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) with the slogan: "Aleksandar Vucic - For Our Children". Also read: Six members of Trump's campaign team test positive for COVID-19 The party is tipped to garner more than 50 percent of the vote, according to recent polls, thanks to a weak opposition and recent successes in fighting the coronavirus outbreak. Several of the main opposition groups are boycotting the vote altogether, decrying democratic backsliding under Vucic's domineering governance. A slate of other small opposition parties are still in the race, but only a handful are expected to clear the three-percent threshold to enter parliament. The biggest unknown in the election may be turnout, due to lingering fears over the virus and the boycott campaign. In Belgrade, around 20 voters wearing face masks lined up at a polling station as soon as voting started at 0500 GMT. Jelena Djikanovic, a 39-year-old economist, said she was eager for change but not sympathetic to the boycott campaign. "Boycotting is not productive when the country is adrift," she told AFP. "I think it is not acceptable to surrender without a fight". Vucic, who was previously prime minister, is riding a fresh wave of popularity after keeping the coronavirus situation under control, with some 260 deaths in a country of seven million. Though the post of president is meant to be ceremonial, Vucic remains Serbia's top decision-maker, leading the nation through the health emergency with frequent new announcements and TV appearances. After bringing the first curve of infections down with tight lockdown measures, Serbia bolted out of confinement in early May -- even allowing some 16,000 to gather at a recent football match. Infections are now starting to rise again but the ballot, already delayed once by the virus in April, is going ahead with masks and gloves made available at polling stations. Rallies have mostly been cancelled over virus concerns, leaving Vucic to take centre stage for several virtual gatherings, in which he addressed hundreds of computer screens bearing faces of supporters watching from home. In addition to touting various infrastructure projects, he made promises such as raising salaries to 900 euros a month by 2025 -- nearly double the current 500-euro average. Dusan Spasojevic, a political science professor at Belgrade University, says Vucic has used the same playbook as other populists on the continent. "He found a way to speak on the behalf of people who were poor, less educated, lived in those places where you don't have many opportunities in your life... he gave them hope." He also benefits from a warped media landscape populated with pro-government outlets, plus a vast voting base of public sector employees and their relatives. His increasingly "authoritarian" grip, particularly over the media and state institutions, means "Serbia does not meet minimal conditions for elective democracy", says Spasojevic. "I use the term competitive autocracy: when there is a competition but participants are not equal," he said. On the international stage, Vucic, who is trying to lead Serbia in the European Union, has support from the West where he is seen as capable of brokering a deal to end Serbia's decades-long territorial dispute with former province Kosovo, a stalled process expected to resume after elections. But concerns about Serbia's democratic credentials are mounting, with the US-based Freedom House recently deeming the country no longer a democracy but a "hybrid regime" because of Vucic's strongman tactics. Radojko Sovrlic, a 58-year-old mechanical engineer in Belgrade, told AFP he thinks Vucic deserves to be supported. "He has made a number of roads, tunnels, bridges, kindergartens. He has built quite a lot during his rule," he said. Some 6.5 million people, including the diaspora, are eligible to vote, with initial results expected a few hours after polls close at 1800 GMT.

Serbia ruling party faces split opposition in post-virus poll

From beer to pens, here's why South Koreans boycott Japanese brands

Germany's parliament on Friday condemned the BDS movement that demands a boycott of Israel as anti-Semitic, warning that its actions were reminiscent of the Nazis' campaign against Jews.

The Bundestag condemnation came with Israel battling a growing chorus led by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to shun the Eurovision Song Contest which Tel Aviv will host on Saturday.

US superstar Madonna has signed a contract to perform during the interval of the high-profile event, it was finally announced on Thursday, ending uncertainty after calls for her to boycott the event.

In its rare multi-party resolution, the German lower house said Friday that the campaign run by the BDS was "reminiscent of the most terrifying phase of German history" under Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime.

"'Don't buy' stickers of the BDS movement on Israeli products remind one of the inevitable associations with the Nazi call 'Don't buy from Jews', and other corresponding graffiti on facades and shop windows," said the non-binding resolution.

"The methods" of the BDS movement "are anti-Semitic," added the resolution put forward by Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU-CSU bloc, coalition partner Social Democratic Party, plus the liberal FDP and the Greens parties.

With the vote, German MPs pledged to reject any financial support for the boycott movement.&nbsp;

The Bundestag will also refrain from allowing BDS and its partners to host events on its premises.

The BDS movement describes itself as a Palestinian-led action, and urges the boycott of Israeli goods, services and culture because of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

However, for Sebastian Brehm of the CSU, "this is an action that has nothing to do with the criticism of the Israeli government. Rather it is clearly motivated by anti-Semitism".

Germany's parliament on Friday condemned the BDS movement that demands a boycott of Israel as anti-Semitic, warning that its actions were reminiscent of the Nazis' campaign against Jews.

Germany's parliament on Friday condemned the BDS movement that demands a boycott of Israel as anti-Semitic, warning that its actions were reminiscent of the Nazis' campaign against Jews. The Bundestag condemnation came with Israel battling a growing chorus led by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to shun the Eurovision Song Contest which Tel Aviv will host on Saturday. US superstar Madonna has signed a contract to perform during the interval of the high-profile event, it was finally announced on Thursday, ending uncertainty after calls for her to boycott the event. In its rare multi-party resolution, the German lower house said Friday that the campaign run by the BDS was "reminiscent of the most terrifying phase of German history" under Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime. "'Don't buy' stickers of the BDS movement on Israeli products remind one of the inevitable associations with the Nazi call 'Don't buy from Jews', and other corresponding graffiti on facades and shop windows," said the non-binding resolution. "The methods" of the BDS movement "are anti-Semitic," added the resolution put forward by Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU-CSU bloc, coalition partner Social Democratic Party, plus the liberal FDP and the Greens parties. With the vote, German MPs pledged to reject any financial support for the boycott movement. The Bundestag will also refrain from allowing BDS and its partners to host events on its premises. The BDS movement describes itself as a Palestinian-led action, and urges the boycott of Israeli goods, services and culture because of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. However, for Sebastian Brehm of the CSU, "this is an action that has nothing to do with the criticism of the Israeli government. Rather it is clearly motivated by anti-Semitism".

German parliament slams boycott Israel movement as 'anti-Semitic'

George Clooney calls to boycott Brunei-owned hotels

An American student who was barred from entering Israel under a law against foreign activists who support boycotts of the state over its Palestinian policies was given permission to stay in the country by the Supreme Court on Thursday.

In its ruling, the court criticised Israeli authorities for denying entry to Lara Alqasem, 22, saying their decision gave "the unavoidable impression" that she was barred for her political opinions.

If so, the justices said, it represented "a radical and dangerous step that could lead to the crumbling of the foundations upon which Israel's democracy is built".

Alqasem was refused entry when she flew to Israel on a study visa on Oct. 2. Security officials cited her role as president of a small local chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Florida.

Her case touched off a debate in Israel over whether democratic values had been compromised by a 2017 law that bars the entry of foreigners who publicly support boycotts over Israel's policies towards the Palestinians.

Thursday's ruling, seen by Reuters, overturned a lower court decision that had backed the decision by Israeli authorities.

Alqasem said she was releived by the court's decision and would speak more later. Her lawyers called the ruling "a victory for free speech, academic freedom, and the rule of law".

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, who had denied Alqasem entry, said the government would look into the implications of the ruling.

"We will examine the legal criteria in order to ensure that the original intent of the law is maintained," he said. "The principle that whoever acts to harm the State of Israel and its citizens should be refused entry must be preserved."

Members of Israel's right-wing government have long criticized the court for being, in their eyes, too liberal in its interventions regarding policy towards Palestinians.

The Supreme Court accepted Alqasem's lawyers’ argument that she had ceased her pro-boycott activity in April 2017, and noted that since then she had engaged in Holocaust studies and had been accepted to a post graduate programme at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, which supported her petition.

"Since the petitioner's actions do not sufficiently warrant banning her entry to Israel, the unavoidable impression is that her political opinions were the reason behind the cancellation of the visa that was granted to her," the ruling said.

"If that is indeed the case, we are talking about a radical and dangerous step."

The court cited in its decision the Hebrew University's contention that barring the entry, at the airport, of a foreign student accepted into an international programme damaged the university's international ties.

However one justice wrote that if Alqasem "returns to her old ways" and promoted a boycott while she is in Israel, her stay could be cancelled and she could be expelled.

It was not immediately clear whether the Israeli authorities would appeal the ruling.

An American student who was barred from entering Israel under a law against foreign activists who support boycotts of the state over its Palestinian policies was given permission to stay in the country by the Supreme Court on Thursday.

An American student who was barred from entering Israel under a law against foreign activists who support boycotts of the state over its Palestinian policies was given permission to stay in the country by the Supreme Court on Thursday. In its ruling, the court criticised Israeli authorities for denying entry to Lara Alqasem, 22, saying their decision gave "the unavoidable impression" that she was barred for her political opinions. If so, the justices said, it represented "a radical and dangerous step that could lead to the crumbling of the foundations upon which Israel's democracy is built". Alqasem was refused entry when she flew to Israel on a study visa on Oct. 2. Security officials cited her role as president of a small local chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Florida. Her case touched off a debate in Israel over whether democratic values had been compromised by a 2017 law that bars the entry of foreigners who publicly support boycotts over Israel's policies towards the Palestinians. Thursday's ruling, seen by Reuters, overturned a lower court decision that had backed the decision by Israeli authorities. Alqasem said she was releived by the court's decision and would speak more later. Her lawyers called the ruling "a victory for free speech, academic freedom, and the rule of law". Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, who had denied Alqasem entry, said the government would look into the implications of the ruling. "We will examine the legal criteria in order to ensure that the original intent of the law is maintained," he said. "The principle that whoever acts to harm the State of Israel and its citizens should be refused entry must be preserved." Members of Israel's right-wing government have long criticized the court for being, in their eyes, too liberal in its interventions regarding policy towards Palestinians. The Supreme Court accepted Alqasem's lawyers’ argument that she had ceased her pro-boycott activity in April 2017, and noted that since then she had engaged in Holocaust studies and had been accepted to a post graduate programme at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, which supported her petition. "Since the petitioner's actions do not sufficiently warrant banning her entry to Israel, the unavoidable impression is that her political opinions were the reason behind the cancellation of the visa that was granted to her," the ruling said. "If that is indeed the case, we are talking about a radical and dangerous step." The court cited in its decision the Hebrew University's contention that barring the entry, at the airport, of a foreign student accepted into an international programme damaged the university's international ties. However one justice wrote that if Alqasem "returns to her old ways" and promoted a boycott while she is in Israel, her stay could be cancelled and she could be expelled. It was not immediately clear whether the Israeli authorities would appeal the ruling.

US student in boycott case allowed to stay in Israel

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has announced a conditional boycott of the forthcoming general elections in Pakistan and forwarded the consensus decision of the Coordination Committee to MQM founding leader Altaf Hussain.

The announcement of conditional boycotting the country's general elections was made public by the Coordination Committee Convener Dr&nbspNadeem Ehsan in a video briefing held at the party's International Secretariat here on Monday evening.

Dr&nbspEhsan was flanked by Coordination Committee Deputy Convener Qasim Ali Raza, members Manzoor Ahmed, Syed Mustafa Azizabadi and Sufyan Yousuf.

Dr&nbspEhsan in his video briefing included variety of topics including All Pakistan Muttahidda Students Organisation (APMSO), MQM's creation and reasons behind, the injustices done to Mohajirs, their deprivation, state-sponsored atrocities and repression on Mohajirs, their massacre and military crackdowns for their genocide, grudge and bias of the media, and negligence of the judiciary in the dispensation of justice to Mohajirs.

He further said that since Jun 19, 1992, at least 22,000 MQM workers have been extrajudicially executed by the military establishment and its paramilitary forces. He claimed that even today, 500 workers are missing as they have been enforced to disappear after their abductions from their homes and workplaces, while a thousand others are in jail without any lawful charge.

Dr&nbspEhsan added that due to the failure to crush the MQM, the ISI created factions in MQM and raised the "packs of traitors and time-servants" to defeat and eliminate the party.

He claimed that the "traitors" were prior to their shift to ISI trained and raised by Altaf Husain but at the behest of ISI, they demanded the execution of him under Article 6 of the constitution for treason.

Dr&nbspEhsan further said that they also betrayed Altaf Hussain and removed him from the party's constitution. However, he added that as per the constitution of the MQM, not a single letter could be changed, altered or removed from it sans prior approval of Altaf Hussain.

"Despite all plots and conspiracies, all atrocities and injustices, the ISI could not eliminate the Movement (MQM) and the Movement gained more strength and unity instead", Dr&nbspEhsan said.

He added, "MQM and Mr. Hussain are one and correlative to each other. Mr&nbspHussain is the founder of the MQM and would always remain the same."

Dr&nbspEhsan said, "Those who have betrayed the founder of the Movement (Altaf Hussain) and are playing a nasty game against the MQM would fall head down and would find no place to hide and that they have earned shame and disrespect, which they would carry along till their last breath."

He said that the Mohajirs and MQM workers have known only one as their leader, who is Altaf Hussain.

"It was not new that Mr. Hussain had criticised the corrupt military junta of Pakistan, as almost all politicians and clerics in Pakistan have also slammed them for their wrongdoing. But the military establishment only dared to lock Mr&nbspHussain's residence and bulldozed party offices. The military establishment had only chased MQM workers, but kidnapped them, jailed them sans and lawful charge, executed them in custody and crossed all limits of human rights violations."

Dr&nbspEhsan said that even ex-ISI Director General Asad Durrani sought help from India's spy agency RAW chief, but he still remained a "patriot Pakistani."

"The corrupt military establishment has imposed an embargo on speech of Mr&nbspHussain, and Pakistani media is restricted to carry or telecast any of his words or statement or picture. The corrupt military junta has shut his residence, the Nine Zero and locked down party's Khursheed Begum Secretariat at Karachi adjacent to his residence. MQM offices have been destroyed and those left have been allowed to be occupied by the traitors," he said.

"The repression has reached a limit where the military establishment does not allow Mohajir men and women to recite the holy Quran for the prayers to the departed souls of MQM's martyrs. The unlawfully detained or jailed workers are not produced in any court of law and they have been denied of right to fair trial," he added.

Keeping in view the long chain of injustices and atrocities, the MQM decided that it would not fight general elections until all restrictions are relaxed and embargos are lifted.

Dr&nbspEhsan said that the proposal of conditional boycott of Pakistan's general elections would be laid before the founder of the MQM for his due endorsement, after which the Coordination Committee of the MQM would give its full and final line of action.

He added that a gigantic campaign would be kicked off in Pakistan and across the world.

Dr&nbspEhsan appealed to the Commonwealth Elections Observer, EU Elections Observer Mission, UN Election Commission, UN Census Mission and UNDP to take notice of pre-poll rigging in Pakistan by the military establishment of the country and their plans for keeping MQM deprived of their rights.

The announcement of conditional boycotting the country's general elections was made public by the Coordination Committee Convener Dr Nadeem Ehsan in a video briefing held at the party's International Secretariat here on Monday evening

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has announced a conditional boycott of the forthcoming general elections in Pakistan and forwarded the consensus decision of the Coordination Committee to MQM founding leader Altaf Hussain. The announcement of conditional boycotting the country's general elections was made public by the Coordination Committee Convener Dr&nbspNadeem Ehsan in a video briefing held at the party's International Secretariat here on Monday evening. Dr&nbspEhsan was flanked by Coordination Committee Deputy Convener Qasim Ali Raza, members Manzoor Ahmed, Syed Mustafa Azizabadi and Sufyan Yousuf. Dr&nbspEhsan in his video briefing included variety of topics including All Pakistan Muttahidda Students Organisation (APMSO), MQM's creation and reasons behind, the injustices done to Mohajirs, their deprivation, state-sponsored atrocities and repression on Mohajirs, their massacre and military crackdowns for their genocide, grudge and bias of the media, and negligence of the judiciary in the dispensation of justice to Mohajirs. He further said that since Jun 19, 1992, at least 22,000 MQM workers have been extrajudicially executed by the military establishment and its paramilitary forces. He claimed that even today, 500 workers are missing as they have been enforced to disappear after their abductions from their homes and workplaces, while a thousand others are in jail without any lawful charge. Dr&nbspEhsan added that due to the failure to crush the MQM, the ISI created factions in MQM and raised the "packs of traitors and time-servants" to defeat and eliminate the party. He claimed that the "traitors" were prior to their shift to ISI trained and raised by Altaf Husain but at the behest of ISI, they demanded the execution of him under Article 6 of the constitution for treason. Dr&nbspEhsan further said that they also betrayed Altaf Hussain and removed him from the party's constitution. However, he added that as per the constitution of the MQM, not a single letter could be changed, altered or removed from it sans prior approval of Altaf Hussain. "Despite all plots and conspiracies, all atrocities and injustices, the ISI could not eliminate the Movement (MQM) and the Movement gained more strength and unity instead", Dr&nbspEhsan said. He added, "MQM and Mr. Hussain are one and correlative to each other. Mr&nbspHussain is the founder of the MQM and would always remain the same." Dr&nbspEhsan said, "Those who have betrayed the founder of the Movement (Altaf Hussain) and are playing a nasty game against the MQM would fall head down and would find no place to hide and that they have earned shame and disrespect, which they would carry along till their last breath." He said that the Mohajirs and MQM workers have known only one as their leader, who is Altaf Hussain. "It was not new that Mr. Hussain had criticised the corrupt military junta of Pakistan, as almost all politicians and clerics in Pakistan have also slammed them for their wrongdoing. But the military establishment only dared to lock Mr&nbspHussain's residence and bulldozed party offices. The military establishment had only chased MQM workers, but kidnapped them, jailed them sans and lawful charge, executed them in custody and crossed all limits of human rights violations." Dr&nbspEhsan said that even ex-ISI Director General Asad Durrani sought help from India's spy agency RAW chief, but he still remained a "patriot Pakistani." "The corrupt military establishment has imposed an embargo on speech of Mr&nbspHussain, and Pakistani media is restricted to carry or telecast any of his words or statement or picture. The corrupt military junta has shut his residence, the Nine Zero and locked down party's Khursheed Begum Secretariat at Karachi adjacent to his residence. MQM offices have been destroyed and those left have been allowed to be occupied by the traitors," he said. "The repression has reached a limit where the military establishment does not allow Mohajir men and women to recite the holy Quran for the prayers to the departed souls of MQM's martyrs. The unlawfully detained or jailed workers are not produced in any court of law and they have been denied of right to fair trial," he added. Keeping in view the long chain of injustices and atrocities, the MQM decided that it would not fight general elections until all restrictions are relaxed and embargos are lifted. Dr&nbspEhsan said that the proposal of conditional boycott of Pakistan's general elections would be laid before the founder of the MQM for his due endorsement, after which the Coordination Committee of the MQM would give its full and final line of action. He added that a gigantic campaign would be kicked off in Pakistan and across the world. Dr&nbspEhsan appealed to the Commonwealth Elections Observer, EU Elections Observer Mission, UN Election Commission, UN Census Mission and UNDP to take notice of pre-poll rigging in Pakistan by the military establishment of the country and their plans for keeping MQM deprived of their rights.

MQM announces conditional boycott of Pakistan general elections

Delhi government bureaucrats on Wednesday reiterated that they would continue to boycott meetings called by Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues till the chief minister apologises for the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.

The boycott by the bureaucrats was announced Tuesday after Prakash was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/breakdown-of-governance-say-ias-officers-after-delhi-chief-secretary-alleges-assault-by-aap-mlas-33465" target="_blank">allegedly assaulted</a> on Monday night by some AAP MLAs at the chief minister&#39;s residence.

In a meeting today, around 200 officers resolved that no official would attend meetings called by the chief minister and his ministers till Kejriwal apologies for the incident.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-secretary-assault-case-medical-report-confirms-injuries-33606" target="_blank">Medical report confirms injuries to face, behind ears</a>

Officers from the IAS (Indian Administrative Service), DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service) and DSSS (Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board) associations also discussed the future course of action.

&quot;In today&#39;s meeting, all officers were on the same page that bureaucrats are feeling themselves &quot;unsafe&quot;,&quot; an official said.

&quot;DASS, DANICS, IAS and other associations of Delhi government employees formed a coordination committee comprising of representatives of all associations. It was decided to continue peaceful protest against alleged assault of Prakash and work only through formal channels of communication,&quot; a statement issued by the associations stated.

The associations in a meeting yesterday had passed a resolution, saying they would, however, maintain written communications with AAP ministers to ensure there was no disruption in public service delivery.

The bureaucrats said the boycott would continue till the chief minister apologises for the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash

Delhi government bureaucrats on Wednesday reiterated that they would continue to boycott meetings called by Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues till the chief minister apologises for the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash. The boycott by the bureaucrats was announced Tuesday after Prakash was allegedly assaulted on Monday night by some AAP MLAs at the chief minister's residence. In a meeting today, around 200 officers resolved that no official would attend meetings called by the chief minister and his ministers till Kejriwal apologies for the incident. Also read: Medical report confirms injuries to face, behind ears Officers from the IAS (Indian Administrative Service), DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service) and DSSS (Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board) associations also discussed the future course of action. "In today's meeting, all officers were on the same page that bureaucrats are feeling themselves "unsafe"," an official said. "DASS, DANICS, IAS and other associations of Delhi government employees formed a coordination committee comprising of representatives of all associations. It was decided to continue peaceful protest against alleged assault of Prakash and work only through formal channels of communication," a statement issued by the associations stated. The associations in a meeting yesterday had passed a resolution, saying they would, however, maintain written communications with AAP ministers to ensure there was no disruption in public service delivery.

Delhi Chief Secretary row: Bureaucrats to continue to boycott meetings called by Kejriwal, his ministers

Polls opened Thursday in a repeat presidential election in Kenya that is mired in uncertainty as opposition leader Raila Odinga has called on his supporters to boycott the vote.

&quot;It is my duty to vote. Last time the queue was all around the block and I waited six hours to vote, this time the people are few,&quot; said taxi driver David Njeru, 26, as he waited to vote in Nairobi&#39;s Mathare slum.

In Odinga&#39;s western stronghold of Kisumu, several polling stations remained closed in stark contrast to the scenes during the first election on August 8, when people lined up overnight to vote.

Ballot boxes and electronic kits to identify voters and transmit results had not arrived in polling stations, with some officials facing attacks from opposition supporters while trying to deliver voting material.

&quot;So far, we have not deployed any material, and we have not deployed election officials. The reason is security, election officials do not want to go against the will of this community,&quot; said returning officer John Ngutai.

&quot;We hope to be able to deploy later in the day. We hope for the best but prepare for the worst. The worst would be no elected officials.&quot;

Odinga has refused to take part in the vote, arguing that the election commission has failed to make reforms after the Supreme Court last month overturned the result from August citing &quot;irregularities&quot; and mismanagement.

His withdrawal assures victory for President Uhuru Kenyatta, while likely opening the way for further legal battles after the election.

Polls opened Thursday in a repeat presidential election in Kenya that is mired in uncertainty as opposition leader Raila Odinga has called on his supporters to boycott the vote.

Polls opened Thursday in a repeat presidential election in Kenya that is mired in uncertainty as opposition leader Raila Odinga has called on his supporters to boycott the vote. "It is my duty to vote. Last time the queue was all around the block and I waited six hours to vote, this time the people are few," said taxi driver David Njeru, 26, as he waited to vote in Nairobi's Mathare slum. In Odinga's western stronghold of Kisumu, several polling stations remained closed in stark contrast to the scenes during the first election on August 8, when people lined up overnight to vote. Ballot boxes and electronic kits to identify voters and transmit results had not arrived in polling stations, with some officials facing attacks from opposition supporters while trying to deliver voting material. "So far, we have not deployed any material, and we have not deployed election officials. The reason is security, election officials do not want to go against the will of this community," said returning officer John Ngutai. "We hope to be able to deploy later in the day. We hope for the best but prepare for the worst. The worst would be no elected officials." Odinga has refused to take part in the vote, arguing that the election commission has failed to make reforms after the Supreme Court last month overturned the result from August citing "irregularities" and mismanagement. His withdrawal assures victory for President Uhuru Kenyatta, while likely opening the way for further legal battles after the election.

Polls open in Kenya election, opposition boycotts

Amid calls from some quarters in India for boycott of Chinese goods in the ongoing Diwali season, China on Thursday said any such move will negatively impact the India-bound investments from its enterprises and also the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

China also asserted that any such a boycott&nbsp;would not have much impact on its exports, but &quot;without proper substitutes, the biggest losers of the boycott of Chinese goods will be Indian traders and consumers&quot;.

In a statement issued in New Delhi, the Chinese embassy said China is the world&#39;s largest trading nation in goods, with its exports in 2015 amounted to $2276.5 billion [$2.276 trillion].

&quot;The exports to India accounted for only 2 per cent of China&#39;s total exports and India&#39;s boycott of Chinese goods will not have much impact on China&#39;s exports.

&quot;China is more concerned that the boycott will negatively affect Chinese enterprises to invest in India and the bilateral cooperation, which both Chinese and Indian people are not willing to see.&quot;

Amid rising tension in India-Pak ties, there have been calls from some fringe entities, including through social media platforms, about boycott of Chinese goods to protest against China&#39;s support to Pakistan.

Apex traders body CAIT (Confederation of All India Traders) recently said the sale of Chinese products may decline by 30 per cent this Diwali.

India is a big market for Chinese products and over the years import of toys, furniture, building hardware, crackers, lighting and electric fittings, furnishing fabric, office stationary, electronic appliances, consumer electronics, kitchen equipment and appliances, gift items, watches etc from China has increased to a great extent.

Chinese products are generally low-priced which is the root cause of infiltration of Chinese goods in the Indian market, CAIT had said.

In its statement, Chinese embassy referred to reports that local sellers in New Delhi&#39;s Sadar Bazaar, the largest wholesale market of household items in India, have complained about their Chinese goods sale dropping by at least 20 per cent.

&quot;The boycott effect will not limit to Diwali related products, but extended to other Chinese products that are not related to the festival. In the long-run, boycott will not only hurt Chinese goods sale, but also cause negative effects to consumers in India,&quot; it said.

The embassy further said China-India trade cooperation has deepened over the years and the bilateral trade has grown 24 times in 15 years, from $2.9 billion in 2000 to $71.6 billion in 2015.

&quot;China has become India&#39;s largest trading partner, source of imports and fourth largest export market. Moreover, India is the China&#39;s largest trading partner in South Asia and ninth largest export market in the world,&quot; it said.

According to the statement, the distinct features of China-India trade are mutual benefits and growing inter- dependence, which contributes to the full use of factors of production and maximisation of the benefits to all the people.

&quot;In 2015, China has imported 2 billion dollars worth of cotton and more than 100 million dollars worth of black tea from India, bring benefits to 1.2 million cotton growers and 50000 tea farmers and sellers in India.

&quot;Moreover, 60-70 per cent of Indian APIs for its pharmaceutical industry are from China. China has played an important role in Indian pharmaceutical industry&#39;s march to EU and America market.

&quot;China also exported a lot of electronic and household products which are attractive both in price and quality. Chinese products not only lowered India&#39;s inflation rate, but also fulfilled Indian ordinary people, especially the low- income people&#39;s daily needs, greatly improved their life quality.&quot;

(PTI)

The Chinese embassy in New Delhi said the threatened boycott would also hurt India-bound investment from China and bilateral cooperation

Amid calls from some quarters in India for boycott of Chinese goods in the ongoing Diwali season, China on Thursday said any such move will negatively impact the India-bound investments from its enterprises and also the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. China also asserted that any such a boycott would not have much impact on its exports, but "without proper substitutes, the biggest losers of the boycott of Chinese goods will be Indian traders and consumers". In a statement issued in New Delhi, the Chinese embassy said China is the world's largest trading nation in goods, with its exports in 2015 amounted to $2276.5 billion [$2.276 trillion]. "The exports to India accounted for only 2 per cent of China's total exports and India's boycott of Chinese goods will not have much impact on China's exports. "China is more concerned that the boycott will negatively affect Chinese enterprises to invest in India and the bilateral cooperation, which both Chinese and Indian people are not willing to see." Amid rising tension in India-Pak ties, there have been calls from some fringe entities, including through social media platforms, about boycott of Chinese goods to protest against China's support to Pakistan. Apex traders body CAIT (Confederation of All India Traders) recently said the sale of Chinese products may decline by 30 per cent this Diwali. India is a big market for Chinese products and over the years import of toys, furniture, building hardware, crackers, lighting and electric fittings, furnishing fabric, office stationary, electronic appliances, consumer electronics, kitchen equipment and appliances, gift items, watches etc from China has increased to a great extent. Chinese products are generally low-priced which is the root cause of infiltration of Chinese goods in the Indian market, CAIT had said. In its statement, Chinese embassy referred to reports that local sellers in New Delhi's Sadar Bazaar, the largest wholesale market of household items in India, have complained about their Chinese goods sale dropping by at least 20 per cent. "The boycott effect will not limit to Diwali related products, but extended to other Chinese products that are not related to the festival. In the long-run, boycott will not only hurt Chinese goods sale, but also cause negative effects to consumers in India," it said. The embassy further said China-India trade cooperation has deepened over the years and the bilateral trade has grown 24 times in 15 years, from $2.9 billion in 2000 to $71.6 billion in 2015. "China has become India's largest trading partner, source of imports and fourth largest export market. Moreover, India is the China's largest trading partner in South Asia and ninth largest export market in the world," it said. According to the statement, the distinct features of China-India trade are mutual benefits and growing inter- dependence, which contributes to the full use of factors of production and maximisation of the benefits to all the people. "In 2015, China has imported 2 billion dollars worth of cotton and more than 100 million dollars worth of black tea from India, bring benefits to 1.2 million cotton growers and 50000 tea farmers and sellers in India. "Moreover, 60-70 per cent of Indian APIs for its pharmaceutical industry are from China. China has played an important role in Indian pharmaceutical industry's march to EU and America market. "China also exported a lot of electronic and household products which are attractive both in price and quality. Chinese products not only lowered India's inflation rate, but also fulfilled Indian ordinary people, especially the low- income people's daily needs, greatly improved their life quality." (PTI)

China to India: Boycotting our goods will only hurt Indian consumers

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