Official results from Hungary's general election on Sunday showed nationalist Hungarian Prime Minister&nbsp;Viktor&nbsp;Orban's Fidesz party had won a fourth term in office by a much greater margin than pre-election polls had suggested, after a campaign overshadowed by the war in neighbouring Ukraine.

Addressing a jubilant crowd chanting his name, many of them wearing Fidesz's orange party colour,&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;said: "We have won a great victory -- a victory so great you can perhaps see it from the moon and certainly from Brussels".

Orban's administration has presided over repeated confrontations with the European Union, including over the neutering of the press and judiciary, and measures targeting the LGBTQ community -- also the subject of a vote on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungarians-vote-on-orbans-12-year-rule-in-tight-ballot-overshadowed-by-ukraine-war-467895">Hungarians vote on Orban's 12-year rule in tight ballot overshadowed by Ukraine war</a>

The 58-year-old, already the longest-serving head of government in the EU, was challenged by six united opposition parties seeking to roll back the "illiberal" revolution&nbsp;Orban's Fidesz party has pursued during 12 consecutive years in office.

But with 94 percent of votes counted, Fidesz was on 53 percent compared to 35 percent for the opposition coalition, according to results from the national election office -- a result which means the party will retain its two-thirds majority in parliament.

Peter Marki-Zay, 49, the conservative leading the opposition list, addressed supporters and conceded defeat late on Sunday evening.

"I will not hide my sadness and my disappointment," he told them, combatively accusing Fidesz of running a campaign of "hate and lies".

He added that the opposition had done "everything humanly possible" but that the campaign had been "an unequal fight" given the way in which he and other anti-Fidesz politicians had been all but banished from state media.

MEP Marton Gyongyosi from the right-wing Jobbik party which is part of the opposition coalition, told AFP that "abuses" had taken place on Sunday and added: "This will have to be considered when talking about how the results of the elections can be respected".

Orban&nbsp;has dismissed such complaints and insisted the vote was fair.

For the first time more than 200 international observers monitored the election in Hungary, an EU member, along with thousands of domestic volunteers from both camps.

Turnout reached 68.69 percent, almost matching the record participation seen at the last national elections in 2018.

The far-right Mi Hazank party also surpassed expectations and will make its debut in parliament after crossing the five-percent minimum threshold.

Watch |&nbsp;Hungary: Viktor Orban scores fourth consecutive win in general elections

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Ruined the country

Budapest resident Agnes Kunyik, 56, told AFP she had backed the opposition.

"They have ruined our country, destroyed it," she said of Fidesz, becoming visibly emotional.

But one of those who had turned out for&nbsp;Orban's victory celebration, 55-year-old Ildiko Horvath, said that under Fidesz "Hungary is really going forwards," adding: "On the really important questions like the (Ukraine) war and migrants he always decides in line with what the majority wants."

Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine cast a long shadow over the campaign.

Diplomatically,&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;fell into line with EU support for Kyiv despite his long-standing closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But at home,&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;has struck a neutral and even anti-Ukrainian tone at times, refusing to let weapons for Ukraine cross Hungarian territory.

He cast himself as the protector of stability and accused the opposition of "warmongering".

In his victory speech&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;said: "We never had so many opponents," reeling off a list that comprised "Brussels bureaucrats... the international mainstream media, and finally the Ukrainian president".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has singled&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;out for criticism over his reticence to take a tougher stance against Russia.

French and Italian far-right leaders Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini were quick to offer their congratulations on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisishungary-pm-orban-calls-sanctions-double-edged-weapon-458898">Russia-Ukraine Crisis:Hungary PM Orban calls sanctions 'double-edged weapon'</a>

Le Pen, herself gathering momentum in polls before the first round of presidential elections in France next week, posted a picture of herself shaking hands with&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;and the caption: "When the people vote, the people win!"

As well as electing MPs, Hungarians were voting in a referendum designed to elicit support for what Fidesz calls a "child protection" law&nbsp;banning the portrayal of LGBTQ people to under-18s.

Budapest resident Regina, 25 -- who refused to give her surname -- told AFP she had spoiled her ballot in the "twisted" referendum which she said had portrayed LGBTQ Hungarians as an "enemy".&nbsp;

Partial results showed the referendum had failed as not enough valid votes had been cast.&nbsp;

Official results from Hungary's general election on Sunday showed nationalist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party had won a fourth term in office by a much greater margin than pre-election polls had suggested, after a campaign overshadowed by the war in neighbouring Ukraine.

Official results from Hungary's general election on Sunday showed nationalist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party had won a fourth term in office by a much greater margin than pre-election polls had suggested, after a campaign overshadowed by the war in neighbouring Ukraine. Addressing a jubilant crowd chanting his name, many of them wearing Fidesz's orange party colour, Orban said: "We have won a great victory -- a victory so great you can perhaps see it from the moon and certainly from Brussels". Orban's administration has presided over repeated confrontations with the European Union, including over the neutering of the press and judiciary, and measures targeting the LGBTQ community -- also the subject of a vote on Sunday. Also read | Hungarians vote on Orban's 12-year rule in tight ballot overshadowed by Ukraine war The 58-year-old, already the longest-serving head of government in the EU, was challenged by six united opposition parties seeking to roll back the "illiberal" revolution Orban's Fidesz party has pursued during 12 consecutive years in office. But with 94 percent of votes counted, Fidesz was on 53 percent compared to 35 percent for the opposition coalition, according to results from the national election office -- a result which means the party will retain its two-thirds majority in parliament. Peter Marki-Zay, 49, the conservative leading the opposition list, addressed supporters and conceded defeat late on Sunday evening. "I will not hide my sadness and my disappointment," he told them, combatively accusing Fidesz of running a campaign of "hate and lies". He added that the opposition had done "everything humanly possible" but that the campaign had been "an unequal fight" given the way in which he and other anti-Fidesz politicians had been all but banished from state media. MEP Marton Gyongyosi from the right-wing Jobbik party which is part of the opposition coalition, told AFP that "abuses" had taken place on Sunday and added: "This will have to be considered when talking about how the results of the elections can be respected". Orban has dismissed such complaints and insisted the vote was fair. For the first time more than 200 international observers monitored the election in Hungary, an EU member, along with thousands of domestic volunteers from both camps. Turnout reached 68.69 percent, almost matching the record participation seen at the last national elections in 2018. The far-right Mi Hazank party also surpassed expectations and will make its debut in parliament after crossing the five-percent minimum threshold. Watch | Hungary: Viktor Orban scores fourth consecutive win in general elections Ruined the country Budapest resident Agnes Kunyik, 56, told AFP she had backed the opposition. "They have ruined our country, destroyed it," she said of Fidesz, becoming visibly emotional. But one of those who had turned out for Orban's victory celebration, 55-year-old Ildiko Horvath, said that under Fidesz "Hungary is really going forwards," adding: "On the really important questions like the (Ukraine) war and migrants he always decides in line with what the majority wants." Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine cast a long shadow over the campaign. Diplomatically, Orban fell into line with EU support for Kyiv despite his long-standing closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin. But at home, Orban has struck a neutral and even anti-Ukrainian tone at times, refusing to let weapons for Ukraine cross Hungarian territory. He cast himself as the protector of stability and accused the opposition of "warmongering". In his victory speech Orban said: "We never had so many opponents," reeling off a list that comprised "Brussels bureaucrats... the international mainstream media, and finally the Ukrainian president". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has singled Orban out for criticism over his reticence to take a tougher stance against Russia. French and Italian far-right leaders Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini were quick to offer their congratulations on Sunday. Also read | Russia-Ukraine Crisis:Hungary PM Orban calls sanctions 'double-edged weapon' Le Pen, herself gathering momentum in polls before the first round of presidential elections in France next week, posted a picture of herself shaking hands with Orban and the caption: "When the people vote, the people win!" As well as electing MPs, Hungarians were voting in a referendum designed to elicit support for what Fidesz calls a "child protection" law banning the portrayal of LGBTQ people to under-18s. Budapest resident Regina, 25 -- who refused to give her surname -- told AFP she had spoiled her ballot in the "twisted" referendum which she said had portrayed LGBTQ Hungarians as an "enemy". Partial results showed the referendum had failed as not enough valid votes had been cast.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban wins fourth term with comfortable margin

Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam will be stepping down from her position bringing an end to the controversial term which saw massive democracy protest.

Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam to step down as city's chief executive, won't seek re-election

In the latest development, Pakistani president Arif Alvi on the advice of the Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has announced that he has dissolved the national assembly. With this, Pakistani prime minister has also called for early snap elections.

Imran Khan calls for snap elections after no-confidence vote dismissed, opposition to move SC

Polling on all Assembly seats in Punjab and 59 constituencies for the third phase of Uttar Pradesh elections began&nbsp;at 7 am on Sunday.&nbsp;

In Punjab, over 2.14 crore voters will decide the fate of 1304 candidates in the fray from 117 constituencies. The state is witnessing a multi-corner contest this time with Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, and the coalition of Bharatiya Janata Party-former chief minister Amarinder Singh`s Punjab Lok Congress party as key players.

CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who is the Congress`s chief ministerial face, is contesting from two seats Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur. Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is facing SAD`s Bikram Singh Majithia, AAP`s Jeevanjyot Kaur and BJP`s Jagmohan Singh Raju in Amritsar (East).

AAP Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur and party`s CM face Bhagwant Mann is contesting from Dhuri seat. Punjab Lok Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh is seeking re-election from the Patiala constituency.Five-time Chief Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal is in the fray from the Lambi seat while SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is in the electoral contest from Jalalabad.&nbsp;

The BJP has pitted its Punjab unit chief Ashwani Kumar Sharma from the Pathankot constituency.In the third phase of Uttar Pradesh polls, 59 assembly seats across 16 districts are going to the polls on Sunday. As many as 627 candidates are in the fray. Over 2.16 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 25,794 polling places and 15,557 polling stations in the third phase of Assembly elections.Among the key constituencies where polling began today include Karhal where former chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is contesting his maiden Assembly election.&nbsp;

The BJP has pitted Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice Satya Pal Singh Baghel against Akhilesh Yadav.Akhilesh`s uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) supremo Shivpal Singh Yadav is contesting from Jaswantnagar seat.Elections in Uttar Pradesh are being held in seven phases and will conclude on March 7. Besides UP, polling for assembly elections in Goa and Uttarakhand has recently concluded. Manipur will go to the polls in two phases- on February 28 and March 5. The counting of votes in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur will take place on March 10.

Polling on all Assembly seats in Punjab and 59 constituencies for the third phase of Uttar Pradesh elections began at 7 am on Sunday. In Punjab, over 2.14 crore voters will decide the fate of 1304 candidates in the fray from 117 constituencies.

Polling on all Assembly seats in Punjab and 59 constituencies for the third phase of Uttar Pradesh elections began at 7 am on Sunday. In Punjab, over 2.14 crore voters will decide the fate of 1304 candidates in the fray from 117 constituencies. The state is witnessing a multi-corner contest this time with Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, and the coalition of Bharatiya Janata Party-former chief minister Amarinder Singh`s Punjab Lok Congress party as key players. CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who is the Congress`s chief ministerial face, is contesting from two seats Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur. Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is facing SAD`s Bikram Singh Majithia, AAP`s Jeevanjyot Kaur and BJP`s Jagmohan Singh Raju in Amritsar (East). AAP Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur and party`s CM face Bhagwant Mann is contesting from Dhuri seat. Punjab Lok Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh is seeking re-election from the Patiala constituency.Five-time Chief Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal is in the fray from the Lambi seat while SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is in the electoral contest from Jalalabad. The BJP has pitted its Punjab unit chief Ashwani Kumar Sharma from the Pathankot constituency.In the third phase of Uttar Pradesh polls, 59 assembly seats across 16 districts are going to the polls on Sunday. As many as 627 candidates are in the fray. Over 2.16 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 25,794 polling places and 15,557 polling stations in the third phase of Assembly elections.Among the key constituencies where polling began today include Karhal where former chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is contesting his maiden Assembly election. The BJP has pitted Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice Satya Pal Singh Baghel against Akhilesh Yadav.Akhilesh`s uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) supremo Shivpal Singh Yadav is contesting from Jaswantnagar seat.Elections in Uttar Pradesh are being held in seven phases and will conclude on March 7. Besides UP, polling for assembly elections in Goa and Uttarakhand has recently concluded. Manipur will go to the polls in two phases- on February 28 and March 5. The counting of votes in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur will take place on March 10.

Assembly elections 2022: Polling begins in Punjab, 59 UP seats

Iraqi top court ratified the countries parliamentary election results. The elections were held in October. The court rejected complaints of irregularities filed by pro-Iran Hashed al-Shaabi, former paramilitary alliance

The court ruling has now paved way for the parliament to meet and elect a president who will, in turn, appoint a prime minister. The prime minister will then form a new government.

Iraq is trying to recover from years of war and jihadist violence but remains hobbled by political divisions, corruption and poverty.

The ratification follows a delay of more than two months since the October 10 legislative polls won by Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, a political maverick and former anti-US militia leader who opposes all foreign interference.

Sadr's movement won more than a fifth of the seats -- 73 out of the assembly's total 329, well ahead of the 17 seats of the Fatah (Conquest) Alliance, the political arm of the pro-Iran Hashed.

That was sharply down from the Alliance's 48 seats in the outgoing assembly. Hashed leaders rejected the result as a "fraud".

They took their case to court seeking "to have the results annulled" because of "serious violations", their lawyer said earlier in December when the hearing began.

Judge Jassem Mohamed Aboud of the Federal Supreme Court on Monday said the tribunal "rejects the request of the plaintiffs... not to ratify the final results of the election".

He declared the judgment "binding on all authorities".

Later the court media officer announced that the body "has ratified the results of the legislative elections".

(With inputs from agencies)

Iraqi top court ratified the countries parliamentary election results. The elections were held in October. The court rejected complaints of irregularities filed by pro-Iran Hashed al-Shaabi, former paramilitary alliance The court ruling has now paved way for the parliament to meet and elect a president who will, in turn, appoint a prime minister.

Iraqi top court ratified the countries parliamentary election results. The elections were held in October. The court rejected complaints of irregularities filed by pro-Iran Hashed al-Shaabi, former paramilitary alliance The court ruling has now paved way for the parliament to meet and elect a president who will, in turn, appoint a prime minister. The prime minister will then form a new government. Iraq is trying to recover from years of war and jihadist violence but remains hobbled by political divisions, corruption and poverty. The ratification follows a delay of more than two months since the October 10 legislative polls won by Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, a political maverick and former anti-US militia leader who opposes all foreign interference. Sadr's movement won more than a fifth of the seats -- 73 out of the assembly's total 329, well ahead of the 17 seats of the Fatah (Conquest) Alliance, the political arm of the pro-Iran Hashed. That was sharply down from the Alliance's 48 seats in the outgoing assembly. Hashed leaders rejected the result as a "fraud". They took their case to court seeking "to have the results annulled" because of "serious violations", their lawyer said earlier in December when the hearing began. Judge Jassem Mohamed Aboud of the Federal Supreme Court on Monday said the tribunal "rejects the request of the plaintiffs... not to ratify the final results of the election". He declared the judgment "binding on all authorities". Later the court media officer announced that the body "has ratified the results of the legislative elections". (With inputs from agencies)

Iraqi top court ratifies election results, rejects fraud claims

In a recent development, the Taliban has dismissed Afghanistan's election commission. "There is no need for these commissions to exist and operate," Taliban government spokesman Bilal Karimi said. The panel was responsible for supervising polls during the previous administration.&nbsp;

"If we ever feel a need, the Islamic Emirate will revive these commissions," Karimi said speaking about the Independent election commission (IEC) and the Independent electoral complaints commission.

The IEC was established in 2006 with the aim of supervising all types of elections.&nbsp;

Aurangzeb, the head of the panel till the Taliban took over, while speaking to AFP said, "They have taken this decision in a hurry... and dissolving the commission would have huge consequences. If this structure does not exist, I'm 100 percent sure that Afghanistan's problems will never be solved as there won't be any elections."

This is not the first time that an election commission has been dismissed in Taliban. Before Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan, several such commission officials were killed by extremist groups.&nbsp;

Halim Fidai, a senior politician in the previous regime said that the decision shows that the Taliban "do not believe in democracy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-keep-aid-flowing-to-afghanistan-us-authorises-certain-transactions-with-taliban-439164">Also read |&nbsp;To keep aid flowing to Afghanistan, US authorises certain transactions with Taliban</a>

Situation in Afghanistan has been worsening ever since Taliban's takeover. As per reports by the United Nations, nearly 23 million people, which is about 55 per cent of the population, face extreme levels of hunger, and nearly 9 million are at risk of famine this winter.

To ensure a flow of aid in Afghanistan, the United States recently exempted from sanctions, US and UN officials doing permitted business with the Taliban.

As part of efforts to ease humanitarian aid flows into Afghanistan, the Treasury issued three general licenses. UN plans to pay monthly food allowances to Taliban-run personnel guarding UN facilities next year and to subsidise their salaries, a proposal that has raised questions about whether the payments would violate US sanctions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a recent development, the Taliban has dismissed Afghanistan's election commission. "There is no need for these commissions to exist and operate," Taliban government spokesman Bilal Karimi said.

In a recent development, the Taliban has dismissed Afghanistan's election commission. "There is no need for these commissions to exist and operate," Taliban government spokesman Bilal Karimi said. The panel was responsible for supervising polls during the previous administration. "If we ever feel a need, the Islamic Emirate will revive these commissions," Karimi said speaking about the Independent election commission (IEC) and the Independent electoral complaints commission. The IEC was established in 2006 with the aim of supervising all types of elections. Aurangzeb, the head of the panel till the Taliban took over, while speaking to AFP said, "They have taken this decision in a hurry... and dissolving the commission would have huge consequences. If this structure does not exist, I'm 100 percent sure that Afghanistan's problems will never be solved as there won't be any elections." This is not the first time that an election commission has been dismissed in Taliban. Before Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan, several such commission officials were killed by extremist groups. Halim Fidai, a senior politician in the previous regime said that the decision shows that the Taliban "do not believe in democracy". Also read | To keep aid flowing to Afghanistan, US authorises certain transactions with Taliban Situation in Afghanistan has been worsening ever since Taliban's takeover. As per reports by the United Nations, nearly 23 million people, which is about 55 per cent of the population, face extreme levels of hunger, and nearly 9 million are at risk of famine this winter. To ensure a flow of aid in Afghanistan, the United States recently exempted from sanctions, US and UN officials doing permitted business with the Taliban. As part of efforts to ease humanitarian aid flows into Afghanistan, the Treasury issued three general licenses. UN plans to pay monthly food allowances to Taliban-run personnel guarding UN facilities next year and to subsidise their salaries, a proposal that has raised questions about whether the payments would violate US sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban dismiss Afghan election commission in decision seen as hurried

It has been 133 days since the Taliban's second coming in Afghanistan, and from the last 100 days, the regime has cropped women's rights, plunged the country into an economic and humanitarian crisis and discarded democracy from the country. In the latest, the Taliban has dissolved Afghanistan's election commission which was a panel that supervised polls during the previous Western-backed administration.

Taliban forces plunge Afghanistan into economic & humanitarian crisis

South Korean opposition party’s presidential nominee apologised on Friday following allegations that his wife lied on her resume to land a teaching job several years ago.

Yoon Suk-yeol, the candidate from the main conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP), is facing off against the ruling Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung.

Both candidates have been embroiled in a controversy involving family members this week.

On Thursday, Lee had to apologise for his son's illegal gambling.

The YTN news network accused Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon-hee, of fabricating her credentials when applying for jobs at universities in 2007 and 2013.

The revelations caused a flutter in South Korea with many people viewing the indiscretion as an abuse of power by the politicians.

"I am sorry for causing concern to the people with the controversy surrounding my wife," the PPP candidate said during an unannounced visit to the press room at the party headquarters.

“I state clearly that, regardless of the reasons, the fact that the credentials were inaccurately stated and raised a controversy is in itself not in line with the fairness and common sense that I have preached,” he added.

The apology comes two days after Kim offered her own apology for the “discomfort and fatigue the people may feel.”

Yoon, who is considered a political novice, shot to fame as prosecutor-general for indicting Cho Kuk, a former justice minister and aide to President Moon Jae-in, over several charges including bribery and fraud in getting his daughter into university.

President Moon Jae-in’s ruling party has been facing public criticism of perceived hypocrisy over graft and sex abuse

The party came to power in 2017 vowing to clean up politics after Moon's conservative predecessor was impeached and jailed for corruption.

Moon is limited to one term under the constitution.

The 2022 South Korean presidential election is scheduled to be held on March 9, 2022. It will be the eighth presidential election since the southern Korean's democratization.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korean opposition party’s presidential nominee apologised on Friday following allegations that his wife lied on her resume to land a teaching job several years ago.

South Korean opposition party’s presidential nominee apologised on Friday following allegations that his wife lied on her resume to land a teaching job several years ago. Yoon Suk-yeol, the candidate from the main conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP), is facing off against the ruling Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung. Both candidates have been embroiled in a controversy involving family members this week. On Thursday, Lee had to apologise for his son's illegal gambling. The YTN news network accused Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon-hee, of fabricating her credentials when applying for jobs at universities in 2007 and 2013. The revelations caused a flutter in South Korea with many people viewing the indiscretion as an abuse of power by the politicians. "I am sorry for causing concern to the people with the controversy surrounding my wife," the PPP candidate said during an unannounced visit to the press room at the party headquarters. “I state clearly that, regardless of the reasons, the fact that the credentials were inaccurately stated and raised a controversy is in itself not in line with the fairness and common sense that I have preached,” he added. The apology comes two days after Kim offered her own apology for the “discomfort and fatigue the people may feel.” Yoon, who is considered a political novice, shot to fame as prosecutor-general for indicting Cho Kuk, a former justice minister and aide to President Moon Jae-in, over several charges including bribery and fraud in getting his daughter into university. President Moon Jae-in’s ruling party has been facing public criticism of perceived hypocrisy over graft and sex abuse The party came to power in 2017 vowing to clean up politics after Moon's conservative predecessor was impeached and jailed for corruption. Moon is limited to one term under the constitution. The 2022 South Korean presidential election is scheduled to be held on March 9, 2022. It will be the eighth presidential election since the southern Korean's democratization. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean’s presidential nominee sorry after wife is accused of fabricating resume for teaching job

The Gambia is all set to vote today in the much-awaited presidential election. This is for the first time in the years that the country will not have former dictator Yahya Jammeh appearing on the ballot.

Gambia heads for presidential election

France is all set to go for presidential polls in 2022. The country will hold elections in April to elect a new president.

France: Emmanuel Macron announces his candidacy for a second term

The son and namesake of the Philippines' former dictator Ferdinand Marcos said Tuesday he took a cocaine test after President Rodrigo Duterte accused an unnamed presidential candidate of using the illegal drug.

Marcos Jr, who is among the frontrunners seeking to succeed Duterte in 2022, said in a statement he was tested Monday and had submitted the result to three police agencies.

He told a local broadcaster he had tested negative.

"I really don't feel that I am the one being alluded to," said Marcos Jr, popularly known as "Bongbong".

"In spite of that, I believe it is my inherent duty as an aspiring public official to assure my fellow Filipinos that I am against illegal drugs. This is why I took a cocaine test yesterday."

Duterte, who has waged a deadly war on drugs that has killed thousands of people, has not identified the candidate he claims uses cocaine.

At times he has referred to them using male pronouns.

"There's a candidate who was using cocaine -- you can ask the rich people," Duterte said Monday.

"Why did I not arrest that person? You don't know the rich, they go on a yacht or in the air, that's where they snort."

A leaked survey conducted in October by respected polling outfit Social Weather Stations reportedly showed Marcos Jr as the top preference for president with 47 percent of voter support.

He was followed by incumbent vice president and leading opposition candidate Leni Robredo (18 percent) and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso (13 percent).

Retired boxing champion and senator Manny Pacquiao was fourth with nine percent, followed by Senator Panfilo Lacson with five percent.

Lacson said Tuesday he and his vice presidential running mate, Senator Vicente Sotto, had voluntarily undergone "multi-drug testing" on Monday. He said they had "passed".

Pacquiao, who has admitted using marijuana and crystal meth in his youth, said he supported mandatory drug testing for those seeking a government post.

"Although I'm not in a position to judge anyone on this issue, I am willing to undergo a drug test anytime and anywhere," Pacquiao said Friday, suggesting a hair follicle test offered "better results".

Domagoso on Friday also denied using drugs.

Duterte has been an ally of the controversial Marcos family, which had gone into exile in the United States after the patriarch's humiliating downfall in 1986.

But recently Duterte has been publicly critical of Marcos Jr, describing him as a "weak leader... saddled with baggage".

Sara Duterte, his daughter, had been widely expected to run for president, and potentially protect him from criminal charges in the Philippines and International Criminal Court prosecutors over his deadly drug war.

But she has filed her candidacy for vice president, a position which holds very little power, and formed an alliance with Marcos Jr.

In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately.

Sara told a rally of supporters Sunday "we need to protect our candidate. Let us protect BBM ('Bongbong' Marcos)".

Duterte's chosen successor is now his close aide Senator Christopher Go, who made a last-minute entry into the race on November 13.

Many analysts consider Go unlikely to win.

The son and namesake of the Philippines' former dictator Ferdinand Marcos said Tuesday he took a cocaine test after President Rodrigo Duterte accused an unnamed presidential candidate of using the illegal drug.

The son and namesake of the Philippines' former dictator Ferdinand Marcos said Tuesday he took a cocaine test after President Rodrigo Duterte accused an unnamed presidential candidate of using the illegal drug. Marcos Jr, who is among the frontrunners seeking to succeed Duterte in 2022, said in a statement he was tested Monday and had submitted the result to three police agencies. He told a local broadcaster he had tested negative. "I really don't feel that I am the one being alluded to," said Marcos Jr, popularly known as "Bongbong". "In spite of that, I believe it is my inherent duty as an aspiring public official to assure my fellow Filipinos that I am against illegal drugs. This is why I took a cocaine test yesterday." Duterte, who has waged a deadly war on drugs that has killed thousands of people, has not identified the candidate he claims uses cocaine. At times he has referred to them using male pronouns. "There's a candidate who was using cocaine -- you can ask the rich people," Duterte said Monday. "Why did I not arrest that person? You don't know the rich, they go on a yacht or in the air, that's where they snort." A leaked survey conducted in October by respected polling outfit Social Weather Stations reportedly showed Marcos Jr as the top preference for president with 47 percent of voter support. He was followed by incumbent vice president and leading opposition candidate Leni Robredo (18 percent) and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso (13 percent). Retired boxing champion and senator Manny Pacquiao was fourth with nine percent, followed by Senator Panfilo Lacson with five percent. Lacson said Tuesday he and his vice presidential running mate, Senator Vicente Sotto, had voluntarily undergone "multi-drug testing" on Monday. He said they had "passed". Pacquiao, who has admitted using marijuana and crystal meth in his youth, said he supported mandatory drug testing for those seeking a government post. "Although I'm not in a position to judge anyone on this issue, I am willing to undergo a drug test anytime and anywhere," Pacquiao said Friday, suggesting a hair follicle test offered "better results". Domagoso on Friday also denied using drugs. Duterte has been an ally of the controversial Marcos family, which had gone into exile in the United States after the patriarch's humiliating downfall in 1986. But recently Duterte has been publicly critical of Marcos Jr, describing him as a "weak leader... saddled with baggage". Sara Duterte, his daughter, had been widely expected to run for president, and potentially protect him from criminal charges in the Philippines and International Criminal Court prosecutors over his deadly drug war. But she has filed her candidacy for vice president, a position which holds very little power, and formed an alliance with Marcos Jr. In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately. Sara told a rally of supporters Sunday "we need to protect our candidate. Let us protect BBM ('Bongbong' Marcos)". Duterte's chosen successor is now his close aide Senator Christopher Go, who made a last-minute entry into the race on November 13. Many analysts consider Go unlikely to win.

Philippine presidential aspirant Marcos Jr tested for cocaine

The Turkish Lira sank to an all-time low this week. People of Turkey are suffering due to high inflation. President Erdogan's approval ratings have dropped. The opposition is calling for an early election. Palki Sharma tells you how Erdogan's empire is crumbling.

Gravitas: Recep Tayyip Erdogan's empire is crumbling

Khalifa Haftar, a major figure in the Libyan civil war who wields wide sway over the east of the country, announced on Tuesday he will run in a Dec. 24 presidential election that aims to help end a decade of conflict.

A divisive figure, his candidacy is one of many points of contention overshadowing the presidential and parliamentary votes which remain in doubt with just weeks to go, despite international pressure for them to happen on time.

Declaring his candidacy in a televised speech, Haftar said elections were the only way out of the crisis in Libya, which has suffered chaos and conflict since the NATO-backed uprising that ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Haftar, head of a force called the Libyan National Army, waged war on factions in the west after the country split in 2014, including a 14-month offensive to capture Tripoli which was repelled by the internationally recognised government.

Haftar, who formally registered for the vote at an election commission centre in Benghazi, pledged "to begin the path of reconciliation, peace and construction" in the event of his victory.

His decision to run will anger many in Tripoli and western regions who say no vote in areas he holds can be fair and who accuse him of war crimes during the assault, something he denies.

The election is meant as a milestone in the UN-backed political process to knit Libya back together.

However, with no clear agreement on the legal basis for the election, major factions may reject the vote. On Monday, interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, who may also be a candidate for president, called for a new election law.

In September, Haftar paved the way for his presidential bid by saying he would step down from his military role for three months - as required by an election law that has been rejected by armed factions based in Tripoli.

Haftar's campaign to take Tripoli was backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia. The internationally recognised government in Tripoli received military support from Turkey.

Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam, registered his candidacy on Sunday to run in the election.

Analysts say they do not expect Gaddafi to prove as strong a candidate as rivals who have been able to build constituencies through their control over financial or military resources during the past decade.

Among the officers who supported Gaddafi when he seized power from King Idris in 1969, Haftar was disowned by Gaddafi after he was captured leading Libyan forces in Chad in 1987.

He settled outside Washington D.C. in Virginia and returned to Libya only as the revolt against Gaddafi was gathering pace.

Khalifa Haftar, a major figure in the Libyan civil war who wields wide sway over the east of the country, announced on Tuesday he will run in a Dec. 24 presidential election that aims to help end a decade of conflict.

Khalifa Haftar, a major figure in the Libyan civil war who wields wide sway over the east of the country, announced on Tuesday he will run in a Dec. 24 presidential election that aims to help end a decade of conflict. A divisive figure, his candidacy is one of many points of contention overshadowing the presidential and parliamentary votes which remain in doubt with just weeks to go, despite international pressure for them to happen on time. Declaring his candidacy in a televised speech, Haftar said elections were the only way out of the crisis in Libya, which has suffered chaos and conflict since the NATO-backed uprising that ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Haftar, head of a force called the Libyan National Army, waged war on factions in the west after the country split in 2014, including a 14-month offensive to capture Tripoli which was repelled by the internationally recognised government. Haftar, who formally registered for the vote at an election commission centre in Benghazi, pledged "to begin the path of reconciliation, peace and construction" in the event of his victory. His decision to run will anger many in Tripoli and western regions who say no vote in areas he holds can be fair and who accuse him of war crimes during the assault, something he denies. The election is meant as a milestone in the UN-backed political process to knit Libya back together. However, with no clear agreement on the legal basis for the election, major factions may reject the vote. On Monday, interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, who may also be a candidate for president, called for a new election law. In September, Haftar paved the way for his presidential bid by saying he would step down from his military role for three months - as required by an election law that has been rejected by armed factions based in Tripoli. Haftar's campaign to take Tripoli was backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia. The internationally recognised government in Tripoli received military support from Turkey. Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam, registered his candidacy on Sunday to run in the election. Analysts say they do not expect Gaddafi to prove as strong a candidate as rivals who have been able to build constituencies through their control over financial or military resources during the past decade. Among the officers who supported Gaddafi when he seized power from King Idris in 1969, Haftar was disowned by Gaddafi after he was captured leading Libyan forces in Chad in 1987. He settled outside Washington D.C. in Virginia and returned to Libya only as the revolt against Gaddafi was gathering pace.

Eastern Libyan commander Haftar announces election bid

The Imran Khan led-PTI government in Pakistan has managed to pass the contentious election reform bill in the parliament. WION's Anas Mallick brings you all the latest on what the bill is about.

Pakistan passes election reform bill, opposition stages a walkout from parliament

Argentine president Alberto Fernandez will face a litmus test today as the country is set for a mid-term poll. The results could see the center-left party lose its majority status.

Argentina: Rift brewing between moderate Peronists and Hardliners

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio filed her candidacy for the post of vice-president in the elections to be held next year.

Philippines 'first daughter' will not seek presidency

Bulgarians vote on Sunday in their third parliamentary election this year, with opinion polls pointing to another inconclusive result that could hamper efforts to tackle high energy prices, a jump in COVID-19 cases and widespread corruption.

Another failure to break a prolonged political impasse and forge a functioning cabinet in the European Union's poorest member state could also potentially slow plans for the country to adopt the euro by 2024.

An election for the largely ceremonial post of president will also be held on Sunday. Polls show incumbent Rumen Radev, 58, is poised to win re-election for a second five-year term after a likely run-off vote on November 21.

Bulgaria has been gripped by political uncertainty since April, when an election ended the decade-long rule of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and his centre-right GERB party following massive anti-graft protests against him last year.

Policy differences and rivalry prevented his opponents, the so-called parties of change, from forging a ruling coalition after the April election and another ballot in July.

GERB has seized on the deadlock, rising energy costs and a rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the EU's least vaccinated country - helping it bolster support among party loyalists.

The latest polls give the party backing of 24 per cent, putting it on track to be the biggest in parliament.

But Borissov, 62, a burly former bodyguard of late Communist dictator Todor Zhivkov, is unlikely to find allies to forge a coalition, analysts say.

A new centrist party pledging "zero corruption", set up by two Harvard-educated former interim ministers, is seen as having the biggest chance of steering talks for a new administration with two other anti-graft factions and the Socialists.

Called "We Continue the Change", the new party appears tied with the Socialists for second position, both with support of about 15-16 per cent.

"For the time being, a government around the so-called parties of change, and the Socialists, looks more likely," said analyst Dobromir Zhivkov at the Market Links pollster.

Ivailo Mihailov, a 52-year-old engineer, said he hoped Sunday's election would yield a ruling coalition to address high-level graft in the country - ranked the most corrupt EU member state by Transparency International.

"The judicial system is the biggest problem or rather the lack of justice," he said. "Until we have a politician and leading businessman actually sentenced, nothing good will happen."

Thousands of Bulgarians joined street protests in mid-2020, accusing Borissov of cosying up with the chief prosecutor to benefit local oligarchs and businesses close to his GERB party.

Borissov denies any wrongdoing.

Polls open at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) and close at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT).

Bulgarians vote on Sunday in their third parliamentary election this year, with opinion polls pointing to another inconclusive result that could hamper efforts to tackle high energy prices, a jump in COVID-19 cases and widespread corruption.

Bulgarians vote on Sunday in their third parliamentary election this year, with opinion polls pointing to another inconclusive result that could hamper efforts to tackle high energy prices, a jump in COVID-19 cases and widespread corruption. Another failure to break a prolonged political impasse and forge a functioning cabinet in the European Union's poorest member state could also potentially slow plans for the country to adopt the euro by 2024. An election for the largely ceremonial post of president will also be held on Sunday. Polls show incumbent Rumen Radev, 58, is poised to win re-election for a second five-year term after a likely run-off vote on November 21. Bulgaria has been gripped by political uncertainty since April, when an election ended the decade-long rule of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and his centre-right GERB party following massive anti-graft protests against him last year. Policy differences and rivalry prevented his opponents, the so-called parties of change, from forging a ruling coalition after the April election and another ballot in July. GERB has seized on the deadlock, rising energy costs and a rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the EU's least vaccinated country - helping it bolster support among party loyalists. The latest polls give the party backing of 24 per cent, putting it on track to be the biggest in parliament. But Borissov, 62, a burly former bodyguard of late Communist dictator Todor Zhivkov, is unlikely to find allies to forge a coalition, analysts say. A new centrist party pledging "zero corruption", set up by two Harvard-educated former interim ministers, is seen as having the biggest chance of steering talks for a new administration with two other anti-graft factions and the Socialists. Called "We Continue the Change", the new party appears tied with the Socialists for second position, both with support of about 15-16 per cent. "For the time being, a government around the so-called parties of change, and the Socialists, looks more likely," said analyst Dobromir Zhivkov at the Market Links pollster. Ivailo Mihailov, a 52-year-old engineer, said he hoped Sunday's election would yield a ruling coalition to address high-level graft in the country - ranked the most corrupt EU member state by Transparency International. "The judicial system is the biggest problem or rather the lack of justice," he said. "Until we have a politician and leading businessman actually sentenced, nothing good will happen." Thousands of Bulgarians joined street protests in mid-2020, accusing Borissov of cosying up with the chief prosecutor to benefit local oligarchs and businesses close to his GERB party. Borissov denies any wrongdoing. Polls open at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) and close at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT).

Bulgarians vote in third election this year in bid to break deadlock

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega was set to win re-election on Sunday after jailing top rivals. The United States has denounced the election as a 'sham'.

Nicaragua Presidential Election: Daniel Ortega set to win with a jailed opposition

New Yorkers head to the polls Tuesday in a mayoral election that is virtually guaranteed to elect Black former policeman Eric Adams as the next leader of America's biggest city.

The centrist Democrat is expected to trounce Republican candidate and volunteer crime fighter Curtis Sliwa in the liberal-voting bastion to become just the second African American to lead the Big Apple.

New York mayor is often described as the most difficult job in the United States after president.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-goes-to-polls-in-too-close-to-call-bellwether-election-426138">Virginia goes to polls in too-close-to call bellwether election</a>

If the 61-year-old Adams wins, he will succeed unpopular progressive Bill de Blasio, whose two-term limit ends December 31.

Adams will be tasked with leading the city's recovery after the pandemic, which has killed more than 34,000 residents and closed hundreds of thousands of businesses.

As mayor for more than eight million people, he will oversee America's largest municipal budget, crippled by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 crisis</a>, and its biggest police force and public school system.&nbsp;

The moderate candidate defeated progressive rivals in June's Democratic primary by mainly pledging to crack down on violent crime that soared during the pandemic.

He promised to tackle wealth inequalities and reform the education system, as well.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-mayors-race-in-chaos-after-elections-board-counts-135000-test-ballots-394914">New York mayor’s race in chaos after elections board counts 135,000 test ballots</a>

Adams will also have to grapple with a severe lack of affordable housing, violent chaos at the notorious Rikers Island prison and the effects of more extreme weather events on New York City's creaking infrastructure.

One of his trickiest balancing acts will be trying to reform police practices while keeping onside a heavily unionized force that feels it has been underappreciated during the de Blasio era.

Adams opposes defunding the police, a policy that is a rallying cry for many on the American left. He is also seen as being friendly towards the business community and has not called for higher taxes for wealthy residents.

Reforming the police&nbsp;

He was born into poverty in Brooklyn in 1960, and was raised in a large family living in a working-class neighborhood of Queens. His mother was a cleaner, and his father was a butcher.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-trump-thunders-about-last-election-republicans-worry-about-the-next-one-421889">As Trump thunders about last election, Republicans worry about the next one</a>

&nbsp;

Adams briefly ran errands for a gang as a teenager. When he was 15, he was beaten by two NYPD officers after they arrested him for criminal trespassing.

That sparked his determination to join the NYPD so he could reform it from the inside. Adams entered the force in the mid-1980s, serving 22 years and rising to become a captain.

In 1995, he co-founded "100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care," an advocacy group designed to fight against racism in the police and that still exists today.

Adams retired in 2006, winning election to the New York State Senate that year. He served until 2013, when he was elected Brooklyn borough president, providing a springboard for his mayoral ambitions.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-fumio-kishida-declares-victory-after-very-tough-election-425730">Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declares victory after 'very tough' election</a>&nbsp;

Adams credits veganism with reversing his 2016 diabetes diagnosis and released a book last year that aims to turn African Americans to a plant-based diet.

Polls open at 6:00 am and close at 9:00 pm. Almost 170,000 people out of some five million registered voters have already cast ballots in early voting.

New Yorkers head to the polls Tuesday in a mayoral election that is virtually guaranteed to elect Black former policeman Eric Adams as the next leader of America's biggest city.

New Yorkers head to the polls Tuesday in a mayoral election that is virtually guaranteed to elect Black former policeman Eric Adams as the next leader of America's biggest city. The centrist Democrat is expected to trounce Republican candidate and volunteer crime fighter Curtis Sliwa in the liberal-voting bastion to become just the second African American to lead the Big Apple. New York mayor is often described as the most difficult job in the United States after president. Also Read | Virginia goes to polls in too-close-to call bellwether election If the 61-year-old Adams wins, he will succeed unpopular progressive Bill de Blasio, whose two-term limit ends December 31. Adams will be tasked with leading the city's recovery after the pandemic, which has killed more than 34,000 residents and closed hundreds of thousands of businesses. As mayor for more than eight million people, he will oversee America's largest municipal budget, crippled by the COVID-19 crisis, and its biggest police force and public school system. The moderate candidate defeated progressive rivals in June's Democratic primary by mainly pledging to crack down on violent crime that soared during the pandemic. He promised to tackle wealth inequalities and reform the education system, as well. Also Read | New York mayor’s race in chaos after elections board counts 135,000 test ballots Adams will also have to grapple with a severe lack of affordable housing, violent chaos at the notorious Rikers Island prison and the effects of more extreme weather events on New York City's creaking infrastructure. One of his trickiest balancing acts will be trying to reform police practices while keeping onside a heavily unionized force that feels it has been underappreciated during the de Blasio era. Adams opposes defunding the police, a policy that is a rallying cry for many on the American left. He is also seen as being friendly towards the business community and has not called for higher taxes for wealthy residents. Reforming the police He was born into poverty in Brooklyn in 1960, and was raised in a large family living in a working-class neighborhood of Queens. His mother was a cleaner, and his father was a butcher. Also Read | As Trump thunders about last election, Republicans worry about the next one Adams briefly ran errands for a gang as a teenager. When he was 15, he was beaten by two NYPD officers after they arrested him for criminal trespassing. That sparked his determination to join the NYPD so he could reform it from the inside. Adams entered the force in the mid-1980s, serving 22 years and rising to become a captain. In 1995, he co-founded "100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care," an advocacy group designed to fight against racism in the police and that still exists today. Adams retired in 2006, winning election to the New York State Senate that year. He served until 2013, when he was elected Brooklyn borough president, providing a springboard for his mayoral ambitions. Also Read | Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declares victory after 'very tough' election Adams credits veganism with reversing his 2016 diabetes diagnosis and released a book last year that aims to turn African Americans to a plant-based diet. Polls open at 6:00 am and close at 9:00 pm. Almost 170,000 people out of some five million registered voters have already cast ballots in early voting.

New York poised to elect Black ex-cop Adams as mayor

The US state of Virginia prepared to vote Tuesday for its next governor in a margin-of-error skirmish seen as the first major test of President Joe Biden's political brand.

A harbinger of the parties' prospects in next year's midterm elections, the race between Democratic former governor Terry McAuliffe and Republican tycoon Glenn Youngkin has narrowed in recent weeks and is squarely in toss-up territory.&nbsp;

"At this point, the outcome of this race will all depend on voter turnout," McAuliffe said in an 11th hour mailout to voters late Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/obama-warns-of-republican-threat-to-democracy-in-us-battleground-virginia-423393">Obama warns of Republican threat to democracy in US battleground Virginia</a>

"Republicans are fired up to elect their guy, and now, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> rallying up his base of right-wing extremists on the eve of election day, Glenn Youngkin is sure to have a strong showing tomorrow."

A McAuliffe win would reignite Washington Democrats' faltering push for twin infrastructure and social welfare mega-bills that are the cornerstone of Biden's $3 trillion vision for remaking the economy.

With both packages bogged down by infighting in Congress, moderates would likely see defeat in Virginia as a warning from the electorate to ease up on the president's historic spending plans.&nbsp;

On the Republican side, defeat for Youngkin could finally touch off a reckoning of a different sort on the party's previously unshakeable fealty to twice-impeached Trump, who lost Virginia by 10 points.

'Left, liberal, progressive'&nbsp;

As he tries to mount a return to an office he held four years ago, McAuliffe must negotiate significant headwinds, with the majority party in Washington usually incurring losses during a president's first term. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Youngkin has been performing his own high-wire act, as the vast majority of Republicans believe Trump's false claims that the presidency was stolen in a fraudulent election, making acknowledging the truth politically risky.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-trump-thunders-about-last-election-republicans-worry-about-the-next-one-421889">As Trump thunders about last election, Republicans worry about the next one</a>

&nbsp;

While he was seeking the nomination, Youngkin conjured the spirit of the former president, refusing to say whether he would have voted to certify Biden's election victory after the failed insurrection by Trump supporters on January 6.

But the wealthy former investment banker, 54, has managed to distance himself from Trump at the business end of the campaign, focusing on local "culture war" issues like abortion, mask mandates and the teaching of America's racial history.&nbsp;

"This is a moment for Virginians to push back on this left, liberal, progressive agenda and take our commonwealth back," Youngkin told a rally in state capital Richmond on Monday.

Trump has not shown up to campaign in person, although he has angrily denied a rift with Youngkin and released an incendiary statement on Monday smearing McAuliffe as a "low-life politician who lies, cheats, and steals."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-unveils-crackdown-on-methan">US unveils crackdown on methane, starting with oil and gas rules</a>

In contrast, a number of other big-name Democrats have wooed Virginians in recent days, including former president Barack Obama, First Lady Jill Biden and the party's rising star Stacey Abrams.

'Soccer dad'&nbsp;

McAuliffe took an early lead in the race but his seven-point cushion has been tightening since summer, and the latest polling average by political analysis website FiveThirtyEight shows Youngkin ahead by one point.

If the polls are an accurate reflection of voter intention, experts believe it could take days to determine the winner.&nbsp;

Leaning into his image as the establishment candidate, McAuliffe has sold himself as a former incumbent who brought back jobs after the worldwide financial crisis of 2008, and has pledged to repeat the trick for the pandemic.

The 64-year-old has sought to nationalize the race -- voicing irritation over deadlock in Washington and making the vote a referendum on Trump and Trumpism.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuke-sniffer-plan">US 'nuke sniffer' plane flies over South China Sea: Report</a>

Biden joined McAuliffe in Arlington last week, blasting Youngkin as "an acolyte of Donald Trump" and warning that extremism "can come in a smile and a fleece vest."

Mark Bayer, a congressional aide for two decades and a former chief of staff to Senator Ed Markey, warned that convincing Virginians that Youngkin is nothing more than a Trump mini-me could prove a tall order.

"Despite being endorsed by Trump and making strongly positive statements about him, Youngkin -- at least stylistically, if not politically -- doesn't appear to be a Trump clone," Bayer told AFP.

"Youngkin's 'soccer dad' persona is appealing to swing voters, even as his conservative politics are firmly Republican."

The US state of Virginia prepared to vote Tuesday for its next governor in a margin-of-error skirmish seen as the first major test of President Joe Biden's political brand.

The US state of Virginia prepared to vote Tuesday for its next governor in a margin-of-error skirmish seen as the first major test of President Joe Biden's political brand. A harbinger of the parties' prospects in next year's midterm elections, the race between Democratic former governor Terry McAuliffe and Republican tycoon Glenn Youngkin has narrowed in recent weeks and is squarely in toss-up territory. "At this point, the outcome of this race will all depend on voter turnout," McAuliffe said in an 11th hour mailout to voters late Monday. Also Read | Obama warns of Republican threat to democracy in US battleground Virginia "Republicans are fired up to elect their guy, and now, with Donald Trump rallying up his base of right-wing extremists on the eve of election day, Glenn Youngkin is sure to have a strong showing tomorrow." A McAuliffe win would reignite Washington Democrats' faltering push for twin infrastructure and social welfare mega-bills that are the cornerstone of Biden's $3 trillion vision for remaking the economy. With both packages bogged down by infighting in Congress, moderates would likely see defeat in Virginia as a warning from the electorate to ease up on the president's historic spending plans. On the Republican side, defeat for Youngkin could finally touch off a reckoning of a different sort on the party's previously unshakeable fealty to twice-impeached Trump, who lost Virginia by 10 points. 'Left, liberal, progressive' As he tries to mount a return to an office he held four years ago, McAuliffe must negotiate significant headwinds, with the majority party in Washington usually incurring losses during a president's first term. Youngkin has been performing his own high-wire act, as the vast majority of Republicans believe Trump's false claims that the presidency was stolen in a fraudulent election, making acknowledging the truth politically risky. Also Read | As Trump thunders about last election, Republicans worry about the next one While he was seeking the nomination, Youngkin conjured the spirit of the former president, refusing to say whether he would have voted to certify Biden's election victory after the failed insurrection by Trump supporters on January 6. But the wealthy former investment banker, 54, has managed to distance himself from Trump at the business end of the campaign, focusing on local "culture war" issues like abortion, mask mandates and the teaching of America's racial history. "This is a moment for Virginians to push back on this left, liberal, progressive agenda and take our commonwealth back," Youngkin told a rally in state capital Richmond on Monday. Trump has not shown up to campaign in person, although he has angrily denied a rift with Youngkin and released an incendiary statement on Monday smearing McAuliffe as a "low-life politician who lies, cheats, and steals." Also Read | US unveils crackdown on methane, starting with oil and gas rules In contrast, a number of other big-name Democrats have wooed Virginians in recent days, including former president Barack Obama, First Lady Jill Biden and the party's rising star Stacey Abrams. 'Soccer dad' McAuliffe took an early lead in the race but his seven-point cushion has been tightening since summer, and the latest polling average by political analysis website FiveThirtyEight shows Youngkin ahead by one point. If the polls are an accurate reflection of voter intention, experts believe it could take days to determine the winner. Leaning into his image as the establishment candidate, McAuliffe has sold himself as a former incumbent who brought back jobs after the worldwide financial crisis of 2008, and has pledged to repeat the trick for the pandemic. The 64-year-old has sought to nationalize the race -- voicing irritation over deadlock in Washington and making the vote a referendum on Trump and Trumpism. Also Read | US 'nuke sniffer' plane flies over South China Sea: Report Biden joined McAuliffe in Arlington last week, blasting Youngkin as "an acolyte of Donald Trump" and warning that extremism "can come in a smile and a fleece vest." Mark Bayer, a congressional aide for two decades and a former chief of staff to Senator Ed Markey, warned that convincing Virginians that Youngkin is nothing more than a Trump mini-me could prove a tall order. "Despite being endorsed by Trump and making strongly positive statements about him, Youngkin -- at least stylistically, if not politically -- doesn't appear to be a Trump clone," Bayer told AFP. "Youngkin's 'soccer dad' persona is appealing to swing voters, even as his conservative politics are firmly Republican."

Virginia goes to polls in too-close-to call bellwether election

The Japan Communist Party is the oldest political party in the country. It’s the largest nonruling Communist party in the world. It’s harshly critical of China. And the Japanese authorities list it, along with the Islamic State group and North Korea, as a threat to national security.

To many in Japan, that comparison seems exaggerated. The party, which long ago abandoned Marx and Lenin and never really had time for Stalin or Mao, is about as radical as a beige cardigan: anti-war, pro-democracy, pro-economic equality.

But that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a primary target of Japan’s dominant political force, the Liberal Democratic Party, before parliamentary elections Sunday that will help set the country’s path out of the pandemic.

Though clocking in at only 3% support in the polls, the Communists have become a handy boogeyman after teaming up with Japan’s leading opposition parties for the first time in an effort to dethrone the LDP. The Communists agreed to withdraw their candidates from several districts to avoid splitting the liberal vote.

The conservative Liberal Democrats, who have governed almost continuously since the end of World War II, face little risk of losing power. But with their popularity sagging amid a weak economy and lingering questions over their handling of the coronavirus, they have tried to change the subject by painting the vote as a choice between democratic rule and Communist infiltration.

“The Communist Party’s strategy is to get one foot in the door,” Taro Kono, the LDP’s public affairs chief, told voters during a campaign stop. “Then they wrench it open and take over the house,” he added.

The Japan Communist Party, founded in 1922, has long provoked government animosity. It vigorously opposed Japan’s military aggression before and during World War II, and the Japanese secret police persecuted and imprisoned Communists through the conflict’s end.

In the 1950s and ’60s, the Liberal Democrats — aided by the CIA — carried out heavy-handed crackdowns on the group, which briefly flirted with political violence and became a rallying point for anti-American student protests.

Despite its name, the JCP has largely abandoned its roots in favor of its own homegrown ideology. It broke with the Soviet Union and China in the 1960s and has recently become one of Beijing’s most vocal Japanese critics, denouncing its neighbor for following the path of “hegemony” and violating human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. When the Chinese Communist Party celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, the JCP was the only major Japanese party not to send congratulations.

Still, Japan’s National Police Agency has continued to treat the group as a menace. In its annual report on threats to the nation, it lumps the JCP in with the Islamic State group, North Korea and Aum Shinrikyo, the Japanese cult that killed 13 and injured thousands during a 1995 nerve-gas attack on the Tokyo subway.

The Japan Communists, the police note, are rapidly aging, losing their financial resources — mostly generated by subscriptions to their newspaper, Akahata, or Red Flag — and are having difficulty attracting new members.

The agency is not clear about what actual threat the group poses. It does note that the Communists were planning to join other opposition parties to challenge the LDP, and that they had “added ‘gender equality’ and ‘a nuclear-power-free Japan’ ” to their platform. (The JCP runs more female candidates than nearly any other Japanese party.)

Both of those initiatives are opposed to some extent by the Liberal Democrats — who, for example, have rejected legislation to allow women to keep their last names after marriage — even though they are popular with the general public.

But those are not among the top issues for voters in the coming election. Their priorities are clear: keeping the coronavirus in check and putting the pandemic-ravaged economy back on track. Neither of these are necessarily winning issues for the LDP, which, though unlikely to lose, faces a strong risk of emerging from the election seriously weakened.

Japan is reporting just a few hundred COVID-19 cases each day, and vaccination numbers have surpassed those of most other countries, despite a slow start. Nevertheless, there is a sense that the governing party mismanaged the crisis, fumbling the national vaccine rollout and delaying the country’s recovery. Stories of coronavirus patients dying at home despite ample supplies of hospital beds have further hardened public opinion.

Current economic policies, which have failed to lift the country out of stagnation, are also unpopular — so much so that Fumio Kishida, who became prime minister this month after winning an LDP leadership election, ran against them. Kishida promised that he would confront growing inequality through a (very socialist-sounding) program of wealth redistribution.

He has since walked back those promises and looks set to continue his predecessors’ policies largely unchanged.

The threat that the Japan Communist Party poses to the LDP may come not from its size — the Communists have never gained more than 13% of the vote in a lower house election — but from its members’ dedication. The JCP, which has a highly organized base, could play a big role in drawing votes to the opposition, said Tomoaki Iwai, a professor of political science at Nihon University.

“It’s an organization that has the power to gather ballots” he said.

In focusing attention on the Japan Communists, the LDP and its governing partner, Komeito, are betting that voters’ distaste for big “C” communism and fear of a rising China will drive them away from the opposition coalition, said Taku Sugawara, an independent political scientist.

“Until recently, as far as the LDP was concerned, the Communists were just a group that got in the way of the other opposition parties,” he said. “But now that they’re clearly a threat, they’ve become a prominent target of criticism.”

Although there is widespread consensus in Japan that Beijing’s growing power poses a threat to regional stability, the LDP and JCP are split over how to deal with it.

The Liberal Democrats have called for doubling military spending, increasing defense cooperation with the United States, and changing Japan’s pacifist constitution to give it, among other things, the ability to carry out first strikes against adversaries that threaten national security.

The Japan Communists, however, prefer a diplomatic approach and are strongly opposed to the substantial U.S. military presence in Japan, a position that makes it an outlier among Japanese political parties.

During a recent rally in front of the bustling Shinjuku station in central Tokyo, candidates for Komeito warned a small group of potential voters that the differing views of the LDP and its political partners on national defense would make it impossible for them to govern competently.

(The hawkish LDP and its dovish coalition partner have themselves long been at odds over whether to increase military spending or alter Japan’s constitution to remove its prohibition against waging war. And Komeito is notorious for its reluctance to criticize Beijing.)

The Japan Communists have said that their differences with other opposition parties would have no bearing on a new government. The Communists say they won’t seek any role if the opposition topples the LDP.

But it’s hard to say what would actually happen if the opposition somehow won power, said Iwai, the political science professor.

None of the coalition members “actually think they’re going to win,” he said. So when it comes to discussions of what’s next, “No one’s thought that far.”

The Japan Communist Party is the oldest political party in the country. It’s the largest nonruling Communist party in the world. It’s harshly critical of China. And the Japanese authorities list it, along with the Islamic State group and North Korea, as a threat to national security.

The Japan Communist Party is the oldest political party in the country. It’s the largest nonruling Communist party in the world. It’s harshly critical of China. And the Japanese authorities list it, along with the Islamic State group and North Korea, as a threat to national security. To many in Japan, that comparison seems exaggerated. The party, which long ago abandoned Marx and Lenin and never really had time for Stalin or Mao, is about as radical as a beige cardigan: anti-war, pro-democracy, pro-economic equality. But that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a primary target of Japan’s dominant political force, the Liberal Democratic Party, before parliamentary elections Sunday that will help set the country’s path out of the pandemic. Though clocking in at only 3% support in the polls, the Communists have become a handy boogeyman after teaming up with Japan’s leading opposition parties for the first time in an effort to dethrone the LDP. The Communists agreed to withdraw their candidates from several districts to avoid splitting the liberal vote. The conservative Liberal Democrats, who have governed almost continuously since the end of World War II, face little risk of losing power. But with their popularity sagging amid a weak economy and lingering questions over their handling of the coronavirus, they have tried to change the subject by painting the vote as a choice between democratic rule and Communist infiltration. “The Communist Party’s strategy is to get one foot in the door,” Taro Kono, the LDP’s public affairs chief, told voters during a campaign stop. “Then they wrench it open and take over the house,” he added. The Japan Communist Party, founded in 1922, has long provoked government animosity. It vigorously opposed Japan’s military aggression before and during World War II, and the Japanese secret police persecuted and imprisoned Communists through the conflict’s end. In the 1950s and ’60s, the Liberal Democrats — aided by the CIA — carried out heavy-handed crackdowns on the group, which briefly flirted with political violence and became a rallying point for anti-American student protests. Despite its name, the JCP has largely abandoned its roots in favor of its own homegrown ideology. It broke with the Soviet Union and China in the 1960s and has recently become one of Beijing’s most vocal Japanese critics, denouncing its neighbor for following the path of “hegemony” and violating human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. When the Chinese Communist Party celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, the JCP was the only major Japanese party not to send congratulations. Still, Japan’s National Police Agency has continued to treat the group as a menace. In its annual report on threats to the nation, it lumps the JCP in with the Islamic State group, North Korea and Aum Shinrikyo, the Japanese cult that killed 13 and injured thousands during a 1995 nerve-gas attack on the Tokyo subway. The Japan Communists, the police note, are rapidly aging, losing their financial resources — mostly generated by subscriptions to their newspaper, Akahata, or Red Flag — and are having difficulty attracting new members. The agency is not clear about what actual threat the group poses. It does note that the Communists were planning to join other opposition parties to challenge the LDP, and that they had “added ‘gender equality’ and ‘a nuclear-power-free Japan’ ” to their platform. (The JCP runs more female candidates than nearly any other Japanese party.) Both of those initiatives are opposed to some extent by the Liberal Democrats — who, for example, have rejected legislation to allow women to keep their last names after marriage — even though they are popular with the general public. But those are not among the top issues for voters in the coming election. Their priorities are clear: keeping the coronavirus in check and putting the pandemic-ravaged economy back on track. Neither of these are necessarily winning issues for the LDP, which, though unlikely to lose, faces a strong risk of emerging from the election seriously weakened. Japan is reporting just a few hundred COVID-19 cases each day, and vaccination numbers have surpassed those of most other countries, despite a slow start. Nevertheless, there is a sense that the governing party mismanaged the crisis, fumbling the national vaccine rollout and delaying the country’s recovery. Stories of coronavirus patients dying at home despite ample supplies of hospital beds have further hardened public opinion. Current economic policies, which have failed to lift the country out of stagnation, are also unpopular — so much so that Fumio Kishida, who became prime minister this month after winning an LDP leadership election, ran against them. Kishida promised that he would confront growing inequality through a (very socialist-sounding) program of wealth redistribution. He has since walked back those promises and looks set to continue his predecessors’ policies largely unchanged. The threat that the Japan Communist Party poses to the LDP may come not from its size — the Communists have never gained more than 13% of the vote in a lower house election — but from its members’ dedication. The JCP, which has a highly organized base, could play a big role in drawing votes to the opposition, said Tomoaki Iwai, a professor of political science at Nihon University. “It’s an organization that has the power to gather ballots” he said. In focusing attention on the Japan Communists, the LDP and its governing partner, Komeito, are betting that voters’ distaste for big “C” communism and fear of a rising China will drive them away from the opposition coalition, said Taku Sugawara, an independent political scientist. “Until recently, as far as the LDP was concerned, the Communists were just a group that got in the way of the other opposition parties,” he said. “But now that they’re clearly a threat, they’ve become a prominent target of criticism.” Although there is widespread consensus in Japan that Beijing’s growing power poses a threat to regional stability, the LDP and JCP are split over how to deal with it. The Liberal Democrats have called for doubling military spending, increasing defense cooperation with the United States, and changing Japan’s pacifist constitution to give it, among other things, the ability to carry out first strikes against adversaries that threaten national security. The Japan Communists, however, prefer a diplomatic approach and are strongly opposed to the substantial U.S. military presence in Japan, a position that makes it an outlier among Japanese political parties. During a recent rally in front of the bustling Shinjuku station in central Tokyo, candidates for Komeito warned a small group of potential voters that the differing views of the LDP and its political partners on national defense would make it impossible for them to govern competently. (The hawkish LDP and its dovish coalition partner have themselves long been at odds over whether to increase military spending or alter Japan’s constitution to remove its prohibition against waging war. And Komeito is notorious for its reluctance to criticize Beijing.) The Japan Communists have said that their differences with other opposition parties would have no bearing on a new government. The Communists say they won’t seek any role if the opposition topples the LDP. But it’s hard to say what would actually happen if the opposition somehow won power, said Iwai, the political science professor. None of the coalition members “actually think they’re going to win,” he said. So when it comes to discussions of what’s next, “No one’s thought that far.”

Japan’s communists are hardly radical, but make a handy election target

Iraq's October 10 elections reinforced the parliamentary strength of mercurial Shiite preacher Moqtada Sadr and saw a sharp decline in that of his adversaries, the pro-Iran Hashed al-Shaabi alliance, according to preliminary results.

A final tally from the ballot, organised to appease youth-led anti-government protests that began in 2019, is expected in the next few weeks, but so far no bloc has a clear mandate.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moqtada-al-sadrs-party-claims-largest-seats-in-initial-iraq-poll-results-420027">Moqtada al-Sadr's party claims largest seats in initial Iraq poll results</a>

That means the numerous political parties will engage in lengthy negotiations to form alliances and name a new prime minister.

<h2>What alliances are possible ?</h2>

Harith Hasan, a nonresident senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center, generally sees two main potential scenarios.

The first is the revival of a "Shiite alliance" between Sadr, who has criticised Iranian influence, and the Hashed, a former paramilitary network now integrated into the regular security forces.

Results so far show Sadr won more than 70 of the 329 parliamentary seats.

This coalition option would see Sadr accepting "a new power-sharing arrangement with a compromise candidate" as prime minister, Hasan said.

There would also be an agreement "on certain 'principles' for reform, including the future and the structure of Hashed al-Shaabi," he said.

Any compromise candidate for prime minister will have to have the tacit blessing of Tehran and Washington, arch-foes that are both Baghdad allies.

According to preliminary results the Conquest (Fatah) Alliance, the political arm of the multi-party Hashed, emerged from the election with only around 15 seats in parliament.

In the last chamber it had 48, which made it the second largest bloc.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-low-voter-turnout-mars-iraqi-parliamentary-elections-419864">Record low voter turnout mars Iraqi parliamentary elections</a>

A source in Fatah told AFP that some of its leaders "suggested to a representative of the Sadrists to conclude an alliance" with them and other Shiite entities.

A second scenario would see Sadr align himself with Massoud Barzani, the longtime head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party which runs the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq.

Mohammed al-Halbussi, the former parliamentary speaker who cultivates an image of dynamism and leads a construction boom in his home city of Ramadi, would also be part of this coalition, along with smaller groups.

This scenario is only possible if Sadr "did not succumb to the pressure" of Hashed, said Hasan, who does not exclude "some kind of chaos or armed conflict" in the country where virtually all political actors have links to armed groups.

Despite losing seats, the Hashed is still expected to carry weight in parliament through the support of members who say they are independent, and arrangements with former prime minister Nuri al-Maliki, who held the post between 2006 and 2014.

An ally of Hashed and a figure close to Iran, Maliki won more than 30 seats.

<h2>Who will be prime minister ?</h2>

No name has yet emerged as a replacement for Mustafa al-Kadhemi.

Sadr had claimed he was going to name the next prime minister, but the one ultimately chosen "has to be a consensus candidate," said Lahib Higel, a senior analyst on Iraq at the International Crisis Group.

It could be Kadhemi himself.

Well connected both in Tehran and Washington, he brought forward the elections, originally scheduled for 2022, in response to the anti-government protests over endemic corruption, unemployment and failing public services.

With no base of his own and no seat in parliament, Kadhemi could be a convenient choice "because to a certain degree you will get rid of a part of the responsibility when the face of the government is someone else," Higel said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-to-elect-new-parliament-amid-deep-crisis-apathy-417813">Iraqis to elect new parliament amid deep crisis, apathy</a>

"He has a chance."

In Hasan's view, "Kadhemi still stands a good chance to stay in office."

<h2>&nbsp;What about Iran's role ?</h2>

The loss of seats by Fatah, which is very close to Iran, will not necessarily weaken Tehran's role in Iraq.

"Iran has had an influence in Iraq ever since 2003," years before the Hashed alliance first entered parliament in 2018, Higel said.

According to Hasan, Iran has three main interests in its neighbour: ending the US military presence which numbers 2,500, and making sure there are no threats coming from Iraq; supporting Hashed; and keeping the Iraqi market open to products from Iran's crippled economy.

Hasan added that Iran "don't see Sadr as an enemy, but they are attentive to the risk of having him dominating" the Shiite scene.

Iraq's October 10 elections reinforced the parliamentary strength of mercurial Shiite preacher Moqtada Sadr and saw a sharp decline in that of his adversaries, the pro-Iran Hashed al-Shaabi alliance, according to preliminary results.

Iraq's October 10 elections reinforced the parliamentary strength of mercurial Shiite preacher Moqtada Sadr and saw a sharp decline in that of his adversaries, the pro-Iran Hashed al-Shaabi alliance, according to preliminary results. A final tally from the ballot, organised to appease youth-led anti-government protests that began in 2019, is expected in the next few weeks, but so far no bloc has a clear mandate. Also Read | Moqtada al-Sadr's party claims largest seats in initial Iraq poll results That means the numerous political parties will engage in lengthy negotiations to form alliances and name a new prime minister. What alliances are possible ? Harith Hasan, a nonresident senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center, generally sees two main potential scenarios. The first is the revival of a "Shiite alliance" between Sadr, who has criticised Iranian influence, and the Hashed, a former paramilitary network now integrated into the regular security forces. Results so far show Sadr won more than 70 of the 329 parliamentary seats. This coalition option would see Sadr accepting "a new power-sharing arrangement with a compromise candidate" as prime minister, Hasan said. There would also be an agreement "on certain 'principles' for reform, including the future and the structure of Hashed al-Shaabi," he said. Any compromise candidate for prime minister will have to have the tacit blessing of Tehran and Washington, arch-foes that are both Baghdad allies. According to preliminary results the Conquest (Fatah) Alliance, the political arm of the multi-party Hashed, emerged from the election with only around 15 seats in parliament. In the last chamber it had 48, which made it the second largest bloc. Also Read | Record low voter turnout mars Iraqi parliamentary elections A source in Fatah told AFP that some of its leaders "suggested to a representative of the Sadrists to conclude an alliance" with them and other Shiite entities. A second scenario would see Sadr align himself with Massoud Barzani, the longtime head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party which runs the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq. Mohammed al-Halbussi, the former parliamentary speaker who cultivates an image of dynamism and leads a construction boom in his home city of Ramadi, would also be part of this coalition, along with smaller groups. This scenario is only possible if Sadr "did not succumb to the pressure" of Hashed, said Hasan, who does not exclude "some kind of chaos or armed conflict" in the country where virtually all political actors have links to armed groups. Despite losing seats, the Hashed is still expected to carry weight in parliament through the support of members who say they are independent, and arrangements with former prime minister Nuri al-Maliki, who held the post between 2006 and 2014. An ally of Hashed and a figure close to Iran, Maliki won more than 30 seats. Who will be prime minister ? No name has yet emerged as a replacement for Mustafa al-Kadhemi. Sadr had claimed he was going to name the next prime minister, but the one ultimately chosen "has to be a consensus candidate," said Lahib Higel, a senior analyst on Iraq at the International Crisis Group. It could be Kadhemi himself. Well connected both in Tehran and Washington, he brought forward the elections, originally scheduled for 2022, in response to the anti-government protests over endemic corruption, unemployment and failing public services. With no base of his own and no seat in parliament, Kadhemi could be a convenient choice "because to a certain degree you will get rid of a part of the responsibility when the face of the government is someone else," Higel said. Also Read | Iraqis to elect new parliament amid deep crisis, apathy "He has a chance." In Hasan's view, "Kadhemi still stands a good chance to stay in office." What about Iran's role ? The loss of seats by Fatah, which is very close to Iran, will not necessarily weaken Tehran's role in Iraq. "Iran has had an influence in Iraq ever since 2003," years before the Hashed alliance first entered parliament in 2018, Higel said. According to Hasan, Iran has three main interests in its neighbour: ending the US military presence which numbers 2,500, and making sure there are no threats coming from Iraq; supporting Hashed; and keeping the Iraqi market open to products from Iran's crippled economy. Hasan added that Iran "don't see Sadr as an enemy, but they are attentive to the risk of having him dominating" the Shiite scene.

Who will form Iraq's next government ?

Turnout hit a record low for parliamentary elections in war-scarred Iraq, early figures showed Monday, amid widespread disillusionment about a political elite seen as inept and corrupt.

Sunday's vote was moved forward from 2022 as a concession to an anti-government protest movement that has demanded deep reforms in the oil-rich yet poverty-stricken country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-head-to-early-vote-with-little-hope-for-change-419564">Iraqis head to early vote with little hope for change</a>

But in the end voter participation hit a new low in Iraq's fifth election since the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein with the promise of bringing freedom and democracy.&nbsp;

Preliminary turnout was just 41 percent, based on results from 94 percent of voting stations, the election commission said -- below the 44.5 percent recorded in 2018.

"There's general apathy. People just don't believe that elections matter," said Iraqi researcher Sajad Jiyad of the Century Foundation think-tank.

"The weak turnout is a warning. It is not only the legitimacy of the next prime minister that is in question, but also the legitimacy of the government, of the state -- of the entire system."

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi brought forward the vote to appease a youth-led protest movement that erupted two years ago against graft, unemployment and crumbling public services.

Iraq is a major oil producer but nearly a third of its almost 40 million people live in poverty, according to UN figures, and the Covid pandemic only deepened a long-running crisis.&nbsp;

The premier and national spy chief tweeted that he had "kept his promise and done his duty by organising fair elections".

Kadhemi's own political future is now uncertain, with few observers willing to predict who will emerge as leader after the usual political haggling between factions that follow Iraqi elections.

Early fireworks&nbsp;

The election was held under tight security in a country where key parliamentary blocs have armed factions and Islamic State group jihadists have launched mass-casualty suicide attacks this year.

Airports were closed and travel between provinces banned, while voters were searched twice at polling stations.

An attack blamed on IS on a voting centre in a remote part of northern Iraq left a police officer dead, a security source said.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-dictator-mussolinis-granddaughter-tops-polls-in-rome-council-vote-418979">&nbsp;Italian dictator Mussolini's granddaughter tops polls in Rome council vote</a>

And a soldier was killed and another wounded by "accidental fire" from a fellow soldier at a polling station in Diyala province bordering Baghdad, officials said.

Authorities also reported the arrests of 77 suspects for electoral "violations".

The vote was marred by technical problems at some stations, including malfunctioning equipment and fingerprint readers, officials and AFP journalists said.

Official provisional results were now expected until later Monday, but some candidates already claimed victory and celebrated with fireworks overnight in Baghdad and the southern city of Nassiriyah.

Fragmented parliament&nbsp;

In Sunday's election, some 25 million eligible voters were called to choose from more than 3,200 candidates.

A new single-member constituency system for electing Iraq's 329 lawmakers aimed to boost independents versus the traditional blocs largely centred on religious, ethnic and clan affiliations.

Iraqi politics, and the legislature, have been dominated by factions representing the country's Shiite Muslim majority since the fall of Saddam's Sunni-led regime.

But they are increasingly split, including in their attitudes toward powerful Shiite neighbour Iran, which competes with the United States for strategic influence in Iraq.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qataris-vote-in-subdued-first-legislative-election-417615">Qataris vote in subdued first legislative election</a>

The biggest bloc has been the Sadrist camp of Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr, a political maverick and former anti-US militia leader who opposes all foreign influence in Iraq.

Sadr was among those who hailed their electoral "success" ahead of official preliminary results.

The most powerful pro-Iranian factions are from the bloc linked to the Hashed al-Shaabi umbrella group of paramilitary groups, which helped defeat IS.

Experts predict that the large blocs are likely to preserve their dominance in the fragmented parliament, where the llack of a clear majority will force them to negotiate alliances.

Iraq by convention has had a Shiite Muslim prime minister, a Sunni parliament speaker and a Kurdish president.

Turnout hit a record low for parliamentary elections in war-scarred Iraq, early figures showed Monday, amid widespread disillusionment about a political elite seen as inept and corrupt.

Turnout hit a record low for parliamentary elections in war-scarred Iraq, early figures showed Monday, amid widespread disillusionment about a political elite seen as inept and corrupt. Sunday's vote was moved forward from 2022 as a concession to an anti-government protest movement that has demanded deep reforms in the oil-rich yet poverty-stricken country. Also Read | Iraqis head to early vote with little hope for change But in the end voter participation hit a new low in Iraq's fifth election since the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein with the promise of bringing freedom and democracy. Preliminary turnout was just 41 percent, based on results from 94 percent of voting stations, the election commission said -- below the 44.5 percent recorded in 2018. "There's general apathy. People just don't believe that elections matter," said Iraqi researcher Sajad Jiyad of the Century Foundation think-tank. "The weak turnout is a warning. It is not only the legitimacy of the next prime minister that is in question, but also the legitimacy of the government, of the state -- of the entire system." Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi brought forward the vote to appease a youth-led protest movement that erupted two years ago against graft, unemployment and crumbling public services. Iraq is a major oil producer but nearly a third of its almost 40 million people live in poverty, according to UN figures, and the Covid pandemic only deepened a long-running crisis. The premier and national spy chief tweeted that he had "kept his promise and done his duty by organising fair elections". Kadhemi's own political future is now uncertain, with few observers willing to predict who will emerge as leader after the usual political haggling between factions that follow Iraqi elections. Early fireworks The election was held under tight security in a country where key parliamentary blocs have armed factions and Islamic State group jihadists have launched mass-casualty suicide attacks this year. Airports were closed and travel between provinces banned, while voters were searched twice at polling stations. An attack blamed on IS on a voting centre in a remote part of northern Iraq left a police officer dead, a security source said. Also Read | Italian dictator Mussolini's granddaughter tops polls in Rome council vote And a soldier was killed and another wounded by "accidental fire" from a fellow soldier at a polling station in Diyala province bordering Baghdad, officials said. Authorities also reported the arrests of 77 suspects for electoral "violations". The vote was marred by technical problems at some stations, including malfunctioning equipment and fingerprint readers, officials and AFP journalists said. Official provisional results were now expected until later Monday, but some candidates already claimed victory and celebrated with fireworks overnight in Baghdad and the southern city of Nassiriyah. Fragmented parliament In Sunday's election, some 25 million eligible voters were called to choose from more than 3,200 candidates. A new single-member constituency system for electing Iraq's 329 lawmakers aimed to boost independents versus the traditional blocs largely centred on religious, ethnic and clan affiliations. Iraqi politics, and the legislature, have been dominated by factions representing the country's Shiite Muslim majority since the fall of Saddam's Sunni-led regime. But they are increasingly split, including in their attitudes toward powerful Shiite neighbour Iran, which competes with the United States for strategic influence in Iraq. Also Read | Qataris vote in subdued first legislative election The biggest bloc has been the Sadrist camp of Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr, a political maverick and former anti-US militia leader who opposes all foreign influence in Iraq. Sadr was among those who hailed their electoral "success" ahead of official preliminary results. The most powerful pro-Iranian factions are from the bloc linked to the Hashed al-Shaabi umbrella group of paramilitary groups, which helped defeat IS. Experts predict that the large blocs are likely to preserve their dominance in the fragmented parliament, where the llack of a clear majority will force them to negotiate alliances. Iraq by convention has had a Shiite Muslim prime minister, a Sunni parliament speaker and a Kurdish president.

Record low voter turnout mars Iraqi parliamentary elections

Iraqis headed to the polls Sunday for an early election billed as a concession to anti-government protests but expected to be boycotted by many voters who distrust official promises of reform.

Polls opened at 7:00am (0400 GMT) but few voters turned up early at one polling station at a school in central Baghdad.

"I have come to vote to change the country for the better, and to change the current leaders who are incompetent," said Jimand Khalil, 37, who was one of the first to cast her vote. "They made a lot of promises to us but didn't bring us anything."&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="Iraqis to elect new parliament amid deep crisis, apathy">Iraqis to elect new parliament amid deep crisis, apathy</a>

Security was tight in the capital, with voters searched twice at the entrance to polling stations.

Airports are also closed until dawn on Monday across Iraq, where despite the government's declaration of victory over the Islamic State group in late 2017, jihadist sleeper cells continue to mount attacks.

Polls remain open until 6:00 pm, with preliminary results expected within 24 hours of closing. Dozens of election observers deployed by the European Union and the United Nations were set to monitor the vote.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi cast his ballot early in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone.

"This is an opportunity for change," he said.

"Get out there and vote, change your reality, for Iraq and for your future," urged Kadhemi, whose political future hangs in the balance, with few observers willing to predict who will come out on top after the lengthy backroom haggling that usually follows Iraqi elections.

But analysts are already predicting a record-low turnout for these polls, held a year early in a rare concession to the youth-led protest movement.

Dozens of anti-government activists have been killed, kidnapped or intimidated over the last couple of years, with accusations that pro-Iran armed groups, many of which are represented in parliament, have been behind the violence.

"Iraqis should have the confidence to vote as they please, in an environment free of pressure, intimidation and threats," the UN mission in Iraq said ahead of the polls.

The protests that swept through Baghdad and the south in October 2019 rocked the Shiite factions that have dominated Iraq since the aftermath of the US-led invasion of 2003.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to express their anger at corruption, unemployment and crumbling public services, and hundreds lost their lives in protest-related violence.

The protests have largely fizzled out as anger has given way to disillusion.

"Nothing will change. This election will be won by the same factions that people protested against," said 45-year-old Baghdad day labourer Mohammed Kassem, vowing not to vote.

'Musical chairs'

A new single-member constituency system for electing Iraq's 329 lawmakers is supposed to weaken the power of the traditional blocs largely based on religious, ethnic and clan affiliations.

But most analysts believe it will make the political process even less accountable.

The electoral commission said it expects to publish preliminary results within 24 hours of the close of polls.

It will likely take longer for the balance of power to emerge as the leading factions compete for the support of a larger number of independents.

The Fatah Alliance, the bloc representing many Iran-backed Shiite militias, is expected to retain its share of seats.

The list of populist cleric Moqtada Sadr, already the largest in the outgoing parliament, is expected to make gains but not enough to dominate the Shiite camp.

"The election will likely result in another fragmented parliament, followed by opaque, corrupt horse-trading among factions to form the next government," said researchers Bilal Wahab and Calvin Wilder in an analysis published by the Washington Institute.

"Few expect this election to amount to more than a game of musical chairs, and the (October 2019 protest) movement's core demands -&nbsp;curbing systemic corruption, creating jobs and holding armed groups accountable - are unlikely to be met."

Iraqis headed to the polls Sunday for an early election billed as a concession to anti-government protests but expected to be boycotted by many voters who distrust official promises of reform.

Iraqis headed to the polls Sunday for an early election billed as a concession to anti-government protests but expected to be boycotted by many voters who distrust official promises of reform. Polls opened at 7:00am (0400 GMT) but few voters turned up early at one polling station at a school in central Baghdad. "I have come to vote to change the country for the better, and to change the current leaders who are incompetent," said Jimand Khalil, 37, who was one of the first to cast her vote. "They made a lot of promises to us but didn't bring us anything." Also Read | Iraqis to elect new parliament amid deep crisis, apathy Security was tight in the capital, with voters searched twice at the entrance to polling stations. Airports are also closed until dawn on Monday across Iraq, where despite the government's declaration of victory over the Islamic State group in late 2017, jihadist sleeper cells continue to mount attacks. Polls remain open until 6:00 pm, with preliminary results expected within 24 hours of closing. Dozens of election observers deployed by the European Union and the United Nations were set to monitor the vote. Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi cast his ballot early in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone. "This is an opportunity for change," he said. "Get out there and vote, change your reality, for Iraq and for your future," urged Kadhemi, whose political future hangs in the balance, with few observers willing to predict who will come out on top after the lengthy backroom haggling that usually follows Iraqi elections. But analysts are already predicting a record-low turnout for these polls, held a year early in a rare concession to the youth-led protest movement. Dozens of anti-government activists have been killed, kidnapped or intimidated over the last couple of years, with accusations that pro-Iran armed groups, many of which are represented in parliament, have been behind the violence. "Iraqis should have the confidence to vote as they please, in an environment free of pressure, intimidation and threats," the UN mission in Iraq said ahead of the polls. The protests that swept through Baghdad and the south in October 2019 rocked the Shiite factions that have dominated Iraq since the aftermath of the US-led invasion of 2003. Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to express their anger at corruption, unemployment and crumbling public services, and hundreds lost their lives in protest-related violence. The protests have largely fizzled out as anger has given way to disillusion. "Nothing will change. This election will be won by the same factions that people protested against," said 45-year-old Baghdad day labourer Mohammed Kassem, vowing not to vote. 'Musical chairs' A new single-member constituency system for electing Iraq's 329 lawmakers is supposed to weaken the power of the traditional blocs largely based on religious, ethnic and clan affiliations. But most analysts believe it will make the political process even less accountable. The electoral commission said it expects to publish preliminary results within 24 hours of the close of polls. It will likely take longer for the balance of power to emerge as the leading factions compete for the support of a larger number of independents. The Fatah Alliance, the bloc representing many Iran-backed Shiite militias, is expected to retain its share of seats. The list of populist cleric Moqtada Sadr, already the largest in the outgoing parliament, is expected to make gains but not enough to dominate the Shiite camp. "The election will likely result in another fragmented parliament, followed by opaque, corrupt horse-trading among factions to form the next government," said researchers Bilal Wahab and Calvin Wilder in an analysis published by the Washington Institute. "Few expect this election to amount to more than a game of musical chairs, and the (October 2019 protest) movement's core demands - curbing systemic corruption, creating jobs and holding armed groups accountable - are unlikely to be met."

Iraqis head to early vote with little hope for change

Czech President Milos Zeman was taken to hospital on Sunday, bringing uncertainty at a key period when the president is due to lead political talks on forming a new government after a parliamentary election.

A spokeswoman for the Central Military Hospital in Prague said Zeman, 77, was being hospitalised and the hospital director would give a briefing at 2 pm.

Reporters saw an ambulance leaving the presidential chateau at Lany, west of Prague, soon after Zeman met Prime Minister Andrej Babis.

Neither Babis&nbsp;nor Zeman's office had any comment after the meeting.

Zeman's spokesman, Jiri Ovcacek, confirmed the president had been taken to hospital, but gave no details of what was wrong with him.

"On the basis of a recommendation from his attending physician professor Miroslav Zavoral, Milos Zeman agreed to be hospitalised at the Central Military Hospital in Prague," Ovcacek said on Twitter.

"The president was hospitalised on Sunday, Oct 10."

The presidential office had previously said Zeman has been ill and he spent eight days in hospital last month. But officials have not given details of his condition.

Babis&nbsp;centrist ANO party narrowly lost the parliamentary election - which took place on Friday and Saturday - to the centre-right Together coalition, and seemed to have no chance of forming a ruling majority.

Together and the liberal Pirates/Mayors coalition between them won 108 seats in the 200-seat lower house and said they intended to form a government.

However, while Babis conceded on Saturday that Together won more votes as a coalition, he did not signal a move into opposition, saying "If the president authorises me to do so, I will lead talks on forming a cabinet".

In the Czech Republic, the president leads talks with party leaders after elections to find a workable majority.

Under the constitution, the president can appoint anyone as prime minister and instruct them to nominate a cabinet. A new cabinet must face a vote of confidence in the lower house within a month of its appointment. 
Zeman had said prior to the election that he would appoint the leader of the biggest winning individual party, not a coalition, to try to form a government.

This would be Babis, since the ANO won the most votes of any party.

Zeman, an ally of Babis, has made no comment on his next steps since the election results. 
Under the constitution, the president's authority to appoint the prime minister passes to the speaker of the lower house if the presidential position is vacated.

Czech President Milos Zeman was taken to hospital on Sunday, bringing uncertainty at a key period when the president is due to lead political talks on forming a new government after a parliamentary election.

Czech President Milos Zeman was taken to hospital on Sunday, bringing uncertainty at a key period when the president is due to lead political talks on forming a new government after a parliamentary election. A spokeswoman for the Central Military Hospital in Prague said Zeman, 77, was being hospitalised and the hospital director would give a briefing at 2 pm. Reporters saw an ambulance leaving the presidential chateau at Lany, west of Prague, soon after Zeman met Prime Minister Andrej Babis. Neither Babis nor Zeman's office had any comment after the meeting. Zeman's spokesman, Jiri Ovcacek, confirmed the president had been taken to hospital, but gave no details of what was wrong with him. "On the basis of a recommendation from his attending physician professor Miroslav Zavoral, Milos Zeman agreed to be hospitalised at the Central Military Hospital in Prague," Ovcacek said on Twitter. "The president was hospitalised on Sunday, Oct 10." The presidential office had previously said Zeman has been ill and he spent eight days in hospital last month. But officials have not given details of his condition. Babis centrist ANO party narrowly lost the parliamentary election - which took place on Friday and Saturday - to the centre-right Together coalition, and seemed to have no chance of forming a ruling majority. Together and the liberal Pirates/Mayors coalition between them won 108 seats in the 200-seat lower house and said they intended to form a government. However, while Babis conceded on Saturday that Together won more votes as a coalition, he did not signal a move into opposition, saying "If the president authorises me to do so, I will lead talks on forming a cabinet". In the Czech Republic, the president leads talks with party leaders after elections to find a workable majority. Under the constitution, the president can appoint anyone as prime minister and instruct them to nominate a cabinet. A new cabinet must face a vote of confidence in the lower house within a month of its appointment. Zeman had said prior to the election that he would appoint the leader of the biggest winning individual party, not a coalition, to try to form a government. This would be Babis, since the ANO won the most votes of any party. Zeman, an ally of Babis, has made no comment on his next steps since the election results. Under the constitution, the president's authority to appoint the prime minister passes to the speaker of the lower house if the presidential position is vacated.

Czech President Zeman taken to hospital at key post-election time

War-scarred Iraq holds parliamentary elections on October 10, a year early to appease an anti-government protest movement, in a nation that remains mired in corruption and economic crisis.

The country is emerging from almost two decades of conflict and insurgency since the 2003 US-led invasion toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, promising to bring freedom and democracy.&nbsp;

Although security has improved in recent years, elections threaten new volatility in a nation still terrorised by militant attacks and where major political factions are heavily armed.

It is feared turnout will again be low among the 25 million eligible voters, many of whom are deeply disillusioned and view the entire political class as inept and corrupt.

Despite being a major oil producer, Iraq is close to being "economically and ideologically bankrupt," said Renad Mansour of the London-based Chatham House.

The political system is "unable to provide sufficient jobs or services," he added.

According to UN figures, nearly a third of Iraq's almost 40 million people live in poverty, and the pandemic and last year's fall in oil prices only deepened a long-running crisis.&nbsp;

"The country is still mired in corruption which affects all institutions," said Iraqi analyst Ihsan al-Shammari.

Prime Minister Mustafa al- Kadhemi, who only took office in May 2020, moved forward the scheduled 2022 polls as a concession to the unprecedented, youth-led protest movement that erupted two years ago.

The activists railed against graft, unemployment and crumbling public services, but the protests ended after being hit by a wave of bloody violence and the start of the COVID-19&nbsp;&nbsp;pandemic.

Kadhemi's political future hangs in the balance, with few observers willing to predict who will come out on top in the polls after the lengthy haggling between factions that usually follows an Iraqi election.

Threat of escalation

Iraqi politics, and the 329-seat legislature, have been dominated by factions representing the country's Shiite Muslim majority since the fall of Saddam's Sunni-led regime.

But they are increasingly split, including in their attitudes toward the country's powerful Shiite neighbour Iran, which competes with the United States for strategic influence in Iraq.

The biggest bloc in the assembly has been the Sadrist camp of Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr, a political maverick and former anti-US militia leader who opposes all foreign influence in Iraq.

The most powerful pro-Iranian factions are from the bloc linked to the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces) umbrella group of paramilitary groups, which helped defeat the Islamic State jihadist group.

IS had captured a third of Iraq before losing its self-declared caliphate across Iraq and Syria in late 2017.

The Hashed have been integrated into the Iraqi state security apparatus, and many of their figures were elected as lawmakers in 2018 polls.

Political scientist Fadel Abou Raghif warned of "the danger of a security deterioration after the announcement of the results".

Tensions had already been heightened by the triumphalist speeches of some candidates, he said.

"The results could come as a shock by not matching their expectations," he said. "This could lead them to wage war on the results."

Shammari also said he does not rule out "friction" or "escalation" if "the armed factions do not get sufficient representation in the executive".&nbsp;

'Above the law'

Many parties and activists close to the October 2019 protest movement are boycotting the elections, denouncing the anti-democratic climate and the proliferation of weapons.

Nearly 600 activists were killed, many thousands wounded and scores abducted in attacks that are widely blamed on pro-Iranian "militias".

"Weapons are a big challenge," Shammari said, adding those who hold them "are now above the law".&nbsp;

"These factions are also participating in the elections through their 'political shopfront' groups."

Washington has blamed pro-Iranian groups for attacks on its interests in Iraq, where it still stations 2,500 troops, deployed as part of the anti-IS coalition.

Tensions flared in January 2020, after a US drone strike in Baghdad killed the powerful Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and top Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Washington has announced the end of combat missions for US soldiers in Iraq, saying their role will be limited to training Iraqi troops and sharing intelligence.

IS, for its part, has not disappeared as a threat.&nbsp;

While the jihadists have gone underground, their cells have stepped up attacks, including killing more than 30 people in a July suicide attack on a Baghdad market.&nbsp;

A UN report this year pointed to "a marked increase" in IS attacks, including "sophisticated double-pronged attacks, fake checkpoints, abductions and executions of civilians".

War-scarred Iraq holds parliamentary elections on October 10, a year early to appease an anti-government protest movement, in a nation that remains mired in corruption and economic crisis.

War-scarred Iraq holds parliamentary elections on October 10, a year early to appease an anti-government protest movement, in a nation that remains mired in corruption and economic crisis. The country is emerging from almost two decades of conflict and insurgency since the 2003 US-led invasion toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, promising to bring freedom and democracy. Although security has improved in recent years, elections threaten new volatility in a nation still terrorised by militant attacks and where major political factions are heavily armed. It is feared turnout will again be low among the 25 million eligible voters, many of whom are deeply disillusioned and view the entire political class as inept and corrupt. Despite being a major oil producer, Iraq is close to being "economically and ideologically bankrupt," said Renad Mansour of the London-based Chatham House. The political system is "unable to provide sufficient jobs or services," he added. According to UN figures, nearly a third of Iraq's almost 40 million people live in poverty, and the pandemic and last year's fall in oil prices only deepened a long-running crisis. "The country is still mired in corruption which affects all institutions," said Iraqi analyst Ihsan al-Shammari. Prime Minister Mustafa al- Kadhemi, who only took office in May 2020, moved forward the scheduled 2022 polls as a concession to the unprecedented, youth-led protest movement that erupted two years ago. The activists railed against graft, unemployment and crumbling public services, but the protests ended after being hit by a wave of bloody violence and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kadhemi's political future hangs in the balance, with few observers willing to predict who will come out on top in the polls after the lengthy haggling between factions that usually follows an Iraqi election. Threat of escalation Iraqi politics, and the 329-seat legislature, have been dominated by factions representing the country's Shiite Muslim majority since the fall of Saddam's Sunni-led regime. But they are increasingly split, including in their attitudes toward the country's powerful Shiite neighbour Iran, which competes with the United States for strategic influence in Iraq. The biggest bloc in the assembly has been the Sadrist camp of Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr, a political maverick and former anti-US militia leader who opposes all foreign influence in Iraq. The most powerful pro-Iranian factions are from the bloc linked to the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces) umbrella group of paramilitary groups, which helped defeat the Islamic State jihadist group. IS had captured a third of Iraq before losing its self-declared caliphate across Iraq and Syria in late 2017. The Hashed have been integrated into the Iraqi state security apparatus, and many of their figures were elected as lawmakers in 2018 polls. Political scientist Fadel Abou Raghif warned of "the danger of a security deterioration after the announcement of the results". Tensions had already been heightened by the triumphalist speeches of some candidates, he said. "The results could come as a shock by not matching their expectations," he said. "This could lead them to wage war on the results." Shammari also said he does not rule out "friction" or "escalation" if "the armed factions do not get sufficient representation in the executive". 'Above the law' Many parties and activists close to the October 2019 protest movement are boycotting the elections, denouncing the anti-democratic climate and the proliferation of weapons. Nearly 600 activists were killed, many thousands wounded and scores abducted in attacks that are widely blamed on pro-Iranian "militias". "Weapons are a big challenge," Shammari said, adding those who hold them "are now above the law". "These factions are also participating in the elections through their 'political shopfront' groups." Washington has blamed pro-Iranian groups for attacks on its interests in Iraq, where it still stations 2,500 troops, deployed as part of the anti-IS coalition. Tensions flared in January 2020, after a US drone strike in Baghdad killed the powerful Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and top Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Washington has announced the end of combat missions for US soldiers in Iraq, saying their role will be limited to training Iraqi troops and sharing intelligence. IS, for its part, has not disappeared as a threat. While the jihadists have gone underground, their cells have stepped up attacks, including killing more than 30 people in a July suicide attack on a Baghdad market. A UN report this year pointed to "a marked increase" in IS attacks, including "sophisticated double-pronged attacks, fake checkpoints, abductions and executions of civilians".

Iraqis to elect new parliament amid deep crisis, apathy

The Philippines' election season kicked off Friday with TV celebrities, political scions and at least one inmate expected to be among thousands of candidates vying for posts from president to town councillor.

A week-long registration process launches a typically noisy and deadly seven months of campaigning for more than 18,000 positions -- but the raging pandemic and economic misery caused by Covid lockdowns could dampen the party atmosphere.

A successor to President Rodrigo Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second six-year term, will be elected in the May ballot that is expected to draw more than 60 million voters.

Duterte, who polls show remains almost as popular as when he swept to victory in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs, has declared he will run for the vice-presidency.&nbsp;

Among the front runners to replace him are his daughter, Sara, and ally Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, son and namesake of the country's former dictator.

Ex-actor and city mayor Francisco Domagoso -- known by his screen name Isko Moreno -- and newly retired boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao are planning to run.

Pacquiao, a senator, was driven in a bus emblazoned with "Man of Destiny" to register for the race on Friday.

A Facebook Live broadcast of the journey through Manila's morning traffic showed scores of supporters standing beside the road, waving the national flag.

Pacquiao dismissed a recent poll showing him in fourth place for preferred president as "just a number". &nbsp;

Election campaigns in the chaotic democracy are normally raucous and star-studded with contenders deploying celebrities to pull crowds to rallies.

Candidates are expected to perform on stage, with their charisma, singing and dancing judged more critically than their policies.

"It is a circus," political analyst Tony La Vina told AFP.

"People have a sense that in this brief moment, they are the boss, to be wooed by suitors whom they demand sing, dance, act as clowns."

This election season could be less festive, analysts said -- though probably just as deadly as some politicians resort to violence to eliminate rivals.

Campaigning will be largely on social media platforms, La Vina predicted, as surging infections and the glacial pace of vaccinations restrict mass gatherings.

In a country where personality and name recognition are key to winning votes, that could improve the chances of lesser-known candidates, said Ronald Mendoza, dean of Manila's Ateneo School of Government.

"If you are a relative nobody with some money for social media and some following, you may actually get a not-insignificant number of votes," he added.

But they will face the enduring challenge of powerful clans that dominate national, provincial and local posts in the absence of a strong party system.

Deep pockets -- and huge donations -- are essential in the country plagued by poverty, corruption and a culture of patronage.

"The electoral workers can still go door-to-door buying votes," a long-time observer told AFP.&nbsp;

"The money just flows like water."

- 'Teflon Duterte' -

As jockeying intensified ahead of Friday's start of registrations, analyst Richard Heydarian said it was too early to pick a likely winner in the presidential race, which has "inherent unpredictabilities".

"This is just a single round, first past the post -- there's no run-off elections. All you need to do is win more votes than everyone else," said Heydarian.

"Much will depend on who's going to run. Much will depend on how many are going to run. Much will depend on presidential debates (and) what kind of antics the candidates are going to pull."

Duterte has not yet announced his preferred successor -- a perennial preoccupation for outgoing presidents seeking to avoid arrest.

Many expect it will be Sara, who would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges at home and at the International Criminal Court, whose prosecutors are probing his deadly drug war.

But Sara, the mayor of the southern city of Davao -- a position held by her father before he became president -- has said she would not run if Duterte sought the vice-presidency.

That is probably a tactic to generate publicity because Filipinos "love a reluctant candidate", University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco told AFP.

Even if Sara misses the October 8 deadline for registration, she still has until November 15 to make a late entry -- as her father did in 2015.

A presidential endorsement would normally be a "kiss of death", said Jorge Tigno of pollster Social Weather Stations, but Duterte's approval rating in its surveys was 62 percent in June, compared with 64 percent in 2016.

"He tends to shake off most accusations of impropriety or extrajudicial killings," said Eurasia Group analyst Peter Mumford.

"He's known as 'Teflon Duterte' for a reason."&nbsp;

The Philippines' election season kicked off Friday with TV celebrities, political scions and at least one inmate expected to be among thousands of candidates vying for posts from president to town councillor.

The Philippines' election season kicked off Friday with TV celebrities, political scions and at least one inmate expected to be among thousands of candidates vying for posts from president to town councillor. A week-long registration process launches a typically noisy and deadly seven months of campaigning for more than 18,000 positions -- but the raging pandemic and economic misery caused by Covid lockdowns could dampen the party atmosphere. A successor to President Rodrigo Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second six-year term, will be elected in the May ballot that is expected to draw more than 60 million voters. Duterte, who polls show remains almost as popular as when he swept to victory in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs, has declared he will run for the vice-presidency. Among the front runners to replace him are his daughter, Sara, and ally Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, son and namesake of the country's former dictator. Ex-actor and city mayor Francisco Domagoso -- known by his screen name Isko Moreno -- and newly retired boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao are planning to run. Pacquiao, a senator, was driven in a bus emblazoned with "Man of Destiny" to register for the race on Friday. A Facebook Live broadcast of the journey through Manila's morning traffic showed scores of supporters standing beside the road, waving the national flag. Pacquiao dismissed a recent poll showing him in fourth place for preferred president as "just a number". Election campaigns in the chaotic democracy are normally raucous and star-studded with contenders deploying celebrities to pull crowds to rallies. Candidates are expected to perform on stage, with their charisma, singing and dancing judged more critically than their policies. "It is a circus," political analyst Tony La Vina told AFP. "People have a sense that in this brief moment, they are the boss, to be wooed by suitors whom they demand sing, dance, act as clowns." This election season could be less festive, analysts said -- though probably just as deadly as some politicians resort to violence to eliminate rivals. Campaigning will be largely on social media platforms, La Vina predicted, as surging infections and the glacial pace of vaccinations restrict mass gatherings. In a country where personality and name recognition are key to winning votes, that could improve the chances of lesser-known candidates, said Ronald Mendoza, dean of Manila's Ateneo School of Government. "If you are a relative nobody with some money for social media and some following, you may actually get a not-insignificant number of votes," he added. But they will face the enduring challenge of powerful clans that dominate national, provincial and local posts in the absence of a strong party system. Deep pockets -- and huge donations -- are essential in the country plagued by poverty, corruption and a culture of patronage. "The electoral workers can still go door-to-door buying votes," a long-time observer told AFP. "The money just flows like water." - 'Teflon Duterte' - As jockeying intensified ahead of Friday's start of registrations, analyst Richard Heydarian said it was too early to pick a likely winner in the presidential race, which has "inherent unpredictabilities". "This is just a single round, first past the post -- there's no run-off elections. All you need to do is win more votes than everyone else," said Heydarian. "Much will depend on who's going to run. Much will depend on how many are going to run. Much will depend on presidential debates (and) what kind of antics the candidates are going to pull." Duterte has not yet announced his preferred successor -- a perennial preoccupation for outgoing presidents seeking to avoid arrest. Many expect it will be Sara, who would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges at home and at the International Criminal Court, whose prosecutors are probing his deadly drug war. But Sara, the mayor of the southern city of Davao -- a position held by her father before he became president -- has said she would not run if Duterte sought the vice-presidency. That is probably a tactic to generate publicity because Filipinos "love a reluctant candidate", University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco told AFP. Even if Sara misses the October 8 deadline for registration, she still has until November 15 to make a late entry -- as her father did in 2015. A presidential endorsement would normally be a "kiss of death", said Jorge Tigno of pollster Social Weather Stations, but Duterte's approval rating in its surveys was 62 percent in June, compared with 64 percent in 2016. "He tends to shake off most accusations of impropriety or extrajudicial killings," said Eurasia Group analyst Peter Mumford. "He's known as 'Teflon Duterte' for a reason."

'It is a circus': Philippine election season kicks off

The fight to succeed popular, long-serving chancellor Angela Merkel could barely be tighter as Germans go to the polls in parliamentary elections. Watch this report for more details.

Germany: Outcome uncertain, coalition government likely

Hundreds of thousands of young people around the world returned to the streets Friday in the first global climate protest since the coronavirus pandemic forced them into lockdowns.

Protesters gathered in Bangladesh, Kenya, the Netherlands and many other countries. But nowhere was the call to action more urgent than in Germany, where an estimated several hundred thousand people turned out in more than 400 cities, putting pressure on whoever wins a national election Sunday to put climate protection at the top of their agenda.

Greta Thunberg, the 18-year-old climate activist who started the Fridays for Future protests in Stockholm in 2018 by skipping school as a way of shaming the world into addressing climate change, made a guest appearance at a protest in Berlin.

“Yes, we must vote and you must vote, but remember that voting will not be enough,” she told the crowd, urging them to stay motivated and keep up the pressure on politicians.

“We can still turn this around. People are ready for change,” she said. “We demand the change, and we are the change.”

People of all ages marched through the center of Berlin, then rallied on the lawn before the Reichstag, where Germany’s parliament meets. Thousands turned out for similar protests in other cities across the country.

Germans will elect new representatives to parliament Sunday, and never before has the issue of climate change played such a role in a German election. Despite entering office with ambitions to reduce carbon emissions in 2005, four successive governments under Chancellor Angela Merkel failed to significantly reduce Germany’s carbon footprint. It remains in the top 10 of the world’s most polluting countries, according to the World Bank.

It has been young climate activists, inspired by Thunberg, who have succeeded in bringing the climate debate to the forefront of Germany’s political discussion. This year, they successfully took the government to court, forcing a 2019 law aimed at bringing the country’s carbon emissions down to nearly zero by 2050 to be reworked with more ambitious and detailed goals to reduce emissions through 2030.

Recent polls have shown the next German government could include left-leaning environmentalists who many hope will bring real change. The Social Democratic Party has been in the lead for several weeks, ahead of the conservative Christian Democrats, with the Greens firmly in third place, raising hopes that whichever party wins will include them in the next government.

But some young Germans are concerned that even the environmentally focused Greens may not enact policy aggressively enough to speed up Germany’s exit from coal, currently set for 2038. They are also demanding that Germany speed up its plan to reach climate neutrality, when net carbon emissions hit zero, 10 years earlier than planned, to help limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the lower boundary defined in the Paris Agreement.

“The last few months have shown how dishonestly the parties have been campaigning on the climate crisis, without even beginning to advocate sufficient measures to combat it,” said Maia Stimming, a spokesperson for Fridays for Future Germany.

“As one of the main polluters, Germany must finally stop the destruction,” she said. “Without massive pressure from us on the streets, no coalition will keep the 1.5-degree limit after the election.”

Alexandra Petrikat, an entrepreneur and mother of two young children who attended the demonstration in Berlin, said she was impressed by how peaceful and respectful the protesters were. At the same time, she said their message was loud and clear.

“I think that we sent a signal that whoever forms the next government can’t close their eyes to our demands,” Petrikat said. “We will not give up. We will keep growing and we will keep up the pressure.”

Hundreds of thousands of young people around the world returned to the streets Friday in the first global climate protest since the coronavirus pandemic forced them into lockdowns.

Hundreds of thousands of young people around the world returned to the streets Friday in the first global climate protest since the coronavirus pandemic forced them into lockdowns. Protesters gathered in Bangladesh, Kenya, the Netherlands and many other countries. But nowhere was the call to action more urgent than in Germany, where an estimated several hundred thousand people turned out in more than 400 cities, putting pressure on whoever wins a national election Sunday to put climate protection at the top of their agenda. Greta Thunberg, the 18-year-old climate activist who started the Fridays for Future protests in Stockholm in 2018 by skipping school as a way of shaming the world into addressing climate change, made a guest appearance at a protest in Berlin. “Yes, we must vote and you must vote, but remember that voting will not be enough,” she told the crowd, urging them to stay motivated and keep up the pressure on politicians. “We can still turn this around. People are ready for change,” she said. “We demand the change, and we are the change.” People of all ages marched through the center of Berlin, then rallied on the lawn before the Reichstag, where Germany’s parliament meets. Thousands turned out for similar protests in other cities across the country. Germans will elect new representatives to parliament Sunday, and never before has the issue of climate change played such a role in a German election. Despite entering office with ambitions to reduce carbon emissions in 2005, four successive governments under Chancellor Angela Merkel failed to significantly reduce Germany’s carbon footprint. It remains in the top 10 of the world’s most polluting countries, according to the World Bank. It has been young climate activists, inspired by Thunberg, who have succeeded in bringing the climate debate to the forefront of Germany’s political discussion. This year, they successfully took the government to court, forcing a 2019 law aimed at bringing the country’s carbon emissions down to nearly zero by 2050 to be reworked with more ambitious and detailed goals to reduce emissions through 2030. Recent polls have shown the next German government could include left-leaning environmentalists who many hope will bring real change. The Social Democratic Party has been in the lead for several weeks, ahead of the conservative Christian Democrats, with the Greens firmly in third place, raising hopes that whichever party wins will include them in the next government. But some young Germans are concerned that even the environmentally focused Greens may not enact policy aggressively enough to speed up Germany’s exit from coal, currently set for 2038. They are also demanding that Germany speed up its plan to reach climate neutrality, when net carbon emissions hit zero, 10 years earlier than planned, to help limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the lower boundary defined in the Paris Agreement. “The last few months have shown how dishonestly the parties have been campaigning on the climate crisis, without even beginning to advocate sufficient measures to combat it,” said Maia Stimming, a spokesperson for Fridays for Future Germany. “As one of the main polluters, Germany must finally stop the destruction,” she said. “Without massive pressure from us on the streets, no coalition will keep the 1.5-degree limit after the election.” Alexandra Petrikat, an entrepreneur and mother of two young children who attended the demonstration in Berlin, said she was impressed by how peaceful and respectful the protesters were. At the same time, she said their message was loud and clear. “I think that we sent a signal that whoever forms the next government can’t close their eyes to our demands,” Petrikat said. “We will not give up. We will keep growing and we will keep up the pressure.”

Before German election, hundreds of thousands demand climate action

Voters in Canada will head to polls on Monday to elect the country's 44th Parliament. Watch this report for more details.

Canada : Justin Trudeau banking on pandemic management

An election for Hong Kong's new Election Committee (EC) which only allowed "patriotic" candidates to run has concluded. The committee is responsible for choosing the city's next leader.

This is the first poll since sweeping reforms to its electoral system were passed. The number of registered voters was also slashed by almost 97 per cent , which means only 7,891 people were eligible to vote.

The electoral reform law passed in May was designed to weed out "non-patriots". Also, the EC was given new powerful responsibilities. It was allowed to nominate all candidates for LegCo - the city's parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-set-to-launch-tianzhou-3-cargo-spacecraft-today-414426">Also read |&nbsp;China set to launch Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft today</a>

Under the law, the EC was also expanded by 300 members from 1,200 to 1,500.&nbsp;

Earlier, the critics had warned that the voting reforms were intended to eliminate all opposition from the city’s parliament. They further argue that the new voting system allows even fewer voices to be heard. 
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An election for Hong Kong's new Election Committee (EC) which only allowed "patriotic" candidates to run has concluded. The committee is responsible for choosing the city's next leader.

An election for Hong Kong's new Election Committee (EC) which only allowed "patriotic" candidates to run has concluded. The committee is responsible for choosing the city's next leader. This is the first poll since sweeping reforms to its electoral system were passed. The number of registered voters was also slashed by almost 97 per cent , which means only 7,891 people were eligible to vote. The electoral reform law passed in May was designed to weed out "non-patriots". Also, the EC was given new powerful responsibilities. It was allowed to nominate all candidates for LegCo - the city's parliament. Also read | China set to launch Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft today Under the law, the EC was also expanded by 300 members from 1,200 to 1,500. Earlier, the critics had warned that the voting reforms were intended to eliminate all opposition from the city’s parliament. They further argue that the new voting system allows even fewer voices to be heard.

Hong Kong sees patriots inducted into new election committee

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