US&nbsp;television news networks kicked off coverage of an election night like no other, as a divided nation chooses the next president amid a global pandemic, with more voters casting their ballots early and by mail than ever before. 
 
In this year’s contest between Republican U.S. President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat, TV networks are facing heightened pressure to report election results accurately and without unwarranted speculation. 
 
Among the challenges facing the nation - and the networks - are a president stoking fears of ballot fraud, a deeply divided electorate and the spectre of a prolonged vote count, which raises the potential for protests, violence and lawsuits. 
 
On Fox Corp’s&nbsp;Fox News, correspondents warned viewers that results could look "weird" through the evening reflecting the rise in mail-in votes that may not be counted on Tuesday. On AT&amp;T Inc-owned CNN, chief national correspondent John King evaluated the first county-by-county results in Indiana on a large interactive digital map and compared the numbers to turnout four years ago. He repeatedly told viewers not to read too much into early tallies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ryan-reynolds-to-selena-gomez-celebrities-cast-their-first-vote-in-us-elections-2020-340460" hreflang="en">Ryan Reynolds to Selena Gomez: Celebrities cast their first vote in US Elections 2020</a> 
 
"We have a great team looking at this," he said. "We will explain it transparently as we go through the night." Comcast Corp's MSNBC, anchor Steve Kornacki reiterated that mail-in votes were likely to lean Democratic, examining early results from some counties in Kentucky as an example, where Biden currently had a lead with the small percentage of votes that had been counted. This will be the first presidential election in which the major TV networks will get data from different providers, raising the potential for divergent perspectives on election night returns. 
 
Fox News and the Associated Press are no longer using traditional in-person exit polls, instead of relying on online and telephone surveys that aim to reach early and Election Day voters. The news organizations will combine that survey data with real-time results tabulated by the AP to help make projections. 
 
The three broadcast news networks and CNN are part of the National Election Pool consortium, which will rely on the firm Edison Research for exit polls and results as they come in from each precinct. Reuters has a distribution deal with the NEP for 2020 election data. 
Networks will be showcasing their investments in more polling, deeper data analysis, and additional reporting on the mechanics of voting, voting integrity and misinformation. 
 
ViacomCBS Inc.-owned&nbsp;CBS News is broadcasting its Election Night coverage from Times Square for the first time. The network is using four high-resolution LED video walls to display real-time data, maps, results and video feed from around the country. 
 
NBC News` coverage will last until at least 4 a.m., and as long as the race continues. The network is relying on more than 100 NBC News journalists for its coverage. Its 'Decision Desk'&nbsp;will make projections when there is 99.5 per cent statistical confidence in the result. Walt Disney Co’s&nbsp;ABC News began its primetime coverage at 7 p.m. EST, with anchor George Stephanopoulos reporting from New York. Fox News is airing an eight-hour-long live special “Fox News Democracy 2020: Election Coverage;” additional coverage will continue until 9 a.m.

US television news networks kicked off coverage of an election night like no other, as a divided nation chooses the next president amid a global pandemic, with more voters casting their ballots early and by mail than ever before.

US television news networks kicked off coverage of an election night like no other, as a divided nation chooses the next president amid a global pandemic, with more voters casting their ballots early and by mail than ever before. In this year’s contest between Republican U.S. President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat, TV networks are facing heightened pressure to report election results accurately and without unwarranted speculation. Among the challenges facing the nation - and the networks - are a president stoking fears of ballot fraud, a deeply divided electorate and the spectre of a prolonged vote count, which raises the potential for protests, violence and lawsuits. On Fox Corp’s Fox News, correspondents warned viewers that results could look "weird" through the evening reflecting the rise in mail-in votes that may not be counted on Tuesday. On AT&T Inc-owned CNN, chief national correspondent John King evaluated the first county-by-county results in Indiana on a large interactive digital map and compared the numbers to turnout four years ago. He repeatedly told viewers not to read too much into early tallies. Ryan Reynolds to Selena Gomez: Celebrities cast their first vote in US Elections 2020 "We have a great team looking at this," he said. "We will explain it transparently as we go through the night." Comcast Corp's MSNBC, anchor Steve Kornacki reiterated that mail-in votes were likely to lean Democratic, examining early results from some counties in Kentucky as an example, where Biden currently had a lead with the small percentage of votes that had been counted. This will be the first presidential election in which the major TV networks will get data from different providers, raising the potential for divergent perspectives on election night returns. Fox News and the Associated Press are no longer using traditional in-person exit polls, instead of relying on online and telephone surveys that aim to reach early and Election Day voters. The news organizations will combine that survey data with real-time results tabulated by the AP to help make projections. The three broadcast news networks and CNN are part of the National Election Pool consortium, which will rely on the firm Edison Research for exit polls and results as they come in from each precinct. Reuters has a distribution deal with the NEP for 2020 election data. Networks will be showcasing their investments in more polling, deeper data analysis, and additional reporting on the mechanics of voting, voting integrity and misinformation. ViacomCBS Inc.-owned CBS News is broadcasting its Election Night coverage from Times Square for the first time. The network is using four high-resolution LED video walls to display real-time data, maps, results and video feed from around the country. NBC News` coverage will last until at least 4 a.m., and as long as the race continues. The network is relying on more than 100 NBC News journalists for its coverage. Its 'Decision Desk' will make projections when there is 99.5 per cent statistical confidence in the result. Walt Disney Co’s ABC News began its primetime coverage at 7 p.m. EST, with anchor George Stephanopoulos reporting from New York. Fox News is airing an eight-hour-long live special “Fox News Democracy 2020: Election Coverage;” additional coverage will continue until 9 a.m.

US TV networks prepare to deliver results of an unprecedented election

What's America's edge of tomorrow, Biden needs 6 electoral votes to win. Trump playing his cards for president chair, Who is going to be the next president of America?

US Election 2020:Election Results On A Knife Edge

Voters in ex-Soviet Moldova went to the polls on Sunday to elect a president under the watchful eye of Moscow which wants the polarised country to remain in its orbit amid political and security crises on Russia's borders.

Pro-Moscow president Igor Dodon is seeking a new four-year mandate, with his biggest challenge coming from longtime pro-Western rival&nbsp;Maia Sandu who wants Moldova to join the European Union.

Experts predict a second-round runoff on November 15, as neither Dodon nor Sandu are expected to secure an outright majority on Sunday. 
The impoverished country of 3.5 million has long been divided between those favouring closer ties with the EU and those who cling to Soviet-era relations with Moscow.

Although part of the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991, the tiny country between Ukraine and Romania has close historic ties with Romania and its main language is Romanian.

Many voters, wearing masks against the coronavirus, expressed disappointment with politicians as they cast their ballots in the rainy capital Chisinau.

"We have been waiting for a change for 30 years," Vasile Mardare, a 64-year-old physical education teacher, told AFP.&nbsp;

"I voted for the candidate who will bring Moldova closer to Western living standards."

In recent years, Moldova has been rocked by multiple political crises and a $1 billion bank fraud scheme equivalent to nearly 15 percent of the country's GDP.

Belarus scenario?

Some voters raised fears of post-election unrest like in fellow ex-Soviet republic Belarus, where protesters have mounted weeks of demonstrations after strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in an August election.

"We don't want things to happen like in Belarus, but if it continues like this I don't think there will be any another solution," said Maria Turcanu, a 55-year-old doctor in Chisinau, who said she was ready to protest.

Casting his ballot with his wife Galina, Dodon said the country was tired of upheaval.&nbsp;

"More than ever, Moldova must keep away from chaos," he said.&nbsp;"I have voted for a strong Moldova, for economic development and political stability."

Dodon, 45, came to power after beating Sandu in a 2016 election and is hoping to defeat her again.

Sandu is a 48-year-old centre-right politician who worked for the World Bank and briefly served as prime minister between June and November 2019.

"I voted for a state which works for its citizens, which creates employment opportunities and improves living conditions," she said while casting her vote.

"But for that we must drive out the corruption and incompetence of the presidency."

Six other candidates are contesting the vote.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed hope that Moldovan voters would back Dodon, noting their country's economy -- battered by the coronavirus outbreak -- is firmly linked to Russia.

With Lukashenko facing unprecedented protests in Belarus, Moscow is keen to avoid any further chaos among allies on its western borders, experts said.

Russia's 'strategic partner'

Valeriu Pasa, an analyst with the think tank WatchDog Moldova, compared the polls to a "referendum on Dodon's mandate" and said Moscow was seeking to maintain the status quo in Moldova.

"The current regime is fully subordinate to the Kremlin," Pasa told AFP.

Dodon, who served as economy minister under a Communist government between 2006 and 2009, has promised continued close ties with "strategic partner" Moscow and has said the Russian language should become compulsory in schools.

The economy relies in large part on remittances sent home by people working abroad.

Russia last week accused the United States of preparing a "revolution" in Moldova.

The head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Sergei Naryshkin alleged that Washington was inciting the Moldovan opposition to take to the streets after the vote to denounce its validity and demand a re-run.

Russia has troops in Moldova's Moscow-backed breakaway region of Transnistria, which broke away after a brief civil war following the collapse of the USSR in 1991 and is not internationally recognised.

Four hours before polls were due to close at 9:00 pm local time (1900 GMT), turnout was at 36 percent. First results expected overnight.

Voters in ex-Soviet Moldova went to the polls on Sunday to elect a president under the watchful eye of Moscow which wants the polarised country to remain in its orbit amid political and security crises on Russia's borders.

Voters in ex-Soviet Moldova went to the polls on Sunday to elect a president under the watchful eye of Moscow which wants the polarised country to remain in its orbit amid political and security crises on Russia's borders. Pro-Moscow president Igor Dodon is seeking a new four-year mandate, with his biggest challenge coming from longtime pro-Western rival Maia Sandu who wants Moldova to join the European Union. Experts predict a second-round runoff on November 15, as neither Dodon nor Sandu are expected to secure an outright majority on Sunday. The impoverished country of 3.5 million has long been divided between those favouring closer ties with the EU and those who cling to Soviet-era relations with Moscow. Although part of the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991, the tiny country between Ukraine and Romania has close historic ties with Romania and its main language is Romanian. Many voters, wearing masks against the coronavirus, expressed disappointment with politicians as they cast their ballots in the rainy capital Chisinau. "We have been waiting for a change for 30 years," Vasile Mardare, a 64-year-old physical education teacher, told AFP. "I voted for the candidate who will bring Moldova closer to Western living standards." In recent years, Moldova has been rocked by multiple political crises and a $1 billion bank fraud scheme equivalent to nearly 15 percent of the country's GDP. Belarus scenario? Some voters raised fears of post-election unrest like in fellow ex-Soviet republic Belarus, where protesters have mounted weeks of demonstrations after strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in an August election. "We don't want things to happen like in Belarus, but if it continues like this I don't think there will be any another solution," said Maria Turcanu, a 55-year-old doctor in Chisinau, who said she was ready to protest. Casting his ballot with his wife Galina, Dodon said the country was tired of upheaval. "More than ever, Moldova must keep away from chaos," he said. "I have voted for a strong Moldova, for economic development and political stability." Dodon, 45, came to power after beating Sandu in a 2016 election and is hoping to defeat her again. Sandu is a 48-year-old centre-right politician who worked for the World Bank and briefly served as prime minister between June and November 2019. "I voted for a state which works for its citizens, which creates employment opportunities and improves living conditions," she said while casting her vote. "But for that we must drive out the corruption and incompetence of the presidency." Six other candidates are contesting the vote. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed hope that Moldovan voters would back Dodon, noting their country's economy -- battered by the coronavirus outbreak -- is firmly linked to Russia. With Lukashenko facing unprecedented protests in Belarus, Moscow is keen to avoid any further chaos among allies on its western borders, experts said. Russia's 'strategic partner' Valeriu Pasa, an analyst with the think tank WatchDog Moldova, compared the polls to a "referendum on Dodon's mandate" and said Moscow was seeking to maintain the status quo in Moldova. "The current regime is fully subordinate to the Kremlin," Pasa told AFP. Dodon, who served as economy minister under a Communist government between 2006 and 2009, has promised continued close ties with "strategic partner" Moscow and has said the Russian language should become compulsory in schools. The economy relies in large part on remittances sent home by people working abroad. Russia last week accused the United States of preparing a "revolution" in Moldova. The head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Sergei Naryshkin alleged that Washington was inciting the Moldovan opposition to take to the streets after the vote to denounce its validity and demand a re-run. Russia has troops in Moldova's Moscow-backed breakaway region of Transnistria, which broke away after a brief civil war following the collapse of the USSR in 1991 and is not internationally recognised. Four hours before polls were due to close at 9:00 pm local time (1900 GMT), turnout was at 36 percent. First results expected overnight.

Moldova elects president amid Russia-West tug of war

Voters on the main islands of the Seychelles cast their ballot Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections spanning three days, across an idyllic archipelago that has been economically hammered by the coronavirus.

Polling stations opened at 7:00am (0300 GMT) on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue -- home to the majority of the 74,600 voters on the Seychelles, with the rest living on further-flung territories of the Indian Ocean nation. 
Some voters on northern Mahe gathered as early as 4:30 am. Later, as the morning sun beat down, many held up umbrellas outside the Bel Ombre polling station at a school close to a white sandy beach.

Voting took place Thursday and Friday on a few dozen of these outer islands, mainly for employees of hotels or the island management authority, who attended pop-up polling stations with election materials carried by plane or boat. Some on the main islands deemed essential workers, such as hospital and nursing staff, also voted Thursday.

The opposition, narrowly defeated in a presidential election in 2015 and buoyed by a landmark victory in a parliamentary poll a year later, is hoping for its first presidential win in the 40 years since Seychelles independence from Britain.

It is up against the incumbent Danny Faure, 58, who is running under the recently renamed United Seychelles ruling party which has been in power since 1977.

"I believe I will win these elections," Faure said after casting the first vote at a polling station in Beau Vallon, Mahe. "And I will respect the will and choice of the Seychelles people."

He said he would travel to the other islands of Praslin and La Digue to encourage voters to turn out. 
The main opposition parties did not manage to unite and Faure -- who was not elected but took over after his predecessor James Michel resigned -- faces two challengers.

His main rival is the Anglican priest Wavel Ramkalawan, who is taking his sixth shot at the presidency and lost by only 193 votes to Michel in an unprecedented second round of voting in 2015.

He is the candidate of the Linyon Democratik Seselwa (Seychelles Democratic Alliance) opposition party, the majority party in parliament after winning 19 of 34 seats in the last election.

The other candidate is Alain St Ange, who was in the opposition before joining the government as tourism minister from 2012-16, but switched back and is now running under the flag of a new party, One Seychelles.

Tourism downturn

The campaign took place mainly over social media, with rallies banned due to the coronavirus. The Bel Ombre polling station was closed briefly so staff could disinfect areas voters had touched.

Seychelles has recorded only 149 cases, mostly imported, but the pandemic has been a burning campaign issue as restrictions on global travel bottom out the tourism industry -- a major earner for the Seychelles and employer for many of its 98,000 people.

Visitor numbers have collapsed since March in the archipelago nation of 115 islands, normally a popular destination for honeymooners and paradise-seekers drawn by its fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

The economy has slowed significantly since the start of the pandemic and unemployment has risen from 4.8 to 6.3 percent, according to government figures.

While average income is among the highest in Africa, the national statistics agency says about 40 percent of Seychellois live in poverty because of the high cost of living.

Voters on the main islands of the Seychelles cast their ballot Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections spanning three days, across an idyllic archipelago that has been economically hammered by the coronavirus.

Voters on the main islands of the Seychelles cast their ballot Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections spanning three days, across an idyllic archipelago that has been economically hammered by the coronavirus. Polling stations opened at 7:00am (0300 GMT) on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue -- home to the majority of the 74,600 voters on the Seychelles, with the rest living on further-flung territories of the Indian Ocean nation. Some voters on northern Mahe gathered as early as 4:30 am. Later, as the morning sun beat down, many held up umbrellas outside the Bel Ombre polling station at a school close to a white sandy beach. Voting took place Thursday and Friday on a few dozen of these outer islands, mainly for employees of hotels or the island management authority, who attended pop-up polling stations with election materials carried by plane or boat. Some on the main islands deemed essential workers, such as hospital and nursing staff, also voted Thursday. The opposition, narrowly defeated in a presidential election in 2015 and buoyed by a landmark victory in a parliamentary poll a year later, is hoping for its first presidential win in the 40 years since Seychelles independence from Britain. It is up against the incumbent Danny Faure, 58, who is running under the recently renamed United Seychelles ruling party which has been in power since 1977. "I believe I will win these elections," Faure said after casting the first vote at a polling station in Beau Vallon, Mahe. "And I will respect the will and choice of the Seychelles people." He said he would travel to the other islands of Praslin and La Digue to encourage voters to turn out. The main opposition parties did not manage to unite and Faure -- who was not elected but took over after his predecessor James Michel resigned -- faces two challengers. His main rival is the Anglican priest Wavel Ramkalawan, who is taking his sixth shot at the presidency and lost by only 193 votes to Michel in an unprecedented second round of voting in 2015. He is the candidate of the Linyon Democratik Seselwa (Seychelles Democratic Alliance) opposition party, the majority party in parliament after winning 19 of 34 seats in the last election. The other candidate is Alain St Ange, who was in the opposition before joining the government as tourism minister from 2012-16, but switched back and is now running under the flag of a new party, One Seychelles. Tourism downturn The campaign took place mainly over social media, with rallies banned due to the coronavirus. The Bel Ombre polling station was closed briefly so staff could disinfect areas voters had touched. Seychelles has recorded only 149 cases, mostly imported, but the pandemic has been a burning campaign issue as restrictions on global travel bottom out the tourism industry -- a major earner for the Seychelles and employer for many of its 98,000 people. Visitor numbers have collapsed since March in the archipelago nation of 115 islands, normally a popular destination for honeymooners and paradise-seekers drawn by its fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The economy has slowed significantly since the start of the pandemic and unemployment has risen from 4.8 to 6.3 percent, according to government figures. While average income is among the highest in Africa, the national statistics agency says about 40 percent of Seychellois live in poverty because of the high cost of living.

Seychelles votes for president, lawmakers in election

Ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US election 2020</a>, the tech giant Google has decided to add some features related to the elections and voting which can help the voters through the process.

If a voter searches for phrases such as "early voting locations" or&nbsp;"ballot drop boxes near me", the search engine will now show the details on where can one go to vote and will also show the drop boxes for mail-in voters. The search will also give information such as the distance and time it will take to travel there, and the amount of crowd.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-how-are-votes-counted-in-the-presidential-election-335422">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election?</a>

The same will also remind people about what all do the voters need to carry with themselves while going to that specific location, such as identitity cards,&nbsp;bring your ballot completed and sealed, and so on.

"Just as easily, you`ll soon be able to ask, `Hey Google, where do I vote?` and Google Assistant will share details on where to vote nearby on your Assistant-enabled phone, smart speaker or Smart Display," Yunhan Xu, Product Manager at Google wrote in a blog post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-how-the-states-vote-for-the-presidential-elections-335430">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: How the States vote for the Presidential elections</a>

"After you`ve selected a voting location or ballot drop box in your area, you can click through from Google Search or Google Assistant to Google Maps for quick information about how far it is, how to get there, and voting hours."

Similarly, if you search for your voting location in Google Maps you`ll have easy access to the feature in Search to help you confirm where you can cast your vote, the company said.

The features have been revealed just a couple of weeks prior to the election date, i.e. November 03. Some of the states have already started early voting. This year, the election is between the US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival and former Vice President Joe Biden.

Ahead of the US election 2020, the tech giant Google has decided to add some features related to the elections and voting which can help the voters through the process.

Ahead of the US election 2020, the tech giant Google has decided to add some features related to the elections and voting which can help the voters through the process. If a voter searches for phrases such as "early voting locations" or "ballot drop boxes near me", the search engine will now show the details on where can one go to vote and will also show the drop boxes for mail-in voters. The search will also give information such as the distance and time it will take to travel there, and the amount of crowd. Also read| US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election? The same will also remind people about what all do the voters need to carry with themselves while going to that specific location, such as identitity cards, bring your ballot completed and sealed, and so on. "Just as easily, you`ll soon be able to ask, `Hey Google, where do I vote?` and Google Assistant will share details on where to vote nearby on your Assistant-enabled phone, smart speaker or Smart Display," Yunhan Xu, Product Manager at Google wrote in a blog post. Also read| US election 2020: How the States vote for the Presidential elections "After you`ve selected a voting location or ballot drop box in your area, you can click through from Google Search or Google Assistant to Google Maps for quick information about how far it is, how to get there, and voting hours." Similarly, if you search for your voting location in Google Maps you`ll have easy access to the feature in Search to help you confirm where you can cast your vote, the company said. The features have been revealed just a couple of weeks prior to the election date, i.e. November 03. Some of the states have already started early voting. This year, the election is between the US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival and former Vice President Joe Biden.

Google launches election-related features weeks before US election 2020

The 2020 New Zealand general elections are slated to take place on Saturday, October 17. This will determine the leadership of the 53rd New Zealand Parliament.&nbsp;

But the country is battling a problem rampant across the globe: harassment of women. This becomes peculiar in New Zealand, where the election is being fought among two women - the incumbent Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, along with Judith Collins, her main opposition.&nbsp;

The country has come up with a new solution: an abuse-fighting bot! In a bid to tackle harassment of female candidates in the country, the bot is sending out positive messages across social media platforms in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-says-we-beat-the-virus-again-332552" hreflang="en">New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern says 'we beat the virus again'</a>

Along with the two major candidates, more than 260 parliamentary candidates have become a target for sexism and harassment online.

Owing to this precarious situation, the country launched the “Parity Bot”, which was also used in Canadian elections last year. For every negative and abusive tweet against female candidates, the bot sends out a positive message.

"A whole bunch of studies out there show women candidates get exponentially more toxic tweets than men, which is why we have created this for women," Jacqueline Comer, a creative technologist for the bot, told Reuters.

"It is not to say that men don't suffer from this, but it is a bigger problem for women," she further said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-zealands-ardern-takes-on-housing-crisis-issue-ahead-of-early-voting-331917" hreflang="en">New Zealand's Ardern takes on housing crisis issue ahead of early voting</a>

The bot has analysed over 95,000 tweets and found over 1,800 abusive tweets, with most directed at Ardern and Collins.

The messages sent out by the bot read something like this - "great women like you running to make NZ a better place".

New Zealand was the world’s first nation to give voting rights to women in 1893.&nbsp;

The 2020 New Zealand general elections are slated to take place on Saturday, October 17. This will determine the leadership of the 53rd New Zealand Parliament. But the country is battling a problem rampant across the globe: harassment of women.

The 2020 New Zealand general elections are slated to take place on Saturday, October 17. This will determine the leadership of the 53rd New Zealand Parliament. But the country is battling a problem rampant across the globe: harassment of women. This becomes peculiar in New Zealand, where the election is being fought among two women - the incumbent Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, along with Judith Collins, her main opposition. The country has come up with a new solution: an abuse-fighting bot! In a bid to tackle harassment of female candidates in the country, the bot is sending out positive messages across social media platforms in the country. Also read: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern says 'we beat the virus again' Along with the two major candidates, more than 260 parliamentary candidates have become a target for sexism and harassment online. Owing to this precarious situation, the country launched the “Parity Bot”, which was also used in Canadian elections last year. For every negative and abusive tweet against female candidates, the bot sends out a positive message. "A whole bunch of studies out there show women candidates get exponentially more toxic tweets than men, which is why we have created this for women," Jacqueline Comer, a creative technologist for the bot, told Reuters. "It is not to say that men don't suffer from this, but it is a bigger problem for women," she further said. Also read: New Zealand's Ardern takes on housing crisis issue ahead of early voting The bot has analysed over 95,000 tweets and found over 1,800 abusive tweets, with most directed at Ardern and Collins. The messages sent out by the bot read something like this - "great women like you running to make NZ a better place". New Zealand was the world’s first nation to give voting rights to women in 1893.

Election bot deployed in New Zealand to fight online sexism

The Patna district administration has identified 47 open grounds and 19 halls where political parties can schedule their public meetings during the Bihar Assembly elections, a top state government official said.

The number of participants, however, cannot exceed 100 people at such rallies till October 14, irrespective of the size of the ground.

"The district administration has, so far, identified 47 grounds and 19 halls in the district where election meetings or rallies could be held for campaigning in the assembly polls," Patna District Magistrate Kumar Ravi told PTI on Saturday.

He also said the district administration was open to accommodate more venues on the suggestions of parties.

Ravi said as per the latest Central government guidelines, from October 15, norms will be relaxed to allow up to 200 participants in a hall, while there is no limit of participants at open grounds, subject to strict observance of COVID-19 protocols.

Voting for 243 assembly constituencies in the state will be held in three phases -- October 28 (71 seats), November 3 (94 seats) and November 7 (78 seats).

The counting of votes will take place on November 10.

Campaigning for the first phase will begin after the last date of withdrawal of nominations on October 12.

Asked whether the historic Gandhi Maidan would be permitted as a venue for public meetings, Ravi said it has never been used for rallies after the announcement of the poll schedule.

"Whatever meetings or rallies that took place at Gandhi Maidan have been held prior to the declaration of the election schedule," he said.

The Patna district administration has identified 47 open grounds and 19 halls where political parties can schedule their public meetings during the Bihar Assembly elections, a top state government official said.

The Patna district administration has identified 47 open grounds and 19 halls where political parties can schedule their public meetings during the Bihar Assembly elections, a top state government official said. The number of participants, however, cannot exceed 100 people at such rallies till October 14, irrespective of the size of the ground. "The district administration has, so far, identified 47 grounds and 19 halls in the district where election meetings or rallies could be held for campaigning in the assembly polls," Patna District Magistrate Kumar Ravi told PTI on Saturday. He also said the district administration was open to accommodate more venues on the suggestions of parties. Ravi said as per the latest Central government guidelines, from October 15, norms will be relaxed to allow up to 200 participants in a hall, while there is no limit of participants at open grounds, subject to strict observance of COVID-19 protocols. Voting for 243 assembly constituencies in the state will be held in three phases -- October 28 (71 seats), November 3 (94 seats) and November 7 (78 seats). The counting of votes will take place on November 10. Campaigning for the first phase will begin after the last date of withdrawal of nominations on October 12. Asked whether the historic Gandhi Maidan would be permitted as a venue for public meetings, Ravi said it has never been used for rallies after the announcement of the poll schedule. "Whatever meetings or rallies that took place at Gandhi Maidan have been held prior to the declaration of the election schedule," he said.

47 open grounds, 19 halls to be used for public rallies during Bihar polls; only 100 people to be allowed

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday delayed New Zealand's looming election by four weeks to October 17 after a renewed coronavirus outbreak hampered campaigning.

Ardern was under pressure from political opponents and her coalition partners to shift the original September 19 vote after COVID-19 was detected in Auckland last week, sending the country's largest city into lockdown.

She said the return of the virus after 102 days without community transmission had rattled Kiwis and could have discouraged some from casting their ballots in a September election.

The centre-left leader, who is riding high in opinion polls, also acknowledged concerns from rivals that curbs on campaigning would unfairly weigh the election in favour of her government.

After spending the weekend consulting with party leaders and the Electoral Commission, she chose October 17, the earliest delayed date available to her.

Ardern said the change meant all parties would be campaigning under the same conditions and she would not move the date again regardless of the situation.

"I have absolutely no intention at all to change from this point," she said.

"This decision gives all parties time over the next nine weeks to campaign and the Electoral Commission enough time to ensure an election can go ahead."

All parties temporarily suspended campaigning in the wake of last week's outbreak, the source of which remains unknown.

The virus was first detected in four family members in Auckland last Tuesday and by Sunday the cluster had grown to 49 confirmed cases.

'Common sense'

The South Pacific nation is following the same strategy that helped contain coronavirus during a seven-week lockdown earlier this year -- isolating positive cases, contact tracing and extensive testing.

The earlier success has helped lift Ardern's personal popularity rating to a record 60 percent, along with her leadership during last year's Christchurch mosque attacks and the White Island volcano eruption.

Ardern's Labour Party is on track to win office in its own right, without the minor party coalition partners -- the Greens and New Zealand First (NZF) -- it needed during its first term.

The main opposition National Party last week demanded the election be postponed until late November, or preferably next year, saying September 19 was untenable.

Ardern's coalition partner NZF backed the delay Monday after earlier saying the September option had been "fatally compromised" by the outbreak.

"Common sense has prevailed," said NZF leader and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, whose populist party faces an election wipeout on current polling.

Labour's other coalition partner, the Greens, said the four-week delay should give health authorities time to contain the Auckland cluster.

But co-leader James Shaw accused some parties of displaying "naked political self-interest" in demanding a delay, saying they hoped the pandemic's economic impact would dent the government's popularity in the meantime.

"We have been incredibly disappointed to see the National and other small parties continue to use the weekend to bang on about what would suit them best politically," he said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday delayed New Zealand's looming election by four weeks to October 17 after a renewed coronavirus outbreak hampered campaigning.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday delayed New Zealand's looming election by four weeks to October 17 after a renewed coronavirus outbreak hampered campaigning. Ardern was under pressure from political opponents and her coalition partners to shift the original September 19 vote after COVID-19 was detected in Auckland last week, sending the country's largest city into lockdown. She said the return of the virus after 102 days without community transmission had rattled Kiwis and could have discouraged some from casting their ballots in a September election. The centre-left leader, who is riding high in opinion polls, also acknowledged concerns from rivals that curbs on campaigning would unfairly weigh the election in favour of her government. After spending the weekend consulting with party leaders and the Electoral Commission, she chose October 17, the earliest delayed date available to her. Ardern said the change meant all parties would be campaigning under the same conditions and she would not move the date again regardless of the situation. "I have absolutely no intention at all to change from this point," she said. "This decision gives all parties time over the next nine weeks to campaign and the Electoral Commission enough time to ensure an election can go ahead." All parties temporarily suspended campaigning in the wake of last week's outbreak, the source of which remains unknown. The virus was first detected in four family members in Auckland last Tuesday and by Sunday the cluster had grown to 49 confirmed cases. 'Common sense' The South Pacific nation is following the same strategy that helped contain coronavirus during a seven-week lockdown earlier this year -- isolating positive cases, contact tracing and extensive testing. The earlier success has helped lift Ardern's personal popularity rating to a record 60 percent, along with her leadership during last year's Christchurch mosque attacks and the White Island volcano eruption. Ardern's Labour Party is on track to win office in its own right, without the minor party coalition partners -- the Greens and New Zealand First (NZF) -- it needed during its first term. The main opposition National Party last week demanded the election be postponed until late November, or preferably next year, saying September 19 was untenable. Ardern's coalition partner NZF backed the delay Monday after earlier saying the September option had been "fatally compromised" by the outbreak. "Common sense has prevailed," said NZF leader and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, whose populist party faces an election wipeout on current polling. Labour's other coalition partner, the Greens, said the four-week delay should give health authorities time to contain the Auckland cluster. But co-leader James Shaw accused some parties of displaying "naked political self-interest" in demanding a delay, saying they hoped the pandemic's economic impact would dent the government's popularity in the meantime. "We have been incredibly disappointed to see the National and other small parties continue to use the weekend to bang on about what would suit them best politically," he said.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return

Masking the politics: Sri Lanka gears up for parliamentary elections amid pandemic

Syria held a parliamentary election on Sunday after new US&nbsp;sanctions were passed after President Bashar al-Assad took control of most of the country.

There were nearly 7,000 polling stations, including for the first time in former rebel bastions that the army has recaptured over the last two years.

The elections were earlier set to take place in April but were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has crippled the already struggling economy of Syria.

The elections were for nearly 250 MP seats which are being eyes by more than 1,600 candidates. This is the third time such an election has taken place since 2011.

The voters, who were mainly spotted without face masks, were disinfected upon arrival. People were being urged to maintain distance from once another to make sure the infection does not spread.

Locals claim that they came out to vote as they want change in the present living conditions and the constant rising prices of essentials in the war-striken&nbsp;country.

Syria held a parliamentary election on Sunday after new US sanctions were passed after President Bashar al-Assad took control of most of the country. There were nearly 7,000 polling stations, including for the first time in former rebel bastions that the army has recaptured over the last two years.

Syria held a parliamentary election on Sunday after new US sanctions were passed after President Bashar al-Assad took control of most of the country. There were nearly 7,000 polling stations, including for the first time in former rebel bastions that the army has recaptured over the last two years. The elections were earlier set to take place in April but were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has crippled the already struggling economy of Syria. The elections were for nearly 250 MP seats which are being eyes by more than 1,600 candidates. This is the third time such an election has taken place since 2011. The voters, who were mainly spotted without face masks, were disinfected upon arrival. People were being urged to maintain distance from once another to make sure the infection does not spread. Locals claim that they came out to vote as they want change in the present living conditions and the constant rising prices of essentials in the war-striken country.

Syria goes to parliamentary elections as new US sanctions hit amid pandemic

Masked Singapore locals come out to cast vote in 'new normal' style

Enforcing a fake news law in the run up to a national election, authorities in Singapore have ordered that online references to some comments made by opposition figures on key issues must carry a warning that the content contains false information.

Rights groups have long-warned that the law, which came into effect last year and has repeatedly been directed at opposition figures, may be used to silence criticism of the government ahead of the July 10 vote.

Since campaigning began on July 1, opposition candidates have been taken to task under the law over comments made on three issues; government spending for foreign students, plans to grow the city-state`s 5.7 million population to 10 million, and government advisories that discouraged COVID-19 testing for foreign workers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-why-one-party-dominates-singapore-politics-310968">Also read|&nbsp;Explainer: Why one party dominates Singapore politics</a>

Concerns about immigration and jobs have dominated discussion during the campaigning as the city-state faces its deepest ever recession due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As yet, no lawmakers from the ruling People's Action Party - which has governed since independence in 1965 - have been served correction orders.

The government has denied suggestions that the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) could be used to stifle opposition, and says the law does not curb legitimate criticism or restrict free speech. The POFMA office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Government ministers usually have the power to exercise the law, but during the election period this responsibility has been handed to senior civil servants.

Under the law, authorities can order political parties, news outlets and social media users to carry warnings that their pages or posts contain false statements, and to include links to a government fact-checking website.

The Singapore Democratic Party, one of the opposition parties that has fallen foul of the law, said in a post that carried the warning that it disputed the "correction" but was bound to comply and would appeal.

Rights groups and opposition parties have criticised the government for calling the election while Singapore was still trying to stamp out COVID-19 infections, though most cases have been in migrant worker dormitories.

The government says it needs a fresh mandate to tackle the economic and social challenges ahead.

Enforcing a fake news law in the run up to a national election, authorities in Singapore have ordered that online references to some comments made by opposition figures on key issues must carry a warning that the content contains false information.

Enforcing a fake news law in the run up to a national election, authorities in Singapore have ordered that online references to some comments made by opposition figures on key issues must carry a warning that the content contains false information. Rights groups have long-warned that the law, which came into effect last year and has repeatedly been directed at opposition figures, may be used to silence criticism of the government ahead of the July 10 vote. Since campaigning began on July 1, opposition candidates have been taken to task under the law over comments made on three issues; government spending for foreign students, plans to grow the city-state`s 5.7 million population to 10 million, and government advisories that discouraged COVID-19 testing for foreign workers. Also read| Explainer: Why one party dominates Singapore politics Concerns about immigration and jobs have dominated discussion during the campaigning as the city-state faces its deepest ever recession due to the coronavirus pandemic. As yet, no lawmakers from the ruling People's Action Party - which has governed since independence in 1965 - have been served correction orders. The government has denied suggestions that the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) could be used to stifle opposition, and says the law does not curb legitimate criticism or restrict free speech. The POFMA office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Government ministers usually have the power to exercise the law, but during the election period this responsibility has been handed to senior civil servants. Under the law, authorities can order political parties, news outlets and social media users to carry warnings that their pages or posts contain false statements, and to include links to a government fact-checking website. The Singapore Democratic Party, one of the opposition parties that has fallen foul of the law, said in a post that carried the warning that it disputed the "correction" but was bound to comply and would appeal. Rights groups and opposition parties have criticised the government for calling the election while Singapore was still trying to stamp out COVID-19 infections, though most cases have been in migrant worker dormitories. The government says it needs a fresh mandate to tackle the economic and social challenges ahead.

Singapore's fake news law trips up opposition as election looms

Singapore first family's property dispute is turning into a public rift. Founding father Lee Kuan Yew's sons are likely to face-off in the upcoming election. The brothers could be up against each other in the upcoming Singapore General election. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you the story.

Gravitas: Singapore election to spring a surprise?

The Election Commission of India has postponed the Rajya Sabha elections due to the threat of coronavirus.&nbsp;

The 18 Rajya Sabha seats of seven states were to be polled on March 26. It is accepted that now the new date of polls will be discharged simply in the wake of getting alleviation from COVID-19.

A total of 55 Rajya Sabha seats of 17 states were being vacated in April. On March 26, the Commission issued notification for elections to these seats. Most of the seats in several states including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh have been elected unopposed. Only 18 Rajya Sabha seats were to be elected through voting.

Nearly 500 coronavirus cases have been reported in India so far, according to Health Ministry data on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, as many as 30 states/UTs have been placed under complete lockdown even as the number of coronavirus COVID-19 cases have reached 471 across India by Monday evening. The death toll from the highly contagious infection stood at nine.

The Centre has also decided to restrict all domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country.

All domestic flights from midnight on March 24 have been cancelled. However, these restrictions will not apply to cargo flights.

"Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 2359 hours on 24/3/2020," the Ministry said in a statement.

The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally. &nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of India has postponed the Rajya Sabha elections due to the threat of coronavirus. The 18 Rajya Sabha seats of seven states were to be polled on March 26.

The Election Commission of India has postponed the Rajya Sabha elections due to the threat of coronavirus. The 18 Rajya Sabha seats of seven states were to be polled on March 26. It is accepted that now the new date of polls will be discharged simply in the wake of getting alleviation from COVID-19. A total of 55 Rajya Sabha seats of 17 states were being vacated in April. On March 26, the Commission issued notification for elections to these seats. Most of the seats in several states including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh have been elected unopposed. Only 18 Rajya Sabha seats were to be elected through voting. Nearly 500 coronavirus cases have been reported in India so far, according to Health Ministry data on Tuesday. Meanwhile, as many as 30 states/UTs have been placed under complete lockdown even as the number of coronavirus COVID-19 cases have reached 471 across India by Monday evening. The death toll from the highly contagious infection stood at nine. The Centre has also decided to restrict all domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country. All domestic flights from midnight on March 24 have been cancelled. However, these restrictions will not apply to cargo flights. "Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 2359 hours on 24/3/2020," the Ministry said in a statement. The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajya Sabha election scheduled for March 26 postponed amid Covid-19 lockdown

Iranian parliamentary election begins, hardliners set to dominate

The Supreme Court said today that Every Political Parties must publish the Criminal History of the Candidates on their Website.The Supreme Court said it would be mandatory for parties to upload the details of their candidates' criminal history on their websites, on social media and in newspapers within 48 hours of selection

SC's Strict Order: Parties must publish Criminal history of the candidates

The Supreme Court of India directed that it is now mandatory for political parties to upload details of pending cases against candidates with criminal backgrounds on their website.

Supreme Court directs political parties to upload criminal records of candidates

Israel headed on Wednesday towards the ballot boxes for a record third time in 12 months.

As expected, there was no last-minute miracle as President of Israel Reuven Rivlin's deadline for government formation expired overnight.

Interestingly, even before the deadline lapsed, the Israeli parliament passed a preliminary vote to dissolve itself.

The fresh elections will now be held on March 2 in 2020.

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to twitter blaming the blue and white party for leading the country to a third election.

He has vowed to win big, this time around.But in reality, Netanyahu faces an uphill battle.

So what does this hat-trick of polls mean for Israel.For Netanyahu, it means more time in office.

He will be looking to reinforce his position by going ahead with his plan to annex the west bank.

As long as he is the prime minister, Netanyahu has immunity from prosecution.

For the general public, this means yet another trip to the polling stations.

Public anger has been growing against the political class for not being able to find common ground.

But recent opinion polls indicate that much of that anger is directed at Netanyahu than his opponent Benny Gantz.

Gantz's blue and white is likely to win more seats than Netanyahu's likud party according to the poll.But he is still likely to fall short of the majority mark.

Israel headed on Wednesday towards the ballot boxes for a record third time in 12 months. As expected, there was no last-minute miracle as President of Israel Reuven Rivlin's deadline for government formation expired overnight.

Israel headed on Wednesday towards the ballot boxes for a record third time in 12 months. As expected, there was no last-minute miracle as President of Israel Reuven Rivlin's deadline for government formation expired overnight. Interestingly, even before the deadline lapsed, the Israeli parliament passed a preliminary vote to dissolve itself. The fresh elections will now be held on March 2 in 2020. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to twitter blaming the blue and white party for leading the country to a third election. He has vowed to win big, this time around.But in reality, Netanyahu faces an uphill battle. So what does this hat-trick of polls mean for Israel.For Netanyahu, it means more time in office. He will be looking to reinforce his position by going ahead with his plan to annex the west bank. As long as he is the prime minister, Netanyahu has immunity from prosecution. For the general public, this means yet another trip to the polling stations. Public anger has been growing against the political class for not being able to find common ground. But recent opinion polls indicate that much of that anger is directed at Netanyahu than his opponent Benny Gantz. Gantz's blue and white is likely to win more seats than Netanyahu's likud party according to the poll.But he is still likely to fall short of the majority mark.

Israel heads to new election: Third in twelve months as stalemate continues

An Algerian court jailed two former prime ministers for corruption on Tuesday, two days before a presidential election which protesters want cancelled.

Ahmed Ouyahia, who was prime minister four times, received a 15-year jail sentence and Abdelmalek Sellal, who was twice premier, was jailed for 12 years. They denied all charges, including "misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power and granting undue privileges".

The court in Algiers also handed 10-year prison terms to two former industry ministers, and sentences ranging from three to seven years to five prominent businessmen.

Many former senior officials have been in detention as the army seeks to quell mass protests that began in February demanding the prosecution of people involved in corruption and the removal of the ruling elite.

Tuesday's sentences marked the second verdict since September, when a military court handed long prison terms to the once untouchable intelligence chief and youngest brother of the former president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Bouteflika resigned in April under pressure from the protests which began in February. Demonstrators say Thursday's election will not be fair because some of Bouteflika's allies are still in power.

The army has said the vote will be fair and an election is the only way to get out of the crisis.

Tuesday's verdict is linked to corruption in the car assembly business and "hidden financing" of Bouteflika's campaign for a fifth five-year term in an election that was scrapped earlier this year.

Among the businessmen jailed was Ali Haddad, a former chief of Algeria's largest business association, who was imprisoned for seven years. Former transport minister Abdelghani Zaalane was the only defendant acquitted.

All those on trial were allies of Bouteflika and denied the charges. Sellal's son, Fares, a shareholder in a car assembly plant, was handed a three-year jail sentence.

The court also issued a 20-year prison sentence in absentia to former industry minister Abdesslam Bouchouareb, who is abroad. An international arrest warrant has been issued by the same court.

An Algerian court jailed two former prime ministers for corruption on Tuesday, two days before a presidential election which protesters want cancelled. Ahmed Ouyahia, who was prime minister four times, received a 15-year jail sentence and Abdelmalek Sellal, who was twice premier, was jailed for 12 years.

An Algerian court jailed two former prime ministers for corruption on Tuesday, two days before a presidential election which protesters want cancelled. Ahmed Ouyahia, who was prime minister four times, received a 15-year jail sentence and Abdelmalek Sellal, who was twice premier, was jailed for 12 years. They denied all charges, including "misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power and granting undue privileges". The court in Algiers also handed 10-year prison terms to two former industry ministers, and sentences ranging from three to seven years to five prominent businessmen. Many former senior officials have been in detention as the army seeks to quell mass protests that began in February demanding the prosecution of people involved in corruption and the removal of the ruling elite. Tuesday's sentences marked the second verdict since September, when a military court handed long prison terms to the once untouchable intelligence chief and youngest brother of the former president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Bouteflika resigned in April under pressure from the protests which began in February. Demonstrators say Thursday's election will not be fair because some of Bouteflika's allies are still in power. The army has said the vote will be fair and an election is the only way to get out of the crisis. Tuesday's verdict is linked to corruption in the car assembly business and "hidden financing" of Bouteflika's campaign for a fifth five-year term in an election that was scrapped earlier this year. Among the businessmen jailed was Ali Haddad, a former chief of Algeria's largest business association, who was imprisoned for seven years. Former transport minister Abdelghani Zaalane was the only defendant acquitted. All those on trial were allies of Bouteflika and denied the charges. Sellal's son, Fares, a shareholder in a car assembly plant, was handed a three-year jail sentence. The court also issued a 20-year prison sentence in absentia to former industry minister Abdesslam Bouchouareb, who is abroad. An international arrest warrant has been issued by the same court.

Algeria: Two ex-prime ministers jailed two days before election

An Americas regional forum on Wednesday published details of "deliberate" and "malicious" steps to rig <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-launches-anti-terror-unit-in-bid-to-fight-threatening-foreign-groups-266039">Bolivia's October election</a> in favour of then-President Evo Morales, who has resigned and left the Andean nation in political crisis.

A nearly 100-page report by the Organisation of American States (OAS) described several violations, including the use of a hidden computer server designed to tilt the vote toward Morales.

A charismatic leftist and Bolivia's first indigenous president, Morales stood for president despite a 2016 referendum that voted down a proposal to allow him to run for a fourth consecutive term. A court packed with loyalists gave him a green light to run indefinitely.

"Given the overwhelming evidence we have found, we can confirm a series of malicious operations aimed at altering the will of the voters," the OAS report said.

OAS findings included "deliberate actions to manipulate the result of the election" that make it "impossible to validate" the official results, the report said.

Morales fled to Mexico shortly after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-reforges-us-ties-as-political-alliances-redrawn-264972">OAS' initial report</a> in early November. He described the allegations of vote-rigging as a political hit, saying the OAS was "in the service of the North American empire."

Bolivia’s Congress in late November passed legislation to annul the contested elections and pave the way for a new vote without Morales, a major breakthrough in the political crisis.

Interim President Jeanine Anez, a former conservative lawmaker, has also pledged new elections.

At least 30 people have died in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-first-ambassador-to-united-states-appointed-in-11-years-264747">clashes between protesters and security forces</a> since the October&nbsp;20 election. Most have died since Morales stepped down on November&nbsp;10.

An Americas regional forum on Wednesday published details of "deliberate" and "malicious" steps to rig Bolivia's October election in favour of then-President Evo Morales, who has resigned and left the Andean nation in political crisis.

An Americas regional forum on Wednesday published details of "deliberate" and "malicious" steps to rig Bolivia's October election in favour of then-President Evo Morales, who has resigned and left the Andean nation in political crisis. A nearly 100-page report by the Organisation of American States (OAS) described several violations, including the use of a hidden computer server designed to tilt the vote toward Morales. A charismatic leftist and Bolivia's first indigenous president, Morales stood for president despite a 2016 referendum that voted down a proposal to allow him to run for a fourth consecutive term. A court packed with loyalists gave him a green light to run indefinitely. "Given the overwhelming evidence we have found, we can confirm a series of malicious operations aimed at altering the will of the voters," the OAS report said. OAS findings included "deliberate actions to manipulate the result of the election" that make it "impossible to validate" the official results, the report said. Morales fled to Mexico shortly after the OAS' initial report in early November. He described the allegations of vote-rigging as a political hit, saying the OAS was "in the service of the North American empire." Bolivia’s Congress in late November passed legislation to annul the contested elections and pave the way for a new vote without Morales, a major breakthrough in the political crisis. Interim President Jeanine Anez, a former conservative lawmaker, has also pledged new elections. At least 30 people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces since the October 20 election. Most have died since Morales stepped down on November 10.

Bolivia election rigging in favour of Morales was 'overwhelming': OAS final report

We have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to form a coordination committee in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or appoint an NDA convener for better coordination among allies, said LJP chief Chirag Paswan here on Sunday.

Speaking to ANI after the all-party meeting held ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, Paswan said: "During the meeting, the Lok Janshakti Party urged the Prime Minister to form a coordination committee or appoint a convener in the NDA so that there is a better coordination and exchange of views among the alliance partners."

Paswan said that Shiv Sena's absence was felt at the meeting, given the fact that it is one of the oldest members of the NDA. He said that it is a matter of concern that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) left the alliance first and then the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) did.

"I believe more such meetings should take place at a regular interval to make the things within the alliance better. We discussed how the alliance partners would work together during the upcoming winter session," said Paswan.

The meeting, convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, saw the attendance of PM Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Thawarchand Gehlot, V Muraleedharan and Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Speaking at the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the government would work together with all parties in a constructive manner and take up all pending legislative works.

We have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to form a coordination committee in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or appoint an NDA convener for better coordination among allies, said LJP chief Chirag Paswan here on Sunday.

We have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to form a coordination committee in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or appoint an NDA convener for better coordination among allies, said LJP chief Chirag Paswan here on Sunday. Speaking to ANI after the all-party meeting held ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, Paswan said: "During the meeting, the Lok Janshakti Party urged the Prime Minister to form a coordination committee or appoint a convener in the NDA so that there is a better coordination and exchange of views among the alliance partners." Paswan said that Shiv Sena's absence was felt at the meeting, given the fact that it is one of the oldest members of the NDA. He said that it is a matter of concern that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) left the alliance first and then the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) did. "I believe more such meetings should take place at a regular interval to make the things within the alliance better. We discussed how the alliance partners would work together during the upcoming winter session," said Paswan. The meeting, convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, saw the attendance of PM Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Thawarchand Gehlot, V Muraleedharan and Arjun Ram Meghwal. Speaking at the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the government would work together with all parties in a constructive manner and take up all pending legislative works.

Urged PM Modi to form NDA coordination committee, says Chirag Paswan

The Organisation of American States recommended on Sunday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-seize-state-run-media-in-bolivia-as-tensions-soar-261099">Bolivia hold new elections</a>, saying it had identified serious irregularities in the last vote that called into question the victory of President Evo Morales.

The international body said its audit of the October 20&nbsp;election had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system and it could not verify the result.

"The manipulations to the computer system are of such magnitude that they must be deeply investigated by the Bolivian State to get to the bottom of and assign responsibility in this serious case," the preliminary report said.

The OAS said it was not statistically likely that Morales had secured the 10 percentage point margin of victory needed to win outright and recommended Bolivia use new electoral authorities for any new vote.

"The first round of the elections held on October 20 must be annulled and the electoral process must begin again, with the first round taking place as soon as there are new conditions that give new guarantees for it to take place, including a newly composed electoral body," the OAS said in a press release.

Morales was declared the winner of the October election with a lead of just over 10 points over his rival Carlos Mesa, giving him an outright win. But there have been widespread protests since against the result after a near 24-hour halt in the count.

Morales, who came to power in 2006 as Bolivia’s first indigenous leader, has defended his election win but has said he would adhere to the findings of the OAS audit. He was expected to give a press conference on Sunday morning.

The weeks-long standoff over the disputed election escalated over the weekend as police forces were seen joining anti-government protests and the military said it would not "confront the people" over the issue.

Morales and his government have decried a "coup" against him by what they called "violent groups," prompting a number of fellow leftist leaders in the region, including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, to rally around him and call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Morales' opponents, including Mesa and Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz who has become a symbol of the opposition, have repeatedly called for him to step down. Camacho said he plans to march to the government palace with a pre-written resignation letter for Morales to sign.

The Organisation of American States recommended on Sunday that Bolivia hold new elections, saying it had identified serious irregularities in the last vote that called into question the victory of President Evo Morales.

The Organisation of American States recommended on Sunday that Bolivia hold new elections, saying it had identified serious irregularities in the last vote that called into question the victory of President Evo Morales. The international body said its audit of the October 20 election had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system and it could not verify the result. "The manipulations to the computer system are of such magnitude that they must be deeply investigated by the Bolivian State to get to the bottom of and assign responsibility in this serious case," the preliminary report said. The OAS said it was not statistically likely that Morales had secured the 10 percentage point margin of victory needed to win outright and recommended Bolivia use new electoral authorities for any new vote. "The first round of the elections held on October 20 must be annulled and the electoral process must begin again, with the first round taking place as soon as there are new conditions that give new guarantees for it to take place, including a newly composed electoral body," the OAS said in a press release. Morales was declared the winner of the October election with a lead of just over 10 points over his rival Carlos Mesa, giving him an outright win. But there have been widespread protests since against the result after a near 24-hour halt in the count. Morales, who came to power in 2006 as Bolivia’s first indigenous leader, has defended his election win but has said he would adhere to the findings of the OAS audit. He was expected to give a press conference on Sunday morning. The weeks-long standoff over the disputed election escalated over the weekend as police forces were seen joining anti-government protests and the military said it would not "confront the people" over the issue. Morales and his government have decried a "coup" against him by what they called "violent groups," prompting a number of fellow leftist leaders in the region, including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, to rally around him and call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Morales' opponents, including Mesa and Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz who has become a symbol of the opposition, have repeatedly called for him to step down. Camacho said he plans to march to the government palace with a pre-written resignation letter for Morales to sign.

Irregularities in disputed Bolivia vote, should hold new elections: Organisation of American States

The head of an international body auditing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-dead-in-bolivia-post-election-clashes-defence-minister-258986">Bolivia's disputed election results</a> resigned unexpectedly on Friday, casting further uncertainty over a vote that sparked deadly riots and delivered President Evo Morales a fourth term.

The chief of the technical mission from the Organisation of American States (OAS), Mexican Arturo Espinosa, announced he is stepping down from the role just a day after beginning the review of the controversial poll.

"I have decided to withdraw from the audit so as not to compromise its impartiality. I should have informed the OAS about previous public statements (declarations) about the electoral process in Bolivia," he wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

An OAS spokeswoman later confirmed his resignation to AFP.

Espinosa wrote two articles related to Bolivia's elections for a Mexican news website in the past two weeks, including one,&nbsp;published after the election, which raised doubts over the poll's transparency.

The 20 October election result, ratified on Friday by Bolivia's own Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), saw Morales narrowly secure the 10-point gap needed to win outright,&nbsp;but only after an abrupt and unexplained shift in the vote count in his favor.

Opposition candidate Carlos Mesa criticised the TSE's latest result calculations, saying that they show Morales committed a "fraud" and "an aggression against the good faith of the international community."

The 66-year-old former president has also refused to take part in the OAS audit, calling instead for the results given by the electoral court (TSE) to be annulled as a precondition of his co-operation.

Poll violence

Riots broke out almost as soon as the election ended and Espinosa's resignation now threatens to heighten tensions.

Protests erupted in various cities in Bolivia on Friday, especially in the south of the administrative capital La Paz, where roads were cut off and riot police guarded vital crossings.

The extended clashes have seen 191 people detained and 60 police officers injured, said police chief Julio Cordero said on Friday.

But some opposition groups protesting the election now support neither Morales nor Mesa.

Popular assemblies or "Cabildos" held on Thursday in La Paz and the eastern city of Santa Cruz have rejected the OAS audit and demanded new elections.

The council of La Paz has even proclaimed "Neither Mesa, nor Evo Morales!", in favour of holding new elections without either of the two main candidates who stood on 20 October.

The president said on Friday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-close-to-striking-deal-on-election-audit-as-protests-intensify-258432">Bolivians should wait</a> for the OAS audit report, which should be ready in two weeks.

Bolivia's first indigenous president, Morales has been in power since 2006.

Already Latin America's longest-serving leader, Morales is looking to remain in power until 2025 with a fourth term.

The country's constitution limits a president to two successive terms, and a 2016 referendum rejected a bid by Morales to remove term limits.

But Bolivia's constitutional court authorized him to stand for a fourth mandate.

The court, like the election tribunal, is made up of members appointed by Morales's Movement for Socialism.

The head of an international body auditing Bolivia's disputed election results resigned unexpectedly on Friday, casting further uncertainty over a vote that sparked deadly riots and delivered President Evo Morales a fourth term.

The head of an international body auditing Bolivia's disputed election results resigned unexpectedly on Friday, casting further uncertainty over a vote that sparked deadly riots and delivered President Evo Morales a fourth term. The chief of the technical mission from the Organisation of American States (OAS), Mexican Arturo Espinosa, announced he is stepping down from the role just a day after beginning the review of the controversial poll. "I have decided to withdraw from the audit so as not to compromise its impartiality. I should have informed the OAS about previous public statements (declarations) about the electoral process in Bolivia," he wrote in a tweet. An OAS spokeswoman later confirmed his resignation to AFP. Espinosa wrote two articles related to Bolivia's elections for a Mexican news website in the past two weeks, including one, published after the election, which raised doubts over the poll's transparency. The 20 October election result, ratified on Friday by Bolivia's own Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), saw Morales narrowly secure the 10-point gap needed to win outright, but only after an abrupt and unexplained shift in the vote count in his favor. Opposition candidate Carlos Mesa criticised the TSE's latest result calculations, saying that they show Morales committed a "fraud" and "an aggression against the good faith of the international community." The 66-year-old former president has also refused to take part in the OAS audit, calling instead for the results given by the electoral court (TSE) to be annulled as a precondition of his co-operation. Poll violence Riots broke out almost as soon as the election ended and Espinosa's resignation now threatens to heighten tensions. Protests erupted in various cities in Bolivia on Friday, especially in the south of the administrative capital La Paz, where roads were cut off and riot police guarded vital crossings. The extended clashes have seen 191 people detained and 60 police officers injured, said police chief Julio Cordero said on Friday. But some opposition groups protesting the election now support neither Morales nor Mesa. Popular assemblies or "Cabildos" held on Thursday in La Paz and the eastern city of Santa Cruz have rejected the OAS audit and demanded new elections. The council of La Paz has even proclaimed "Neither Mesa, nor Evo Morales!", in favour of holding new elections without either of the two main candidates who stood on 20 October. The president said on Friday that Bolivians should wait for the OAS audit report, which should be ready in two weeks. Bolivia's first indigenous president, Morales has been in power since 2006. Already Latin America's longest-serving leader, Morales is looking to remain in power until 2025 with a fourth term. The country's constitution limits a president to two successive terms, and a 2016 referendum rejected a bid by Morales to remove term limits. But Bolivia's constitutional court authorized him to stand for a fourth mandate. The court, like the election tribunal, is made up of members appointed by Morales's Movement for Socialism.

Bolivia election audit chief makes surprise resignation

Ten people, including several teenagers, were killed in Indonesia's post-election riots, the human rights commission said Tuesday, as it accused police of beating up protesters.

In its final report on the May riots, the agency Komnas HAM said four victims were underage and most had been shot in the capital Jakarta and demonstrations in Kalimantan, Indonesia's section of Borneo island.

Indonesia's rights commission called on police to find the perpetrators, who it suspected were "actors trained, organised and professional in using guns". It did not elaborate.

"This is a tragedy," commissioner Beka Ulung Hapsara told AFP.

"These are unlawful killings -- or killings that took place outside legal mechanisms -- and that violates the criminal code," he added.

The commission said it did not suspect authorities were behind the shootings.

But it accused police of using unnecessary force against protesters, including minors.

"The police used violence against children who joined the rally (in Jakarta) during which they said that they were beaten and kicked when arrested," according to the report.

A Jakarta police spokesman declined to comment, saying that authorities had yet to see the agency's report.

Supporters of losing presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto took to the streets after Indonesia's Joko Widodo won re-election in the world's third-biggest democracy.

Police detained some 465 people during two nights of street battles that paralysed central Jakarta, leaving hundreds injured, the rights agency said.

Also Tuesday, police on the island of Sulawesi said a half dozen officers had been slapped with three-week suspensions for bringing guns to protests last month in Kendari city, where two students died.

"They (the officers) were found guilty of not following orders by bringing firearms" to the rally, said Southeast Sulawesi police spokesman Harry Goldenhardt.

The force did not accuse officers of killing the students.

The pair died amid nationwide protests against a host of divisive legal reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency.

Hundreds were injured in the demonstrations with police also accused of brutality against protesters.

Ten people, including several teenagers, were killed in Indonesia's post-election riots, the human rights commission said Tuesday, as it accused police of beating up protesters.

Ten people, including several teenagers, were killed in Indonesia's post-election riots, the human rights commission said Tuesday, as it accused police of beating up protesters. In its final report on the May riots, the agency Komnas HAM said four victims were underage and most had been shot in the capital Jakarta and demonstrations in Kalimantan, Indonesia's section of Borneo island. Indonesia's rights commission called on police to find the perpetrators, who it suspected were "actors trained, organised and professional in using guns". It did not elaborate. "This is a tragedy," commissioner Beka Ulung Hapsara told AFP. "These are unlawful killings -- or killings that took place outside legal mechanisms -- and that violates the criminal code," he added. The commission said it did not suspect authorities were behind the shootings. But it accused police of using unnecessary force against protesters, including minors. "The police used violence against children who joined the rally (in Jakarta) during which they said that they were beaten and kicked when arrested," according to the report. A Jakarta police spokesman declined to comment, saying that authorities had yet to see the agency's report. Supporters of losing presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto took to the streets after Indonesia's Joko Widodo won re-election in the world's third-biggest democracy. Police detained some 465 people during two nights of street battles that paralysed central Jakarta, leaving hundreds injured, the rights agency said. Also Tuesday, police on the island of Sulawesi said a half dozen officers had been slapped with three-week suspensions for bringing guns to protests last month in Kendari city, where two students died. "They (the officers) were found guilty of not following orders by bringing firearms" to the rally, said Southeast Sulawesi police spokesman Harry Goldenhardt. The force did not accuse officers of killing the students. The pair died amid nationwide protests against a host of divisive legal reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency. Hundreds were injured in the demonstrations with police also accused of brutality against protesters.

Ten 'unlawfully killed' in Indonesia election riots: Rights agency

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