The Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), a political party set up by 26/11 terror attack mastermind and UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, will contest the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, a report by Pakistani English daily Dawn stated. The party has reportedly fielded candidates for each and every national and provincial assembly constituency of Pakistan in the February 8 elections.

26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's new political party to contest Feb 8 Pakistan elections

As Russia braces for its March 17 presidential elections and President Putin moves closer to a fifth term in office, new candidates are looking to enter the race. Russia’s civic initiative party has backed the nomination of independent candidate Boris Nadezhdin.

New candidates look to enter Russia's race to power

Jailed Russian ultranationalist for 2024 presidential race. Can he beat Putin? Russia's communist party pits Nikolai Kharitonov against Putin. Kharitonov ran against Putin in 2004 & polled barely 14% votes.

Support for Pro-War Nationalist Igor Girkin grows | Russia Presidential Election

Trump asks court to toss election subversion case. Earlier court declined to fast-track trump's 'absolute immunity.' Trump faces four felony charges under the defraud case. What's next for Republican poster boy Trump?

US: Trump's lawyers press on with immunity claim | Trump Immunity Case

Pakistan goes to polls in February. Nawaz Sharif is aiming for a record fourth term in office. Ever since the former Prime Minister returned from his self-imposed exile in London, he has not stopped praising India. Sharif recently compared India's growth story to Pakistan's sob story. Is India just a perfect campaign pitch for prosperity or does Sharif really want peace with India?

Does Nawaz Sharif really want peace with India?

Colorado's top court has disqualified former U.S. President Donald Trump from the state's ballot, citing insurrection. In a first, the court used Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution's 14 Amendment to disqualify a presidential candidate. Trump's campaign has called the decision 'completely flawed'.

No President Trump in 2024? Colorado court disqualifies Trump from the ballot, cites insurrection

Since the Colorado Supreme Court disqualified Donald Trump from the primary ballot for inciting the 2021 Capitol attack, there has been a stir of controversies. New evidence claims Trump called 2 officials to not certify vote totals in Wayne County. What's next for Republican poster boy Trump?

US: New evidence in Donald Trump's election interference case

Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal bowled a google this week. They wanted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to lead the INDIA bloc as its prime ministerial candidate. It initiated conversations about India getting its first-ever Dalit prime minister referring to Kharge’s caste. Dalit activist Kancha Ilaiah decodes the caste considerations required to win 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

2024 Lok Sabha polls: Push for caste survey ahead of polls

Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal bowled a google this week. They wanted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to lead the INDIA bloc as its prime ministerial candidate. It initiated conversations about India getting its first-ever Dalit prime minister referring to Kharge’s caste. To know more watch this interview with BJP Spokesperson, Shehzad Poonawalla.

2024 Lok Sabha polls: Kharge to lead I.N.D.I.A bloc?

2024 Lok Sabha polls: Caste considerations important strategy?

Just weeks before the Taiwanese elections, Beijing announced that it will permit imports of high-value fish from the island, a problem which was raised specifically by the main opposition party Kuomintang on his visit to mainland China earlier this year. 
 
Now once again, the General Administration of Customs will allow imports of grouper fish – which is a high-value aquaculture item found in Taiwan – from registered farms on the island from Friday, according to a notice on the customs website. 
 
The imports were suspended by Beijing in June last year as it said that excessive levels of oxytetracycline and banned chemicals were found in the fish. Oxytetracycline is a type of antibiotic.

<h2>Taiwan rejects China's accusations</h2>

The accusation was rejected by the Taiwanese authorities. The mainland’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said that the decision was based on “a comprehensive assessment of relevant corrective measures” after information regarding measures taken for addressing the problem was provided by Taiwanese industry representatives to the mainland.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-reports-more-suspected-chinese-weather-balloons-crossing-taiwan-strait-671052">Taiwan reports more suspected Chinese weather balloons crossing Taiwan Strait</a>

The representatives expressed&nbsp;“strong hope” that imports can resume, as per the state news agency Xinhua. As per the report, a few Taiwanese grouper farming enterprises have gone ahead and registered with mainland customs authorities and will begin exporting immediately. 
 
The announcement has been made by Beijing just weeks before the presidential election in Taiwan on January 13. The election&nbsp;is set to shape future cross-strait relations after years of tension during the 
presidency of Tsai Ing-wen, who belongs to the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party and came to power in 2016. 
 
China considers self-ruled Taiwan as its breakaway territory which should be united with the mainland and has never stopped using force to do so.

Watch:&nbsp;Taiwan on high alert for Chinese activities, reports suspected Chinese balloons crossing Taiwan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-on-high-alert-for-chinese-activities-reports-suspected-chinese-balloons-crossing-taiwan-670919/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Taiwan is not recognised as an independent country by many countries, however, countries like the United States oppose a forcible change in the status quo. 
 
KMT’s vice-chairman Andrew Hsia Li-yan had raised the issues being faced by Taiwanese food importers, which included the grouper ban, in a visit to the mainland in February. 
 
On his 10-day trip, Hsia held meetings with top Taiwan affairs officials, which included Wang Huning, head of the top political advisory body of China and head of the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office Song Tao.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Just weeks before the Taiwanese elections, Beijing announced that it will permit imports of high-value fish from the island, a problem which was raised specifically by the main opposition party Kuomintang on his visit to mainland China earlier this year.

Just weeks before the Taiwanese elections, Beijing announced that it will permit imports of high-value fish from the island, a problem which was raised specifically by the main opposition party Kuomintang on his visit to mainland China earlier this year. Now once again, the General Administration of Customs will allow imports of grouper fish – which is a high-value aquaculture item found in Taiwan – from registered farms on the island from Friday, according to a notice on the customs website. The imports were suspended by Beijing in June last year as it said that excessive levels of oxytetracycline and banned chemicals were found in the fish. Oxytetracycline is a type of antibiotic. Taiwan rejects China's accusations The accusation was rejected by the Taiwanese authorities. The mainland’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said that the decision was based on “a comprehensive assessment of relevant corrective measures” after information regarding measures taken for addressing the problem was provided by Taiwanese industry representatives to the mainland. Also read: Taiwan reports more suspected Chinese weather balloons crossing Taiwan Strait The representatives expressed “strong hope” that imports can resume, as per the state news agency Xinhua. As per the report, a few Taiwanese grouper farming enterprises have gone ahead and registered with mainland customs authorities and will begin exporting immediately. The announcement has been made by Beijing just weeks before the presidential election in Taiwan on January 13. The election is set to shape future cross-strait relations after years of tension during the presidency of Tsai Ing-wen, who belongs to the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party and came to power in 2016. China considers self-ruled Taiwan as its breakaway territory which should be united with the mainland and has never stopped using force to do so. Watch: Taiwan on high alert for Chinese activities, reports suspected Chinese balloons crossing Taiwan Meanwhile, Taiwan is not recognised as an independent country by many countries, however, countries like the United States oppose a forcible change in the status quo. KMT’s vice-chairman Andrew Hsia Li-yan had raised the issues being faced by Taiwanese food importers, which included the grouper ban, in a visit to the mainland in February. On his 10-day trip, Hsia held meetings with top Taiwan affairs officials, which included Wang Huning, head of the top political advisory body of China and head of the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office Song Tao. (With inputs from agencies)

Mainland China resumes fish imports from Taiwan weeks before polls

Pakistan’s former premier Imran Khan will run in upcoming parliamentary elections from prison, his party said Wednesday, which legal experts said is possible while his appeal of his conviction in a corruption case is being considered.

Will Imran Khan be allowed to contest polls?

Google will restrict election-related queries from Bard and AI-based searches. The announcement from the Alphabet company comes ahead of the pivotal 2024 US Presidential election. It indicates a shift towards more responsible AI usage in political contexts.

Google to restrict election queries of Bard & AI-based search engine

Republican lawmakers Pete Sessions and Elise Stefanim on Tuesday announced the inauguration of a Congressional Hindu Caucus to protect the interests of this religious minority and raise their issues in the US Congress. Originally established during the 115th Congress, the caucus continues its pivotal role in forging a vital connection between the Hindu-American community and policymakers.

US: Republican congressmen announce creation of Hindu caucus

In China's eyes, all three Taiwan presidential candidates are separatists, the frontrunner to be the island's next leader said on Wednesday in a fractious joint televised address with the other contenders. The January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections will define Chinese-claimed Taiwan's ties with Beijing and are happening as China steps up military activities around the island to assert its sovereignty claims.

Taiwan presidential candidates lock horns in first televised debate ahead of polls

No accusations, no protests, not even a non-cooperation movement has been able to stop Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister has launched her election campaign.

Bangladesh: PM Sheikh Hasina launches her campaign

India's Lok Sabha on Thursday (Dec 21), with most of the Opposition members suspended from the House, passed a Bill which established a new mechanism for the Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners' appointment. 
 
The Rajya Sabha had earlier approved the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. The legislation has now been cleared by the both the houses of the&nbsp;parliament. 
 
The bill will now be presented to Indian President Droupadi Murmu for her assent. Amid the discussion on the legislation in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Indian Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said that the 1991 Act on the top poll officer's service conditions was a half-baked attempt and the current Bill has covered all the aspects which were left out by the previous legislation. With a voice vote, the Bill was then passed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-explains-behind-the-chaos-exploring-the-dynamics-of-mp-suspensions-in-indian-parliament-670013">Indian Parliament security breach: Exploring the dynamics of suspension of MPs</a>

After objections from various quarters, the legislation underwent many important changes.

<h2>Opposition criticises legislation</h2>

However, the opposition parties are not happy with the changes and said that the new mechanism would compromise the poll panel's independence. 
 
India's Supreme Court, earlier this year, ruled that election commissioners should be appointed after taking advice from a panel comprising the Leader of the Opposition, the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India. 
 
The landmark judgment was aimed at insulating the top election body from political interference. However, the court said that the judgment will hold good till a new law is introduced by the government. 
 
The government, in the new legislation, replaced the chief justice with a union minister. The Opposition has alleged that this will give greater power to the government on the appointment of top poll officers and will also compromise the poll body's autonomy. 
 
Amid the discussion over the Bill in Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Randeep Surjewala stated that the fearlessness, autonomy and fairness of electoral machinery and democracy in India has been&nbsp;crushed.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian Parliament: Record suspension of 141 MPs in a single day

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"Modi government has attacked the democracy of India. The autonomy, fearlessness and fairness of India's democracy and electoral machinery have been crushed by a bulldozer," he added. 
 
The former poll officers had also protested over the proposal of&nbsp;stripping the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners of the status of Supreme Court judges and making their rank and salary on par with an officer of Cabinet Secretary-rank. Later, the government decided to undo this change.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Lok Sabha on Thursday (Dec 21), with most of the Opposition members suspended from the House, passed a Bill which established a new mechanism for the Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners' appointment.

India's Lok Sabha on Thursday (Dec 21), with most of the Opposition members suspended from the House, passed a Bill which established a new mechanism for the Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners' appointment. The Rajya Sabha had earlier approved the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. The legislation has now been cleared by the both the houses of the parliament. The bill will now be presented to Indian President Droupadi Murmu for her assent. Amid the discussion on the legislation in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Indian Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said that the 1991 Act on the top poll officer's service conditions was a half-baked attempt and the current Bill has covered all the aspects which were left out by the previous legislation. With a voice vote, the Bill was then passed. Also read: Indian Parliament security breach: Exploring the dynamics of suspension of MPs After objections from various quarters, the legislation underwent many important changes. Opposition criticises legislation However, the opposition parties are not happy with the changes and said that the new mechanism would compromise the poll panel's independence. India's Supreme Court, earlier this year, ruled that election commissioners should be appointed after taking advice from a panel comprising the Leader of the Opposition, the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India. The landmark judgment was aimed at insulating the top election body from political interference. However, the court said that the judgment will hold good till a new law is introduced by the government. The government, in the new legislation, replaced the chief justice with a union minister. The Opposition has alleged that this will give greater power to the government on the appointment of top poll officers and will also compromise the poll body's autonomy. Amid the discussion over the Bill in Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Randeep Surjewala stated that the fearlessness, autonomy and fairness of electoral machinery and democracy in India has been crushed. Watch: Indian Parliament: Record suspension of 141 MPs in a single day "Modi government has attacked the democracy of India. The autonomy, fearlessness and fairness of India's democracy and electoral machinery have been crushed by a bulldozer," he added. The former poll officers had also protested over the proposal of stripping the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners of the status of Supreme Court judges and making their rank and salary on par with an officer of Cabinet Secretary-rank. Later, the government decided to undo this change. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Parliament clears bill to appoint three poll officers in elections

Protesters in Bangladesh set a train ablaze on Tuesday, killing four people, among them a mother and child, amid a countrywide strike called by the opposition to press its demand for the government to resign ahead of next month's general elections.

Bangladesh: Protest and strikes become daily affairs across nation

The European Union (EU) and the US have decided to prolong their ceasefire on steel and aluminium imports, averting the looming threat of tariffs impacting transatlantic trade. &nbsp;

According to Bloomberg, the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, revealed on Tuesday that retaliatory measures, initiated during the Trump era, will be put on hold for 15 months until March 31, 2025, providing a temporary respite in the steel tariff war.&nbsp;

While Brussels succeeded in extending the truce, negotiations failed to secure an improvement in the current tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) set by the US. The extension is anticipated to save EU steel and aluminium exporters around €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in annual tariffs. The EU, dissatisfied with the existing quota system, advocated for more flexibility, pushing for modifications such as annual quotas for the European market.&nbsp;

Expressing commitment, the EU asserted that it will continue engaging with the US to protect its legal rights and eliminate US 232 tariffs on EU exports permanently. The reference to Section 232 of US law highlights the authority granted to the president to impose duties on imports for national security reasons.&nbsp;

This development coincides with the ticking clock on the Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium (GSA), poised to maintain tariff exemptions until after the upcoming US presidential election in November 2024. The GSA agreement holds the promise of a permanent resolution to the trade dispute sparked by Trump-era tariffs, with the EU insisting on lifting all tariff-rate quotas, a demand resisted by the US.&nbsp;

As the EU mulls its options, including a potential case at the World Trade Organisation or re-imposing tariffs, challenges loom large. Concerns among EU member states about escalating trade tensions in the lead-up to the election in 2024 cast a shadow over the prospect of decisive action.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Bloomberg)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The European Union (EU) and the US have decided to prolong their ceasefire on steel and aluminium imports, averting the looming threat of tariffs impacting transatlantic trade.

The European Union (EU) and the US have decided to prolong their ceasefire on steel and aluminium imports, averting the looming threat of tariffs impacting transatlantic trade. According to Bloomberg, the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, revealed on Tuesday that retaliatory measures, initiated during the Trump era, will be put on hold for 15 months until March 31, 2025, providing a temporary respite in the steel tariff war. While Brussels succeeded in extending the truce, negotiations failed to secure an improvement in the current tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) set by the US. The extension is anticipated to save EU steel and aluminium exporters around €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in annual tariffs. The EU, dissatisfied with the existing quota system, advocated for more flexibility, pushing for modifications such as annual quotas for the European market. Expressing commitment, the EU asserted that it will continue engaging with the US to protect its legal rights and eliminate US 232 tariffs on EU exports permanently. The reference to Section 232 of US law highlights the authority granted to the president to impose duties on imports for national security reasons. This development coincides with the ticking clock on the Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium (GSA), poised to maintain tariff exemptions until after the upcoming US presidential election in November 2024. The GSA agreement holds the promise of a permanent resolution to the trade dispute sparked by Trump-era tariffs, with the EU insisting on lifting all tariff-rate quotas, a demand resisted by the US. As the EU mulls its options, including a potential case at the World Trade Organisation or re-imposing tariffs, challenges loom large. Concerns among EU member states about escalating trade tensions in the lead-up to the election in 2024 cast a shadow over the prospect of decisive action. (With inputs from Bloomberg) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

EU and US call a truce, postpone steel tariff showdown until after elections

Democratic Republic of Congo was holding presidential and legislative elections on Wednesday after a chaotic campaign marred by opposition allegations of fraud, electoral violence, and logistical setbacks that could prevent many from voting.

Congo votes in presidential and legislative elections

As Bangladesh gears up for its national elections in January 2024, the absence of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition party in the South Asian nation,&nbsp;is raising questions about the political dynamics of the country.&nbsp;

The BNP's decision to boycott the 12th parliamentary elections next year, accusing the ruling Awami League of trying to rig the polls, comes on the heels of a series of developments, including clashes during a BNP rally, resulting in the imprisonment of top brass of Opposition leaders by the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;

Among those who were put behind bars was the 75-year-old BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who had been leading the party in Khaleda Zia's absence.&nbsp;Jamaat-e-Islami party chief Shafiqur Rahman is already in jail and is facing charges of violence.&nbsp;

BNP has been demanding to hold elections under a caretaker government but Hasina's party says it is against the law.

With the BNP opting out of the January elections, many are expressing concerns about the possibility of lopsided elections in Bangladesh, an argument which the Awami League was quick to brush off saying that many others are still in the race.

A total of 26 out of the 44 officially registered political parties have opted to participate in the elections while 14 parties have chosen to boycott.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-protesters-set-train-on-fire-amid-opposition-strike-four-killed-671662">Bangladesh protesters set train on fire amid opposition strike, four killed</a>

Bangladesh Parliament, also known as Jatiya Sangsad, has 350 seats.&nbsp;

Hasina's party has announced that it will field candidates for 263 seats in the 2024 elections. The Awami League has left 26 seats for the Jatiya Party, and six for its allies in the 14 Party Alliance.

<h2>Will Awami League be re-elected?&nbsp;</h2>

Former Indian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, told WION that smaller parties may participate, but the absence of major players like BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, which the court barred from elections, appears to favour the Awami League's return to power.

"Smaller parties will get some seats, but they won't be in competition with the Awami League," noted&nbsp;Ambassador Sikri.

There are some reports which suggest that Islamist groups will be on the rise if the BNP opts out.

It points to the vacuum in the BNP leadership, with Khaleda Zia sick and her eldest son Tarique Rahman living in exile in London since September 2008. There is apprehension that Islamist groups might get more active in the party.&nbsp;

Former diplomat Sikri expressed concerns about the continuing pace of radicalisation in Bangladesh, despite efforts by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to address the issue. She noted that BNP and Jamaat e-Islami, the party that has contributed to the rise of radicalisation in Bangladesh, are on the same page.&nbsp;

The former diplomat highlighted that the senior leaders from Jamaat had earlier occupied significant positions within the then-BNP-led government.&nbsp;

While expressing dismay over the violence seething in Bangladesh by the opposition as&nbsp;a train was being set on fire Tuesday (Dec 19) killing four, including a mother and her son, the former ambassador said, "BNP should be urged to take part in the elections as creating a ruckus will only lead to loss of infrastructure. There is a need for mature elections."&nbsp;

"The process of radicalisation at the grassroots level is a big factor in Bangladesh, which is worrying," said&nbsp;Sikri.

"Sheikh Hasina has taken action against it and I would hope that such action would continue but I do not know how much effect did it have on the process of radicalisation. Because you do have the banned Islamist groups which are underground. The police know about it and they take action against these groups."&nbsp;

Recalling the Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Dhaka in 2016 where at least 22 people were reportedly killed by militants, Ambassador Sikri said, "After that, there was a lot of action."

"Students, farmers, and media should try to bring out the relationship between India and Bangladesh purely as a way of mutual benefit and not based on the role of religion and radicalisation. That should be completely kept out," the diplomat said. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/2024-bangladesh-general-election-why-is-opposition-calling-for-a-boycott-of-the-january-election-671778">2024 Bangladesh general election: Why is opposition calling for a boycott of the January election?</a>

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Speaking over the upcoming elections, the former Secretary (East) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Anil Wadhwa told WION, "BNP is not a serious challenger to the ruling party despite them being aggressive in organising mass protests. Hence a boycott and a combination of the boycott with the top leadership not being in contention is only going to help the ruling party."

"Sheikh Hasina seems more confident of winning the elections as the date of the hustings approaches. The people of Bangladesh would also not like to see the economy suffer and protests paralyse&nbsp;the&nbsp;country."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As Bangladesh gears up for its national elections in January 2024, the absence of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition party in the South Asian nation, is raising questions about the political dynamics of the country.

As Bangladesh gears up for its national elections in January 2024, the absence of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition party in the South Asian nation, is raising questions about the political dynamics of the country. The BNP's decision to boycott the 12th parliamentary elections next year, accusing the ruling Awami League of trying to rig the polls, comes on the heels of a series of developments, including clashes during a BNP rally, resulting in the imprisonment of top brass of Opposition leaders by the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Among those who were put behind bars was the 75-year-old BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who had been leading the party in Khaleda Zia's absence. Jamaat-e-Islami party chief Shafiqur Rahman is already in jail and is facing charges of violence. BNP has been demanding to hold elections under a caretaker government but Hasina's party says it is against the law. With the BNP opting out of the January elections, many are expressing concerns about the possibility of lopsided elections in Bangladesh, an argument which the Awami League was quick to brush off saying that many others are still in the race. A total of 26 out of the 44 officially registered political parties have opted to participate in the elections while 14 parties have chosen to boycott. Also Read | Bangladesh protesters set train on fire amid opposition strike, four killed Bangladesh Parliament, also known as Jatiya Sangsad, has 350 seats. Hasina's party has announced that it will field candidates for 263 seats in the 2024 elections. The Awami League has left 26 seats for the Jatiya Party, and six for its allies in the 14 Party Alliance. Will Awami League be re-elected? Former Indian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, told WION that smaller parties may participate, but the absence of major players like BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, which the court barred from elections, appears to favour the Awami League's return to power. "Smaller parties will get some seats, but they won't be in competition with the Awami League," noted Ambassador Sikri. There are some reports which suggest that Islamist groups will be on the rise if the BNP opts out. It points to the vacuum in the BNP leadership, with Khaleda Zia sick and her eldest son Tarique Rahman living in exile in London since September 2008. There is apprehension that Islamist groups might get more active in the party. Former diplomat Sikri expressed concerns about the continuing pace of radicalisation in Bangladesh, despite efforts by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to address the issue. She noted that BNP and Jamaat e-Islami, the party that has contributed to the rise of radicalisation in Bangladesh, are on the same page. The former diplomat highlighted that the senior leaders from Jamaat had earlier occupied significant positions within the then-BNP-led government. While expressing dismay over the violence seething in Bangladesh by the opposition as a train was being set on fire Tuesday (Dec 19) killing four, including a mother and her son, the former ambassador said, "BNP should be urged to take part in the elections as creating a ruckus will only lead to loss of infrastructure. There is a need for mature elections." "The process of radicalisation at the grassroots level is a big factor in Bangladesh, which is worrying," said Sikri. "Sheikh Hasina has taken action against it and I would hope that such action would continue but I do not know how much effect did it have on the process of radicalisation. Because you do have the banned Islamist groups which are underground. The police know about it and they take action against these groups." Recalling the Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Dhaka in 2016 where at least 22 people were reportedly killed by militants, Ambassador Sikri said, "After that, there was a lot of action." "Students, farmers, and media should try to bring out the relationship between India and Bangladesh purely as a way of mutual benefit and not based on the role of religion and radicalisation. That should be completely kept out," the diplomat said. Watch | 2024 Bangladesh general election: Why is opposition calling for a boycott of the January election? × Speaking over the upcoming elections, the former Secretary (East) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Anil Wadhwa told WION, "BNP is not a serious challenger to the ruling party despite them being aggressive in organising mass protests. Hence a boycott and a combination of the boycott with the top leadership not being in contention is only going to help the ruling party." "Sheikh Hasina seems more confident of winning the elections as the date of the hustings approaches. The people of Bangladesh would also not like to see the economy suffer and protests paralyse the country."

Lopsided elections ahead? BNP’s boycott casts shadow on Bangladesh’s polls

Bangladesh: Four killed as protesters set train on fire

Serbia’s ruling populist party comfortably won Sunday’s parliamentary elections, according to an early official vote count, but political tensions rose over allegations of irregularities in a local election race in the capital, Belgrade.

Opposition cries foul as Serbia Poll results project Vucic as the winner

I.N.D.I.A opposition grand alliance might have hinted at a possible Prime Minister face who will take on incumbent leader Narendra Modi. The revelation came after alliance met in a meeting.

I.N.D.I.A Election: Who is the opposition's face?

United Kingdom to head for the General Elections in 2024. UK PM Rishi Sunak is expected to call for the polls next year. However, there is no clarity on the exact date yet.

UK PM Rishi Sunak to call for general elections in 2024, as per reports

The dates for Pakistan general elections have been announced. As per reports, the upcoming elections are scheduled for 8th of February. As per sources, Pak's poll body has banned registration of new voters, deletion of votes, revision of votes and correction of votes.

Pakistan's poll body bans changes to electoral roll

Serbians on Sunday are voting in the country's parliamentary elections, the tenth such voting exercise since the 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict that led to the creation of Republic of Kosovo with partial international recognition.

Serbia's ruling party claims absolute victory with 47% of votes

The American Democrat Shamaine Daniels Congressional Campaign has been aided by an AI-powered volunteer. Now using an AI poll campaigner who's capable of speaking about 20 different languages is believed to diversify water outreach.

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A senior leader of the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan's main opposition party, is in China for meetings with the Taiwanese community, his party said on Thursday, drawing criticism from the ruling party for his going one month before elections. The trip of KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia, a former Taiwanese diplomat and one-time head of Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council, comes as his party seeks to narrow the ruling party's lead ahead of the Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Decoding the Chinese shadow over Taiwan polls

For the first time since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, President Vladimir Putinfaced the Russian public and media in a year-end news conference and telephone call-in. The marathon session, which saw him take questions from soldiers, journalists and members of the public, ended after four hours.

Russian president Vladimir Putin's re-election pitch

Political uncertainty overshadows Bangladesh polls. Banglades PM Sheikh Hasina has hinted that her party, the Awami League, may not share any seat with Jatiya Party.

Bangladesh: Awami League and Jatiya party hold three round of talks on seat sharing

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