Bangladesh's main opposition party is boycotting the polls going to be held in January. This is going to create a ground for geo-political face-off.

Bangladesh: Elections minus opposition? Main opposition party to boycott Jan poll

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take concrete actions to ensure a fair electoral environment for all political parties participating in the upcoming general elections. This comes as two PTI supporters on Saturday (Nov 25) were injured in a clash with police during a workers' convention in the Sahibabad area.

PTI claimed that the oppression against its leaders and supporters persisted despite the letters by the chief election commissioner to the federal and provincial caretaker governments requesting a "level playing field."&nbsp;

The party is facing the worst constitutional and legal crises, a PTI spokesperson said and added that "practical and effective" steps, rather than mere correspondence, are necessary to address the ongoing challenges.

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The party also highlighted its inability to engage in political activities, with restrictions on the coverage of PTI leaders, including Imran Khan.

PTI also alleged that its workers are being forced to leave the party after being subjected to enforced disappearances. The party spokesperson expressed concern about the state's alleged efforts to exclude PTI from the electoral race.&nbsp;

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<h2>Clash between PTI workers, police&nbsp;</h2>

Despite the imposition of Section 144 by the district administration, PTI attempted to hold the party convention event, leading to a confrontation with the police on Saturday (Nov 25).&nbsp;

The situation escalated as PTI workers pelted stones at the police, resulting in injuries on both sides.

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PTI Vice Chairman Sher Afzal Marwat, addressing the crowd after the clash, criticised the "double standards" in allowing other political parties to hold workers' conventions while restricting PTI.

He declared that the day of the general elections, February 8, would be a "day of reckoning and accountability." Marwat expressed the party's support for the Pakistan Army but claimed that PTI was being "pushed to the wall." He also condemned the alleged firing at the party's workers' convention, claiming that two PTI workers were seriously injured. 
 
The spokesperson urged the chief justice to take strict action against those responsible for the gunfire.

PTI has also filed a case in the Peshawar High Court, seeking permission to hold workers' conventions, and the court has warned of summoning the caretaker chief minister and chief election commissioner if PTI is not allowed to carry out political activities in the province.

(With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take concrete actions to ensure a fair electoral environment for all political parties participating in the upcoming general elections.

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take concrete actions to ensure a fair electoral environment for all political parties participating in the upcoming general elections. This comes as two PTI supporters on Saturday (Nov 25) were injured in a clash with police during a workers' convention in the Sahibabad area. PTI claimed that the oppression against its leaders and supporters persisted despite the letters by the chief election commissioner to the federal and provincial caretaker governments requesting a "level playing field." The party is facing the worst constitutional and legal crises, a PTI spokesperson said and added that "practical and effective" steps, rather than mere correspondence, are necessary to address the ongoing challenges. Also Read | Greece: Major search underway for 13 people after ship sinks off Lesbos island The party also highlighted its inability to engage in political activities, with restrictions on the coverage of PTI leaders, including Imran Khan. PTI also alleged that its workers are being forced to leave the party after being subjected to enforced disappearances. The party spokesperson expressed concern about the state's alleged efforts to exclude PTI from the electoral race. Also Read | Why internet is going gaga over this $59mn 'wedding of the century' in Paris Clash between PTI workers, police Despite the imposition of Section 144 by the district administration, PTI attempted to hold the party convention event, leading to a confrontation with the police on Saturday (Nov 25). The situation escalated as PTI workers pelted stones at the police, resulting in injuries on both sides. Watch | International day of non-violence against women 2023: Forms of violence against women × PTI Vice Chairman Sher Afzal Marwat, addressing the crowd after the clash, criticised the "double standards" in allowing other political parties to hold workers' conventions while restricting PTI. He declared that the day of the general elections, February 8, would be a "day of reckoning and accountability." Marwat expressed the party's support for the Pakistan Army but claimed that PTI was being "pushed to the wall." He also condemned the alleged firing at the party's workers' convention, claiming that two PTI workers were seriously injured. The spokesperson urged the chief justice to take strict action against those responsible for the gunfire. PTI has also filed a case in the Peshawar High Court, seeking permission to hold workers' conventions, and the court has warned of summoning the caretaker chief minister and chief election commissioner if PTI is not allowed to carry out political activities in the province. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: PTI seeks fair elections as workers clash with police during party convention

In two weeks time, Argentina will have a new president. Javier Milei has positioned himself as an outsider, who can employ creative solutions to Argentina's economic woes. But how did Argentina reach such a situation? What is the way forward? We have ambassador R Viswanathan, ex envoy to Argentina, for more perspective.

What's next for Argentina's economy?

The United States ahead of its presidential elections voters have expressed concerns over President Joe Biden's age and now a recent poll suggests that the former Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is among the Democrats top picks and if Biden decides not to run in the 2024 elections.

Poll: Hilary Clinton among top picks if Biden does not run in 2024

High stake battle comes ahead of the 2024 general elections now several key leaders in Rajasthan including Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the former CM Vasundhara Raje have also cast their votes. Elections are being contested by 1,862 candidates and a significant 52.6 million people are set to vote.

Assembly elections 2023: Desert state Rajasthan goes to poll

The Dutch general elections have been swept by Geert Wilders in a surprise victory. Following the win has unleashed protests in Amsterdam after the anti-Islam populist leaders win.

Protests spark in Netherlands after Wilders' election victory

Political dynamics are fast changing ahead of the upcoming February 2024 general elections as former Pakistani President, Asif Zardari remarks on remarks on Bilawal saying he is 'not fully trained' for politics

Political dynamics change in Pakistan change ahead of 2024 general elections | WION

Hard-right Dutch politician, Geert Wilders, is poised to be the next prime minister of the Netherlands. His victory in the election has sent shockwaves throughout Europe as Wilders is known for his anti-Muslim, anti-EU views. With Wilders sweeping the polls, Europe's far-right believes their views have become more mainstream. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Geert Wilders' win in Netherlands election is giving Europe chills; Here's why?

While election campaigning is at a fever pitch in the Indian state of Rajasthan a day before the close of campaigning for the state polls on Saturday. On Tuesday the Congress party announced his election promises for the state.

Rajasthan polls: Youth puts concerns above party favouritism

The Dutch have cast their ballot and an exit poll predicts that a substantial majority has voted in favour of far-right populist leader Geert Wilders. But why are nations shocked at the Mandate and is this election outcome a sign of winds changing direction in Europe?

Netherlands: Far-right leader Geert Wilder declares victory on exit polls results

The election season is on political unrest is posing high risk to Bangladesh economy. Policy Research Institute, a nonprofit research organization suggests that government promises of economic policy changes after elections could alleviate these concerns. The scale and depth of current challenges mean more significant actions are required to avoid further worsening of macroeconomic conditions in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh political crisis: Bangladesh faces cost of living pressure and low reserve

Among the biggest issues in Taiwan's elections to come will be the Island's elections with the United States. The vice presidential candidate for the ruling party says Iraq's solid partnership with the US is crucial for Taiwan.

Taiwan elections: Taiwan ex-US envoy named VP candidate

New&nbsp;Zealand's National Party said on Thursday it has reached an agreement with ACT&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;and&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;First to form a government, ending weeks of negotiations and political uncertainty with the country under a caretaker government.

The center-right National Party won the largest share of votes in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's Oct. 14 general election but needed the support of both right-wing ACT&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;and the populist&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;First parties to form a majority government.

Negotiations have dragged on as the three parties had to agree on a political agenda for the coming three years and allocate ministerial positions.

"I'm very pleased to announce that we're in a position where we've concluded negotiations with the respective parties. Those agreements are now before the parties for ratification, which we hope to have this evening," incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told reporters.

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"We are genuinely excited."

Both NZ First's Winston Peters and Act's David Seymour confirmed negotiations had concluded.

The conservative National Party won over voters by promising relief for struggling middle-income&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealanders, and to bring historically high inflation under control while reducing the country's debt. It is expected to announce plans to return the central bank to a single mandate of targeting inflation of 1 per cent&nbsp;to 3 per cent.

The formation of the&nbsp;new&nbsp;coalition government will bring to an end six years of left-wing government led by Labour. Labour lost support with many&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealanders disgruntled over the country's long COVID-19 lockdown and the rising cost of living.

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New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;operates a mixed member proportional system, which means coalition governments are the norm and historically it takes roughly a month for a government to be formed but can take longer.

A detail breakdown of the&nbsp;new&nbsp;government's policy agenda is expected to be released Friday. Ministerial appointments are also expected to be announced then.

New Zealand's National Party said on Thursday it has reached an agreement with ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form a government, ending weeks of negotiations and political uncertainty with the country under a caretaker government.

New Zealand's National Party said on Thursday it has reached an agreement with ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form a government, ending weeks of negotiations and political uncertainty with the country under a caretaker government. The center-right National Party won the largest share of votes in New Zealand's Oct. 14 general election but needed the support of both right-wing ACT New Zealand and the populist New Zealand First parties to form a majority government. Negotiations have dragged on as the three parties had to agree on a political agenda for the coming three years and allocate ministerial positions. "I'm very pleased to announce that we're in a position where we've concluded negotiations with the respective parties. Those agreements are now before the parties for ratification, which we hope to have this evening," incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told reporters. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Was Mossad chief behind the delay in hostage release deal? "We are genuinely excited." Both NZ First's Winston Peters and Act's David Seymour confirmed negotiations had concluded. The conservative National Party won over voters by promising relief for struggling middle-income New Zealanders, and to bring historically high inflation under control while reducing the country's debt. It is expected to announce plans to return the central bank to a single mandate of targeting inflation of 1 per cent to 3 per cent. The formation of the new coalition government will bring to an end six years of left-wing government led by Labour. Labour lost support with many New Zealanders disgruntled over the country's long COVID-19 lockdown and the rising cost of living. ALSO READ | Cameron Ortis, Canada's ex-police intel chief, convicted of leaking secrets New Zealand operates a mixed member proportional system, which means coalition governments are the norm and historically it takes roughly a month for a government to be formed but can take longer. A detail breakdown of the new government's policy agenda is expected to be released Friday. Ministerial appointments are also expected to be announced then.

New Zealand's National Party clinches deal to form government

Dutch&nbsp;anti-EU far-right populist Geert Wilders will start looking for coalition partners on Thursday after a massive election win that is set to have wide repercussions in the Netherlands and Europe.

A fan of fellow eurosceptic, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the vocally anti-EU Wilders has vowed to halt all immigration, slash&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;payments to the union and block the entrance of any new members, including Ukraine.

With 98 per cent&nbsp;of the votes counted, his Freedom Party (PVV) won 37 seats out of 150, well ahead of 25 for a joint Labour/Green ticket and 24 for the conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

"The Rutte era ends with a right-wing populist revolt that shakes (The Hague) to its foundations. The historic election victory that the PVV achieved on Wednesday exceeded all expectations,"&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;center-right daily NRC said.

A coalition of the Freedom Party, VVD, and the NSC party of centrist lawmaker Pieter Omtzigt would have 81 seats combined, making it the most obvious combination but which could still take months of difficult talks.

None of the parties he could form a government with share his anti-EU ideas.

"I am confident we can reach an agreement," Wilders said in his victory speech late on Wednesday. "We want to govern and ... we will govern."

Wilders' win comes two months after the return to power of the equally anti-EU populist Robert Fico in Slovakia, who has pledged to halt military aid to Ukraine and cut immigration.

<h2>Winds of change?</h2>

Last year, Italy formed its most right-wing government since World War Two after the election victory of Giorgia Meloni.

"The winds of change are here! Congratulations to Geert Wilders on winning the&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;elections," Orban said late on Wednesday.

In France, the far right was equally gleeful.

"It is because there are people who refuse to see the national torch extinguished that the hope for change remains alive in Europe," Marine Le Pen said.

Wilders has repeatedly said the Netherlands should stop providing arms to Ukraine, as he says the country needs the weapons to be able to defend itself.

"We will have to find ways to live up to the hopes of our voters, to put the&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;back as No. 1", Wilders said.

After his victory, he said "the Netherlands will be returned to the&nbsp;Dutch, the asylum tsunami and migration will be curbed."

Wilders, and his party, have never been in government, although they backed Rutte's first coalition government about a decade ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-geert-wilders-the-soon-to-be-dutch-pm-who-supported-nupur-sharma-and-scrapping-article-370-661831">Also read |&nbsp;Who is Geert Wilders, the soon-to-be Dutch PM who supported Nupur Sharma and scrapping Article 370</a>

<h2>Concern</h2>

Islamic and Moroccan organisations expressed concerns about Wilders' victory. Muslims make up about 5% of the population.

"The distress and fear are enormous," Habib el Kaddouri, who heads an organisation representing&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;Moroccans, told&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;news agency ANP. "We are afraid that he will portray us as second-class citizens."

All eyes will now turn to Wilders' potential government partners who had expressed serious doubts about working with him during the campaign, but were now less outspoken after his win.

"We are available to govern," NSC party's Omtzigt said. "This is a difficult outcome. We will discuss on Thursday in what way we could best contribute."

VVD leader Dilan Yesilgoz, who earlier this week said her party wouldn't join a government led by Wilders, said it was now up to the winner to show he could get a majority.

"We are not in a position to take the lead," she said.

Parties are set to meet each on their side on Thursday to discuss what to do next. On Friday, party leaders will meet to decide on an 'explorer', a political outsider who will hear from each party what possibilities they see and prefer in coalition talks.

Dutch anti-EU far-right populist Geert Wilders will start looking for coalition partners on Thursday after a massive election win that is set to have wide repercussions in the Netherlands and Europe.

Dutch anti-EU far-right populist Geert Wilders will start looking for coalition partners on Thursday after a massive election win that is set to have wide repercussions in the Netherlands and Europe. A fan of fellow eurosceptic, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the vocally anti-EU Wilders has vowed to halt all immigration, slash Dutch payments to the union and block the entrance of any new members, including Ukraine. With 98 per cent of the votes counted, his Freedom Party (PVV) won 37 seats out of 150, well ahead of 25 for a joint Labour/Green ticket and 24 for the conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte. "The Rutte era ends with a right-wing populist revolt that shakes (The Hague) to its foundations. The historic election victory that the PVV achieved on Wednesday exceeded all expectations," Dutch center-right daily NRC said. A coalition of the Freedom Party, VVD, and the NSC party of centrist lawmaker Pieter Omtzigt would have 81 seats combined, making it the most obvious combination but which could still take months of difficult talks. None of the parties he could form a government with share his anti-EU ideas. "I am confident we can reach an agreement," Wilders said in his victory speech late on Wednesday. "We want to govern and ... we will govern." Wilders' win comes two months after the return to power of the equally anti-EU populist Robert Fico in Slovakia, who has pledged to halt military aid to Ukraine and cut immigration. Winds of change? Last year, Italy formed its most right-wing government since World War Two after the election victory of Giorgia Meloni. "The winds of change are here! Congratulations to Geert Wilders on winning the Dutch elections," Orban said late on Wednesday. In France, the far right was equally gleeful. "It is because there are people who refuse to see the national torch extinguished that the hope for change remains alive in Europe," Marine Le Pen said. Wilders has repeatedly said the Netherlands should stop providing arms to Ukraine, as he says the country needs the weapons to be able to defend itself. "We will have to find ways to live up to the hopes of our voters, to put the Dutch back as No. 1", Wilders said. After his victory, he said "the Netherlands will be returned to the Dutch, the asylum tsunami and migration will be curbed." Wilders, and his party, have never been in government, although they backed Rutte's first coalition government about a decade ago. Also read | Who is Geert Wilders, the soon-to-be Dutch PM who supported Nupur Sharma and scrapping Article 370 Concern Islamic and Moroccan organisations expressed concerns about Wilders' victory. Muslims make up about 5% of the population. "The distress and fear are enormous," Habib el Kaddouri, who heads an organisation representing Dutch Moroccans, told Dutch news agency ANP. "We are afraid that he will portray us as second-class citizens." All eyes will now turn to Wilders' potential government partners who had expressed serious doubts about working with him during the campaign, but were now less outspoken after his win. "We are available to govern," NSC party's Omtzigt said. "This is a difficult outcome. We will discuss on Thursday in what way we could best contribute." VVD leader Dilan Yesilgoz, who earlier this week said her party wouldn't join a government led by Wilders, said it was now up to the winner to show he could get a majority. "We are not in a position to take the lead," she said. Parties are set to meet each on their side on Thursday to discuss what to do next. On Friday, party leaders will meet to decide on an 'explorer', a political outsider who will hear from each party what possibilities they see and prefer in coalition talks.

Far-right's Wilders seeks to form Dutch govt after shock election win

In the lead-up to the seventh round of the state elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress unleash their political artillery in the electoral battleground of Rajasthan, setting off a fierce verbal duel. WION's correspondent Ananya Dutta brings you ground reality of rural Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Assembly Elections: Rural Rajasthan still struggling for basic amenities | Ground report

Is violence hurting Bangladesh's economy?

India: Rajasthan polls on November 25th, results on December 3rd

India: Last day of election campaign in Rajasthan

The Netherlands is voting to elect a new Parliament the polls will also bring the Netherlands its first new prime minister in over a decade this after the outgoing prime minister Mark Rutt lost the popularity vote and in July he promised not to stand for elections again.

The Netherlands to get first new prime minister in 13 years

In the lead-up to the seventh round of the state elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress unleash their political artillery in the electoral battleground of Rajasthan, setting off a fierce verbal duel.

Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2023: BJP leaving no stone unturned to make a comeback | Ground report

Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2023: PM Modi's mega Rajasthan roadshow

India: Rajasthan gears up for elections

Igor Girkin, a prominent ultranationalist currently in Russian custody on charges of inciting extremism, has nominated himself for the 2024 presidential race, according to an announcement made on his behalf by Oleg Nelzin, co-chair of the Russian Movement for Strelkov.

Girkin, who previously asserted he would make a better president than Vladimir Putin, issued a letter instructing his followers to establish a headquarters and gather signatures for his candidacy.

Girkin's August statement from custody, where he criticised Putin as "too kind" and declared his own presidential ambitions, was laden with irony. Despite being considered an improbable contender, Girkin, also known for his role in the downing of a Malaysian passenger plane over eastern Ukraine in 2014, has persisted in pursuing his political aspirations.

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<h2>Extending investigation and signature collection</h2>

Supporters of Girkin announced in September that the criminal investigation into his activities had been extended until December 18.

In response, Girkin's letter, as read by Nelzin, directed his followers to actively organise and collect the necessary signatures for his presidential candidacy, signalling a determined push for political relevance.

Girkin, who lost an appeal against pre-trial detention in August, is recognised in the West for his conviction in absentia by a Dutch court regarding the Malaysian plane incident. His controversial past and legal battles add complexity to his unexpected bid for the presidency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-trumps-wests-sanctions-as-moscow-proposes-largest-ever-federal-budget-659280">Also read |&nbsp;Putin trumps West's sanctions as Moscow proposes largest-ever federal budget with defence focus</a>

<h2>Putin's unmatched&nbsp;popularity</h2>

While Girkin pursues his political ambitions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has asserted that Putin enjoys unprecedented support and would secure an overwhelming majority if he chose to run in the 2024 election.

The emergence of Girkin as a contender adds a layer of intrigue to Russia's political landscape, prompting scrutiny and speculation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Igor Girkin, a prominent ultranationalist currently in Russian custody on charges of inciting extremism, has nominated himself for the 2024 presidential race, according to an announcement made on his behalf by Oleg Nelzin, co-chair of the Russian Movement for Strelkov.

Igor Girkin, a prominent ultranationalist currently in Russian custody on charges of inciting extremism, has nominated himself for the 2024 presidential race, according to an announcement made on his behalf by Oleg Nelzin, co-chair of the Russian Movement for Strelkov. Girkin, who previously asserted he would make a better president than Vladimir Putin, issued a letter instructing his followers to establish a headquarters and gather signatures for his candidacy. Girkin's August statement from custody, where he criticised Putin as "too kind" and declared his own presidential ambitions, was laden with irony. Despite being considered an improbable contender, Girkin, also known for his role in the downing of a Malaysian passenger plane over eastern Ukraine in 2014, has persisted in pursuing his political aspirations. Also watch | Putin calls Israel against using 'cruel' tactics in Gaza Extending investigation and signature collection Supporters of Girkin announced in September that the criminal investigation into his activities had been extended until December 18. In response, Girkin's letter, as read by Nelzin, directed his followers to actively organise and collect the necessary signatures for his presidential candidacy, signalling a determined push for political relevance. Girkin, who lost an appeal against pre-trial detention in August, is recognised in the West for his conviction in absentia by a Dutch court regarding the Malaysian plane incident. His controversial past and legal battles add complexity to his unexpected bid for the presidency. Also read | Putin trumps West's sanctions as Moscow proposes largest-ever federal budget with defence focus Putin's unmatched popularity While Girkin pursues his political ambitions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has asserted that Putin enjoys unprecedented support and would secure an overwhelming majority if he chose to run in the 2024 election. The emergence of Girkin as a contender adds a layer of intrigue to Russia's political landscape, prompting scrutiny and speculation. (With inputs from agencies)

Jailed Russian ultranationalist nominates self for 2024 presidential race. Can he beat Putin?

Liberian president George Weah concedes defeat to opposition leader and his arch-rival Joseph Boakai in a closely fought electoral battle. The election result ends Weah's presidency marred by serious allegations of grafting in 2017.

Liberia elections: Joseph Boakai set to lead Liberia as President

Pakistan where the ground is ready for the next general elections and so are the candidates taking a dig at their rival candidates. Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recently said that the country should give a chance to someone new instead of choosing the same prime minister for the second time.

Pakistan: PPP Chairman takes a dig at his rivals ahead of general polls

Liberia elections 2023: George Weah's tenure marred by grafting charges

Political battle in India's Rajasthan heats up

The race to power in Taiwan has a United opposition. The two main opposition parties that wowed to renew talks with China have now agreed on a joint presidential ticket for the elections in January. Watch to know more.

Taiwan's race to power has united opposition

The Maldives's incoming president Mohamed Muizzu has vowed to expel Indian troops after taking office later this week, but told AFP he does not want to redraw regional balance by bringing in Chinese forces instead.

"Maldives is too small to be entangled in geopolitical rivalry," the president-elect said in an interview on the strategically located Indian Ocean archipelago. "I am not very much interested to engage the Maldivian foreign policy in this."

Muizzu's election success in September hinged on a sustained campaign against India's&nbsp; political and economic clout in the Maldives, and specifically his pledge to eject Indian forces.

But he said he will not allow China -- or any other nation -- to replace them, and dismissed reports of him being closer to Beijing. He insists he is only "pro-Maldives".

"We are going to work together with all the countries, India, China and all other countries as well," the 45-year-old leader, who will be sworn in on Friday, said at his home in the capital Male.

Known for its pristine beaches and secluded resorts as one of the most expensive holiday destinations in South Asia, the Maldives has also become a geopolitical hotspot.

Global east-west shipping lanes pass the nation's chain of 1,192 tiny coral islands, scattered around 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator.

Muizzu was regarded as a proxy of pro-China&nbsp;former president Abdulla Yameen, who had shifted the country heavily into Beijing's orbit till his 2018 defeat.

<h2>Regional rivalry</h2>

Muizzu said he hoped to begin formal negotiations with New Delhi on the withdrawal of an estimated 50 to 75 Indian personnel, a sensitive campaign issue.

"The people of the Maldives did not vote for me to allow any military presence in the Maldives," the British-educated civil engineer added.

"That is why we are&nbsp;talking with the Indian government to remove them, and I'm sure we can do that in a peaceful and democratic manner."

Muizzu said his mandate was to remove a unit of Indian security personnel, deployed to operate three aircraft gifted to the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime territory.

"I'm not asking for the Indian troops to leave our country to make room for any other country to bring their military troops here," he said.

Regional power India had considered the Maldives with its population of about 380,000 Sunni Muslims to be within its sphere of influence, but had been worried about China's expanding footprint during Yameen's administration.

New Delhi has a history of entanglements with Male, including the deployment of soldiers to thwart a 1988 coup attempt.

<h2>Maldives first</h2>

"For the Maldives, it is very important that we put our interests first... also we want to work together with all the countries, have a good friendly relationship, cordial, candid relationship," Muizzu said.

The party nominated Muizzu after Yameen was barred from running for office following a criminal conviction for&nbsp;corruption during his five-year term when the country saw a spurt of Chinese-funded construction.

Muizzu, a former housing minister, is credited with implementing Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including the construction of 7,000 apartments and a landmark bridge linking the capital island Male with the nearby airport island of Hulhule.

"We are situated in a very strategic location, in which many of the sea lanes of communication go across our country," he said, adding that he was inviting foreign investment to develop ports and logistics as well as set up a tax-free zone.

Muizzu said he was banking on completing the ambitious expansion of the international airport, in a bid to jump-start an economy that was hit by heavy debt and a decline in tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was hopeful of filling "funding gaps" for the nearly $1 billion expansion of the Velana International Airport, which he sees as a gateway to attracting more foreign direct investment.

<h2>Climate change threat</h2>

But the country's public and government-guaranteed debt was about $7 billion, or 113.5 per cent of the GDP at the end of last year, according to official data.

"When we look at the economy, there's a huge debt that needs to be addressed. The level of confidence of investors to come and invest in Maldives is really low," Muizzu said.

He said he was keen on expanding ports and harbour-related services to increase domestic earnings, while also looking for debt-free financing for his ambitious economic expansion plans.

In addition, Muizzu said he was seeking up to $500 million in international funding to protect beaches and coral as warming and rising waters threaten his low-lying nation.

Eighty per cent of the Maldives is less than a metre (three feet) above sea level, making it one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels linked to climate change.

The president-elect quoted a report that said 60 per cent of corals had been bleached by rising water temperatures.

"Every coral has value, every waterway that is contaminated has a value," he said, insisting his country must be compensated for "every fish that dies due to global warming".

The Maldives's incoming president Mohamed Muizzu has vowed to expel Indian troops after taking office later this week, but told AFP he does not want to redraw regional balance by bringing in Chinese forces instead.

The Maldives's incoming president Mohamed Muizzu has vowed to expel Indian troops after taking office later this week, but told AFP he does not want to redraw regional balance by bringing in Chinese forces instead. "Maldives is too small to be entangled in geopolitical rivalry," the president-elect said in an interview on the strategically located Indian Ocean archipelago. "I am not very much interested to engage the Maldivian foreign policy in this." Muizzu's election success in September hinged on a sustained campaign against India's political and economic clout in the Maldives, and specifically his pledge to eject Indian forces. But he said he will not allow China -- or any other nation -- to replace them, and dismissed reports of him being closer to Beijing. He insists he is only "pro-Maldives". "We are going to work together with all the countries, India, China and all other countries as well," the 45-year-old leader, who will be sworn in on Friday, said at his home in the capital Male. Known for its pristine beaches and secluded resorts as one of the most expensive holiday destinations in South Asia, the Maldives has also become a geopolitical hotspot. Global east-west shipping lanes pass the nation's chain of 1,192 tiny coral islands, scattered around 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator. Muizzu was regarded as a proxy of pro-China former president Abdulla Yameen, who had shifted the country heavily into Beijing's orbit till his 2018 defeat. Regional rivalry Muizzu said he hoped to begin formal negotiations with New Delhi on the withdrawal of an estimated 50 to 75 Indian personnel, a sensitive campaign issue. "The people of the Maldives did not vote for me to allow any military presence in the Maldives," the British-educated civil engineer added. "That is why we are talking with the Indian government to remove them, and I'm sure we can do that in a peaceful and democratic manner." Muizzu said his mandate was to remove a unit of Indian security personnel, deployed to operate three aircraft gifted to the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime territory. "I'm not asking for the Indian troops to leave our country to make room for any other country to bring their military troops here," he said. Regional power India had considered the Maldives with its population of about 380,000 Sunni Muslims to be within its sphere of influence, but had been worried about China's expanding footprint during Yameen's administration. New Delhi has a history of entanglements with Male, including the deployment of soldiers to thwart a 1988 coup attempt. Maldives first "For the Maldives, it is very important that we put our interests first... also we want to work together with all the countries, have a good friendly relationship, cordial, candid relationship," Muizzu said. The party nominated Muizzu after Yameen was barred from running for office following a criminal conviction for corruption during his five-year term when the country saw a spurt of Chinese-funded construction. Muizzu, a former housing minister, is credited with implementing Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including the construction of 7,000 apartments and a landmark bridge linking the capital island Male with the nearby airport island of Hulhule. "We are situated in a very strategic location, in which many of the sea lanes of communication go across our country," he said, adding that he was inviting foreign investment to develop ports and logistics as well as set up a tax-free zone. Muizzu said he was banking on completing the ambitious expansion of the international airport, in a bid to jump-start an economy that was hit by heavy debt and a decline in tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic. He was hopeful of filling "funding gaps" for the nearly $1 billion expansion of the Velana International Airport, which he sees as a gateway to attracting more foreign direct investment. Climate change threat But the country's public and government-guaranteed debt was about $7 billion, or 113.5 per cent of the GDP at the end of last year, according to official data. "When we look at the economy, there's a huge debt that needs to be addressed. The level of confidence of investors to come and invest in Maldives is really low," Muizzu said. He said he was keen on expanding ports and harbour-related services to increase domestic earnings, while also looking for debt-free financing for his ambitious economic expansion plans. In addition, Muizzu said he was seeking up to $500 million in international funding to protect beaches and coral as warming and rising waters threaten his low-lying nation. Eighty per cent of the Maldives is less than a metre (three feet) above sea level, making it one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels linked to climate change. The president-elect quoted a report that said 60 per cent of corals had been bleached by rising water temperatures. "Every coral has value, every waterway that is contaminated has a value," he said, insisting his country must be compensated for "every fish that dies due to global warming".

Maldives: President-elect Mohamed Muizzu says Chinese troops will not replace Indians

India will witness crucial State Assembly elections as two of India's largest states will be heading to the polls in less than 15 days. Madhya Pradesh on the 17th of November Rajasthan on the 25th of November. The two main National Parties Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party and the main rival the Indian National Congress are also pitching against each other.

India: Madhya Pradesh gears up for polls, voting to place on Nov 17

The West African nation of Liberia is voting in a presidential runoff election today the two leading candidates were separated by just over 7,000 votes

Liberians head to presidential run-off polls

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