WION takes you on board 'The Empress': India's first international cruise to Sri Lanka.

WION aboard 'The Empress' | India's first international cruise to Sri Lanka

Turkey's Lira continues its downward spiral despite a forecast by Goldman Sachs warning of a significant weakening of the currency, the lira has surpassed expectations, plunging to new lows against the u.S. Dollar. The U.S. Investment Bank at the weekend projected that the lira still had room to plunge further to deeper lows of 23 against the greenback in three months, compared to a previous estimate of 19 against the dollar. But it has zoomed past Goldman’s forecast to stand above 23 against the dollar — all within the span of a few days.

Turkey's Lira surpasses Goldman Sachs predictions

<p>On the 34th anniversary of Poland's first post-war democratic election, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in Warsaw to participate in a march organised by the liberal opposition. The demonstrations were aimed at challenging e nearly eight years of nationalist rule and determine the prospects of the opposition for the election later this year.</p>

<p>Poland's first post-war democratic election took place on June 4, 1989. This election marked a significant moment in Polish history as it was the first free election held in the country since the end of World War II. It was a crucial step in the dismantling of communist rule and the establishment of a democratic system in Poland.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-landslide-claims-14-lives-in-sichuan-province-5-still-missing-600355">China: Landslide claims 19 lives in Sichuan province</a></p>

<p>It was held following a series of political and social changes that had been taking place in Poland, including the rise of the Solidarity trade union movement and increasing demands for political reform.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'European Union yes, PiS no'</strong></h2>

<p>The crowds, stretching for miles, brandished banners proclaiming messages such as "Free, European Poland" and "European Union yes, PiS no," referring to the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party.</p>

<p>Some attendees even held masks bearing the image of PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski with the word "shame" inscribed on them. While the organisers estimated the march involved half a million participants, no official estimate was provided by the police or city officials. Similar protests also took place in various other Polish cities and towns.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-of-magnitude-6-jolts-indonesias-maluku-600379">Earthquake of magnitude 6 jolts Indonesia's Maluku</a></p>

<p>Jacek Gwozdz, a 51-year-old IT specialist from Nowy Sacz, described the demonstration as an unprecedented display of energy, comparing it to the breakthrough moment of June 4, 1989. The 1989 election in Poland was a crucial milestone in the country's history, symbolising the beginning of a new era of democracy and political freedom.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Upcoming elections to be&nbsp;fiercely contested: Polls&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Opinion polls suggest that the upcoming election will be fiercely contested, with the PiS government benefiting from its stance against Russia's actions in neighbouring Ukraine, positioning itself as a prominent anti-Kremlin voice in Europe.</p>

<p>Despite facing widespread criticism domestically and internationally for eroding the rule of law, controlling state media, and endorsing homophobia, the opposition has struggled to mobilise broad support.</p>

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<p>The PiS government, led by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, denies undermining democratic norms and argues that its policies aim to protect traditional Christian values and create a fairer economy in the face of liberal pressures from the West.</p>

<h2><strong>Poland's first postwar democratic election&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The 1989 elections were conducted in a partially open manner, with a degree of political competition allowed. The newly formed Solidarity movement, led by Lech Wałęsa, played a prominent role in the election and won a significant victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lech Wałęsa, a prominent Solidarity leader, was later elected as the first non-communist President of Poland in 1990. It served as an inspiration for other countries in Central and Eastern Europe undergoing similar transformations, and it contributed to the broader process of the fall of communism in the region.</p>

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On the 34th anniversary of Poland's first post-war democratic election, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in Warsaw to participate in a march organised by the liberal opposition.

On the 34th anniversary of Poland's first post-war democratic election, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in Warsaw to participate in a march organised by the liberal opposition. The demonstrations were aimed at challenging e nearly eight years of nationalist rule and determine the prospects of the opposition for the election later this year. Poland's first post-war democratic election took place on June 4, 1989. This election marked a significant moment in Polish history as it was the first free election held in the country since the end of World War II. It was a crucial step in the dismantling of communist rule and the establishment of a democratic system in Poland. Also Read | China: Landslide claims 19 lives in Sichuan province It was held following a series of political and social changes that had been taking place in Poland, including the rise of the Solidarity trade union movement and increasing demands for political reform. 'European Union yes, PiS no' The crowds, stretching for miles, brandished banners proclaiming messages such as "Free, European Poland" and "European Union yes, PiS no," referring to the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party. Some attendees even held masks bearing the image of PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski with the word "shame" inscribed on them. While the organisers estimated the march involved half a million participants, no official estimate was provided by the police or city officials. Similar protests also took place in various other Polish cities and towns. Also Read | Earthquake of magnitude 6 jolts Indonesia's Maluku Jacek Gwozdz, a 51-year-old IT specialist from Nowy Sacz, described the demonstration as an unprecedented display of energy, comparing it to the breakthrough moment of June 4, 1989. The 1989 election in Poland was a crucial milestone in the country's history, symbolising the beginning of a new era of democracy and political freedom. Upcoming elections to be fiercely contested: Polls Opinion polls suggest that the upcoming election will be fiercely contested, with the PiS government benefiting from its stance against Russia's actions in neighbouring Ukraine, positioning itself as a prominent anti-Kremlin voice in Europe. Despite facing widespread criticism domestically and internationally for eroding the rule of law, controlling state media, and endorsing homophobia, the opposition has struggled to mobilise broad support. Watch | Chinese astronauts return to Earth | East-Asian space race | World News × The PiS government, led by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, denies undermining democratic norms and argues that its policies aim to protect traditional Christian values and create a fairer economy in the face of liberal pressures from the West. Poland's first postwar democratic election The 1989 elections were conducted in a partially open manner, with a degree of political competition allowed. The newly formed Solidarity movement, led by Lech Wałęsa, played a prominent role in the election and won a significant victory. Lech Wałęsa, a prominent Solidarity leader, was later elected as the first non-communist President of Poland in 1990. It served as an inspiration for other countries in Central and Eastern Europe undergoing similar transformations, and it contributed to the broader process of the fall of communism in the region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Poland: On post-war democratic election anniversary, oppn holds protests against ruling PiS party

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to take the oath of office and start his third presidential term Saturday following his latest election win.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to start new term

Erdogan has won Turkey's crucial elections. India's relationship with Turkey nosedived after the abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir when Erdogan spoke critically about the decision at the UNGA plenary. On the other hand, Pakistan has identified with Turkey as a model state with a 95% Islamic population. Let's take a look at how Erdogan's re-win will affect the South Asian Region

What Erdogan's win means for South Asia

Former vice president Mike Pence plans to announce his 2024 White House candidacy next week, challenging Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, US media reported on Wednesday.

US Elections: Former US VP Pence to announce White House bid

<p>Canada’s former Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole, on Tuesday (May 30) claimed that he was a target of China’s misinformation and voter suppression campaign aimed at discrediting him during the election in 2021, citing the intelligence by the country’s spy agency. This comes a day after Hong Kong-born Canadian lawmaker, Jenny Kwan, said she was also targeted&nbsp;by Beijing for her human rights activism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Canada moved to expel Toronto-based Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei after an intelligence report accused him of trying to target a Canadian lawmaker over his support for the Uyghur Muslim minority in China.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the former opposition leader claim?</strong></h2>

<p>The claim follows a briefing by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), on Friday. O’Toole, a current Member of Parliament (MP), had lost the 2021 election to incumbent Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Canadian MP said that the spy agency had confirmed his suspicions that he and his parliamentary caucus members were the “target of a Chinese orchestrated campaign of disinformation and voter suppression in the run-up to and during the 2021 general election.”</p>

<p>He added, “Each of these threats was intended to discredit me, promote false narratives about my policies, and severely obstruct my work as a member of Parliament and as leader of the official opposition.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kwan, who is a New Democrat MP, said that the CSIS also informed her that she was part of Beijing’s foreign interference campaign and “would continue to be a target.” However, the Canadian lawmaker said that she would “not be intimidated” or “silenced in any way.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also claimed that it was her activism related to human rights in Hong Kong that pushed China to impose&nbsp;its National Security Law in the city, as well as her support for China’s Uyghur Muslim minority community that made her a target.</p>

<p>“Whoever is trying to put pressure on me in whatever way they are trying to do it, they will not succeed,” said Kwan.</p>

<p>O’Toole believes&nbsp;it was his criticism of human rights abuses in China as well as discouraging the use of Huawei technology in Canada’s 5G network which prompted Beijing to retaliate.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Trudeau&nbsp;government under pressure</strong></h2>

<p>There has been mounting pressure on the Canadian government which has also faced criticism for not passing the intelligence about Chinese meddling to the parliament and its members&nbsp;earlier.&nbsp;The government and its senior advisers are “being willfully blind to attacks on our parliamentary democracy,” said Canadian MP&nbsp;O’Toole.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government faced similar criticism from Conservative MP Michael Chong, who&nbsp;as per a media&nbsp;report was&nbsp;targeted by China for his staunch support of Uyghur rights. As per the Canadian intelligence report from 2021 quoted by the country’s Globe and Mail newspaper, Beijing requested details about Chong and his family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a supposed intimidation effort to make “an example” and also to “deter others from taking an anti-PRC position,” the paper reported. Chong also criticised Trudeau’s government for inaction, while the Canadian PM said he too found out about the intelligence report from the newspaper and blamed the spy agency for not passing on the information to him on time.</p>

<p>However, the report did lead to the ouster of&nbsp;Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei who was&nbsp;accused of trying to target Chong.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;</em><br />
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Canada’s former Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole, on Tuesday (May 30) claimed that he was a target of China’s misinformation and voter suppression campaign aimed at discrediting him during the election in 2021, citing the intelligence by the country’s spy agency.

Canada’s former Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole, on Tuesday (May 30) claimed that he was a target of China’s misinformation and voter suppression campaign aimed at discrediting him during the election in 2021, citing the intelligence by the country’s spy agency. This comes a day after Hong Kong-born Canadian lawmaker, Jenny Kwan, said she was also targeted by Beijing for her human rights activism. Earlier this month, Canada moved to expel Toronto-based Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei after an intelligence report accused him of trying to target a Canadian lawmaker over his support for the Uyghur Muslim minority in China. What did the former opposition leader claim? The claim follows a briefing by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), on Friday. O’Toole, a current Member of Parliament (MP), had lost the 2021 election to incumbent Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Canadian MP said that the spy agency had confirmed his suspicions that he and his parliamentary caucus members were the “target of a Chinese orchestrated campaign of disinformation and voter suppression in the run-up to and during the 2021 general election.” He added, “Each of these threats was intended to discredit me, promote false narratives about my policies, and severely obstruct my work as a member of Parliament and as leader of the official opposition.” Kwan, who is a New Democrat MP, said that the CSIS also informed her that she was part of Beijing’s foreign interference campaign and “would continue to be a target.” However, the Canadian lawmaker said that she would “not be intimidated” or “silenced in any way.” She also claimed that it was her activism related to human rights in Hong Kong that pushed China to impose its National Security Law in the city, as well as her support for China’s Uyghur Muslim minority community that made her a target. “Whoever is trying to put pressure on me in whatever way they are trying to do it, they will not succeed,” said Kwan. O’Toole believes it was his criticism of human rights abuses in China as well as discouraging the use of Huawei technology in Canada’s 5G network which prompted Beijing to retaliate. Trudeau government under pressure There has been mounting pressure on the Canadian government which has also faced criticism for not passing the intelligence about Chinese meddling to the parliament and its members earlier. The government and its senior advisers are “being willfully blind to attacks on our parliamentary democracy,” said Canadian MP O’Toole. The government faced similar criticism from Conservative MP Michael Chong, who as per a media report was targeted by China for his staunch support of Uyghur rights. As per the Canadian intelligence report from 2021 quoted by the country’s Globe and Mail newspaper, Beijing requested details about Chong and his family. In a supposed intimidation effort to make “an example” and also to “deter others from taking an anti-PRC position,” the paper reported. Chong also criticised Trudeau’s government for inaction, while the Canadian PM said he too found out about the intelligence report from the newspaper and blamed the spy agency for not passing on the information to him on time. However, the report did lead to the ouster of Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei who was accused of trying to target Chong. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ex-Canadian Conservative party chief claims China launched campaign to ‘discredit’ him in 2021 elections

Turkey runoff elections have finally come to an end with Erdogan regaining his seat as the President. Erdogan defeated Kilicdaroglu to make a comeback for another five years. The total voter turnout was 84.93%.

Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years

Voters will head to polling booths once again in Turkey, as the nation will experience its first-ever runoff election for the president. Voters will decide whether the incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan extends his rule into a third decade or the opposing candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu secures a historic win.

Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan takes leads with over 89% of votes counted

Turkey Elections 2023: Runoff to decide if Erdogan's rule will enter a third decade

Turkey Elections 2023: Presidential candidates urge voters to turn out in large numbers

<p>Bangladesh will take steps to tackle and prevent unlawful practices or interference in its elections, authorities said on Thursday, a day after the United States threatened curbs on citizens of the South Asian nation who undermine them.</p>

<p>Concern flared after accusations of vote-rigging and the targeting of the political opposition marred national elections in 2014 and 2018, charges denied by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.</p>

<p>US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the United States is adopting a new policy to restrict visas for Bangladeshis who undermine the democratic election process at home.</p>

<p>"The government apparatus will take necessary measures to prevent and address any unlawful practices or interference...to compromise the smooth and participatory conduct of the elections," the Bangladesh foreign ministry said in response.</p>

<p>"The electoral process will remain under strict vigilance, including by international observers as accredited by the Election Commission," it added in a statement.</p>

<p>The commission retains the ability to perform its functions in full independence, credibility and efficiency, the ministry said.</p>

<p>Political analyst Badiul Alam Majumder welcomed the US&nbsp;curbs.</p>

<p>"I see this restriction as a preventive measure," he added. "This could avert efforts by individuals to rig elections in their favour."</p>

<p>Hasina, who has kept tight control of the South Asian nation since coming to power in 2009, has been accused of human rights violations, obliteration of press freedom, suppression of dissent and the jailing of critics, including many supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BNP has been calling for Hasina to step down and for the next election, due in January 2024, to be held under a neutral caretaker government, a demand her government has rejected.</p>

<p>"This new visa policy proves once again that the international community is certain that a free and fair election is not possible under this government," said a senior BNP leader, Zahir Uddin Swapon.</p>

<p>Since December 2021, Washington has maintained sanctions on an elite police unit targeting crime and terrorism, which has been accused of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.&nbsp;<br />
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Bangladesh will take steps to tackle and prevent unlawful practices or interference in its elections, authorities said on Thursday, a day after the United States threatened curbs on citizens of the South Asian nation who undermine them.

Bangladesh will take steps to tackle and prevent unlawful practices or interference in its elections, authorities said on Thursday, a day after the United States threatened curbs on citizens of the South Asian nation who undermine them. Concern flared after accusations of vote-rigging and the targeting of the political opposition marred national elections in 2014 and 2018, charges denied by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the United States is adopting a new policy to restrict visas for Bangladeshis who undermine the democratic election process at home. "The government apparatus will take necessary measures to prevent and address any unlawful practices or interference...to compromise the smooth and participatory conduct of the elections," the Bangladesh foreign ministry said in response. "The electoral process will remain under strict vigilance, including by international observers as accredited by the Election Commission," it added in a statement. The commission retains the ability to perform its functions in full independence, credibility and efficiency, the ministry said. Political analyst Badiul Alam Majumder welcomed the US curbs. "I see this restriction as a preventive measure," he added. "This could avert efforts by individuals to rig elections in their favour." Hasina, who has kept tight control of the South Asian nation since coming to power in 2009, has been accused of human rights violations, obliteration of press freedom, suppression of dissent and the jailing of critics, including many supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The BNP has been calling for Hasina to step down and for the next election, due in January 2024, to be held under a neutral caretaker government, a demand her government has rejected. "This new visa policy proves once again that the international community is certain that a free and fair election is not possible under this government," said a senior BNP leader, Zahir Uddin Swapon. Since December 2021, Washington has maintained sanctions on an elite police unit targeting crime and terrorism, which has been accused of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bangladesh promises free, fair elections in response to US visa curbs

Turkey’s top intelligence agency claimed on Tuesday to have arrested multiple members of an alleged Israeli Mossad's spy ring, the second time in less than a year that Istanbul says it has discovered an espionage network organized by Israel’s Mossad.

Israeli Mossad spy ring discovered in Turkey, 11 arrested - Report

<p>After making significant gains in the Northern Ireland 2023 council elections, Sinn Féin is now the largest party for the first time in both local government as well as Stormont. When all votes were tallied, the party has gained 144 seats, an increase from the 105 council members elected in 2019.</p>

<p>Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill urged the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to stop opposing power-sharing at Stormont. The Alliance Party, a centre-right party, is in third place behind the DUP which has 122 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-streamlines-marriage-registration-process-for-migrant-workers-amid-looming-population-crisis-594576">China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis</a></p>

<p>The DUP's objection of the post-Brexit trading regulations has prevented the parliament and governing executive of Stormont from operating. The largest party at Stormont following the assembly elections last year was Sinn Féin, but now it also thrives at the local government level. The outcome of the council election was dubbed "historic" by O'Neill.</p>

<p>She said that the goal of Sinn Féin's campaign, which has seen it gain ground in places like Coleraine, Ballymena, and Lisburn, was to provide "positive leadership, it was about a restoration of the executive, it was about making politics work".</p>

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<p>Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the head of the DUP, stated that his party wants to increase its support in order to have a mandate to ask for modifications to the post-Brexit laws so it could return to Stormont. "That's about ensuring that Northern Ireland's ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom is not only respected but protected in law, and that our place in the union is restored," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Preference votes, seats&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Alliance Party now has 67 councillors, up from 52. The party finished third in the 2022 assembly election as well. The first-ever council seats in Ballyclare, Fermanagh, and Limavady are included in this.</p>

<p>First preference votes rose for Sinn Féin, the Alliance, and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) from the 2019 council election. A 7.7% rise gave Sinn Féin a 30.9 per cent&nbsp;of the vote. The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) both had declines in first preference vote share. The DUP's share of the vote went down to 23.3 per cent from 23.8 per cent.</p>

<h2><strong>Northern Ireland main parties</strong></h2>

<p>The main parties in Northern Ireland are Sinn Féin (SF) and the Social Democratic and Labour party (SDLP), which represent Irish nationalists, and the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) and Ulster Unionist party (UUP), who represent the unionist community. Alliance is a cross-community, centrist party. Independents run for certain seats with Green party candidates. The three major British parties—Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat—have a longstanding practice of not fielding candidates.<br />
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After making significant gains in the Northern Ireland 2023 council elections, Sinn Féin is now the largest party for the first time in both local government as well as Stormont.

After making significant gains in the Northern Ireland 2023 council elections, Sinn Féin is now the largest party for the first time in both local government as well as Stormont. When all votes were tallied, the party has gained 144 seats, an increase from the 105 council members elected in 2019. Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill urged the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to stop opposing power-sharing at Stormont. The Alliance Party, a centre-right party, is in third place behind the DUP which has 122 seats. Also Read | China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis The DUP's objection of the post-Brexit trading regulations has prevented the parliament and governing executive of Stormont from operating. The largest party at Stormont following the assembly elections last year was Sinn Féin, but now it also thrives at the local government level. The outcome of the council election was dubbed "historic" by O'Neill. She said that the goal of Sinn Féin's campaign, which has seen it gain ground in places like Coleraine, Ballymena, and Lisburn, was to provide "positive leadership, it was about a restoration of the executive, it was about making politics work". Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit × Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the head of the DUP, stated that his party wants to increase its support in order to have a mandate to ask for modifications to the post-Brexit laws so it could return to Stormont. "That's about ensuring that Northern Ireland's ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom is not only respected but protected in law, and that our place in the union is restored," he said. Preference votes, seats The Alliance Party now has 67 councillors, up from 52. The party finished third in the 2022 assembly election as well. The first-ever council seats in Ballyclare, Fermanagh, and Limavady are included in this. First preference votes rose for Sinn Féin, the Alliance, and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) from the 2019 council election. A 7.7% rise gave Sinn Féin a 30.9 per cent of the vote. The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) both had declines in first preference vote share. The DUP's share of the vote went down to 23.3 per cent from 23.8 per cent. Northern Ireland main parties The main parties in Northern Ireland are Sinn Féin (SF) and the Social Democratic and Labour party (SDLP), which represent Irish nationalists, and the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) and Ulster Unionist party (UUP), who represent the unionist community. Alliance is a cross-community, centrist party. Independents run for certain seats with Green party candidates. The three major British parties—Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat—have a longstanding practice of not fielding candidates. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Northern Ireland council elections 2023: Sinn Fein becomes largest party in local government

The parliamentary elections are just a day away. Candidates from both the ruling and the opposition parties have made their final pitch to the voters.

Greece Elections 2023: Opinion polls show results of elections likely to be inconclusive

What does the Karnataka election verdict mean for the 2024 general elections? Vikram Chandra finds out from election experts Yashwant Deshmukh and Yogendra Yadav.

Yogendra Yadav: 2024 is now an open election

Karnataka Verdict: Significance for 2024

Why Congress swept Karnataka?

Turkey's main opposition party has filed complaints over suspected irregularities at thousands of ballot boxes in Sunday's landmark election, in which President Tayyip Erdogan performed better than expected.

Turkey: Republican People's party and Green Left Party allege ballot irregularities

The Sri Lankan economy is expected to contract by three percent in 2023 before registering a modest growth of 1.5 percent in 2024, said Krishna Srinivasan, Director of Asia and Pacific Department, IMF.

Sri Lanka: Why is the country in an economic crisis?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has secured 49.40% of the votes in the presidential election, while his main challenger, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, has obtained 44.96%, with 99% of ballots cast in Turkey processed. Erdogan claimed a "clear lead" over his secular rival as votes were still being counted but said he was ready for a run-off election if needed.

Turkey Election 2023: Incumbent President Erdogan accepts run-off

With more than 96 percent of the ballot boxes counted, Erdogan led had 49.44 percent of the vote, and Kilicdaroglu had 44.86 percent, neither he nor his opponent had reached the required 50 percent of the vote to win the election.

Turkey Election 2023: Erdogan accepts runoff in elections

Preliminary results of Thailand's general elections are out. As expected, opposition parties have crashed the incumbent military-bunked government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha by a huge margin with opposition parties securing the wind.

Thailand Election 2023: Opposition parties secure majority of parliamentary seats

Erdogan heading for run-off in Turkey's knife-edge elections

Conceding defeat in the Karnataka assembly election, chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party has not been able to make the mark, while the Congress did it successfully.

Karnataka Elections 2023: Indian PM Modi congratulates Congress on their win India

Turks will vote on Sunday in one of the most consequential elections in modern Turkey's 100-year history, which could unseat President Tayyip Erdogan after 20 years in power and halt his government's increasingly authoritarian path.

Turkey votes in pivotal elections that could end Erdogan's 20-year rule

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a final election campaign rally in Istanbul on Saturday. Turkey will hold its general election on 14 May 2023 with a two-round system to elect its president, while parliamentary elections will be held simultaneously.

Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead

Presidential elections in Turkey today, Erdogan faces toughest challenge ever

<p>For the first time ever, Singaporeans who are 21 years of age or older, residing overseas, and who are eligible to vote will be able to register and cast ballots by mail. According to experts who spoke with Straits Times, this might truly be a game-changer in the upcoming presidential elections, which are expected to be in September 2023. A legislation was passed in March to permit Singaporeans living abroad to vote by mail. Earlier, they had to go to polling sites in certain locations to cast their ballots, which meant that some people were unable to do so in 2020, when Covid-related travel restrictions were effective worldwide.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-voting-begins-will-rule-of-conservative-military-backed-pm-to-maintain-power-592156">Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power?</a></p>

<p><strong>What will be the implications of these election rules revisions for the 2023 Presidential Election?</strong></p>

<p>Elections Department (ELD) revealed that 4,794 of the 6,570 overseas voters who were registered to vote at the most recent general election in Singapore in 2020 actually cast their ballots.</p>

<p>Only 10 overseas voting locations, in "countries or cities where there is a significant number of Singaporeans," were available for voters to cast ballots, according to ELD's website. Shanghai, Dubai, Canberra, London, Tokyo, Beijing, Washington, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and New York are among the cities where the stations are situated.</p>

<p>Also Read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-held-in-biggest-drug-bust-in-india-crystal-meth-worth-145-bn-seized-592189">In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held</a></p>

<p>It is hard to predict precisely how much the turnout rate would rise because the great majority of overseas Singaporeans are not registered voters, according to assistant professor of constitutional law Benjamin Joshua Ong of Singapore Management University (SMU).</p>

<p>“The right to vote is a constitutional right, and we should welcome efforts that make it easier to exercise this right. Of course, democracy is much more than just putting a piece of paper into a box every few years. But voting is a solemn ritual that reinforces a citizen’s ties to the democratic system.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents</strong></p>

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<p>National University of Singapore adjunct law professor Kevin Tan said the postal votes from overseas voters could matter in an election like the 2011 Presidential Election, where Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam edged out Dr. Tan Cheng Bock by 7,382 votes.</p>

<p>“Looking at it quantitatively, the overseas votes might have swung the election the other way because the margin was very, very slim,” he said. He also asserted that voting is a constitutional right and the modifications done by the ELD were long overdue.</p>

<p>The 56-year-old lawyer Benjamin Yap, a Singaporean living in Ho Chi Minh City will now be able to vote from overseas. “I have been away from Singapore for so long, but I still feel Singaporean at heart. I see my ability to exercise my right to vote as very much intrinsic to my status as a Singaporean,” said Mr Yap, who lives with his wife and their 15-year-old son. He is one of 185,800 Singaporeans living abroad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another first in the next election will be the establishment of special polling places on the nursing homes' grounds and the use of mobile polling teams to collect ballots from residents who are bedridden there.</p>

<p>The unique voting arrangements will be tested in nursing homes with more than 50 voters, according to the ELD. Over 2,000 voters will be reached, or roughly two-thirds of registered voters who are now living in nursing homes. This will involve 25 to 30 nursing facilities.</p>

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For the first time ever, Singaporeans who are 21 years of age or older, residing overseas, and who are eligible to vote will be able to register and cast ballots by mail.

For the first time ever, Singaporeans who are 21 years of age or older, residing overseas, and who are eligible to vote will be able to register and cast ballots by mail. According to experts who spoke with Straits Times, this might truly be a game-changer in the upcoming presidential elections, which are expected to be in September 2023. A legislation was passed in March to permit Singaporeans living abroad to vote by mail. Earlier, they had to go to polling sites in certain locations to cast their ballots, which meant that some people were unable to do so in 2020, when Covid-related travel restrictions were effective worldwide. Also Read | Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power? What will be the implications of these election rules revisions for the 2023 Presidential Election? Elections Department (ELD) revealed that 4,794 of the 6,570 overseas voters who were registered to vote at the most recent general election in Singapore in 2020 actually cast their ballots. Only 10 overseas voting locations, in "countries or cities where there is a significant number of Singaporeans," were available for voters to cast ballots, according to ELD's website. Shanghai, Dubai, Canberra, London, Tokyo, Beijing, Washington, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and New York are among the cities where the stations are situated. Also Read| In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held It is hard to predict precisely how much the turnout rate would rise because the great majority of overseas Singaporeans are not registered voters, according to assistant professor of constitutional law Benjamin Joshua Ong of Singapore Management University (SMU). “The right to vote is a constitutional right, and we should welcome efforts that make it easier to exercise this right. Of course, democracy is much more than just putting a piece of paper into a box every few years. But voting is a solemn ritual that reinforces a citizen’s ties to the democratic system.” Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents × National University of Singapore adjunct law professor Kevin Tan said the postal votes from overseas voters could matter in an election like the 2011 Presidential Election, where Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam edged out Dr. Tan Cheng Bock by 7,382 votes. “Looking at it quantitatively, the overseas votes might have swung the election the other way because the margin was very, very slim,” he said. He also asserted that voting is a constitutional right and the modifications done by the ELD were long overdue. The 56-year-old lawyer Benjamin Yap, a Singaporean living in Ho Chi Minh City will now be able to vote from overseas. “I have been away from Singapore for so long, but I still feel Singaporean at heart. I see my ability to exercise my right to vote as very much intrinsic to my status as a Singaporean,” said Mr Yap, who lives with his wife and their 15-year-old son. He is one of 185,800 Singaporeans living abroad. Another first in the next election will be the establishment of special polling places on the nursing homes' grounds and the use of mobile polling teams to collect ballots from residents who are bedridden there. The unique voting arrangements will be tested in nursing homes with more than 50 voters, according to the ELD. Over 2,000 voters will be reached, or roughly two-thirds of registered voters who are now living in nursing homes. This will involve 25 to 30 nursing facilities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Overseas Singaporeans casting vote by post can be game-changer in presidential election: Experts

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held final election campaign rally in Istanbul on Saturday. Turkey will hold its general election on 14 May 2023 with a two-round system to elect its president, while parliamentary elections will be held simultaneously.

Turkey election: President Erdogan caps election eve with 3 rallies, slams opposition

Congress has won the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections by the biggest vote share and seats after a whopping 34 years. Even as the counting was on, political activist Yogendra Yadav said that this election is the biggest victory for “any party in Karnataka" after 1989 during Veerendra Patil's regime when the Congress had won 178 seats with a vote share of 43.76 percent.

Karnataka election results: Congress wins by biggest vote share in 34 years

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