Kate Forbes, Ash Regan, and Humza Yousaf will compete for the position of Scotland's next First Minister, replacing Nicola Sturgeon, it was revealed on Friday. All of the contenders received the required amount of support to compete to succeed the long-serving Scottish National Party (SNP) leader after her abrupt resignation.

Scotland: Kate Forbes, Ash Regan, and Humza Yousaf to fight SNP contest

Presidential polls in the African nation of Nigeria are almost over. Officials are now in the process of counting votes. Nearly ninety million people were eligible to cast their votes for appointing the successor of President Muhammadu Buhari. They are former Lagos governor and all progressive Congress' candidate Bola Tinubu. The surprise third party candidate Peter Obi, who is from the labor party and is a former governor of Anambra and People's Democratic Party candidate Atiku Abubakar who is a former vice President.

Nigerian presidential elections 2023 : Who will succeed President Muhammadu Buhari?

The vote counting in Nigeria's presidential polls is underway&nbsp;after people cast their votes in huge numbers. However, provisional results have started to trickle in. As per reports, Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi received the maximum number of votes in the key state of Lagos, Africa’s biggest city. Nearly 90 million people were eligible to cast their votes for appointing the successor of President Muhammadu Buhari.&nbsp;

Labour Party's Obi got 582,454 votes while All Progressives Congress (APC) party's Bola Tinubu received 572,606 votes, as per electoral commission data on Monday. Lagos was earlier a bastion for Tinubu as he was a former governor of the city.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-stargazers-awestruck-as-captivating-northern-lights-gleam-across-scotland-ireland-and-england-566411">Stargazers awestruck as captivating Northern Lights gleam across Scotland, Ireland and England</a>

The first results from Ekiti state showed a majority of votes for president cast in favour of Tinubu. Nigeria is marred by an economic crisis and the elections are a hope for the people to choose Buhari's successor, who can effectively take back the country on track.&nbsp;

Two parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, have run Africa’s most populous nation for a quarter of a century. Obi left Nigeria's main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) days ahead of the presidential primary in May.&nbsp;Following this, the PDP chose 75-year-old former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.&nbsp;

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Votes are being counted by hand at local polling stations in Nigeria. Results are uploaded online to Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) central database IReV, in a bid to improve transparency.

Officials from the INEC in several states said they had been delayed due to the late arrival of vehicles to transport them.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trending-on-wion-couple-gives-birth-to-momo-twins-566290">Trending on WION: Couple gives birth to 'momo' twins</a>

Buhari, a retired army general, is stepping down after serving the maximum eight years allowed by the constitution but failing to deliver on his pledge to bring back order and security across Nigeria, Africa's top oil-producing nation. &nbsp;

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The vote counting in Nigeria's presidential polls is underway after people cast their votes in huge numbers. However, provisional results have started to trickle in.

The vote counting in Nigeria's presidential polls is underway after people cast their votes in huge numbers. However, provisional results have started to trickle in. As per reports, Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi received the maximum number of votes in the key state of Lagos, Africa’s biggest city. Nearly 90 million people were eligible to cast their votes for appointing the successor of President Muhammadu Buhari. Labour Party's Obi got 582,454 votes while All Progressives Congress (APC) party's Bola Tinubu received 572,606 votes, as per electoral commission data on Monday. Lagos was earlier a bastion for Tinubu as he was a former governor of the city. Also Read | Stargazers awestruck as captivating Northern Lights gleam across Scotland, Ireland and England The first results from Ekiti state showed a majority of votes for president cast in favour of Tinubu. Nigeria is marred by an economic crisis and the elections are a hope for the people to choose Buhari's successor, who can effectively take back the country on track. Two parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, have run Africa’s most populous nation for a quarter of a century. Obi left Nigeria's main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) days ahead of the presidential primary in May. Following this, the PDP chose 75-year-old former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate. Also Read | Thai drug lord gets plastic surgery to look like 'handsome' Korean man, police bust narcotics racket Votes are being counted by hand at local polling stations in Nigeria. Results are uploaded online to Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) central database IReV, in a bid to improve transparency. Officials from the INEC in several states said they had been delayed due to the late arrival of vehicles to transport them. Watch | Trending on WION: Couple gives birth to 'momo' twins Buhari, a retired army general, is stepping down after serving the maximum eight years allowed by the constitution but failing to deliver on his pledge to bring back order and security across Nigeria, Africa's top oil-producing nation. 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.

Nigeria presidential elections: Peter Obi wins key Lagos state as vote-counting continues

Nigeria's electoral commission has started announcing state by state results from national elections on Sunday. The first results from Ekiti state showed a majority of votes for President cast in favour of Bola Tinubu of the governing All Progressives Congress.

Nigeria Presidential Elections 2023: Bola Tinubu well ahead in small state of Ekiti

Presidential polls in the African nation of Nigeria are almost over. Officials are now in the process of counting votes. Nearly ninety million people were eligible to cast their votes for appointing the successor of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nigeria Elections 2023: Three front-runners race for the Presidential office

Nigeria General Elections: Nigerians hope for a President who can end the nation's crisis

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s opposition has planned mass protests, on Sunday (February 26) against the recently passed legislation which critics say will weaken democracy by lessening the powers of the independent electoral authority in the country. The move has also raised concerns as it comes ahead of the presidential elections next year. However, the Mexican president has since vehemently denied these accusations.&nbsp;

What is the legislation about?

Last week, the Mexican Congress passed a bill which sought an overhaul of the National Electoral Institute (INE) which includes slashing the budget and staff. The legislative initiative, known as “Plan B” was proposed by the president in December, last year however, was unable to garner enough votes.&nbsp;

Lopez Obrador has argued that this reorganisation will save $150 million per year as well as reduce the impact of economic interests in politics. Mexican presidents are only allowed to serve a single six-year term. Furthermore, the 69-year-old incumbent president has also alleged that the INE is too expensive and accused them of being biased in favour of his opposition.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-senate-passes-controversial-bill-overhauling-election-body-critics-term-it-a-democratic-setback-565131">Mexico Senate passes controversial bill overhauling election body, critics term it a democratic setback</a>

The Mexican president&nbsp;has also blamed the agency for his defeat in the two previous elections before he came into power in 2018. This also comes after Lopez Obrador&nbsp;has repeatedly attacked the electoral agency and even made claims about voter fraud which he says led to his defeat in the 2006 presidential elections.&nbsp;

The reform was approved in Mexico’s senate, on Friday with a 72 to 50 vote from lawmakers. Notably, the INE and its predecessor played an important role when the country moved from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy over two decades ago.&nbsp;

What the critics and opposition have said about it?

After the vote, on Friday, the current president’s opponents vowed to challenge this decision in the supreme court, while protests took place in multiple cities across the country. Some Mexicans have also noted similarities to the kind of rhetoric used by former United States President Donald Trump and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro ahead of elections which seems to aim at delegitimising the election process, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

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Furthermore, the INE chief Lorenzo Cordova has called these changes a “democratic setback” that puts “certain, trustworthy and transparent” elections at risk, as per Reuters. The agency which employs thousands of people will also witness the closure of offices and layoffs due to this legislation.&nbsp;

“Normally presidents try to have governability and stability for their succession, but the president is creating uncertainty”, said opposition politician, Fernando Belaunzaran. He has also warned how these changes could create disputes in the 2024 elections when the next president will be chosen. “He’s playing with fire,” said the opposition politician.&nbsp;

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A Reuters report, citing polls, also said the incumbent president’s party National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) has a strong chance of winning in the upcoming elections. However, critics of the INE overhaul say it would not happen unless Lopez Obrador does not tamper with the 2024 elections.&nbsp;

The “Plan B” comes ahead of the elections in two states of Mexico, which will take place in June and the general elections next year where voting is held for the president as well as lawmakers from 30 states.&nbsp;

Mass protests to take place on Sunday&nbsp;

Belaunzaran who is also organising the protests on Sunday said that his fellow demonstrators hope to gather more than the tens of thousands of people who had previously turned out in November to denounce Lopez Obrador’s unsuccessful bid to push through constitutional changes to reform the INE. The protest will take place in Mexico City’s central Zocalo square which is also near the presidential palace.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s opposition has planned mass protests, on Sunday (February 26) against the recently passed legislation which critics say will weaken democracy by lessening the powers of the independent electoral authority in the country.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s opposition has planned mass protests, on Sunday (February 26) against the recently passed legislation which critics say will weaken democracy by lessening the powers of the independent electoral authority in the country. The move has also raised concerns as it comes ahead of the presidential elections next year. However, the Mexican president has since vehemently denied these accusations. What is the legislation about? Last week, the Mexican Congress passed a bill which sought an overhaul of the National Electoral Institute (INE) which includes slashing the budget and staff. The legislative initiative, known as “Plan B” was proposed by the president in December, last year however, was unable to garner enough votes. Lopez Obrador has argued that this reorganisation will save $150 million per year as well as reduce the impact of economic interests in politics. Mexican presidents are only allowed to serve a single six-year term. Furthermore, the 69-year-old incumbent president has also alleged that the INE is too expensive and accused them of being biased in favour of his opposition. ALSO READ | Mexico Senate passes controversial bill overhauling election body, critics term it a democratic setback The Mexican president has also blamed the agency for his defeat in the two previous elections before he came into power in 2018. This also comes after Lopez Obrador has repeatedly attacked the electoral agency and even made claims about voter fraud which he says led to his defeat in the 2006 presidential elections. The reform was approved in Mexico’s senate, on Friday with a 72 to 50 vote from lawmakers. Notably, the INE and its predecessor played an important role when the country moved from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy over two decades ago. What the critics and opposition have said about it? After the vote, on Friday, the current president’s opponents vowed to challenge this decision in the supreme court, while protests took place in multiple cities across the country. Some Mexicans have also noted similarities to the kind of rhetoric used by former United States President Donald Trump and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro ahead of elections which seems to aim at delegitimising the election process, reported the Associated Press. ALSO READ | Explained: Why is Mexico City deploying National Guard in its metro system? Furthermore, the INE chief Lorenzo Cordova has called these changes a “democratic setback” that puts “certain, trustworthy and transparent” elections at risk, as per Reuters. The agency which employs thousands of people will also witness the closure of offices and layoffs due to this legislation. “Normally presidents try to have governability and stability for their succession, but the president is creating uncertainty”, said opposition politician, Fernando Belaunzaran. He has also warned how these changes could create disputes in the 2024 elections when the next president will be chosen. “He’s playing with fire,” said the opposition politician. ALSO READ | In Pics | Mexico protests: Tens of thousands of people protest A Reuters report, citing polls, also said the incumbent president’s party National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) has a strong chance of winning in the upcoming elections. However, critics of the INE overhaul say it would not happen unless Lopez Obrador does not tamper with the 2024 elections. The “Plan B” comes ahead of the elections in two states of Mexico, which will take place in June and the general elections next year where voting is held for the president as well as lawmakers from 30 states. Mass protests to take place on Sunday Belaunzaran who is also organising the protests on Sunday said that his fellow demonstrators hope to gather more than the tens of thousands of people who had previously turned out in November to denounce Lopez Obrador’s unsuccessful bid to push through constitutional changes to reform the INE. The protest will take place in Mexico City’s central Zocalo square which is also near the presidential palace. (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.

Mexican opposition plans mass protests against President Lopez Obrador’s electoral overhaul

Voting has begun to elect a new President in the African nation of Nigeria. The nation will choose a successor to Muhammadu Buhari, who is stepping down after eight years. Nigerians are also voting for the country's two houses of the Parliament - the National Assembly and the Senate.

Nigeria: Citizens vote for new President in closely fought election

Nigeria: 18 candidates on ballot for the top position

Nigeria: Voters in-line allowed to cast vote even after closing time

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka on Friday formally announced that the local body elections will not be held on March 9 as planned and a fresh date will be notified on March 3. The announcement was made after deliberations among the Election Commission officials on Friday, a day after the cash-strapped-hit country’s top court postponed hearing a petition against the holding of the polls until May.

Bankrupt Sri Lanka set to postpone local elections

Mexico Senate on Wednesday passed a bill overhauling the body that organises elections and monitors political activity in the country, a move that critics say will favour President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in the 2024 presidential and congressional elections.

The reform was approved by the Senate with 72 votes in favour and 50 against. However, it still needs to be signed by Lopez to become law.&nbsp;The bill entails cutting short the budget of the election body, National Electoral Institute (INE), slashing public funding for political parties, in addition to changing several electoral procedures.&nbsp;

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The passing of this bill is seen as a digressional step from the 2000 election reform that ended the 71 years of one-party rule. Therefore, the critics are voicing their opposition to the passing of the bill. The president, however, has been throwing his weight behind the reforms. In mid-November, he said, “The reform tries to strengthen democracy, protect it, because there are still risks of electoral fraud.”

His calls for these reforms intensified after he lost the 2006 presidential election, which he later claimed was&nbsp;fraudulent. He again gained power in 2018 but his allegations continue.&nbsp; Opposition lawmakers and civil society groups are now railing against the president and have said they will approach Supreme Court to challenge the reforms as they are unconstitutional.&nbsp;

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Protests are also likely in multiple cities on Sunday. This overhaul is dubbed "Plan B" and reportedly seeks to convert the INE into a smaller elected official body. INE head Lorenzo Cordova has condemned the changes and termed them a&nbsp;“democratic setback”.&nbsp;

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He added that this will pose a risk to “certain, trustworthy and transparent” elections. Proposed “brutal cuts” in personnel would hinder the installation of polling stations and vote counting, Cordova said, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mexico Senate on Wednesday passed a bill overhauling the body that organises elections and monitors political activity in the country, a move that critics say will favour President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in the 2024 presidential and congressional elections.

Mexico Senate on Wednesday passed a bill overhauling the body that organises elections and monitors political activity in the country, a move that critics say will favour President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in the 2024 presidential and congressional elections. The reform was approved by the Senate with 72 votes in favour and 50 against. However, it still needs to be signed by Lopez to become law. The bill entails cutting short the budget of the election body, National Electoral Institute (INE), slashing public funding for political parties, in addition to changing several electoral procedures. Also Read | First time in 52 years! World’s longest skating rink to close due to global warming The passing of this bill is seen as a digressional step from the 2000 election reform that ended the 71 years of one-party rule. Therefore, the critics are voicing their opposition to the passing of the bill. The president, however, has been throwing his weight behind the reforms. In mid-November, he said, “The reform tries to strengthen democracy, protect it, because there are still risks of electoral fraud.” His calls for these reforms intensified after he lost the 2006 presidential election, which he later claimed was fraudulent. He again gained power in 2018 but his allegations continue. Opposition lawmakers and civil society groups are now railing against the president and have said they will approach Supreme Court to challenge the reforms as they are unconstitutional. Also Read | Turkey: Three news outlets fined for critical coverage of govt’s earthquake response Protests are also likely in multiple cities on Sunday. This overhaul is dubbed "Plan B" and reportedly seeks to convert the INE into a smaller elected official body. INE head Lorenzo Cordova has condemned the changes and termed them a “democratic setback”. Watch | Russia Ukraine War: Vladimir Putin talks of boosting nuclear forces He added that this will pose a risk to “certain, trustworthy and transparent” elections. Proposed “brutal cuts” in personnel would hinder the installation of polling stations and vote counting, Cordova said, reported Reuters. (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.

Mexico Senate passes controversial bill overhauling election body, critics term it a democratic setback

Nigerians will head to the polls Saturday in a fiercely-contested presidential vote that analysts say is too close to call. It will be the largest democratic exercise on the continent as Africa’s most populous nation picks a new president.

Nigeria goes to poll on February

The forewoman of the Georgia grand jury that investigated former President Donald Trump and allies for election interference in the 2020 presidential race said jurors urged a prosecutor to charge multiple people with a range of crimes.

Georgia grand jury recommended charging multiple people in Trump election probe

Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe is facing mounting pressure from the political Opposition and civil society over his government’s apparent attempts to postpone local government polls, scheduled in early March, citing the lack of funds.

Sri Lanka local polls in Jeopardy

In order to prevent anarchy, President Ranil Wickremesinghe vowed to maintain law and order while placing a priority on the nation's economic recovery. Before the end of the year, the President promised to revive the economy and construct a functioning democratic society. He also made mention of 2024 Pesidential elections.

Sri Lankan president emphasises on importance of economic recovery

Thousands of Nigerians are rallying ahead of the Presidential votes next week. More than 90 million people are registered to vote in Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari is stepping down after his two terms allowed by the Constitution.

Nigerian Presidential election set to take place on February 25

United States President Joe Biden's doctor declared him "fit for duty" on Thursday after his final annual medical check-up was over as the leader is expected to run for re-election in 2024 when he will turn 82.

The much-awaited report after the elaborate testing highlighted a few minor health issues but said that Biden is not suffering from any serious physical or neurological health problems.

"President Biden remains a healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, to include those of as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief," said Biden's physician, Kevin O'Connor, in a letter published by the White House.

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"The president remains fit for duty, and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations,” the letter added.

The oldest-ever&nbsp;US president&nbsp;Biden spent the morning hours finishing the series of tests which he began at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre.

O'Connor's letter presented a glowing picture of Biden who has been benefitting from healthy living habits. "The president does not use any tobacco products, does not drink alcohol, and he continues to work out at least five days a week," the letter stated.

Biden is six feet (1.83 metres) tall and weighs around 178 pounds (nearly 80.7 kg). The report also notes that Biden was suffering from Covid-19 in 2022 and again had a rebound infection, but he received the vaccinations and "has not experienced any residual symptoms which may be considered 'long Covid'."

O'Connor said that two health issues, which were observed in the previous medical examination held in November 2021 remain mostly the same.

One medical issue is gastroesophageal reflux which results in frequent coughing and the other is Biden's stiff walking because of "wear and tear" in his spine.

"The President's gait remains stiff, but has not worsened since last year," said O'Connor.

WATCH | US&nbsp;President Joe Biden defends taking down aerial objects

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The doctor further stated that "an extremely detailed neurological exam was again reassuring in that there were no findings which would be consistent with any cerebellar or other central neurological disorder, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's or ascending lateral sclerosis."

Speaking about Biden spending "a good deal of time in the sun in his youth," O'Connor said that the president has received regular treatment for removal of non-melanoma, localised skin cancer.

"One small lesion on the President's chest was excised today and sent for traditional biopsy," the doctor said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States President Joe Biden's doctor declared him "fit for duty" on Thursday after his final annual medical check-up was over as the leader is expected to run for re-election in 2024 when he will turn 82.

United States President Joe Biden's doctor declared him "fit for duty" on Thursday after his final annual medical check-up was over as the leader is expected to run for re-election in 2024 when he will turn 82. The much-awaited report after the elaborate testing highlighted a few minor health issues but said that Biden is not suffering from any serious physical or neurological health problems. "President Biden remains a healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, to include those of as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief," said Biden's physician, Kevin O'Connor, in a letter published by the White House. ALSO READ | US President Biden to talk to China's Xi in wake of balloon controversy "The president remains fit for duty, and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations,” the letter added. The oldest-ever US president Biden spent the morning hours finishing the series of tests which he began at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre. O'Connor's letter presented a glowing picture of Biden who has been benefitting from healthy living habits. "The president does not use any tobacco products, does not drink alcohol, and he continues to work out at least five days a week," the letter stated. Biden is six feet (1.83 metres) tall and weighs around 178 pounds (nearly 80.7 kg). The report also notes that Biden was suffering from Covid-19 in 2022 and again had a rebound infection, but he received the vaccinations and "has not experienced any residual symptoms which may be considered 'long Covid'." O'Connor said that two health issues, which were observed in the previous medical examination held in November 2021 remain mostly the same. One medical issue is gastroesophageal reflux which results in frequent coughing and the other is Biden's stiff walking because of "wear and tear" in his spine. "The President's gait remains stiff, but has not worsened since last year," said O'Connor. WATCH | US President Joe Biden defends taking down aerial objects The doctor further stated that "an extremely detailed neurological exam was again reassuring in that there were no findings which would be consistent with any cerebellar or other central neurological disorder, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's or ascending lateral sclerosis." Speaking about Biden spending "a good deal of time in the sun in his youth," O'Connor said that the president has received regular treatment for removal of non-melanoma, localised skin cancer. "One small lesion on the President's chest was excised today and sent for traditional biopsy," the doctor said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden, 80, declared medically 'fit' ahead of 2024 campaign

An Israeli firm sought to influence more than 30 elections around the world for clients by hacking, sabotage and spreading disinformation, according to an undercover media investigation published recently.

Israeli firm meddled in more than 30 elections: Report

In a shocking but not altogether surprising move, fourteen Hindu temples in Thakurgaon in Bangladesh were vandalised on February 5, in a series of pre-meditated attacks. Nine idols in Sindurpindi and four in Collegepara area of Paria Union and fourteen idols in a temple in Sahbajpur Nathpara area of Charol Union were also desecrated.

Unfortunately, police have not been as active as they should have been. The Hindu community in Bangladesh, which is always in minority, is distressed on repeated assaults on their religion and deities by Islamic fanatics. According to them, in the latest incident, many idols were not only destroyed but were found inside the pond&nbsp;along the temple locations. Local leaders say that such communal violence targeting Hindu idols in this particular region is unprecedented and undermines interfaith harmony.

Meanwhile, Hindu social and cultural groups have angrily reacted over this incident calling for a fair and impartial investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Leading politicians assess that in view of the upcoming elections, likely within this year, chances of such attacks&nbsp;in order to whip up communal frenzy have spiked. Clearly, this is the handiwork of communally inclined fanatical elements who thrive only on the politics of religion.&nbsp;

In the meantime,&nbsp;politicking for the next Bangladesh election is steadily entering into a feverish pitch and the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has intensified its meetings and rallies. They are in a mood for provocation so that the law and order agencies unleash a crackdown on them or spark communal violence to discredit the present regime so as to deprive them of the votes they are ordinarily banking upon. &nbsp;

Economic issues are highlighted time and again and the opposition in their rhetoric are raising apprehensions about a Sri Lanka type economic meltdown so as to confuse the countrywide electorate. On its part, the ruling Awami League (AL) has started highlighting its achievements in the preceding five years outlining the development projects, construction of Padma Bridge, and effective control over the crime &amp; law and order situation. &nbsp;

AL has also projected in its progress report, various successes attained on its external policies maintaining harmonious&nbsp;relations with many countries including the ones in the neighbourhood. &nbsp;AL also claims, while assuring the people, that 2024 elections will be peaceful, inclusive and competitive. However, critics of AL feel that while development work&nbsp;in Bangladesh has&nbsp;shown stellar results and the average income and life expectancy has&nbsp;increased, development alone can not win popularity or people’s confidence. According to them, people want further freedom of speech, freedom of thought and freedom of media.

AL leaders are hopeful that over the past 14 years, they have taken the country along the development highway, that people will spontaneously vote for them and bring them to power in the next election. Surely, they recall, there were&nbsp;significant developments in Sheikh Hasina's first term too. The allowances for poor and distressed people were initiated in that term. They had managed the floods well too. Despite the World Bank's opposition, the government had provided plenty of subsidies to agriculture and people had reaped the benefits. But even after so much achievement and success, the Awami League failed dismally in the 2001 elections.

On the whole, this time elections are bound to be tough according to Dr Syed Mudassar Ali, a well-known Bangladesh academic and an election analyst. He recommends that the onus now is on the people of Bangladesh who should collectively join hands together to consolidate the developmental gains. In other words, he means that much will not help if the people look up only to Prime Minister and ruling party leader Sheikh Hasina and instead, they need to comprehend the directions given by her and convert roadmap into votes. Corruption is the other issue which is likely to dominate the electoral politics ahead of the elections. Opposition is certain to exploit this issue as this menace has seeped in deeply into the Bangladesh system of administration and it looks an uphill task to extricate it from the body politic. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
All said and done, &nbsp;the Jihadi elements in Bangladesh are looking for an opportune movement to capitalise the communal situation so as to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere, divide the society, and sow seeds of discord to blame Hasina for her alleged pro-India and pro-minority policies. &nbsp;In this regard, the seculars, the progressive civil right groups and the intelligentsia must play a pivotal role in keeping the communal elements in check ensuring the deserving party is victorious to defeat the regressive forces for a strong and secular Bangladesh maintaining warm relations with India and other countries.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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In a shocking but not altogether surprising move, fourteen Hindu temples in Thakurgaon in Bangladesh were vandalised on February 5, in a series of pre-meditated attacks.

In a shocking but not altogether surprising move, fourteen Hindu temples in Thakurgaon in Bangladesh were vandalised on February 5, in a series of pre-meditated attacks. Nine idols in Sindurpindi and four in Collegepara area of Paria Union and fourteen idols in a temple in Sahbajpur Nathpara area of Charol Union were also desecrated. Unfortunately, police have not been as active as they should have been. The Hindu community in Bangladesh, which is always in minority, is distressed on repeated assaults on their religion and deities by Islamic fanatics. According to them, in the latest incident, many idols were not only destroyed but were found inside the pond along the temple locations. Local leaders say that such communal violence targeting Hindu idols in this particular region is unprecedented and undermines interfaith harmony. Meanwhile, Hindu social and cultural groups have angrily reacted over this incident calling for a fair and impartial investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Leading politicians assess that in view of the upcoming elections, likely within this year, chances of such attacks in order to whip up communal frenzy have spiked. Clearly, this is the handiwork of communally inclined fanatical elements who thrive only on the politics of religion. In the meantime, politicking for the next Bangladesh election is steadily entering into a feverish pitch and the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has intensified its meetings and rallies. They are in a mood for provocation so that the law and order agencies unleash a crackdown on them or spark communal violence to discredit the present regime so as to deprive them of the votes they are ordinarily banking upon. Economic issues are highlighted time and again and the opposition in their rhetoric are raising apprehensions about a Sri Lanka type economic meltdown so as to confuse the countrywide electorate. On its part, the ruling Awami League (AL) has started highlighting its achievements in the preceding five years outlining the development projects, construction of Padma Bridge, and effective control over the crime & law and order situation. AL has also projected in its progress report, various successes attained on its external policies maintaining harmonious relations with many countries including the ones in the neighbourhood. AL also claims, while assuring the people, that 2024 elections will be peaceful, inclusive and competitive. However, critics of AL feel that while development work in Bangladesh has shown stellar results and the average income and life expectancy has increased, development alone can not win popularity or people’s confidence. According to them, people want further freedom of speech, freedom of thought and freedom of media. AL leaders are hopeful that over the past 14 years, they have taken the country along the development highway, that people will spontaneously vote for them and bring them to power in the next election. Surely, they recall, there were significant developments in Sheikh Hasina's first term too. The allowances for poor and distressed people were initiated in that term. They had managed the floods well too. Despite the World Bank's opposition, the government had provided plenty of subsidies to agriculture and people had reaped the benefits. But even after so much achievement and success, the Awami League failed dismally in the 2001 elections. On the whole, this time elections are bound to be tough according to Dr Syed Mudassar Ali, a well-known Bangladesh academic and an election analyst. He recommends that the onus now is on the people of Bangladesh who should collectively join hands together to consolidate the developmental gains. In other words, he means that much will not help if the people look up only to Prime Minister and ruling party leader Sheikh Hasina and instead, they need to comprehend the directions given by her and convert roadmap into votes. Corruption is the other issue which is likely to dominate the electoral politics ahead of the elections. Opposition is certain to exploit this issue as this menace has seeped in deeply into the Bangladesh system of administration and it looks an uphill task to extricate it from the body politic. All said and done, the Jihadi elements in Bangladesh are looking for an opportune movement to capitalise the communal situation so as to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere, divide the society, and sow seeds of discord to blame Hasina for her alleged pro-India and pro-minority policies. In this regard, the seculars, the progressive civil right groups and the intelligentsia must play a pivotal role in keeping the communal elements in check ensuring the deserving party is victorious to defeat the regressive forces for a strong and secular Bangladesh maintaining warm relations with India and other countries. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Bangladesh elections are likely to be tough for parties

Amid a full-blown economic crisis, Sri Lanka raised electricity prices by 66%, in a move that the government hopes will persuade the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to provide a much-needed bailout for its crisis-ridden economy.

Sri Lanka hikes power prices by 66% hoping to ensure IMF bailout

In what could be termed the biggest expose in the history of elections, an investigation reportedly revealed that a team of Israeli contractors under Tal Hanan, a 50-year-old former Israeli special forces operative rigged over 30 elections worldwide using hacking.&nbsp;Many journalists were part of the investigation which brought to light shocking revelation based on undercover footage and leaked documents, a copy of which was leaked to Guardian.&nbsp;

Hanan and his team were running under the codename “Team Jorge." He was extending his services to intelligence agencies as well as private companies including services at the time of political campaigning.&nbsp;

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How could they pull off all this? There was a huge army which worked on spreading out thousands of fake social media posts on Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms. If this seems hard to digest, Hanan and his team also strewn about other accounts which had sensitive details such as credit card information and other money wallets.&nbsp;

After this massive revelation as reported by Guardian, democracies might be forced to sit straight up and take notice.&nbsp;The journalists, pretending to be consultants, were able to gather information about all these wrongdoings when they covertly attended Hanan's meetings with his team members which took place between July and December 2022.&nbsp;

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The most groundbreaking revelation made by Hanan was when in one of the conversations, he claimed, “We are now involved in one election in Africa … We have a team in Greece and a team in [the] Emirates … You follow the leads. [We have completed] 33 presidential-level campaigns, 27 of which were successful.”&nbsp;

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Not only this, afterwards, he also claimed that he was involved in two “major projects” in the US but claimed not to engage directly in US politics. However, it is pertinent to note that all these claims by Team Jorge is not verified as part of the investigation done by the journalists.&nbsp;

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In what could be termed the biggest expose in the history of elections, an investigation reportedly revealed that a team of Israeli contractors under Tal Hanan, a 50-year-old former Israeli special forces operative rigged over 30 elections worldwide using hacking.

In what could be termed the biggest expose in the history of elections, an investigation reportedly revealed that a team of Israeli contractors under Tal Hanan, a 50-year-old former Israeli special forces operative rigged over 30 elections worldwide using hacking. Many journalists were part of the investigation which brought to light shocking revelation based on undercover footage and leaked documents, a copy of which was leaked to Guardian. Hanan and his team were running under the codename “Team Jorge." He was extending his services to intelligence agencies as well as private companies including services at the time of political campaigning. Also Read | FDA approves a 'first-of-its-kind' vibrating pill to relieve chronic constipation How could they pull off all this? There was a huge army which worked on spreading out thousands of fake social media posts on Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms. If this seems hard to digest, Hanan and his team also strewn about other accounts which had sensitive details such as credit card information and other money wallets. After this massive revelation as reported by Guardian, democracies might be forced to sit straight up and take notice. The journalists, pretending to be consultants, were able to gather information about all these wrongdoings when they covertly attended Hanan's meetings with his team members which took place between July and December 2022. Also Read | Hundreds, including same-sex couples, wed in mass ceremony on Valentine's Day in Mexico The most groundbreaking revelation made by Hanan was when in one of the conversations, he claimed, “We are now involved in one election in Africa … We have a team in Greece and a team in [the] Emirates … You follow the leads. [We have completed] 33 presidential-level campaigns, 27 of which were successful.” Watch | 'Designer' babies: How far is too far? Not only this, afterwards, he also claimed that he was involved in two “major projects” in the US but claimed not to engage directly in US politics. However, it is pertinent to note that all these claims by Team Jorge is not verified as part of the investigation done by the journalists. 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.

Big expose! Israeli mastermind Tal Hanan rigged 33 presidential elections worldwide: Report

Political crisis looms over Sri Lanka as the possibility of dealing upcoming local elections which are scheduled for the 9th of March. The government has said it does not have enough funds for these polls meanwhile national election commission has said without funds the government printer would not be able to provide the ballot papers.

Sri Lankan government does not have enough funds for elections?

Invoking her background as "the proud daughter of Indian immigrants," former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley nee Nimrata Randhawa, formally announced that she is running for US Presidency in 2024, declaring that "It's time for a new generation of leadership" in America.

Nikki Haley announces run for White House 2024

In a move to safeguard the elephant population, Sri Lanka will ban single-use plastics. This comes following a series of wild elephant and deer deaths from plastic poisoning. @mohammed11saleh brings you this report.

Saving Sri Lanka's sacred elephants

Sri Lanka's former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been questioned by police over the discovery of a large amount of cash in his office-cum-residence when he fled the country for safety as thousands of protesters stormed the place in July last year.

Sri Lankan police quiz Gotabaya Rajapaksa over President's house cash

President Ranil Wickremesinghe ruled out a division of Sri Lanka but promised to go ahead with the devolution of powers within a Unitary State and continue with his politically unpopular decisions to ensure that the bankrupt nation recovers from its worst economic crisis.

Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe's address to the nation

In Sri Lanka, former President Maithripala Sirisena has said that he will contest the next presidential elections from the Sri Lanka freedom Party (SLFP). The Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in September 2024. Speaking to reporters in Colombo, the former president apologised to the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attack which had taken place during his tenure.

Former Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena to contest elections again

In the last week of February, Africa's most populous country, Nigeria, will head to the polls to select their next president. Will any of the frontrunners, most of whom have been in the political system for decades, be able to turn the country around. Various factors may pose a challenge to the voting pattern in the West African nation.

World Of Africa: Youth's role in Nigeria Elections

Turkiye opposition parties are putting up a united front in the coming May 14 Presidential and Parliamentary elections vowing to wrest power from Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The 6 parties who have formed the national alliance have vowed to reduce the presidential powers and expand democratic rights if voted to power. Turkiye's opposition has come out with a 2,300-point programme and pledged to agree on a joint candidate in the crucial elections on february 13.

Turkiye's opposition unleash plans to defeat Erdogan

Tunisia's parliamentary run-off elections on Sunday had a low turnout of a mere 11 per cent. The turnout though more than December's first-round voter turnout rate of 8.8 per cent, is still significantly low.&nbsp;In a strong rebuke to the president for his 2021 power grab, Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, leader of the nation's main opposition, the National Salvation Front, said, “Almost 90% of Tunisian voters ignored this piece of theatre and refused to be involved in the process."&nbsp;

“I call on political groups and civil society to join hands to work for change, in the form of Kais Saied’s departure and early presidential elections," he added.&nbsp;

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Tunisians appear to be uninterested in voting in the parliamentary elections. One Tunisian Nejib Sahli, 40, while passing a polling station in the Hay Ettahrir district of Tunis early on Sunday said, “I’m not interested in elections that do not concern me," reported France 24.&nbsp;

Saied won the 2019 elections with a landslide however last year, Tunisian President Kais Saied dissolved the country's parliament. At the time, Saied said that the move was taken to purge the country of economic crisis and corruption. Additionally, he blamed government of mishandling the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

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On 25 July 2021, while invoking an emergency act Article 80 from Tunisia’s constitution Saied removed the Prime Minister and suspended the Parliament the next day. Seizing the power, the president vowed that he will appoint a new leader.&nbsp;

The whole episode which shattered the democratic ambitions of the Arab nation, played out after huge protests gripped the country with citizens blaming the government for Covid mishandling. The country reportedly witnessed a huge death tally during the pandemic.&nbsp;

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Tunisia's opposition party Ennahdha termed the move a coup. He not only removed the cabinet members but also removed many senior officials including many senior judges. Many opposition leaders were put behind bars. Notably, Tunisia has had eight Prime Ministers since 2011.

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Tunisia's parliamentary run-off elections on Sunday had a low turnout of a mere 11 per cent. The turnout though more than December's first-round voter turnout rate of 8.

Tunisia's parliamentary run-off elections on Sunday had a low turnout of a mere 11 per cent. The turnout though more than December's first-round voter turnout rate of 8.8 per cent, is still significantly low. In a strong rebuke to the president for his 2021 power grab, Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, leader of the nation's main opposition, the National Salvation Front, said, “Almost 90% of Tunisian voters ignored this piece of theatre and refused to be involved in the process." “I call on political groups and civil society to join hands to work for change, in the form of Kais Saied’s departure and early presidential elections," he added. Also Read | 'With a missile, it would only take a minute' Boris Johnson reveals he got threats from Putin Tunisians appear to be uninterested in voting in the parliamentary elections. One Tunisian Nejib Sahli, 40, while passing a polling station in the Hay Ettahrir district of Tunis early on Sunday said, “I’m not interested in elections that do not concern me," reported France 24. Saied won the 2019 elections with a landslide however last year, Tunisian President Kais Saied dissolved the country's parliament. At the time, Saied said that the move was taken to purge the country of economic crisis and corruption. Additionally, he blamed government of mishandling the Covid-19 pandemic. Also Read | Pakistan bypolls for 33 vacant National Assembly seats in March, Imran to contest on all On 25 July 2021, while invoking an emergency act Article 80 from Tunisia’s constitution Saied removed the Prime Minister and suspended the Parliament the next day. Seizing the power, the president vowed that he will appoint a new leader. The whole episode which shattered the democratic ambitions of the Arab nation, played out after huge protests gripped the country with citizens blaming the government for Covid mishandling. The country reportedly witnessed a huge death tally during the pandemic. Watch | UK: Nadhim Zahawi sacked as Conservative party chief Tunisia's opposition party Ennahdha termed the move a coup. He not only removed the cabinet members but also removed many senior officials including many senior judges. Many opposition leaders were put behind bars. Notably, Tunisia has had eight Prime Ministers since 2011. 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.

With apathetic voters, Tunisia parliamentary election records astonishingly low turnout

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