It is the Day 2 of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's long-promised 'Azadi March'. The march witnessed a massive footfall in the north-eastern city of Lahore. Meanwhile, Pakistan government warned Imran Khan supporters against breaking laws.

Imran Khan's 'Azadi March' to Islamabad: Pak Former PM seeks early general elections

Pak Former PM Imran Khan seeks ouster of Pak election panel chief

Israel is heading for polls again. It is the fifth election in four years. Former PM Benjamin Netanyahu poised to get more votes. However, as per opinion polls, no party is expected to win sweeping mandate. So, Who will end up as Israel's Kingmaker?

WION Fineprint| Israel Elections 2022: Who will end up as Israel's Kingmaker?

Early voting is underway in several US states. As of now, Florida has highest voter turnout with over 2.2 million. According to reports, over 17 million have already voted.

US: Early voting in states like Florida, Texas

Pakistan is all set to witness some high-voltage political action as the former Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced the commencement of his long march to the capital city, Islamabad.

Imran Khan's 'Azadi March': Former Prime Minister seeks early elections in Pakistan

After emerging from poverty to become a president adored by Brazil's working class, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plunged into shame in a corruption scandal that tore the counter apart.&nbsp;

At the age of 77, the bearded socialist is attempting to have an incredible comeback from prison to the helm of Latin America's largest economy. Earlier in 2014, due to Lula's efforts, the country was able to win World Cup in 2014 &amp; 2016 but was later found himself embroiled in a corruption case. He was later jailed the year Bolsonaro won the elections and was later released on appeal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-elections-lula-and-bolsonaro-statistically-tied-says-a-poll-526940">Also read |&nbsp;Brazil elections: Lula and Bolsonaro are statistically tied, says poll</a>

After the 2018 election of Bolsonaro win, many voters now believe that Lula is their best chance of defeating the bitter and divided Bolsonaro, who is currently accused of sexist, racially insensitive and devastating ecology during Covid.&nbsp;

In an effort to win over voters, Lula ran a gruelling campaign. He said, " We need to fix this country ... so the Brazilian people can smile again."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-apologises-amid-pedophilia-controversy-526787">Also read |&nbsp;Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro apologises amid 'pedophilia' controversy</a>

The leader further promised that under his leadership the Brazilians will be able to spend their weekends eating picanha and drinking beer, a beloved cut during the soaring inflation, AFP reported.&nbsp;

However, many Brazilians are still shocked by the enormity of the corruption crisis and would prefer to rig the election than support Lula, whom they still view as its embodiment. Others are happy to remember the prosperous economy he oversaw.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

After emerging from poverty to become a president adored by Brazil's working class, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plunged into shame in a corruption scandal that tore the counter apart.

After emerging from poverty to become a president adored by Brazil's working class, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plunged into shame in a corruption scandal that tore the counter apart. At the age of 77, the bearded socialist is attempting to have an incredible comeback from prison to the helm of Latin America's largest economy. Earlier in 2014, due to Lula's efforts, the country was able to win World Cup in 2014 & 2016 but was later found himself embroiled in a corruption case. He was later jailed the year Bolsonaro won the elections and was later released on appeal. Also read | Brazil elections: Lula and Bolsonaro are statistically tied, says poll After the 2018 election of Bolsonaro win, many voters now believe that Lula is their best chance of defeating the bitter and divided Bolsonaro, who is currently accused of sexist, racially insensitive and devastating ecology during Covid. In an effort to win over voters, Lula ran a gruelling campaign. He said, " We need to fix this country ... so the Brazilian people can smile again." Also read | Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro apologises amid 'pedophilia' controversy The leader further promised that under his leadership the Brazilians will be able to spend their weekends eating picanha and drinking beer, a beloved cut during the soaring inflation, AFP reported. However, many Brazilians are still shocked by the enormity of the corruption crisis and would prefer to rig the election than support Lula, whom they still view as its embodiment. Others are happy to remember the prosperous economy he oversaw. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Brazil elections: Lula all set to make comeback to lead Latin America's largest economy 

Bosnian Serb political leader Milorad Dodik was on Thursday declared the president of Bosnia's Serb entity, election officials announced, following a recount after the opposition cried foul.

The election for the presidency of the Republika Srpska (RS, the country's Serb entity), was one of several votes held on October 2 at the central level and in the two entities, the RS and the Muslim-Croat federation, that make up the Balkan country.

Bosnia has been governed by this dysfunctional administrative system created by the 1995 Dayton Agreement that succeeded in ending the 1990's conflict, but largely failed in providing a framework for the country's political development.

The recount "confirmed that the candidate Milorad Dodik representing the Serb people and who was in the lead... and remained so with the greatest number of votes won," said Suad Arnautovic, chairman of Bosnia's central election commission.

The final figures for the race were still being compiled, according to officials, who said the opposition had a narrow window to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khans-haqeeqi-azadi-march-to-begin-shortly-529105">contest </a>their findings.

Shortly after the electoral commission's announcement, Dodik told reporters, "the interests of the RS" would be his priority.

"I call on all political factors to work for stability and peace, co-operation and understanding. We will need a lot of know-how to be able to understand, all together.. the difficult times that are coming," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hot-mic-captures-schumer-telling-biden-that-democrats-in-georgia-are-going-downhill-529036">Hot mic captures Schumer telling Biden that Democrats in Georgia are 'going downhill'</a>

But one opposition leader, Branislav Borenovic, announced a legal challenge to the electoral commission's decision.

"To take such a decision is to turn a blind eye to the obvious electoral plundering. If we leave it at that.. it means we are living in a dark age of democracy... and that corruption is the only winner of the elections," Borenovic was quoted by BNTV television as saying.

Hours ahead of the electoral commission's announcement of the result, the US embassy in Bosnia issued a barely concealed warning to Dodik.

"Any action taken toward the dissolution of Bosnia-Herzegovina would violate Dayton and carry grave consequences," the embassy tweeted.

Stoking tensions

A preliminary count following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterms-2022-inflation-tops-voter-concern-residents-struggle-to-pay-bills-529053">election</a> had given Dodik victory -- with the Kremlin-friendly leader winning 48 percent of the vote compared to 43 percent for opposition candidate Jelena Trivic.

However, on the day after the election, opposition parties accused Dodik and his party of "organised plundering of the elections" and demanded a recount.

Thursday's announcement comes just days after Dodik rallied thousands of supporters in the RS capital Banja Luka, where the long-time leader of the country's Serbs remained defiant he would be victorious.

The recount cements Dodik's third term as RS president after he completed a stint in the tripartite presidency.

For years, Dodik has been stoking tensions with frequent calls for Bosnia's Serbs to separate even further from the country's central institutions, earning him fresh sanctions from the United States in January.

Running on an anti-corruption ticket, Dodik's rival Trivic -- a 39-year-old professor of economics -- sought to offer an alternative to RS voters, while also trumpeting the Serbs' desire to maintain autonomy in Bosnia.

October's elections saw the three established ethnic parties secure major wins.

The lone exception was the defeat of Bakir Izetbegovic, a two-time member of the country's tripartite presidency who also leads the main Bosniak party -- the SDA.

Izetbegovic was clobbered by Denis Becirovic in a double-digit landslide win.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Bosnian Serb political leader Milorad Dodik was on Thursday declared the president of Bosnia's Serb entity, election officials announced, following a recount after the opposition cried foul.

Bosnian Serb political leader Milorad Dodik was on Thursday declared the president of Bosnia's Serb entity, election officials announced, following a recount after the opposition cried foul. The election for the presidency of the Republika Srpska (RS, the country's Serb entity), was one of several votes held on October 2 at the central level and in the two entities, the RS and the Muslim-Croat federation, that make up the Balkan country. Bosnia has been governed by this dysfunctional administrative system created by the 1995 Dayton Agreement that succeeded in ending the 1990's conflict, but largely failed in providing a framework for the country's political development. The recount "confirmed that the candidate Milorad Dodik representing the Serb people and who was in the lead... and remained so with the greatest number of votes won," said Suad Arnautovic, chairman of Bosnia's central election commission. The final figures for the race were still being compiled, according to officials, who said the opposition had a narrow window to contest their findings. Shortly after the electoral commission's announcement, Dodik told reporters, "the interests of the RS" would be his priority. "I call on all political factors to work for stability and peace, co-operation and understanding. We will need a lot of know-how to be able to understand, all together.. the difficult times that are coming," he said. Also read | Hot mic captures Schumer telling Biden that Democrats in Georgia are 'going downhill' But one opposition leader, Branislav Borenovic, announced a legal challenge to the electoral commission's decision. "To take such a decision is to turn a blind eye to the obvious electoral plundering. If we leave it at that.. it means we are living in a dark age of democracy... and that corruption is the only winner of the elections," Borenovic was quoted by BNTV television as saying. Hours ahead of the electoral commission's announcement of the result, the US embassy in Bosnia issued a barely concealed warning to Dodik. "Any action taken toward the dissolution of Bosnia-Herzegovina would violate Dayton and carry grave consequences," the embassy tweeted. Stoking tensions A preliminary count following the election had given Dodik victory -- with the Kremlin-friendly leader winning 48 percent of the vote compared to 43 percent for opposition candidate Jelena Trivic. However, on the day after the election, opposition parties accused Dodik and his party of "organised plundering of the elections" and demanded a recount. Thursday's announcement comes just days after Dodik rallied thousands of supporters in the RS capital Banja Luka, where the long-time leader of the country's Serbs remained defiant he would be victorious. The recount cements Dodik's third term as RS president after he completed a stint in the tripartite presidency. For years, Dodik has been stoking tensions with frequent calls for Bosnia's Serbs to separate even further from the country's central institutions, earning him fresh sanctions from the United States in January. Running on an anti-corruption ticket, Dodik's rival Trivic -- a 39-year-old professor of economics -- sought to offer an alternative to RS voters, while also trumpeting the Serbs' desire to maintain autonomy in Bosnia. October's elections saw the three established ethnic parties secure major wins. The lone exception was the defeat of Bakir Izetbegovic, a two-time member of the country's tripartite presidency who also leads the main Bosniak party -- the SDA. Izetbegovic was clobbered by Denis Becirovic in a double-digit landslide win. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Bosnia's Dodik declared winner in disputed election

It is the fifth election in three and a half years. Former PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is expected to win the most votes again. Polls predict he would be able to pull together a coalition of 60.

What will Benjamin Netanyahu's return mean for Israel's foreign relations?

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkiye, on Saturday suggested putting the issue to a national vote to ensure that women have the freedom to cover their heads in public settings like schools and colleges.

For devout Muslim Erdogan, the issue is especially significant because in 2013, his Islamic-rooted government party abolished a long-standing restriction on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/giorgia-meloni-sworn-in-as-italys-first-woman-prime-minister-527605">hijab</a>'s use in public settings.

Before the general elections in 2023, which are expected to be one of the most significant threats to Erdogan's two-decade rule of Turkey, the headscarf issue has dominated political discourse in recent months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-faces-outrage-in-turkiye-after-blaming-fate-for-amasra-mine-explosion-526109">Erdogan </a>frequently cites the lifting of the ban as evidence of how his party stands up for devoted Muslim Turks in opposition to the secular parties in power prior to the entrance of his party in Turkiye in 2002.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-is-a-major-partner-for-us-says-israel-envoy-naor-gilon-527189">India is a major partner for us, says Israel envoy Naor Gilon</a>

"If you have the courage, come, let's put this issue to a referendum... Let the nation make the decision," Erdogan said in remarks aimed at main opposition party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

Kilicdaroglu is the leader of the secular CHP, a group founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the architect of the secular contemporary Turkish republic.

To allay concerns that his party will revive the ban, the CHP leader put out a law guaranteeing the right to wear a headscarf.

In the 1990s, arguments centred on the headscarf, but no party in Turkiye's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-diwali-this-kashmiri-muslim-family-has-made-thousands-of-diwali-diyas-527590">Muslim-majority</a> government currently suggests a ban.

"We had made mistakes in the past regarding the headscarf," Kilicdaroglu admitted earlier this month. "It's time to leave that issue behind us."

According to experts, Kilicdaroglu wants to convince religious voters that there is nothing to fear from supporting his secular party the following year.

Erdogan responded by suggesting a constitutional amendment that would "shortly" be submitted for ratification to the parliament, where his party and his nationalist alliance partner enjoy a slim majority.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkiye, on Saturday suggested putting the issue to a national vote to ensure that women have the freedom to cover their heads in public settings like schools and colleges.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkiye, on Saturday suggested putting the issue to a national vote to ensure that women have the freedom to cover their heads in public settings like schools and colleges. For devout Muslim Erdogan, the issue is especially significant because in 2013, his Islamic-rooted government party abolished a long-standing restriction on the hijab's use in public settings. Before the general elections in 2023, which are expected to be one of the most significant threats to Erdogan's two-decade rule of Turkey, the headscarf issue has dominated political discourse in recent months. Erdogan frequently cites the lifting of the ban as evidence of how his party stands up for devoted Muslim Turks in opposition to the secular parties in power prior to the entrance of his party in Turkiye in 2002. Also read | India is a major partner for us, says Israel envoy Naor Gilon "If you have the courage, come, let's put this issue to a referendum... Let the nation make the decision," Erdogan said in remarks aimed at main opposition party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Kilicdaroglu is the leader of the secular CHP, a group founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the architect of the secular contemporary Turkish republic. To allay concerns that his party will revive the ban, the CHP leader put out a law guaranteeing the right to wear a headscarf. In the 1990s, arguments centred on the headscarf, but no party in Turkiye's Muslim-majority government currently suggests a ban. "We had made mistakes in the past regarding the headscarf," Kilicdaroglu admitted earlier this month. "It's time to leave that issue behind us." According to experts, Kilicdaroglu wants to convince religious voters that there is nothing to fear from supporting his secular party the following year. Erdogan responded by suggesting a constitutional amendment that would "shortly" be submitted for ratification to the parliament, where his party and his nationalist alliance partner enjoy a slim majority. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Turkiye's Erdogan proposes vote on women's right to wear Islamic headscarf

The upcoming midterm elections in the United States are being viewed with great significance and also early polls are predicting a huge turnout. Most of them feel that the well-being of the country is in fact at stake.

US Midterm Elections: Declining approval ratings for Biden a major talking point

Over 9,000 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates will cast their votes to choose the new Congress president on Monday in a historic decision. In its 137-year history, the party has chosen a new leader through elections six times.&nbsp;Senior party figures Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor are involved in the contest. While Tharoor has positioned himself as a candidate of change, senior leader Kharge is regarded as the "unofficial official candidate" of the Gandhi family.

A non-Gandhi will assume the role of party leader for the first time in 24 years. Almost 65 additional polling places spread across different states as well as the AICC headquarters in Delhi will all use secret voting systems to conduct the election.

The voters are required to check the box next to the name of the candidate they intend to support. The vote would be void if any other symbol or number were written, according to&nbsp;party Central Election Authority chairman Madhusudan Mistry.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committee-to-who-information-on-killer-cough-syrups-inadequate-525793">India committee tells WHO: Information on 'killer' cough syrups 'inadequate'</a>

Sonia Gandhi, the party's interim president, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, its general secretary, are most likely to vote at the AICC headquarters, while Rahul Gandhi and 40 other Bharat Jodo Yatris will vote at a campsite in Sanganakallu, Karnataka.

Karnataka veteran Kharge (80), who has been involved in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-liz-truss-economic-plan-was-a-mistake-says-biden-525756"> politics</a> for half a decade, stated on Sunday that, should he be chosen as the party's leader, he would not feel guilty about following the Gandhis' advise.&nbsp;Responding to allegations of being remote-controlled by Gandhis, Kharge said: "The BJP indulges in such a campaign and others follow it. Sonia Gandhi has worked for 20 years in the organisation...Rahul Gandhi was also president...they have struggled for the party and put their strength for its growth."

Parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor, 66, claimed that amid the transformation he foresees, the party's "values and loyalty" will remain the same, with the means of achieving the objectives changing. In addition, he made a subtle jab at certain top figures who were endorsing Kharge, claiming that some of them were "indulging in 'netagiri' and informing party people" who Sonia Gandhi wanted to be elected.

"If anyone has "fear or doubt" in their mind, the party has made it clear that it will be a secret ballot," Tharoor said in Lucknow and urged the Congress delegates to listen to their hearts while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-bolsonaro-lula-face-off-in-first-debate-525954">voting</a> to elect the new party president.&nbsp;

The ballot boxes will be transported to Delhi after voting so that they can be counted there. On October 19, the outcomes will be released.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Over 9,000 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates will cast their votes to choose the new Congress president on Monday in a historic decision. In its 137-year history, the party has chosen a new leader through elections six times.

Over 9,000 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates will cast their votes to choose the new Congress president on Monday in a historic decision. In its 137-year history, the party has chosen a new leader through elections six times. Senior party figures Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor are involved in the contest. While Tharoor has positioned himself as a candidate of change, senior leader Kharge is regarded as the "unofficial official candidate" of the Gandhi family. A non-Gandhi will assume the role of party leader for the first time in 24 years. Almost 65 additional polling places spread across different states as well as the AICC headquarters in Delhi will all use secret voting systems to conduct the election. The voters are required to check the box next to the name of the candidate they intend to support. The vote would be void if any other symbol or number were written, according to party Central Election Authority chairman Madhusudan Mistry. Also read | India committee tells WHO: Information on 'killer' cough syrups 'inadequate' Sonia Gandhi, the party's interim president, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, its general secretary, are most likely to vote at the AICC headquarters, while Rahul Gandhi and 40 other Bharat Jodo Yatris will vote at a campsite in Sanganakallu, Karnataka. Karnataka veteran Kharge (80), who has been involved in politics for half a decade, stated on Sunday that, should he be chosen as the party's leader, he would not feel guilty about following the Gandhis' advise. Responding to allegations of being remote-controlled by Gandhis, Kharge said: "The BJP indulges in such a campaign and others follow it. Sonia Gandhi has worked for 20 years in the organisation...Rahul Gandhi was also president...they have struggled for the party and put their strength for its growth." Parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor, 66, claimed that amid the transformation he foresees, the party's "values and loyalty" will remain the same, with the means of achieving the objectives changing. In addition, he made a subtle jab at certain top figures who were endorsing Kharge, claiming that some of them were "indulging in 'netagiri' and informing party people" who Sonia Gandhi wanted to be elected. "If anyone has "fear or doubt" in their mind, the party has made it clear that it will be a secret ballot," Tharoor said in Lucknow and urged the Congress delegates to listen to their hearts while voting to elect the new party president. The ballot boxes will be transported to Delhi after voting so that they can be counted there. On October 19, the outcomes will be released. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Congress presidential elections: Stage set for Tharoor, Kharge face-off

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and leftist challenger Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva exchanged jabs and insults as they faced off in the first head-to-head debate. The debate took place with Brazil's presidential runoff elections two weeks away.

Lula attacked Bolsonaro calling him the "king of fake news" and a "tiny little dictator". In return, he drew accusations of lying, corruption and a "disgraceful record" from his opponent.

Lula is the charismatic but tarnished ex-president (2003-2010) who is eyeing a comeback at the age of 76. He was particularly fiery as he criticised Bolsonaro over handling of the Covid pandemic. 687,000 people died in Brazil due to Covid-19, second only to the US.

Attacking Bolsonaro over his resistance to buying vaccines and touting of unproven medications such as hydroxychloroquine, Lula said the president "carries the weight of those deaths on his shoulders."

"Your negligence led to 680,000 people dying, when more than half could have been saved," the ex-metalworker said in his trademark gravelly voice.

"No other leader in the world played around with the pandemic and with death the way you did."

Bolsonaro (67) tried to drag the debate's focus to the corruption issue. This was a weak spot for Lula who was jailed in 2018 on now overturned graft charges.

"Your past is disgraceful... You did nothing for Brazil but stuff public money in your pockets and those of your friends," Bolsonaro said.

"Lula, stop lying, it's bad for you at your age," said the ex-army captain at another point, simultaneously defending his own record and taking a shot at his rival's age.

Bolsonaro, the vitriolic hardline conservative who took office in 2019, finished second in the first-round election on October 2 with 43 percent of the vote, to 48 percent for Lula.

But many opinion polls had put Lula's lead in the double digits.

Bolsonaro's stronger-than-expected performance has given him an aura of momentum heading into the runoff, and increased speculation over the possibility of another surprise in two weeks' time.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and leftist challenger Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva exchanged jabs and insults as they faced off in the first head-to-head debate. The debate took place with Brazil's presidential runoff elections two weeks away.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and leftist challenger Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva exchanged jabs and insults as they faced off in the first head-to-head debate. The debate took place with Brazil's presidential runoff elections two weeks away. Lula attacked Bolsonaro calling him the "king of fake news" and a "tiny little dictator". In return, he drew accusations of lying, corruption and a "disgraceful record" from his opponent. Lula is the charismatic but tarnished ex-president (2003-2010) who is eyeing a comeback at the age of 76. He was particularly fiery as he criticised Bolsonaro over handling of the Covid pandemic. 687,000 people died in Brazil due to Covid-19, second only to the US. Attacking Bolsonaro over his resistance to buying vaccines and touting of unproven medications such as hydroxychloroquine, Lula said the president "carries the weight of those deaths on his shoulders." "Your negligence led to 680,000 people dying, when more than half could have been saved," the ex-metalworker said in his trademark gravelly voice. "No other leader in the world played around with the pandemic and with death the way you did." Bolsonaro (67) tried to drag the debate's focus to the corruption issue. This was a weak spot for Lula who was jailed in 2018 on now overturned graft charges. "Your past is disgraceful... You did nothing for Brazil but stuff public money in your pockets and those of your friends," Bolsonaro said. "Lula, stop lying, it's bad for you at your age," said the ex-army captain at another point, simultaneously defending his own record and taking a shot at his rival's age. Bolsonaro, the vitriolic hardline conservative who took office in 2019, finished second in the first-round election on October 2 with 43 percent of the vote, to 48 percent for Lula. But many opinion polls had put Lula's lead in the double digits. Bolsonaro's stronger-than-expected performance has given him an aura of momentum heading into the runoff, and increased speculation over the possibility of another surprise in two weeks' time. (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 ×

'King of fake news': Barbs and insults colour Bolsonaro, Lula's first debate face-off

Several citizens of Pakistan are voting to decide the fate of candidates contesting on 11 constituencies in today's by-polls. The by-polls are being conducted in three provinces Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh in the Central Eastern province of Punjab.

Pakistan By-Elections: Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh undergo by-elections

With the crucial midterms inching closer, Georgia witnessed a fierce televised debate. It was between Democratic US Senator Rafael Warner and Republican Herschel Walker.

US: Trump backed candidate Walker opposes abortion without exceptions

President Xi Jinping was left enraged when protest banners calling for his ouster appeared in Beijing just days before he is scheduled to be re-elected at the 20th session of the country's ruling Communist Party of China.

A Beijing-based journalist tweeted that the posters carried messages against China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-imposes-fresh-restrictions-as-covid-19-cases-continue-to-rise-525165">Zero Covid policy</a>, urging a lockdown and the need for a "revolutionary transformation." Another banner&nbsp;referred to Xi Jinping as a "dictatorial traitor."

After the videos and pictures spread on social media, the authorities reportedly later took down the banners.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Two protest banners were hung on a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beijing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beijing</a> Third Ring Road bridge today. There was also a fire. The banners opposed Zero <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid</a> measures, calling for an end to lockdowns, promoting revolutionary change in this country adding "we need to vote; we don't want to be slaves". <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vdb64jjaFv">https://t.co/Vdb64jjaFv</a>
— Stephen McDonell (@StephenMcDonell) <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenMcDonell/status/1580457069521424384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The road where the banners had been before they were taken down in Haidian district was seen to be emitting smoke.

"Let us strike from schools and from work and remove the dictatorial traitor Xi Jinping," one of the slogans according to a media report.

"We don't want Covid tests, we want to eat; we don't want lockdowns, we want to be free", another banner read.

Beijing's Zero-Covid policy, which relies on quarantines, travel restrictions, and frequent lockdowns, has drawn a lot of criticism, despite the government's insistence that it has been successful in containing the outbreak.

After the 20th congress, the Chinese people hoped that the zero Covid policy would be lifted. But once the Chinese official media 'vowed to never lie flat on virus controls' in an editorial, all of their dreams were dashed. Before the Congress, authorities acted quickly to contain epidemics around the nation and enacted additional lockdowns and regulations in important cities like Shanghai.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/its-time-to-accept-that-north-korea-has-nuclear-weapons-525249">It's time to accept that North Korea has nuclear weapons</a>

The stringent Covid regulations have slowed economic growth, and the real estate collapse is not working in the Jinping government's favour. 
As anticipated, the tight two-five-year tenure limitations imposed by his predecessors to prevent any "danger" of a one-party state being ruled by a single leader will be broken by Xi Jinping's victory.

Relations between Washington DC, and Beijing have deteriorated under Jinping as a result of China's hostility against Taiwan. As a result of the skirmishes in 2020 Galwan, ties with neighbouring India are also tense. India joined forces with Australia, Japan, and the US to establish Quad in an effort to counter China's aggressive behaviour and uphold peace in the Indo-Pacific.

Additionally, China has been charged with grave violations of human rights and the mistreatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

President Xi Jinping was left enraged when protest banners calling for his ouster appeared in Beijing just days before he is scheduled to be re-elected at the 20th session of the country's ruling Communist Party of China.

President Xi Jinping was left enraged when protest banners calling for his ouster appeared in Beijing just days before he is scheduled to be re-elected at the 20th session of the country's ruling Communist Party of China. A Beijing-based journalist tweeted that the posters carried messages against China's Zero Covid policy, urging a lockdown and the need for a "revolutionary transformation." Another banner referred to Xi Jinping as a "dictatorial traitor." After the videos and pictures spread on social media, the authorities reportedly later took down the banners. Two protest banners were hung on a #Beijing Third Ring Road bridge today. There was also a fire. The banners opposed Zero #Covid measures, calling for an end to lockdowns, promoting revolutionary change in this country adding "we need to vote; we don't want to be slaves". #China https://t.co/Vdb64jjaFv — Stephen McDonell (@StephenMcDonell) October 13, 2022 × The road where the banners had been before they were taken down in Haidian district was seen to be emitting smoke. "Let us strike from schools and from work and remove the dictatorial traitor Xi Jinping," one of the slogans according to a media report. "We don't want Covid tests, we want to eat; we don't want lockdowns, we want to be free", another banner read. Beijing's Zero-Covid policy, which relies on quarantines, travel restrictions, and frequent lockdowns, has drawn a lot of criticism, despite the government's insistence that it has been successful in containing the outbreak. After the 20th congress, the Chinese people hoped that the zero Covid policy would be lifted. But once the Chinese official media 'vowed to never lie flat on virus controls' in an editorial, all of their dreams were dashed. Before the Congress, authorities acted quickly to contain epidemics around the nation and enacted additional lockdowns and regulations in important cities like Shanghai. Also read | It's time to accept that North Korea has nuclear weapons The stringent Covid regulations have slowed economic growth, and the real estate collapse is not working in the Jinping government's favour. As anticipated, the tight two-five-year tenure limitations imposed by his predecessors to prevent any "danger" of a one-party state being ruled by a single leader will be broken by Xi Jinping's victory. Relations between Washington DC, and Beijing have deteriorated under Jinping as a result of China's hostility against Taiwan. As a result of the skirmishes in 2020 Galwan, ties with neighbouring India are also tense. India joined forces with Australia, Japan, and the US to establish Quad in an effort to counter China's aggressive behaviour and uphold peace in the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, China has been charged with grave violations of human rights and the mistreatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Dictatorial traitor': Banners calling for Xi Jinping's ouster appear ahead of CCP meeting

A veteran politician in Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, at the age of 97 has now decided to contest elections again. He'll be taking part in the general polls expected to take place next month in the country.

Veteran politician Mahathir Mohamad returns to politics at 97

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has announced that he will contest in general elections which are to be held next month but did not clarify on whether he will take the Prime Minister office once again or not.

Malaysia: Former PM Mahathir Mohamad announces candidacy from Langkawi island seat

Brazil will hold its Presidential runoff on the 30th of October. Incumbent President Bolsanaro and former President Luis Silva will be competing for the top post after both leaders fail to secure 50 percent vote in the first round of polling.

Brazil Presidential Elections 2022: Lula, Bolsanaro seek new allies

Following a trend in recent years of underestimating voter support for Brexit and Donald Trump, opinion polls in Brazil were way off the mark for Sunday's first round of presidential elections.

Incumbent Jair Bolsonaro and many of his far-right allies mustered results much better than pollsters had predicted, catching analysts off guard and shocking supporters of his leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

"The biggest loser (of Sunday's election) are all the polls," Latin America analyst Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue think tank told AFP.

What were the poll predictions?

Lula amassed 48 per cent of the votes cast on Sunday -- within the margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points worked in by pollsters Datafolha and Ipec.

Both had put Lula within arm's reach of taking the election in the first round -- with a prediction of 50 per cent of valid votes cast by Datafolha, and 51 per cent by Ipec.

Bolsonaro's result came completely out of left field. He managed 43 per cent of votes compared to 36 per cent predicted by Datafolha.

Instead of a predicted 14-point handicap, he lagged Lula by only five points, or about six million votes.

There was a similar trend for some of Bolsonaro's rightwing allies.

Rio de Janeiro Governor Claudio Castro won reelection in the first round with 58 per cent of votes compared to polling expectations of 44 to 47 per cent.

And in Sao Paulo, Tarcisio de Freitas entered the gubernatorial runoff race in the lead with 42 per cent -- 11 points higher than he had been polled.

What went wrong?

Analysts are scratching their heads: was it a last-minute Bolsonaro surge among undecided or opposition voters, or is it that polling institutes with a hitherto reliable reputation have somehow lost the ability to accurately predict voter intention?

"We don't know if Bolsonaro made real advances or whether he already had this support" that polls failed to capture, Leandro Gabiati, director of the Dominium consultancy, told AFP.

According to Mayra Goulart of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, there has been an "information blackout" in Brazil due to a pandemic-induced, two-year delay in the population census, held every 10 years.

This may have affected the accuracy of pollsters' population sampling especially in influential segments such as evangelicals -- a growing and right-leaning section of Brazilian society.

"It is likely that the 2022 census will correct some of these inconsistencies for future elections," said Guilherme Casaroes, a political scientist at the Getulio Vargas Foundation.

Consequences

"It will definitely hurt the credibility of analysis" by the media and experts such as himself, said Leonardo Paz, Brazil consultant for the International Crisis Group think tank.

"Right now it is more difficult to make analysis because... the numbers are not credible anymore."

The discrepancy between the prediction and Sunday's outcome posed a "big problem for the (polling) institutes and for democracy itself," added Dominium's Gabiati.

"Polls are an important part of the electoral process and it is terrible for democracy that this aspect is called into question."

Bolsonaro has long sought to cast doubt on the accuracy of polls, which he claims work for the left, and could now use this "proof" to further whip up anti-Lula sentiment ahead of the all-important October 30 presidential runoff.

"We defeated the opinion polls' lie," he crowed on Sunday.

For Goulart, this could bolster the Bolsonaro-led negationist discourse.

"Calling into question electoral polls in a context of far-right populism is also to call into question science and reliable sources of information, including the media," she said.

Bolsonaro's congressman son Eduardo said Monday he would collect signatures to open a parliamentary committee investigation into polling companies over the discrepancies.

"Polling agencies will have to reinvent themselves," said Casaroes.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Following a trend in recent years of underestimating voter support for Brexit and Donald Trump, opinion polls in Brazil were way off the mark for Sunday's first round of presidential elections.

Following a trend in recent years of underestimating voter support for Brexit and Donald Trump, opinion polls in Brazil were way off the mark for Sunday's first round of presidential elections. Incumbent Jair Bolsonaro and many of his far-right allies mustered results much better than pollsters had predicted, catching analysts off guard and shocking supporters of his leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "The biggest loser (of Sunday's election) are all the polls," Latin America analyst Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue think tank told AFP. What were the poll predictions? Lula amassed 48 per cent of the votes cast on Sunday -- within the margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points worked in by pollsters Datafolha and Ipec. Both had put Lula within arm's reach of taking the election in the first round -- with a prediction of 50 per cent of valid votes cast by Datafolha, and 51 per cent by Ipec. Bolsonaro's result came completely out of left field. He managed 43 per cent of votes compared to 36 per cent predicted by Datafolha. Instead of a predicted 14-point handicap, he lagged Lula by only five points, or about six million votes. There was a similar trend for some of Bolsonaro's rightwing allies. Rio de Janeiro Governor Claudio Castro won reelection in the first round with 58 per cent of votes compared to polling expectations of 44 to 47 per cent. And in Sao Paulo, Tarcisio de Freitas entered the gubernatorial runoff race in the lead with 42 per cent -- 11 points higher than he had been polled. What went wrong? Analysts are scratching their heads: was it a last-minute Bolsonaro surge among undecided or opposition voters, or is it that polling institutes with a hitherto reliable reputation have somehow lost the ability to accurately predict voter intention? "We don't know if Bolsonaro made real advances or whether he already had this support" that polls failed to capture, Leandro Gabiati, director of the Dominium consultancy, told AFP. According to Mayra Goulart of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, there has been an "information blackout" in Brazil due to a pandemic-induced, two-year delay in the population census, held every 10 years. This may have affected the accuracy of pollsters' population sampling especially in influential segments such as evangelicals -- a growing and right-leaning section of Brazilian society. "It is likely that the 2022 census will correct some of these inconsistencies for future elections," said Guilherme Casaroes, a political scientist at the Getulio Vargas Foundation. Consequences "It will definitely hurt the credibility of analysis" by the media and experts such as himself, said Leonardo Paz, Brazil consultant for the International Crisis Group think tank. "Right now it is more difficult to make analysis because... the numbers are not credible anymore." The discrepancy between the prediction and Sunday's outcome posed a "big problem for the (polling) institutes and for democracy itself," added Dominium's Gabiati. "Polls are an important part of the electoral process and it is terrible for democracy that this aspect is called into question." Bolsonaro has long sought to cast doubt on the accuracy of polls, which he claims work for the left, and could now use this "proof" to further whip up anti-Lula sentiment ahead of the all-important October 30 presidential runoff. "We defeated the opinion polls' lie," he crowed on Sunday. For Goulart, this could bolster the Bolsonaro-led negationist discourse. "Calling into question electoral polls in a context of far-right populism is also to call into question science and reliable sources of information, including the media," she said. Bolsonaro's congressman son Eduardo said Monday he would collect signatures to open a parliamentary committee investigation into polling companies over the discrepancies. "Polling agencies will have to reinvent themselves," said Casaroes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Why did opinion polls get Brazil election so wrong?

Lula da Silva, a left-wing former president, finished in first place Sunday in Brazil's presidential election, but failed to secure enough votes for an outright victory and will face right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in an October 30 run-off. WION in an exclusive conversation with Michael Fox, a senior journalist.

WION Dispatch | Brazil presidential elections: Jair Bolsonaro vs Lula da Silva: No clear winner?

Bosnia and Herzegovina is gearing up for another tripartite inter-ethnic government after 3.36 million Bosnians cast their vote on Sunday. Currently, moderate candidate Denis Becirevic is leading the race for the Bosniak seat while incumbent Zeljko Komsic and Zeljka Cvijanovic lead the race for the Croat and Serbian seats respectively, based on preliminary results.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is gearing up for another tripartite inter-ethnic government after 3.36 million Bosnians cast their vote on Sunday. Currently, moderate candidate Denis Becirevic is leading the race for the Bosniak seat while incumbent Zeljko Komsic and Zeljka Cvijanovic lead the race for the Croat and Serbian seats respectively, based on preliminary results. It's a rather unique system that a three-member presidential council - which must have an ethnic Bosnian, a Croat and a Serbian - steps up to the plate. Why should a country have three presidents? The violent and bloody history of the country necessitated such an arrangement. The genesis of the arrangement lies in how Bosnia and Herzegovina came into being. The country declared independence from Yugoslavia in March 1992 which instantly triggered a country-wide secessionist movement with the three main ethnic groups viz. Eastern Orthodox Serbs, Catholic Croats, and Muslim Bosniaks WATCH | Bosnia Elections 2022: Moderate Bosniak candidate leads in race for Presidency × Eventually, a war transpired where over 100,000 lost their lives between 1992 and 1995. Many experts believe that it was the bloodiest conflict Europe had witnessed since World War II. To bring the war to an end, a US-sponsored peace deal named Dayton Peace Accords was signed which incidentally also serves as the country's constitution. The Dayton Accords ended the brutal war between the ethnic groups by dividing the country into two highly independent entities. Read more: Moderate Bosniak candidate leads in race for presidency seat The entities, one run by Serbs and the other shared by Bosniaks and Croats have broad autonomy but are linked by shared national institutions. All countrywide actions require consensus from all three ethnic groups. The parliament of the country encompasses a 42-member House of Representatives and a 15-member House of Peoples. The three individuals to be elected on Tuesday for the presidency will rotate seats every eight months. The Sunday election included races for the three members of the shared Bosnian presidency, parliament deputies at the state, entity and regional levels; and the president of the country’s Serb-run part. Election turnout on Sunday was 50 per cent or over two percentage points down from the 2018 general election. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

It's complicated: Why Bosnia and Herzegovina elects three presidents, not one

Bulgaria's centre-right GERB party of former long-serving prime minister Boyko Borissov is set to win Sunday's election, the fourth in less than two years, partial results showed, but its chances of forming a coalition government remain unclear.

With 99% of the ballots counted, partial official results showed GERB winning with 25.4%. Its main rival, the reformist We Continue the Change of Kiril Petkov, whose coalition cabinet collapsed in June, came second with 20.2%.

The results point to difficult coalition talks in a fractured parliament or even another snap election in the European Union member state.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-presidential-election-enters-runoff-as-bolsonaro-beats-expectations-to-finish-a-close-second-to-silva-521948">Brazil presidential election enters runoff as Bolsonaro beats expectations to finish a close second to Silva</a>

Either would prolong political instability amid steep surging energy and consumer prices and war in Ukraine and raise the prospect of&nbsp;Bulgaria&nbsp;missing its 2024 target date for entry into the single currency euro zone.

Five political parties are seen entering the next parliament, the partial results showed. Final official results are expected on Thursday.

Efforts to put together a functioning coalition are complicated by the fact that many of Borissov's political adversaries accuse him of allowing widespread corruption to fester during his decade-long rule that ended last year. Borissov denies the allegations.

Some voters in the European Union's poorest member state say Borissov offers stability and has diplomatic experience required to navigate&nbsp;Bulgaria's complex relationship with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/presidents-of-9-nato-countries-support-ukraines-membership-of-the-military-alliance-521907">Russia</a>.

Borissov is yet to comment on the election results. Prior to the vote he indicated he would be open to talks with to all political parties and appealed to his rivals to show "reason" ahead of difficult winter.

We Continue the Change party has conceded defeat and said it would stay in opposition.

"We have pledged that we would not go into coalition with GERB and we will stay true to our promise," Petkov said on Monday, adding that his party remained adamant about fighting endemic corruption.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Bulgaria's centre-right GERB party of former long-serving prime minister Boyko Borissov is set to win Sunday's election, the fourth in less than two years, partial results showed, but its chances of forming a coalition government remain unclear.

Bulgaria's centre-right GERB party of former long-serving prime minister Boyko Borissov is set to win Sunday's election, the fourth in less than two years, partial results showed, but its chances of forming a coalition government remain unclear. With 99% of the ballots counted, partial official results showed GERB winning with 25.4%. Its main rival, the reformist We Continue the Change of Kiril Petkov, whose coalition cabinet collapsed in June, came second with 20.2%. The results point to difficult coalition talks in a fractured parliament or even another snap election in the European Union member state. Also read | Brazil presidential election enters runoff as Bolsonaro beats expectations to finish a close second to Silva Either would prolong political instability amid steep surging energy and consumer prices and war in Ukraine and raise the prospect of Bulgaria missing its 2024 target date for entry into the single currency euro zone. Five political parties are seen entering the next parliament, the partial results showed. Final official results are expected on Thursday. Efforts to put together a functioning coalition are complicated by the fact that many of Borissov's political adversaries accuse him of allowing widespread corruption to fester during his decade-long rule that ended last year. Borissov denies the allegations. Some voters in the European Union's poorest member state say Borissov offers stability and has diplomatic experience required to navigate Bulgaria's complex relationship with Russia. Borissov is yet to comment on the election results. Prior to the vote he indicated he would be open to talks with to all political parties and appealed to his rivals to show "reason" ahead of difficult winter. We Continue the Change party has conceded defeat and said it would stay in opposition. "We have pledged that we would not go into coalition with GERB and we will stay true to our promise," Petkov said on Monday, adding that his party remained adamant about fighting endemic corruption. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Centre-right GERB party leads in Bulgaria election

Meanwhile polls are on way in Bulgaria as the country is voting for a lower house of parliament for the fourth time in 18 months. As per reports, no parties expected to win enough seats to form government alone.

Bulgaria sees fourth elections in 18 months, pro-Russia party expected to make gains

Who is Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva? What is his story? Why did Obama call Lula the most popular politician on earth? Priyanka Sharma brings you the story of the man who may become Brazil's next President.

Gravitas Plus: The story of Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, the man who may become Brazil's next President

Provisional results say Latvian Prime Minister Karins has won the re-election. The result aligned the exit poll prediction that said Karin's new Unity party would claim victory.

Latvia General Election: PM Krisjanis Karins to head another coalition

Brazil is set to go to the polls a few hours from now. The showdown between incumbent President Jade Bolsanaro and former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva comes after a publicly polarizing campaign. As for opinion polls Lula is likely to sweep the elections in the first round.

Brazil Presidential Elections 2022: Nation set to go to polls later today

Kuwait held its parliamentary elections to elect 50 members of the National Assembly. After months of political gridlock, the opposition has won a majority. Meanwhile Women returned to Kuwait national assembly.

Kuwait's national assembly: Women candidates make a comeback

Brazil is all set to vote in its elections on Sunday. The Presidential fight has come down to the two final candidates.

Brazil Elections 2022: Presidential fight down to two candidates

The political space in Italy is all set to take a “right” turn as the right-wing firebrand leader Giorgia Meloni is tipped to become the next, and first female, prime minister of the European nation.&nbsp;

Meloni's Brothers of Italy party came top in general elections on Sunday (September 25), according to the first exit polls.&nbsp;The party won between 22 per cent and 26 per cent of the vote, according to national broadcaster RAI.

A right-wing coalition with her allies, Matteo Salvini's far-right League and former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia, was expected to win a clear majority in both houses of parliament.&nbsp;

On July 21, Mario Draghi announced his resignation after a populist party in his coalition government refused to back an economic package for businesses and families. Following his exit, snap elections were called.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-far-right-leader-girogia-meloni-calls-for-unity-after-election-win-519640">Italy's far-right leader Girogia Meloni calls for unity after election win</a>&nbsp;

Meloni's&nbsp;Brothers of Italy (FdI) party is a descendant of the neo-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI), which was founded by Giorgio Almirante, a minister during Benito Mussolini's rule.&nbsp;

The FdI leads an alliance that's set to form a government, making the 45-year-old Meloni Italy's first female prime minister.&nbsp;

Last year, Meloni refused to take part in Draghi's "national unity" government, which incidentally proved beneficial for her party.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italy-elections-polls-open-as-far-right-eyes-historic-victory-giorgia-meloni-tipped-to-be-next-pm-519598/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Who is&nbsp;Giorgia Meloni?

Meloni was&nbsp;born in Garbatella—a working-class area of Rome. She was president of the youth wing of the National Alliance, a party that emerged from MSI. She also served as a youth minister in Berlusconi's 2008-2011 government before founding the Brothers of Italy.&nbsp;

According to local media reports, Meloni has hardline views on mass immigration, is completely against abortion, which she has described as a “defeat”, and opposes same-sex marriage and parenting.&nbsp;

In June, she travelled to Marbella to deliver a controversial speech at a rally held by her&nbsp;Spanish far-right counterpart, Vox. "Yes to the natural family! No to LGBT lobbies!" she reportedly yelled.&nbsp;

She has also been speaking of amending Italy's constitution to prioritise Italian law over European law.&nbsp;

Meloni is known to hold ambitions to create history in Italian politics as the first woman to hold the top job.&nbsp;

"The will of the people is expressed in one way: by voting," she was quoted as saying. "Let’s give hope and strength back to Italy."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

The political space in Italy is all set to take a “right” turn as the right-wing firebrand leader Giorgia Meloni is tipped to become the next, and first female, prime minister of the European nation.

The political space in Italy is all set to take a “right” turn as the right-wing firebrand leader Giorgia Meloni is tipped to become the next, and first female, prime minister of the European nation. Meloni's Brothers of Italy party came top in general elections on Sunday (September 25), according to the first exit polls. The party won between 22 per cent and 26 per cent of the vote, according to national broadcaster RAI. A right-wing coalition with her allies, Matteo Salvini's far-right League and former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia, was expected to win a clear majority in both houses of parliament. On July 21, Mario Draghi announced his resignation after a populist party in his coalition government refused to back an economic package for businesses and families. Following his exit, snap elections were called. ALSO READ | Italy's far-right leader Girogia Meloni calls for unity after election win Meloni's Brothers of Italy (FdI) party is a descendant of the neo-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI), which was founded by Giorgio Almirante, a minister during Benito Mussolini's rule. The FdI leads an alliance that's set to form a government, making the 45-year-old Meloni Italy's first female prime minister. Last year, Meloni refused to take part in Draghi's "national unity" government, which incidentally proved beneficial for her party. Watch this report: × Who is Giorgia Meloni? Meloni was born in Garbatella—a working-class area of Rome. She was president of the youth wing of the National Alliance, a party that emerged from MSI. She also served as a youth minister in Berlusconi's 2008-2011 government before founding the Brothers of Italy. According to local media reports, Meloni has hardline views on mass immigration, is completely against abortion, which she has described as a “defeat”, and opposes same-sex marriage and parenting. In June, she travelled to Marbella to deliver a controversial speech at a rally held by her Spanish far-right counterpart, Vox. "Yes to the natural family! No to LGBT lobbies!" she reportedly yelled. She has also been speaking of amending Italy's constitution to prioritise Italian law over European law. Meloni is known to hold ambitions to create history in Italian politics as the first woman to hold the top job. "The will of the people is expressed in one way: by voting," she was quoted as saying. "Let’s give hope and strength back to Italy." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Who is Giorgia Meloni, the right-wing leader set to become Italy's first female prime minister?

Exit polls on Sunday revealed that the&nbsp;right-wing coalition led by Girogia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party appeared poised to win a comfortable win in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

As per the RAI exit poll, the coalition of conservative parties secured between 41 per cent and 45 per cent which is sufficient to endure control in both houses of parliament. The RAI's poll further added that the right-wing would secure nearly 111-131 Senate seats and nearly 227 to 257 seats in the lower house.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-be-the-next-steps-after-italy-elections-519486">Also read |&nbsp;What will be the next steps after Italy elections</a>

If the polls are accurate, Italy would have had its most right-wing government since World War Two, and Meloni would be the first female prime minister of the country.

Meloni downplayed the post-fascist origins of her party and vowed to back Western policies toward Ukraine. However, given the desire to maintain unity in relations with Russia and worries over Italy's increasing debt, the decision is expected to raise alarm bells in Europe's financial markets.&nbsp;

Although Meloni is the leader of the largest coalition in Italy and an obvious choice for victory, it may take a bit longer for the new administration to swear in due to the delayed nature of power transfers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polling-underway-in-italy-far-right-leader-giorgia-meloni-expected-to-become-the-new-pm-519430">Also read |&nbsp;Polling underway in Italy; Giorgia Meloni expected to become the new PM</a>

The result represents a stunning leap for Meloni, whose party received only 4 per cent of the vote in the 2018 national elections but is expected to win with 22 to 26 per cent&nbsp;of the vote this time, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The next prime minister of Italy will head the nation's 68th administration since 1946 and might face several difficulties, including rising energy prices in Europe.&nbsp;

The results are expected to be announced by early Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Exit polls on Sunday revealed that the right-wing coalition led by Girogia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party appeared poised to win a comfortable win in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Exit polls on Sunday revealed that the right-wing coalition led by Girogia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party appeared poised to win a comfortable win in the upcoming parliamentary elections. As per the RAI exit poll, the coalition of conservative parties secured between 41 per cent and 45 per cent which is sufficient to endure control in both houses of parliament. The RAI's poll further added that the right-wing would secure nearly 111-131 Senate seats and nearly 227 to 257 seats in the lower house. Also read | What will be the next steps after Italy elections If the polls are accurate, Italy would have had its most right-wing government since World War Two, and Meloni would be the first female prime minister of the country. Meloni downplayed the post-fascist origins of her party and vowed to back Western policies toward Ukraine. However, given the desire to maintain unity in relations with Russia and worries over Italy's increasing debt, the decision is expected to raise alarm bells in Europe's financial markets. Although Meloni is the leader of the largest coalition in Italy and an obvious choice for victory, it may take a bit longer for the new administration to swear in due to the delayed nature of power transfers. Also read | Polling underway in Italy; Giorgia Meloni expected to become the new PM The result represents a stunning leap for Meloni, whose party received only 4 per cent of the vote in the 2018 national elections but is expected to win with 22 to 26 per cent of the vote this time, Reuters reported. The next prime minister of Italy will head the nation's 68th administration since 1946 and might face several difficulties, including rising energy prices in Europe. The results are expected to be announced by early Monday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Italy's right-wing leader Girogia Meloni set to win election

Far Right leader Georgia Meloni is set to become Italy's first woman Prime Minister. Meloni is expected to form Italy's most right-wing government since World War II.

Georgia Meloni to become Italy's first woman Prime Minister

elections-0

Elections, News on Elections, stories on Elections, articles on Elections, Elections stories at Wion, Elections news, Elections latest news

elections 0