Japan will still be going to the polls on Sunday despite former prime minister Shinzo Abe's assassination. The elections are for about half the seats in Japan's Upper House of Parliament.

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Elections for Pakistan's Punjab have been delayed. Imran khan's PTI has approached the Pakistani Supreme Court to stall the election of the Chief Minister of Pakistan's Punjab state. For more details, we're joined by Anas Mallick.

Imran Khan's PTI stalls Punjab CM elections till after by-polls

Israel has moved closer to its fifth election in less than four years. The lawmakers have given their final nod to dissolve the parliament, with a possible comeback by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

End of Israel's 24th parliament today, Knesset dissolution to trigger election

Voters head to the polls on Thursday in two closely watched&nbsp;UK&nbsp;by-elections&nbsp;that risk renewing pressure on beleaguered Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;following months of scandals and setbacks.

His ruling Conservatives are tipped to lose both contests, for the parliamentary seats of Tiverton and Honiton in southwest England and Wakefield in the north, after both Tory MPs resigned in disgrace.

Tiverton and Honiton's MP Neil Parish quit after admitting watching pornography on his phone in the House of Commons, while Wakefield's Imran Ahmad Khan was jailed for sexually assaulting a teenage boy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-sees-biggest-rail-strike-in-30-years-boris-johnson-call-for-sensible-compromise-490199">As biggest rail strike in 30 years starts, UK PM Boris Johnson seeks 'sensible compromise'</a>

The votes come just weeks after&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;narrowly survived an attempt by his own lawmakers to oust him as party leader and prime minister.

The June 6 vote among Conservative MPs saw more than 40 per cent of the parliamentary party desert him, leaving him severely weakened and struggling to reset his turbulent tenure in power.

Johnson&nbsp;has spent months fighting for his survival after a series of controversies including the "Partygate" saga led many Tories to question whether he should remain as leader.

Various opinion polls have shown the public think he lied about Covid lockdown-breaking events at Downing Street and should resign.

Even before the controversy erupted last December, the 58-year-old Brexit architect saw the loss of two once-safe seats in&nbsp;by-elections&nbsp;last year.&nbsp;

He then scored dismally in May's local elections.

Defeat in the true blue Tory heartland of Tiverton and Honiton, and in Wakefield, which&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;snatched in 2019 from the main opposition Labour party for the first time since the 1930s, could see his position challenged again.

Madness

Parish, who described his actions as an indefensible moment of "total madness", won a more than 24,000 majority in Tiverton and Honiton in 2019.

There, the small opposition Liberal Democrats are hopeful of picking up the seat in rural Devon after overturning similarly large majorities in two other historically safe Tory seats in 2021.

Watch |&nbsp;Despite backlash, UK PM Boris Johnson defends British migration policy

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Wakefield, near Leeds, was one of dozens of so-called Labour "red wall" seats that&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;took in 2019 on a promise to "get Brexit done" and address glaring regional economic inequalities.

But it could now flip back due in part to&nbsp;Johnson's waning popularity.

"Anything is better than the Tory Party, as far as I'm concerned -- especially&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson," long-time Labour voter Stephen, a 61-year-old hospitality worker, told AFP this week.

Partygate&nbsp;and prices

The polls come with Britain gripped by 40-year highs in inflation and a cost-of-living crisis that has seen prices soar for everyday essential such as energy, petrol and food.

Strikes this week by railway workers -- some of the biggest seen in Britain in decades -- have added to the sense of crisis.

Some in Wakefield said they expected that to weigh as heavily on voters' minds as the Downing Street parties saga.

"I think people will be affected by 'Partygate'," said David, a retired medical consultant.&nbsp;

"But I think the main thing we're going to be affected by is being hit by the inflation and the rising cost of living from the point of view of heating, energy and the knock-on effect on food prices and transport."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-good-to-be-in-kyiv-again-uk-pm-boris-johnson-meets-zelensky-amid-ukraine-war-489246">'It is good to be in Kyiv again': UK PM Boris Johnson meets Zelensky amid Ukraine war</a>

The contest there also comes with risks for Labour, which needs to secure seats like Wakefield if it is to win the next general election due by 2024.

Labour leader Keir Starmer, a sober-minded former lawyer who has been trying to rebuild the centre-left party after the shattering 2019 defeat, has been criticised for failing to connect with voters, particularly in its former heartlands.

Anything less than a convincing win in Wakefield is likely to be seized upon by his critics as further evidence of his inability to complete the rebuild and return the party to power after 12 years in opposition.

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Voters head to the polls on Thursday in two closely watched UK by-elections that risk renewing pressure on beleaguered Prime Minister Boris Johnson following months of scandals and setbacks.

Voters head to the polls on Thursday in two closely watched UK by-elections that risk renewing pressure on beleaguered Prime Minister Boris Johnson following months of scandals and setbacks. His ruling Conservatives are tipped to lose both contests, for the parliamentary seats of Tiverton and Honiton in southwest England and Wakefield in the north, after both Tory MPs resigned in disgrace. Tiverton and Honiton's MP Neil Parish quit after admitting watching pornography on his phone in the House of Commons, while Wakefield's Imran Ahmad Khan was jailed for sexually assaulting a teenage boy. Also read | As biggest rail strike in 30 years starts, UK PM Boris Johnson seeks 'sensible compromise' The votes come just weeks after Johnson narrowly survived an attempt by his own lawmakers to oust him as party leader and prime minister. The June 6 vote among Conservative MPs saw more than 40 per cent of the parliamentary party desert him, leaving him severely weakened and struggling to reset his turbulent tenure in power. Johnson has spent months fighting for his survival after a series of controversies including the "Partygate" saga led many Tories to question whether he should remain as leader. Various opinion polls have shown the public think he lied about Covid lockdown-breaking events at Downing Street and should resign. Even before the controversy erupted last December, the 58-year-old Brexit architect saw the loss of two once-safe seats in by-elections last year. He then scored dismally in May's local elections. Defeat in the true blue Tory heartland of Tiverton and Honiton, and in Wakefield, which Johnson snatched in 2019 from the main opposition Labour party for the first time since the 1930s, could see his position challenged again. Madness Parish, who described his actions as an indefensible moment of "total madness", won a more than 24,000 majority in Tiverton and Honiton in 2019. There, the small opposition Liberal Democrats are hopeful of picking up the seat in rural Devon after overturning similarly large majorities in two other historically safe Tory seats in 2021. Watch | Despite backlash, UK PM Boris Johnson defends British migration policy Wakefield, near Leeds, was one of dozens of so-called Labour "red wall" seats that Johnson took in 2019 on a promise to "get Brexit done" and address glaring regional economic inequalities. But it could now flip back due in part to Johnson's waning popularity. "Anything is better than the Tory Party, as far as I'm concerned -- especially Boris Johnson," long-time Labour voter Stephen, a 61-year-old hospitality worker, told AFP this week. Partygate and prices The polls come with Britain gripped by 40-year highs in inflation and a cost-of-living crisis that has seen prices soar for everyday essential such as energy, petrol and food. Strikes this week by railway workers -- some of the biggest seen in Britain in decades -- have added to the sense of crisis. Some in Wakefield said they expected that to weigh as heavily on voters' minds as the Downing Street parties saga. "I think people will be affected by 'Partygate'," said David, a retired medical consultant. "But I think the main thing we're going to be affected by is being hit by the inflation and the rising cost of living from the point of view of heating, energy and the knock-on effect on food prices and transport." Also read | 'It is good to be in Kyiv again': UK PM Boris Johnson meets Zelensky amid Ukraine war The contest there also comes with risks for Labour, which needs to secure seats like Wakefield if it is to win the next general election due by 2024. Labour leader Keir Starmer, a sober-minded former lawyer who has been trying to rebuild the centre-left party after the shattering 2019 defeat, has been criticised for failing to connect with voters, particularly in its former heartlands. Anything less than a convincing win in Wakefield is likely to be seized upon by his critics as further evidence of his inability to complete the rebuild and return the party to power after 12 years in opposition. 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.

UK by-elections pose fresh threat to Boris Johnson

A no-confidence vote on Wednesday toppled Bulgaria's government and Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, who had pledged to tackle corruption and took an unusually strong stance against Russia.

Opposition lawmakers brought down the government - which took power six months ago - on a 123-116 vote after the ruling coalition lost its majority over disputes on budget spending and whether Bulgaria should unlock North Macedonia's EU accession.

They accused the government of failing to implement fiscal and economic policies to tame surging inflation in the European Union's poorest member state.

Bulgaria now faces possibly its fourth general election since April 2021, putting at risk millions of euros from EU recovery funds and its plans to adopt the euro in 2024.

"This vote is only one small step in a very long way," Petkov said following the vote. "What they fail to understand is that this is not the way to win the Bulgarian people."

Petkov, a 42-year-old Harvard graduate who had pledged to combat corruption, has taken a strong pro-European and pro-NATO position since Russia invaded Ukraine, an unusual stance for a country traditionally friendly toward Moscow.

Petkov sacked his defence minister in February for refusing to call the Russian invasion of Ukraine "war", backed EU sanctions against Moscow and agreed to repair Ukraine's heavy military machinery while stopping short of sending arms to Kyiv.

The ensuing political gridlock may also hinder Bulgaria's efforts to secure stable natural gas inflows after Moscow cut gas deliveries to the country, which was almost completely reliant on Russian gas, over Sofia's refusal to pay in roubles.

Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev expressed hope parliament would still vote to approve budget changes drafted to raise state pensions and support households as food and fuel prices surge.

The former coalition partner ITN left the government after accusing Petkov of disregarding Bulgaria's interests by pushing to lift its veto on North Macedonia's EU accession talks under pressure from its EU and NATO allies.

Petkov has argued that any decision on the veto should be put to vote in parliament. Earlier on Wednesday, in a sudden shift, the main opposition GERB party said it would support lifting of the veto, but political bickering prevented a debate on the issue.

Lawmakers will now meet again on Thursday to discuss whether Sofia should unlock Skopje's EU accession. Petkov will maintain Bulgaria's veto at the EU summit this week, unless the parliament gives him a different mandate.

Petkov has rejected any coalition talks with opposition parties in the chamber but will seek defections from lawmakers to garner enough support for a new government and avoid early elections.

President Rumen Radev is required to call elections within two months and appoint a caretaker administration should Petkov fail to cobble together a majority for a new cabinet and if two other parties in parliament cannot form a government.

The motion against the ruling coalition was proposed by the GERB party of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, which is likely to benefit from fresh polls alongside pro-Russian parties like nationalist Revival in a society polarised by economic problems and the Ukraine war.

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A no-confidence vote on Wednesday toppled Bulgaria's government and Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, who had pledged to tackle corruption and took an unusually strong stance against Russia.

A no-confidence vote on Wednesday toppled Bulgaria's government and Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, who had pledged to tackle corruption and took an unusually strong stance against Russia. Opposition lawmakers brought down the government - which took power six months ago - on a 123-116 vote after the ruling coalition lost its majority over disputes on budget spending and whether Bulgaria should unlock North Macedonia's EU accession. They accused the government of failing to implement fiscal and economic policies to tame surging inflation in the European Union's poorest member state. Bulgaria now faces possibly its fourth general election since April 2021, putting at risk millions of euros from EU recovery funds and its plans to adopt the euro in 2024. "This vote is only one small step in a very long way," Petkov said following the vote. "What they fail to understand is that this is not the way to win the Bulgarian people." Petkov, a 42-year-old Harvard graduate who had pledged to combat corruption, has taken a strong pro-European and pro-NATO position since Russia invaded Ukraine, an unusual stance for a country traditionally friendly toward Moscow. Petkov sacked his defence minister in February for refusing to call the Russian invasion of Ukraine "war", backed EU sanctions against Moscow and agreed to repair Ukraine's heavy military machinery while stopping short of sending arms to Kyiv. The ensuing political gridlock may also hinder Bulgaria's efforts to secure stable natural gas inflows after Moscow cut gas deliveries to the country, which was almost completely reliant on Russian gas, over Sofia's refusal to pay in roubles. Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev expressed hope parliament would still vote to approve budget changes drafted to raise state pensions and support households as food and fuel prices surge. The former coalition partner ITN left the government after accusing Petkov of disregarding Bulgaria's interests by pushing to lift its veto on North Macedonia's EU accession talks under pressure from its EU and NATO allies. Petkov has argued that any decision on the veto should be put to vote in parliament. Earlier on Wednesday, in a sudden shift, the main opposition GERB party said it would support lifting of the veto, but political bickering prevented a debate on the issue. Lawmakers will now meet again on Thursday to discuss whether Sofia should unlock Skopje's EU accession. Petkov will maintain Bulgaria's veto at the EU summit this week, unless the parliament gives him a different mandate. Petkov has rejected any coalition talks with opposition parties in the chamber but will seek defections from lawmakers to garner enough support for a new government and avoid early elections. President Rumen Radev is required to call elections within two months and appoint a caretaker administration should Petkov fail to cobble together a majority for a new cabinet and if two other parties in parliament cannot form a government. The motion against the ruling coalition was proposed by the GERB party of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, which is likely to benefit from fresh polls alongside pro-Russian parties like nationalist Revival in a society polarised by economic problems and the Ukraine war. 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 ×

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Colombia has elected its first leftist President after Gustavo Petro wins by 720,000 votes. Meanwhile, 'King of TikTok' failed to gain upper hand in the elections.

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Voting is underway for the 577 member French assembly and as per recent reports Macron's coalition may not get a parliamentary majority. For more perspective on this, we're joined by Elijah J. Magnier, veteran war correspondent and analyst.

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It is a battle of former mayors as Colombia's Presidential polls underway. On one side is Gustavo Petro a rebel-turned politician who was the former mayor of Bogota, on the other hand, is Rodolfo Hernández Suárez so-called TikTok king. For more perspective on this, we're joined by Emily Hart, Journalist from Colombia.

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It is a battle of former mayors as Colombia goes to the polls on the today. On one side is Gustavo Petro a rebel-turned politician who was the former mayor of Bogota, on the other hand, is Rodolfo Hernández Suárez so-called TikTok king.

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It is a battle of former mayors as Colombia goes to the polls on the 19th of June. On one side is Gustavo Petro a rebel-turned politician who was the former mayor of Bogota, on the other hand, is Rodolfo Hernández Suárez so-called TikTok king.

Colombia's Historic Presidential Polls: Former Guerrilla vs 'TikTok King'

Only a day is left for the all-important presidential elections to kick off in Colombia which has been marked by death threats against candidates, scandals and accusations of fraud.

On June 19, hundreds and thousands of eligible people will come out to elect their next president. The elections are being viewed as a tight race between left-wing candidate Gustavo Petro and 77-year-old populist real estate magnate-turned-politician Rodolfo Hernandez, who has promised drastic budget cuts and jail for corrupt officials.

The latest polls show Hernández neck and neck with Petro, a former guerrilla fighter and veteran politician who had been the clear front-runner all year long.

The first round of voting took place in May this year where Petro won just over 40 per cent of the vote, while Hernandez secured 28 per cent, edging out Petro's expected competitor, the right-wing former Mayor of Medellin, Federico "Fico" Gutierrez. While the&nbsp;Incumbent President&nbsp;Iván Duque&nbsp;is ineligible for a second term.

Since none of the candidates won by an absolute majority, Petro and Hernandez will now face off in the second round of voting.

Here are all the details about the Colombian elections and the candidates.

Who is Gustavo Petro?

The 62-year-old leader is a former mayor of Bogota, whose 2022 bid marks his third presidential campaign, reports CNN.

His political campaign focused on radical overhaul of the country's economy to combat one of the highest inequality rates in the world.

Petro, a former guerrilla fighter, has framed his campaign around whether Colombia is ready to elect a revolutionary. He's campaigned on attracting foreign investment in clean energy, new technologies, transportation and telecommunications.

Rodolfo Hernández—the TikTok star

Hernández is real estate mogul and a former mayor. A self-proclaimed "King of TikTok”, the 77-year-old communicates via the social media app rather than conducting rallies and giving speeches.

He did not appear in several of the televised debates organised by Colombia's main broadcasters, and rarely gave interviews to foreign outlets.

In a recent&nbsp;interview&nbsp;on Colombian TV, he said that nearly all politicians were "traitors, liars, clowns and hypocrites and we are going to kick them out."

Pressing issues in this election

Colombia has been among the fastest growing countries in Latin America in recent years, but the people, especially poor and working families, have not befitted from this prosperity.

Petro is banking on frustrated voters who feel disillusioned by the country's economic outlook and who have suffered the most in the last four years, as wages stagnated under former president Duque's watch.

As a whole, the country is richer than it was since Duque came to power in 2018, however the value of the average worker's annual salary has dropped significantly as the Colombian peso has plunged 40 per cent in value against the dollar since, reports CNN.

That situation has only exacerbated by rising inflation and the war in Ukraine.

Hernandez, on the other hand, is also trying to exploit some voters' discontent with the traditional political system, his approach on the economy -- with a focus on corruption -- is more moderate than Petro's.

The election is also being held as the country's security situation is deteriorating.

The violence is tied to the country's narcotics production and trafficking, with Colombia's cocaine production having significantly increased in recent years.

How to restore state control over those areas —and fight back the cartels —is a key conversation in this election, and will prove a formidable challenge for the next president.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Only a day is left for the all-important presidential elections to kick off in Colombia which has been marked by death threats against candidates, scandals and accusations of fraud.

Only a day is left for the all-important presidential elections to kick off in Colombia which has been marked by death threats against candidates, scandals and accusations of fraud. On June 19, hundreds and thousands of eligible people will come out to elect their next president. The elections are being viewed as a tight race between left-wing candidate Gustavo Petro and 77-year-old populist real estate magnate-turned-politician Rodolfo Hernandez, who has promised drastic budget cuts and jail for corrupt officials. The latest polls show Hernández neck and neck with Petro, a former guerrilla fighter and veteran politician who had been the clear front-runner all year long. The first round of voting took place in May this year where Petro won just over 40 per cent of the vote, while Hernandez secured 28 per cent, edging out Petro's expected competitor, the right-wing former Mayor of Medellin, Federico "Fico" Gutierrez. While the Incumbent President Iván Duque is ineligible for a second term. Since none of the candidates won by an absolute majority, Petro and Hernandez will now face off in the second round of voting. Here are all the details about the Colombian elections and the candidates. Who is Gustavo Petro? The 62-year-old leader is a former mayor of Bogota, whose 2022 bid marks his third presidential campaign, reports CNN. His political campaign focused on radical overhaul of the country's economy to combat one of the highest inequality rates in the world. Petro, a former guerrilla fighter, has framed his campaign around whether Colombia is ready to elect a revolutionary. He's campaigned on attracting foreign investment in clean energy, new technologies, transportation and telecommunications. Rodolfo Hernández—the TikTok star Hernández is real estate mogul and a former mayor. A self-proclaimed "King of TikTok”, the 77-year-old communicates via the social media app rather than conducting rallies and giving speeches. He did not appear in several of the televised debates organised by Colombia's main broadcasters, and rarely gave interviews to foreign outlets. In a recent interview on Colombian TV, he said that nearly all politicians were "traitors, liars, clowns and hypocrites and we are going to kick them out." Pressing issues in this election Colombia has been among the fastest growing countries in Latin America in recent years, but the people, especially poor and working families, have not befitted from this prosperity. Petro is banking on frustrated voters who feel disillusioned by the country's economic outlook and who have suffered the most in the last four years, as wages stagnated under former president Duque's watch. As a whole, the country is richer than it was since Duque came to power in 2018, however the value of the average worker's annual salary has dropped significantly as the Colombian peso has plunged 40 per cent in value against the dollar since, reports CNN. That situation has only exacerbated by rising inflation and the war in Ukraine. Hernandez, on the other hand, is also trying to exploit some voters' discontent with the traditional political system, his approach on the economy -- with a focus on corruption -- is more moderate than Petro's. The election is also being held as the country's security situation is deteriorating. The violence is tied to the country's narcotics production and trafficking, with Colombia's cocaine production having significantly increased in recent years. How to restore state control over those areas —and fight back the cartels —is a key conversation in this election, and will prove a formidable challenge for the next president. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Gustavo Petro vs Rodolfo Hernandez: Here’s all you need to know about Colombian presidential elections

Weeks after his Presidential election victory Emmanuel Macron is facing another challenge in the form of national assembly elections. Emmanuel Macron is at risk of losing his majority in Parliament.

French Parliamentary Elections: A majority far from certain for Macron?

French President Emmanuel Macron is facing a tough battle for the control of the French parliament. Now, Marine Le Pen sails to parliamentary run-offs.

French parliamentary elections: Marine Le Pen sails to parliamentary run-offs

France is set to vote in the first round of its parliamentary elections tomorrow. Emmanuel Macron's party is expected to retain control. Polls have predicted Macron's coalition will win 260-300 seats.

France: Emmanuel Macron's party expects to retain control

Parliamentary elections in France are set to begin. Polls predict Macron's coalition will win 260-300 seats. However, left coalition remains Macron's biggest threat.

France's parliamentary elections: Polls suggest neck-to-neck fight

First round of polls is underway in France. Voters will select 577 members of the national assembly. This is first test for President Macron, however Left coalition remains Macron's biggest threat.

France's parliamentary elections: Melenchon's coalition a major hurdle for Macron?

French parliament elections set to begin: Polls predict Macron's coalition will win 260-300 seats

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