Ethiopians are voting in crucial parliamentary elections as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed seeks a mandate to continue reforms launched in 2018. PM Abiy Ahmed has said that the polls are the countries first free and fair elections after decades.

Ethiopians vote in landmark election seen as first big test for PM Abiy Ahmed

Twice delayed, hobbled by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a>, violent insecurity, and planning chaos,&nbsp;Ethiopia's electoral&nbsp;board&nbsp;says it is ready for Monday's crucial&nbsp;vote&nbsp;and assures it will be credible.

"We're actually very&nbsp;confident&nbsp;about it," the National&nbsp;Election&nbsp;Board&nbsp;of&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;(NEBE) spokeswoman Solyana Shimeles told AFP.

It is not optimism shared by all, with serious doubts remaining&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed promised would be the most competitive yet in Africa's second-most populous nation.

Voting&nbsp;will not proceed on June 21 in about one-fifth of the country's 547 constituencies due to unrest and logistical problems.

Those constituencies will mostly&nbsp;vote&nbsp;in September, but no ballot is scheduled in Tigray, a war-torn region of six million.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopias-tigray-at-serious-risk-of-famine-90-need-emergency-food-aid-388760">Ethiopia’s Tigray at ‘serious risk of famine, 90% need emergency food aid</a>

In some areas where&nbsp;voting&nbsp;will proceed, opposition boycotts have further undermined claims of inclusivity and competition.

The majority of national parliamentary seats up for grabs in Abiy's native Oromia,&nbsp;the country's most populous region are being contested by a single candidate,&nbsp;election&nbsp;data shows.

Solyana said just three of&nbsp;Ethiopia's 49 registered parties were not contesting the poll, and about 9,500 candidates were running at a national and regional level&nbsp;more than any previous ballot.

"We hope this is going to be a better one, a participatory one, and a credible one," she said.

Setbacks

NEBE was overhauled when Abiy rose to power in 2018 on the back of anti-government protests, vowing to open up political space after years of iron-fisted rule.

The appointment of Birtukan Mideska, a high-profile former judge and exiled opposition leader, to head a revived, independent&nbsp;board&nbsp;was seen as evidence of Abiy's committment to democratic reform.

Nationwide&nbsp;elections&nbsp;were delayed almost year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and rescheduled for June 5.&nbsp;

But organising a smooth&nbsp;election&nbsp;is a tall order at the best of times in&nbsp;Ethiopia, a vast and rugged country of 110 million hamstrung by poor infrastructure.

NEBE lacked resources and needed tens of thousands of staff. The timetable fell behind and a new date was scheduled for June 21.

But problems still linger just days before the&nbsp;vote, observers say.

On Friday, Birtukan wrote to Abiy saying federal assistance with transport and other logistics would be needed to ensure the&nbsp;election&nbsp;went off without a hitch.

"NEBE is working 24 hours in full capacity," she wrote.

One diplomat in Addis Ababa, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "NEBE is committed and willing, but it is challenging. Whether this translates into being ready for sound&nbsp;elections&nbsp;is another matter."

Doubts&nbsp;

Analysts say the logistical problems that have dogged preparations could prove troubling when it comes to counting the ballot.

"The NEBE leadership is trying really hard to do what they can but they're working in a difficult environment and have huge delivery challenges", said an&nbsp;election&nbsp;expert in Addis Ababa who asked to remain anonymous.

The&nbsp;vote&nbsp;will be monitored by five foreign observer missions and thousands of civil society workers. The EU will not send a team after a disagreement with the government&nbsp;over&nbsp;the terms.

And the Ethiopian Humans Rights Commission, a government-affiliated but independent body that has investigated state excesses, was barred from observing the&nbsp;vote.

"Our mandate enables us to deploy and monitor the human rights aspect of the&nbsp;elections," the commission's director of communications Aaron Maasho told AFP, adding talks with NEBE were ongoing.

Endalkachew Girma, a 35-year-old voter in Addis Ababa, recognised NEBE had tried to make this&nbsp;vote&nbsp;fairer.

"But like past ballots, I do not think this&nbsp;election&nbsp;will be historic or credible" he told AFP.

Twice delayed, hobbled by the coronavirus pandemic, violent insecurity, and planning chaos, Ethiopia's electoral board says it is ready for Monday's crucial vote and assures it will be credible.

Twice delayed, hobbled by the coronavirus pandemic, violent insecurity, and planning chaos, Ethiopia's electoral board says it is ready for Monday's crucial vote and assures it will be credible. "We're actually very confident about it," the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) spokeswoman Solyana Shimeles told AFP. It is not optimism shared by all, with serious doubts remaining over the vote Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed promised would be the most competitive yet in Africa's second-most populous nation. Voting will not proceed on June 21 in about one-fifth of the country's 547 constituencies due to unrest and logistical problems. Those constituencies will mostly vote in September, but no ballot is scheduled in Tigray, a war-torn region of six million. Also read | Ethiopia’s Tigray at ‘serious risk of famine, 90% need emergency food aid In some areas where voting will proceed, opposition boycotts have further undermined claims of inclusivity and competition. The majority of national parliamentary seats up for grabs in Abiy's native Oromia, the country's most populous region are being contested by a single candidate, election data shows. Solyana said just three of Ethiopia's 49 registered parties were not contesting the poll, and about 9,500 candidates were running at a national and regional level more than any previous ballot. "We hope this is going to be a better one, a participatory one, and a credible one," she said. Setbacks NEBE was overhauled when Abiy rose to power in 2018 on the back of anti-government protests, vowing to open up political space after years of iron-fisted rule. The appointment of Birtukan Mideska, a high-profile former judge and exiled opposition leader, to head a revived, independent board was seen as evidence of Abiy's committment to democratic reform. Nationwide elections were delayed almost year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and rescheduled for June 5. But organising a smooth election is a tall order at the best of times in Ethiopia, a vast and rugged country of 110 million hamstrung by poor infrastructure. NEBE lacked resources and needed tens of thousands of staff. The timetable fell behind and a new date was scheduled for June 21. But problems still linger just days before the vote, observers say. On Friday, Birtukan wrote to Abiy saying federal assistance with transport and other logistics would be needed to ensure the election went off without a hitch. "NEBE is working 24 hours in full capacity," she wrote. One diplomat in Addis Ababa, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "NEBE is committed and willing, but it is challenging. Whether this translates into being ready for sound elections is another matter." Doubts Analysts say the logistical problems that have dogged preparations could prove troubling when it comes to counting the ballot. "The NEBE leadership is trying really hard to do what they can but they're working in a difficult environment and have huge delivery challenges", said an election expert in Addis Ababa who asked to remain anonymous. The vote will be monitored by five foreign observer missions and thousands of civil society workers. The EU will not send a team after a disagreement with the government over the terms. And the Ethiopian Humans Rights Commission, a government-affiliated but independent body that has investigated state excesses, was barred from observing the vote. "Our mandate enables us to deploy and monitor the human rights aspect of the elections," the commission's director of communications Aaron Maasho told AFP, adding talks with NEBE were ongoing. Endalkachew Girma, a 35-year-old voter in Addis Ababa, recognised NEBE had tried to make this vote fairer. "But like past ballots, I do not think this election will be historic or credible" he told AFP.

Ethiopia's election board 'confident' despite worry over vote

Peru's leftist presidential hopeful Pedro Castillo sought Tuesday to defend his narrow lead in the elections that his rightwing rival Keiko Fujimori is disputing as she fights to avoid an imminent corruption trial.

Castillo, who has rejected calls for the deeply divisive June 6 vote to be annulled, held a rally in Lima Tuesday night where he called on the country's election jury to "once and for all, stop dragging on and keeping the Peruvian people in anxiety, and to respect the popular will of this country."

"Today begins the real battle to end the great inequalities that the country has," the candidate told thousands of supporters from the balcony of his party headquarters.

Earlier, he insisted he was "patiently awaiting a result" even as Fujimori claimed fraud and her backers called for fresh elections.

Also Watch |&nbsp;Socialist Pedro Castillo clings on to tight lead in Peru election as count nears end

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/socialist-pedro-castillo-clings-on-to-tight-lead-in-peru-election-as-count-nears-end-390318/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Peruvians voted last Sunday for their fifth president in three years after a series of crises and corruption scandals saw three&nbsp;different leaders in office in a single week last November.

With 100 percent of ballots now counted, rural school teacher Castillo, 51, was leading by just over 44,000 votes, or 50.12 percent to Fujimori's 49.87 percent, according to the ONPE election body.

But Fujimori has asked&nbsp;Peru's JNE election jury -- which calls the final winner -- to annul tens of thousands of ballots, possibly flipping the balance in her favor.

The JNE's review of the votes she has challenged started last week. All eyes are now on this tribunal.

Observers from the Organization of American States have declared the ballot free and with no "serious irregularities."

On Monday, lawmaker and retired admiral Jorge Montoya, a Fujimori backer, called for "new elections" to be held. With 63 other retired generals and admirals, he questioned the fairness of the vote -- prompting&nbsp;Peru's defense ministry to stress the group "does not represent the Armed Forces."

Fujimori adviser Fernando Rospigliosi told AFP: "I do not know if it is legally possible to annul the elections, but every day there is evidence of manipulation of electoral records and a series of irregularities."

Supporters of Fujimori have been protesting outside the offices of the ONPE, which organized the election and the count, and the JNE, which rules on disputed votes.

Trying to 'generate violence'

"With the call for new elections they are trying to generate violence," Castillo's running mate for vice president Dina Boluarte said at Tuesday's press conference.&nbsp;

Peruvian Cardinal Pedro Barreto, meanwhile, urged people to respect the rules of democracy and said the Catholic Church would be available to mediate between the two parties once a winner is announced.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-adopts-child-sex-abuse-law-that-also-targets-lgbt-community-391725">Also Read |&nbsp;Hungary adopts child sex abuse law that also targets LGBT community</a>

"It is understandable that we are frustrated, bewildered and that political uncertainty is wreaking havoc in our daily lives, but we must respect the deadlines," he told the RPP broadcaster, adding: "We cannot force or advance processes."

For analyst Hugo Otero, it appeared that rightwing groups fearful of a Fujimori defeat were plotting to have Montoya appointed in her stead.

And Lucia Dammert, a Peruvian academic who lives in Chile, tweeted: "A coup attempt is being organized in&nbsp;Peru&nbsp;to prevent the people's choice from being implemented. A group, mainly from Lima, has created a narrative that is harmful to the country and its weak democracy."

High stakes

On Monday, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet expressed concern over rising tension in&nbsp;Peru&nbsp;in the aftermath of the election, and urged all parties to "remain calm."

For Fujimori, the stakes are more than mere power.

Unless she wins, she faces a trial on corruption charges that would otherwise be delayed until after her presidential term.

Prosecutors have said they would seek a 30-year jail term for Fujimori on charges of taking money from scandal-tainted Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht to fund failed presidential bids in 2011 and 2016.

Fujimori, who has already spent 16 months in pre-trial detention,&nbsp;denies the allegations.

Peru's leftist presidential hopeful Pedro Castillo sought Tuesday to defend his narrow lead in the elections that his rightwing rival Keiko Fujimori is disputing as she fights to avoid an imminent corruption trial.

Peru's leftist presidential hopeful Pedro Castillo sought Tuesday to defend his narrow lead in the elections that his rightwing rival Keiko Fujimori is disputing as she fights to avoid an imminent corruption trial. Castillo, who has rejected calls for the deeply divisive June 6 vote to be annulled, held a rally in Lima Tuesday night where he called on the country's election jury to "once and for all, stop dragging on and keeping the Peruvian people in anxiety, and to respect the popular will of this country." "Today begins the real battle to end the great inequalities that the country has," the candidate told thousands of supporters from the balcony of his party headquarters. Earlier, he insisted he was "patiently awaiting a result" even as Fujimori claimed fraud and her backers called for fresh elections. Also Watch | Socialist Pedro Castillo clings on to tight lead in Peru election as count nears end Peruvians voted last Sunday for their fifth president in three years after a series of crises and corruption scandals saw three different leaders in office in a single week last November. With 100 percent of ballots now counted, rural school teacher Castillo, 51, was leading by just over 44,000 votes, or 50.12 percent to Fujimori's 49.87 percent, according to the ONPE election body. But Fujimori has asked Peru's JNE election jury -- which calls the final winner -- to annul tens of thousands of ballots, possibly flipping the balance in her favor. The JNE's review of the votes she has challenged started last week. All eyes are now on this tribunal. Observers from the Organization of American States have declared the ballot free and with no "serious irregularities." On Monday, lawmaker and retired admiral Jorge Montoya, a Fujimori backer, called for "new elections" to be held. With 63 other retired generals and admirals, he questioned the fairness of the vote -- prompting Peru's defense ministry to stress the group "does not represent the Armed Forces." Fujimori adviser Fernando Rospigliosi told AFP: "I do not know if it is legally possible to annul the elections, but every day there is evidence of manipulation of electoral records and a series of irregularities." Supporters of Fujimori have been protesting outside the offices of the ONPE, which organized the election and the count, and the JNE, which rules on disputed votes. Trying to 'generate violence' "With the call for new elections they are trying to generate violence," Castillo's running mate for vice president Dina Boluarte said at Tuesday's press conference. Peruvian Cardinal Pedro Barreto, meanwhile, urged people to respect the rules of democracy and said the Catholic Church would be available to mediate between the two parties once a winner is announced. Also Read | Hungary adopts child sex abuse law that also targets LGBT community "It is understandable that we are frustrated, bewildered and that political uncertainty is wreaking havoc in our daily lives, but we must respect the deadlines," he told the RPP broadcaster, adding: "We cannot force or advance processes." For analyst Hugo Otero, it appeared that rightwing groups fearful of a Fujimori defeat were plotting to have Montoya appointed in her stead. And Lucia Dammert, a Peruvian academic who lives in Chile, tweeted: "A coup attempt is being organized in Peru to prevent the people's choice from being implemented. A group, mainly from Lima, has created a narrative that is harmful to the country and its weak democracy." High stakes On Monday, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet expressed concern over rising tension in Peru in the aftermath of the election, and urged all parties to "remain calm." For Fujimori, the stakes are more than mere power. Unless she wins, she faces a trial on corruption charges that would otherwise be delayed until after her presidential term. Prosecutors have said they would seek a 30-year jail term for Fujimori on charges of taking money from scandal-tainted Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht to fund failed presidential bids in 2011 and 2016. Fujimori, who has already spent 16 months in pre-trial detention, denies the allegations.

Peru nervously awaits outcome nine days after presidential vote

A Russian court on Wednesday outlawed groups linked to jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny after declaring them "extremist", a move that bans his allies from elections and will further strain U.S.-Russia ties before a closely watched summit.

President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden are due to hold talks in Geneva next week with the fate of Navalny and the crackdown on his movement certain to be on the agenda.

Washington, which has asked Moscow to free Navalny, condemned the court decision, with the State Department calling it "particularly disturbing." The Kremlin says the matter is a purely domestic one and not Biden's business. It has portrayed Navalny as a U.S.-backed trouble maker, something Navalny has denied.

Wednesday's ruling, the latest chapter in a long-running crackdown on Putin's fiercest domestic opponent, delivers a final hammer blow to a vast political network that Navalny built up over many years to try to challenge the veteran Russian leader's grip on power.

Putin, 68, has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999. Navalny, in jail for parole violations related to an embezzlement case he says was trumped up, had mounted a bold challenge to Putin via street protests and graft investigations which he had hoped would bring about a change of leadership.

The legal case against Navalny's network was brought by the office of Moscow's top prosecutor who had accused Navalny and his allies of trying to foment a revolution by seeking to destabilize the socio-political situation inside Russia with their activity.

A spokesperson for the Moscow prosecutor's office told reporters on Wednesday that he was pleased with the ruling which had recognized that Navalny's allies had organized illegal street rallies that had ended in mass unrest.

After a 12.5 hour legal hearing behind closed doors, Navalny's lawyers said in a statement they would appeal and that the evidence presented by prosecutors had not been satisfactory.

The legal offensive mirrors ones waged in the past against far-right groups, Islamist organizations, and the Jehovah's Witnesses which were also declared "extremist" by courts and banned.

Navalny and his allies denied the prosecutor's allegations, casting them as an attempt to try to crush their political opposition to the ruling United Russia party ahead of parliamentary elections in September.

In a message posted on Navalny's Instagram account apparently drafted in anticipation of what was a widely expected ruling, Navalny was cited as urging his supporters to not be disheartened. "We're not going anywhere," the message read. 
"We'll digest this, sort things out, change, and evolve. We'll adapt. We won't step back from our aims and ideas. This is our country and we do not have another one."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalny-dedicates-human-rights-award-to-political-prisoners-in-russia-and-belarus-390311">Also Read |&nbsp;Navalny dedicates human rights award to political prisoners in Russia and Belarus&nbsp;</a>

The prosecutor's request formally ends the activity of a network of groups set up by Navalny, 45, who is serving a 2-1/2 year jail term, something many Western countries have portrayed as politically motivated revenge for his anti-Kremlin political activities.

Specifically, the ruling targets Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation which has produced high-profile investigations into alleged official corruption, and Navalny's regional campaign headquarters which have mobilized in the past to organize anti-Kremlin protests.

The authorities now have the formal power to jail activists and freeze their bank accounts if they continue their activities. The case had already prompted Navalny's allies to suspend the groups even before the ruling.

In the run-up to the verdict, Putin last week signed legislation that barred members of "extremist" organizations from running for office. Combined with Wednesday's ruling, the new legislation ends hopes by some Navalny allies to run for parliament.

They say they will try to use a smart or tactical voting strategy instead to seek to undermine support for the pro-Kremlin ruling party, a strategy Kremlin sources have belittled.

A Russian court on Wednesday outlawed groups linked to jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny after declaring them "extremist", a move that bans his allies from elections and will further strain U.

A Russian court on Wednesday outlawed groups linked to jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny after declaring them "extremist", a move that bans his allies from elections and will further strain U.S.-Russia ties before a closely watched summit. President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden are due to hold talks in Geneva next week with the fate of Navalny and the crackdown on his movement certain to be on the agenda. Washington, which has asked Moscow to free Navalny, condemned the court decision, with the State Department calling it "particularly disturbing." The Kremlin says the matter is a purely domestic one and not Biden's business. It has portrayed Navalny as a U.S.-backed trouble maker, something Navalny has denied. Wednesday's ruling, the latest chapter in a long-running crackdown on Putin's fiercest domestic opponent, delivers a final hammer blow to a vast political network that Navalny built up over many years to try to challenge the veteran Russian leader's grip on power. Putin, 68, has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999. Navalny, in jail for parole violations related to an embezzlement case he says was trumped up, had mounted a bold challenge to Putin via street protests and graft investigations which he had hoped would bring about a change of leadership. The legal case against Navalny's network was brought by the office of Moscow's top prosecutor who had accused Navalny and his allies of trying to foment a revolution by seeking to destabilize the socio-political situation inside Russia with their activity. A spokesperson for the Moscow prosecutor's office told reporters on Wednesday that he was pleased with the ruling which had recognized that Navalny's allies had organized illegal street rallies that had ended in mass unrest. After a 12.5 hour legal hearing behind closed doors, Navalny's lawyers said in a statement they would appeal and that the evidence presented by prosecutors had not been satisfactory. The legal offensive mirrors ones waged in the past against far-right groups, Islamist organizations, and the Jehovah's Witnesses which were also declared "extremist" by courts and banned. Navalny and his allies denied the prosecutor's allegations, casting them as an attempt to try to crush their political opposition to the ruling United Russia party ahead of parliamentary elections in September. In a message posted on Navalny's Instagram account apparently drafted in anticipation of what was a widely expected ruling, Navalny was cited as urging his supporters to not be disheartened. "We're not going anywhere," the message read. "We'll digest this, sort things out, change, and evolve. We'll adapt. We won't step back from our aims and ideas. This is our country and we do not have another one." Also Read | Navalny dedicates human rights award to political prisoners in Russia and Belarus The prosecutor's request formally ends the activity of a network of groups set up by Navalny, 45, who is serving a 2-1/2 year jail term, something many Western countries have portrayed as politically motivated revenge for his anti-Kremlin political activities. Specifically, the ruling targets Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation which has produced high-profile investigations into alleged official corruption, and Navalny's regional campaign headquarters which have mobilized in the past to organize anti-Kremlin protests. The authorities now have the formal power to jail activists and freeze their bank accounts if they continue their activities. The case had already prompted Navalny's allies to suspend the groups even before the ruling. In the run-up to the verdict, Putin last week signed legislation that barred members of "extremist" organizations from running for office. Combined with Wednesday's ruling, the new legislation ends hopes by some Navalny allies to run for parliament. They say they will try to use a smart or tactical voting strategy instead to seek to undermine support for the pro-Kremlin ruling party, a strategy Kremlin sources have belittled.

Russian court outlaws Kremlin critic Navalny's network in pre-election knockout

Germans in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt&nbsp;are heading to the polls on Sunday, with the far-right posing a tough challenge to Angela Merkel's conservatives in the final major test before the first general election in 16 years not to feature the veteran chancellor.

Saxony-Anhalt is one of Germany's smallest states with a population of just 2.2 million, but with Merkel's Christian Democratic Union running neck-and-neck with the far-right AfD there, the stakes could not be higher for the regional vote.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-places-far-right-afd-party-under-surveillance-for-extremism-367783">Germany places far-right AfD party under surveillance for extremism</a>

Victory for the AfD would be a devastating blow for the conservatives and seriously weaken the already fragile standing of the CDU's new leader Armin Laschet in the run-up to Germany's national election on September 26.

"If it turns out that the AfD is slightly stronger than the CDU on Sunday, then there could be debates about personnel in the CDU, and thus a weakening of the entire situation of the CDU," political scientist Hajo Funke of Berlin's Free University told AFP.

Merkel's party has been a dominant force in the eastern region for decades, topping all but one edition of state elections there since reunification in 1990.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-tit-for-tat-move-germany-blocks-russian-flights-amid-tensions-over-belarus-389069">In tit-for-tat move, Germany blocks Russian flights amid tensions over Belarus</a>

But the far-right AfD established a strong foothold there in the last state election in 2016, having capitalised on anger over Merkel's decision to allow in a wave of migrants from conflict-torn countries such as Syria in 2015.&nbsp;

In that election, the CDU scooped 30 per cent, forming a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens. The AfD won 24 per cent.

The latest polls published Friday by Bild daily has the CDU at 27 per cent, one point ahead of the AfD.

Anti-establishment&nbsp;

Although support for the AfD at the national level has stagnated at around 10 to 12 per cent in recent months, the party continues to be popular in the former East German states.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-must-tighten-climate-law-to-protect-young-peoples-future-court-rules-381629">Germany must tighten climate law to protect young people's future, court rules</a>

Its recent move to style itself as the party bashing Merkel's tough shutdown measures during the pandemic has also cemented its reputation as the anti-establishment party, attracting support beyond its core base of anti-immigration voters.

The AfD will not be able to govern even if it wins in Saxony-Anhalt, as all the other parties have ruled out forming an alliance with it.

But losing to the AfD would be, as Spiegel magazine puts it, "a disaster" for Laschet, nominated as the conservative chancellor candidate in April.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-greens-election-hopeful-targeted-by-fake-news-381474">German Greens' election hopeful targeted by fake news</a>

"Laschet urgently needs a success to rally the Union behind him for the national election campaign," said the magazine.

"The last thing he would need is a renewed debate about the AfD within his party, which would become unstoppable in case of an election defeat in Saxony-Anhalt."

Worst ever results 

The conservatives have already taken a hammering in the polls as Merkel prepares to bow out, hurt by anger over the government's pandemic management and a corruption scandal involving shady coronavirus mask contracts.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cdu-party-board-backs-laschet-to-run-as-german-conservative-chancellor-candidate-378780">CDU party board backs Laschet to run as German conservative chancellor candidate</a>

At Germany's last regional elections in March, in the states of Rhineland Palatinate and Baden-Wuerttemberg, the CDU suffered its worst-ever results in both states.

Meanwhile, the Greens, who are vying for top place nationally, could also draw votes away from the CDU.

The party, which has traditionally struggled in former East Germany, looks set to double its share of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt from 5 per cent in 2016 to around 10 per cent this time.

The CDU, which Merkel has pulled closer to the centre, is essentially caught between the two fronts. with the far-right AfD on one end and the centre-left ecologists on the other.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-greens-make-first-bid-for-chancellery-promise-change-378640">Germany's Greens make first bid for chancellery, promise change</a>&nbsp;

Laschet has promised to maintain CDU as the "force of the political middleground".

But political analyst Oskar Niedermayer told AFP that the reality is that voters in the east tend to be "more conservative and more nationalist" than in the west.&nbsp;

This means that the CDU needs to "set different thematic priorities in the east and in the west" if it wants to maintain its broad base of support, he said.&nbsp;

"That is no easy task."

Germans in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt are heading to the polls on Sunday, with the far-right posing a tough challenge to Angela Merkel's conservatives in the final major test before the first general election in 16 years not to feature the veteran chancellor.

Germans in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt are heading to the polls on Sunday, with the far-right posing a tough challenge to Angela Merkel's conservatives in the final major test before the first general election in 16 years not to feature the veteran chancellor. Saxony-Anhalt is one of Germany's smallest states with a population of just 2.2 million, but with Merkel's Christian Democratic Union running neck-and-neck with the far-right AfD there, the stakes could not be higher for the regional vote. Also Read | Germany places far-right AfD party under surveillance for extremism Victory for the AfD would be a devastating blow for the conservatives and seriously weaken the already fragile standing of the CDU's new leader Armin Laschet in the run-up to Germany's national election on September 26. "If it turns out that the AfD is slightly stronger than the CDU on Sunday, then there could be debates about personnel in the CDU, and thus a weakening of the entire situation of the CDU," political scientist Hajo Funke of Berlin's Free University told AFP. Merkel's party has been a dominant force in the eastern region for decades, topping all but one edition of state elections there since reunification in 1990. Also Read | In tit-for-tat move, Germany blocks Russian flights amid tensions over Belarus But the far-right AfD established a strong foothold there in the last state election in 2016, having capitalised on anger over Merkel's decision to allow in a wave of migrants from conflict-torn countries such as Syria in 2015. In that election, the CDU scooped 30 per cent, forming a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens. The AfD won 24 per cent. The latest polls published Friday by Bild daily has the CDU at 27 per cent, one point ahead of the AfD. Anti-establishment Although support for the AfD at the national level has stagnated at around 10 to 12 per cent in recent months, the party continues to be popular in the former East German states. Also Read | Germany must tighten climate law to protect young people's future, court rules Its recent move to style itself as the party bashing Merkel's tough shutdown measures during the pandemic has also cemented its reputation as the anti-establishment party, attracting support beyond its core base of anti-immigration voters. The AfD will not be able to govern even if it wins in Saxony-Anhalt, as all the other parties have ruled out forming an alliance with it. But losing to the AfD would be, as Spiegel magazine puts it, "a disaster" for Laschet, nominated as the conservative chancellor candidate in April. Also Read | German Greens' election hopeful targeted by fake news "Laschet urgently needs a success to rally the Union behind him for the national election campaign," said the magazine. "The last thing he would need is a renewed debate about the AfD within his party, which would become unstoppable in case of an election defeat in Saxony-Anhalt." Worst ever results The conservatives have already taken a hammering in the polls as Merkel prepares to bow out, hurt by anger over the government's pandemic management and a corruption scandal involving shady coronavirus mask contracts. Also Read | CDU party board backs Laschet to run as German conservative chancellor candidate At Germany's last regional elections in March, in the states of Rhineland Palatinate and Baden-Wuerttemberg, the CDU suffered its worst-ever results in both states. Meanwhile, the Greens, who are vying for top place nationally, could also draw votes away from the CDU. The party, which has traditionally struggled in former East Germany, looks set to double its share of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt from 5 per cent in 2016 to around 10 per cent this time. The CDU, which Merkel has pulled closer to the centre, is essentially caught between the two fronts. with the far-right AfD on one end and the centre-left ecologists on the other. Also Read | Germany's Greens make first bid for chancellery, promise change Laschet has promised to maintain CDU as the "force of the political middleground". But political analyst Oskar Niedermayer told AFP that the reality is that voters in the east tend to be "more conservative and more nationalist" than in the west. This means that the CDU needs to "set different thematic priorities in the east and in the west" if it wants to maintain its broad base of support, he said. "That is no easy task."

Final vote test in Germany ahead of post-Merkel-era election

Cyprus elects a new parliament on Sunday in a process likely to show a decline in support for major parties and a sizeable abstention rate among voters angered by corruption scandals.&nbsp;

More than 10 political parties or formations, fielding a record 659 candidates, are seeking seats in a vote, which will not likely produce an absolute majority given this has not been the outcome for several decades.&nbsp;

Cyprus - divided among its Greek and Turkish Cypriot populations but whose government controls the Greek Cypriot side - has an executive system of government and the poll is a test run for allegiances, which may be formed ahead of presidential elections scheduled in 2023.&nbsp;

Incumbent president Nicos Anastasiades of the right-wing Democratic Rally party is into his second five-year term.&nbsp;

Opinion polls suggest smaller parties are likely to benefit from repeated scandals in recent years, eroding the dominance of Anastasiades's party and the Communist AKEL, the other traditional mainstay of Cypriot politics.&nbsp;

"A big part of voters are fully disappointed with mainstream parties," said political analyst Christophoros Christophorou.&nbsp;

The present administration has been under fire for championing a lucrative cash-for-passports scheme it had to abandon amid allegations of corruption in November 2020.&nbsp;

More recently, a presidential commissioner was last week placed under investigation for discrepancies in his high school and university diplomas. His high-paying state job overseeing volunteer work was created at the height of the 2013 financial crisis which saw thousands lose their bank savings and triggered an EU bailout.&nbsp;

Surveys have shown the fringe far-right ELAM party almost doubling its support from 2016, when it first elected two MPs to parliament. Similarly, the Greens party fielding a diverse group of mainly young candidates, is also set to make inroads.&nbsp;

But abstention may be a key feature of Sunday's election. In 2016, it hit a high of 33.3 per cent.&nbsp;

"The issue of corruption ... benefits the small parties but it is also an issue which feeds the abstention rate," Christophorou said.&nbsp;

Just over 558,000 people have the right to vote for 56 deputies in Cyprus's House of Representatives in elections held every five years. Polling stations open at 0400 GMT and voting ends at 1500 GMT.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Cyprus elects a new parliament on Sunday in a process likely to show a decline in support for major parties and a sizeable abstention rate among voters angered by corruption scandals.

Cyprus elects a new parliament on Sunday in a process likely to show a decline in support for major parties and a sizeable abstention rate among voters angered by corruption scandals. More than 10 political parties or formations, fielding a record 659 candidates, are seeking seats in a vote, which will not likely produce an absolute majority given this has not been the outcome for several decades. Cyprus - divided among its Greek and Turkish Cypriot populations but whose government controls the Greek Cypriot side - has an executive system of government and the poll is a test run for allegiances, which may be formed ahead of presidential elections scheduled in 2023. Incumbent president Nicos Anastasiades of the right-wing Democratic Rally party is into his second five-year term. Opinion polls suggest smaller parties are likely to benefit from repeated scandals in recent years, eroding the dominance of Anastasiades's party and the Communist AKEL, the other traditional mainstay of Cypriot politics. "A big part of voters are fully disappointed with mainstream parties," said political analyst Christophoros Christophorou. The present administration has been under fire for championing a lucrative cash-for-passports scheme it had to abandon amid allegations of corruption in November 2020. More recently, a presidential commissioner was last week placed under investigation for discrepancies in his high school and university diplomas. His high-paying state job overseeing volunteer work was created at the height of the 2013 financial crisis which saw thousands lose their bank savings and triggered an EU bailout. Surveys have shown the fringe far-right ELAM party almost doubling its support from 2016, when it first elected two MPs to parliament. Similarly, the Greens party fielding a diverse group of mainly young candidates, is also set to make inroads. But abstention may be a key feature of Sunday's election. In 2016, it hit a high of 33.3 per cent. "The issue of corruption ... benefits the small parties but it is also an issue which feeds the abstention rate," Christophorou said. Just over 558,000 people have the right to vote for 56 deputies in Cyprus's House of Representatives in elections held every five years. Polling stations open at 0400 GMT and voting ends at 1500 GMT. (With inputs from agencies)

Stung by graft and corruption, Cyprus voters elect new parliament 

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Idlib in north western Syria to denounce the ongoing Presidential elections held on Wednesday. Protesters called the election farcical and illegitimate.

Thousands take to the street of Idlib to denounce Syria Presidential elections

Recent reports suggest that Amazon had access to the ballots from the recent union elections which worked out in favour of the company and had the potential to alter the future of workers rights in Amazon warehouses across the world.

Amazon employee Kevin Jackson told National Labour Relations Board that&nbsp;security guards at the Alabama warehouse&nbsp;had access to keys of the mailbox containing ballots of the high-profile union election held earlier this year.

Jackson added that&nbsp;while he was finishing up a night shift, he saw the guards going through the opened mailbox for "a minute or two"&nbsp;as though looking for something.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Why Amazon’s workers sided with the company over a union">Why Amazon’s workers sided with the company over a union</a>

If true, this directly breaches the legality imbued in the elections, for only the US Postal Service had the right to open the ballots.&nbsp;Now, many believe such invasion could prompt the National Labor Relations Board to overturn the results.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Amazon leads union election by 2-1; count to resume on Friday">Amazon leads union election by 2-1; count to resume on Friday</a>

The mailbox was installed by US Postal Services at Amazon's request. Now,&nbsp;workers have accused the company of spying over them. They found Amazon's interference&nbsp;illegal as law restricts the surveillance of employees’ union election activities.&nbsp;

In an April 16 complaint, Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union accused Amazon of misconduct for issuing anti-union threats, firing an employee for distributing union cards, and pressuring workers to use the mailbox to cast their votes.

Amazon has constantly refused the allegations saying, "This mailbox — which only the USPS had access to — was a simple, secure, and completely optional way to make it easy for employees to vote, no more and no less." However, Jackson's testimony contradicted Amazon's assertion.&nbsp;

Out of 1798 who voted, 738 Amazon employees cast votes&nbsp;against the union with 505 other disputed ballots uncounted. The labour board holds the power of rejecting the polls if this could have altered the outcome and prevented employees from their choice to unionise.

Recent reports suggest that Amazon had access to the ballots from the recent union elections which worked out in favour of the company and had the potential to alter the future of workers rights in Amazon warehouses across the world.

Recent reports suggest that Amazon had access to the ballots from the recent union elections which worked out in favour of the company and had the potential to alter the future of workers rights in Amazon warehouses across the world. Amazon employee Kevin Jackson told National Labour Relations Board that security guards at the Alabama warehouse had access to keys of the mailbox containing ballots of the high-profile union election held earlier this year. Jackson added that while he was finishing up a night shift, he saw the guards going through the opened mailbox for "a minute or two" as though looking for something. Also read: Why Amazon’s workers sided with the company over a union If true, this directly breaches the legality imbued in the elections, for only the US Postal Service had the right to open the ballots. Now, many believe such invasion could prompt the National Labor Relations Board to overturn the results. Also read: Amazon leads union election by 2-1; count to resume on Friday The mailbox was installed by US Postal Services at Amazon's request. Now, workers have accused the company of spying over them. They found Amazon's interference illegal as law restricts the surveillance of employees’ union election activities. In an April 16 complaint, Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union accused Amazon of misconduct for issuing anti-union threats, firing an employee for distributing union cards, and pressuring workers to use the mailbox to cast their votes. Amazon has constantly refused the allegations saying, "This mailbox — which only the USPS had access to — was a simple, secure, and completely optional way to make it easy for employees to vote, no more and no less." However, Jackson's testimony contradicted Amazon's assertion. Out of 1798 who voted, 738 Amazon employees cast votes against the union with 505 other disputed ballots uncounted. The labour board holds the power of rejecting the polls if this could have altered the outcome and prevented employees from their choice to unionise.

Amazon employees say company had access to warehouse ballots in Alabama. What happens now?

Pro-independence&nbsp;parties won a majority in Scotland's parliament on Saturday, paving the way to a high-stakes political, legal and constitutional battle with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the future of the United Kingdom.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the result meant she would push ahead with plans for a second&nbsp;independence&nbsp;referendum once the COVID-19 pandemic was over, adding that it would be absurd and outrageous if Johnson were to try to ignore the democratic will of the people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority">Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority</a>

"There is simply no democratic justification whatsoever for Boris Johnson, or indeed for anyone else, seeking to block the right of the people of Scotland to choose our own future," Sturgeon said.

"It is the will of the country," she added&nbsp;after&nbsp;her&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;National Party (SNP) was returned for a fourth consecutive term in office.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scottish independence party seeks majority in 'knife-edge' count">Scottish independence party seeks majority in 'knife-edge' count</a>

The British government argues Johnson must give approval for any referendum and he has repeatedly made clear he would refuse. He has said it would be irresponsible to hold one now, pointing out that Scots had backed staying in the United Kingdom in a "once in a generation" poll in 2014.

The&nbsp;election&nbsp;outcome is likely to be a bitter clash between the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;government in Edinburgh and Johnson's United Kingdom-wide administration in London, with Scotland's 314-year union with England and Wales at stake.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls">Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls</a>

The&nbsp;nationalists&nbsp;argue that they have democratic authority on their side; the British government say the law is with them. It is likely the final decision on a referendum will be settled in the courts.

"I think a referendum in the current context is irresponsible and reckless," Johnson told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Alister Jack, the UK government's Scotland minister, said dealing with the coronavirus crisis and the vaccine rollout should be the priority.

"We must not allow ourselves to be distracted - COVID recovery must be the sole priority of Scotland’s two governments," he said.

The SNP had been hopeful of&nbsp;winning an outright majority which would have strengthened their call for a secession&nbsp;vote&nbsp;but they looked set to fall one seat short of the 65 required in the 129-seat&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;parliament, partly because of an electoral system that helps smaller parties.

Pro-union supporters argue that the SNP's failure to get a majority has made it easier for Johnson to rebut their argument that they have a mandate for a referendum.

However, the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;Greens, who have promised to support a referendum, picked up eight seats, meaning overall there will be a comfortable pro-independence&nbsp;majority in the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;assembly.

Scottish&nbsp;politics has been diverging from other parts of the United Kingdom for some time, but Scots remain divided over holding another&nbsp;independence&nbsp;plebiscite.

However, Britain's exit from the European Union - opposed by a majority of Scots - as well as a perception that Sturgeon's government has handled the COVID-19 crisis well, along with antipathy to Johnson's Conservative government in London, have all bolstered support for the&nbsp;independence&nbsp;movement.

Scots&nbsp;voted by 55-45 per cent in 2014 to remain part of the United Kingdom, and polls suggest a second referendum would be too close to call.

Sturgeon said her first task was dealing with the pandemic and the SNP has indicated that a referendum is unlikely until 2023. But she said any legal challenge by Johnson's government to a&nbsp;vote&nbsp;would show a total disregard for&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;democracy.

"The absurdity and outrageous nature of a Westminster government potentially going to court to overturn&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;democracy, I can't think of a more colourful argument for&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;independence&nbsp;than that myself," she said.

Pro-independence parties won a majority in Scotland's parliament on Saturday, paving the way to a high-stakes political, legal and constitutional battle with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the future of the United Kingdom.

Pro-independence parties won a majority in Scotland's parliament on Saturday, paving the way to a high-stakes political, legal and constitutional battle with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the future of the United Kingdom. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the result meant she would push ahead with plans for a second independence referendum once the COVID-19 pandemic was over, adding that it would be absurd and outrageous if Johnson were to try to ignore the democratic will of the people. Also read | Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority "There is simply no democratic justification whatsoever for Boris Johnson, or indeed for anyone else, seeking to block the right of the people of Scotland to choose our own future," Sturgeon said. "It is the will of the country," she added after her Scottish National Party (SNP) was returned for a fourth consecutive term in office. Also read | Scottish independence party seeks majority in 'knife-edge' count The British government argues Johnson must give approval for any referendum and he has repeatedly made clear he would refuse. He has said it would be irresponsible to hold one now, pointing out that Scots had backed staying in the United Kingdom in a "once in a generation" poll in 2014. The election outcome is likely to be a bitter clash between the Scottish government in Edinburgh and Johnson's United Kingdom-wide administration in London, with Scotland's 314-year union with England and Wales at stake. Also read | Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls The nationalists argue that they have democratic authority on their side; the British government say the law is with them. It is likely the final decision on a referendum will be settled in the courts. "I think a referendum in the current context is irresponsible and reckless," Johnson told the Daily Telegraph newspaper. Alister Jack, the UK government's Scotland minister, said dealing with the coronavirus crisis and the vaccine rollout should be the priority. "We must not allow ourselves to be distracted - COVID recovery must be the sole priority of Scotland’s two governments," he said. The SNP had been hopeful of winning an outright majority which would have strengthened their call for a secession vote but they looked set to fall one seat short of the 65 required in the 129-seat Scottish parliament, partly because of an electoral system that helps smaller parties. Pro-union supporters argue that the SNP's failure to get a majority has made it easier for Johnson to rebut their argument that they have a mandate for a referendum. However, the Scottish Greens, who have promised to support a referendum, picked up eight seats, meaning overall there will be a comfortable pro-independence majority in the Scottish assembly. Scottish politics has been diverging from other parts of the United Kingdom for some time, but Scots remain divided over holding another independence plebiscite. However, Britain's exit from the European Union - opposed by a majority of Scots - as well as a perception that Sturgeon's government has handled the COVID-19 crisis well, along with antipathy to Johnson's Conservative government in London, have all bolstered support for the independence movement. Scots voted by 55-45 per cent in 2014 to remain part of the United Kingdom, and polls suggest a second referendum would be too close to call. Sturgeon said her first task was dealing with the pandemic and the SNP has indicated that a referendum is unlikely until 2023. But she said any legal challenge by Johnson's government to a vote would show a total disregard for Scottish democracy. "The absurdity and outrageous nature of a Westminster government potentially going to court to overturn Scottish democracy, I can't think of a more colourful argument for Scottish independence than that myself," she said.

Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win

Britain's main opposition Labour Party was split over future strategy and embroiled in political infighting on Sunday after suffering huge losses in local polls.

Keir Starmer, Labour's leader since 2020, sacked the chair of the party Angela Rayner on Saturday evening after saying he was "bitterly disappointed" by the results.&nbsp;

Starmer was reportedly set to launch a reshuffle of his shadow cabinet, while speculation mounted over his own future as leader.

The Times wrote that Starmer's reshuffle "could begin as early as Monday".

Supporters of the previous leader Jeremy Corbyn led criticism of Starmer, with Corbyn's close ally, Labour MP Diane Abbott, telling Sky News it was "in many ways a disappointing result".

"I think sacking Angela Rayner was not a forward-thinking thing to do," she added.

John McDonnell, former Shadow Chancellor under Corbyn, in a BBC interview, accused Starmer of failing to create attractive policies.

"You can't send candidates into the field like that naked, without any policy," he said.

Under hard-left Corbyn, Labour was damaged by accusations of antisemitism and had a disastrous general election showing in 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-vote-is-likely-to-back-johnson-and-an-independent-scotland-383052">UK vote is likely to back Johnson, and an independent Scotland</a>

Starmer, formerly a human rights lawyer and public director of prosecutions, was elected leader in April 2020, promising to "re-connect" with voters.

"On last week’s showing, he has spectacularly failed", The Times said.

However, Ian Stewart, Shadow Secretary for Scotland, told Sky News that Starmer "needs time" to turn the situation around.

"We've got to have a positive policy platform and that's what Keir Starmer is determined to do," he said.

Labour performed poorly in Thursday's council elections in England and lost to the Tories in a key by-election in Hartlepool in northeastern England, a Labour heartland since the 1970s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnsons-party-sweeps-aside-labour-in-northern-english-town-383549">PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town</a>

In Scotland, Labour dropped two seats in the devolved parliament under new leader Anas Sarwar, who took over in February.

It counted successes in Wales, holding onto power in the devolved parliament and in several mayoral races including London, where Sadiq Khan won a second term.

Andy Burnham, who easily won re-election as a popular mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England appeared to issue a veiled challenge to Starmer's leadership, telling Sky News: "If the party were ever to feel they needed me, I'm here".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scottish-national-party-projected-to-fall-short-of-majority-383753">Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority</a>

The results in England appeared to be a vote of confidence in Johnson's leadership post-Brexit and the UK's successful vaccine rollout, despite the country's death toll remaining the highest in Europe.

Britain's main opposition Labour Party was split over future strategy and embroiled in political infighting on Sunday after suffering huge losses in local polls.

Britain's main opposition Labour Party was split over future strategy and embroiled in political infighting on Sunday after suffering huge losses in local polls. Keir Starmer, Labour's leader since 2020, sacked the chair of the party Angela Rayner on Saturday evening after saying he was "bitterly disappointed" by the results. Starmer was reportedly set to launch a reshuffle of his shadow cabinet, while speculation mounted over his own future as leader. The Times wrote that Starmer's reshuffle "could begin as early as Monday". Supporters of the previous leader Jeremy Corbyn led criticism of Starmer, with Corbyn's close ally, Labour MP Diane Abbott, telling Sky News it was "in many ways a disappointing result". "I think sacking Angela Rayner was not a forward-thinking thing to do," she added. John McDonnell, former Shadow Chancellor under Corbyn, in a BBC interview, accused Starmer of failing to create attractive policies. "You can't send candidates into the field like that naked, without any policy," he said. Under hard-left Corbyn, Labour was damaged by accusations of antisemitism and had a disastrous general election showing in 2019. Also read | UK vote is likely to back Johnson, and an independent Scotland Starmer, formerly a human rights lawyer and public director of prosecutions, was elected leader in April 2020, promising to "re-connect" with voters. "On last week’s showing, he has spectacularly failed", The Times said. However, Ian Stewart, Shadow Secretary for Scotland, told Sky News that Starmer "needs time" to turn the situation around. "We've got to have a positive policy platform and that's what Keir Starmer is determined to do," he said. Labour performed poorly in Thursday's council elections in England and lost to the Tories in a key by-election in Hartlepool in northeastern England, a Labour heartland since the 1970s. Also read | PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town In Scotland, Labour dropped two seats in the devolved parliament under new leader Anas Sarwar, who took over in February. It counted successes in Wales, holding onto power in the devolved parliament and in several mayoral races including London, where Sadiq Khan won a second term. Andy Burnham, who easily won re-election as a popular mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England appeared to issue a veiled challenge to Starmer's leadership, telling Sky News: "If the party were ever to feel they needed me, I'm here". Also read | Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority The results in England appeared to be a vote of confidence in Johnson's leadership post-Brexit and the UK's successful vaccine rollout, despite the country's death toll remaining the highest in Europe.

UK election setback sparks Labour infighting

Senior British minister Michael Gove refused to say on Sunday how the government would react if the Scottish parliament were to pass a bill calling for a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom.

Pro-independence parties won an overall majority in the Scottish parliament in elections held on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win">Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win</a>

First Minister and Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon said after her election win that she would push ahead with plans for a new independence referendum.

The British government strongly opposes a referendum, saying the issue was settled in 2014 when Scots voted against independence by 55-45 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls">Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls</a>

Repeatedly asked on Sky News on Sunday whether the government would go to court to stop a referendum, Gove refused to say.

"We're not going to go there," he said.

"To start speculating about this type of legislation or that type of court hearing and all the rest of it, it's just a massive distraction," he said.

Senior British minister Michael Gove refused to say on Sunday how the government would react if the Scottish parliament were to pass a bill calling for a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom.

Senior British minister Michael Gove refused to say on Sunday how the government would react if the Scottish parliament were to pass a bill calling for a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom. Pro-independence parties won an overall majority in the Scottish parliament in elections held on Thursday. Also read | Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win First Minister and Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon said after her election win that she would push ahead with plans for a new independence referendum. The British government strongly opposes a referendum, saying the issue was settled in 2014 when Scots voted against independence by 55-45 per cent. Also read | Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls Repeatedly asked on Sky News on Sunday whether the government would go to court to stop a referendum, Gove refused to say. "We're not going to go there," he said. "To start speculating about this type of legislation or that type of court hearing and all the rest of it, it's just a massive distraction," he said.

UK's Gove refuses to say how London will handle Scottish independence drive

The Argentina&nbsp;government has agreed with opposition parties to postpone primary and mid-term elections due to take place from August for five weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Interior Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Argentina's ruling center-left "Frente de Todos" coalition is seeking to defend a majority in the Senate and its strong position in the lower house, where it is the largest block.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Argentina: People take to streets in Buenos Aires to protest lockdown">Argentina: People take to streets in Buenos Aires to protest lockdown</a>

"We were able to reach an agreement with the different (legislative) blocs to push back this year's elections, putting the health and lives of the people first," Interior Minister Enrique de Pedro said in a statement.

Mario Negri, from opposition coalition Together for Change, said the decision had been made to wait until more people were vaccinated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Argentine president to head to Europe as IMF debt weighs heavy">Argentine president to head to Europe as IMF debt weighs heavy</a>

There are 127 seats up for grabs in the lower Chamber of Deputies out of 257 in total, and 24 in play in the Senate out of the chamber's 72 seats.

Pollsters expect the government to lose seats in the election, though the challenge may fall short of erasing its Senate majority.

Primary elections, which were due to be held on August 8, will be delayed until September 12 while the mid-terms, due to be held October 24 and will now be held November&nbsp;14.

Argentina, with a population of about 45 million people, is now recording the highest number of COVID-19 infections since the start of the pandemic last year. As of Friday, 3.1 million cases have been confirmed and 66,872 people have died.

So far, at least 8.95 million people have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 1.31 million have received two.

The Argentina government has agreed with opposition parties to postpone primary and mid-term elections due to take place from August for five weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Interior Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The Argentina government has agreed with opposition parties to postpone primary and mid-term elections due to take place from August for five weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Interior Ministry said in a statement on Friday. Argentina's ruling center-left "Frente de Todos" coalition is seeking to defend a majority in the Senate and its strong position in the lower house, where it is the largest block. Also read | Argentina: People take to streets in Buenos Aires to protest lockdown "We were able to reach an agreement with the different (legislative) blocs to push back this year's elections, putting the health and lives of the people first," Interior Minister Enrique de Pedro said in a statement. Mario Negri, from opposition coalition Together for Change, said the decision had been made to wait until more people were vaccinated. Also read | Argentine president to head to Europe as IMF debt weighs heavy There are 127 seats up for grabs in the lower Chamber of Deputies out of 257 in total, and 24 in play in the Senate out of the chamber's 72 seats. Pollsters expect the government to lose seats in the election, though the challenge may fall short of erasing its Senate majority. Primary elections, which were due to be held on August 8, will be delayed until September 12 while the mid-terms, due to be held October 24 and will now be held November 14. Argentina, with a population of about 45 million people, is now recording the highest number of COVID-19 infections since the start of the pandemic last year. As of Friday, 3.1 million cases have been confirmed and 66,872 people have died. So far, at least 8.95 million people have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 1.31 million have received two.

Argentina pushes back mid-term elections as COVID-19 rages

In his first public address since the end of the Trump administration, former Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday put down a marker for a potential return to elected office, telling an audience in early-voting South Carolina that he will use the coming months pushing back on the liberal agenda", he says is wrong for the country.

We've got to guard our values ... By offering a positive agenda to the American people, grounded in our highest ideals,&nbsp;Pence told an audience of several hundred at a Columbia dinner sponsored by a conservative Christian non-profit that lobbies for what it considers to be biblical values, such as heterosexual marriage.

Now, over the coming months, I'll have more to say about all of that.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="US extends face-mask requirement on planes until September">US extends face-mask requirement on planes until September</a>

The choice of South Carolina for Pence's post-administration debut has definite political overtones, helping him develop exposure for a potential 2024 presidential bid.

The state holds the first presidential primaries in the South, and candidates of both major parties typically spend more than a year in the state ahead of those votes, introducing themselves and trying to secure support.

Republican candidates use South Carolina as a proving ground to test their anti-abortion-rights mettle.

Thursday's event, hosted by Palmetto Family Council, also gave Pence a backdrop for some of the issues for which he long advocated as an Indiana Congressman-turned-governor, such as restrictions on abortion and support for the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Palmetto Family most recently helped push through a ban on most South Carolina abortions, a law now being challenged in federal court.

We will stand with the right of every American, of every faith, to live, to work, to speak and to worship according to the dictates of their conscience," Pence said.

Pence, who since leaving office has been doing work with the Heritage Foundation and Young America's Foundation, has not indicated if he plans a future run.

As vice president, he made numerous trips to South Carolina, meeting several times with Governor&nbsp;Henry McMaster for coronavirus-related forums and campaigning in the state for US&nbsp;Senator&nbsp;Lindsey Graham and US&nbsp;Representative&nbsp;Nancy Mace.

But the question is whether Pence's former boss still looms large for the possible Republican field.

Trump has not explicitly stated his plans but has teased a possible bid. On Thursday morning, asked on Fox Business about running in 2024, Trump said he's 100% thinking about it and would even possibly consider Florida Governor&nbsp;Ron DeSantis as his running mate.

Last month, another possible GOP contender, former UN&nbsp;Ambassador Nikki Haley, said when asked about 2024 by The Associated Press that she would stand down if Trump opted to run again.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has launched an aggressive schedule, visiting states that will play a pivotal role in the 2024 primaries and signing a contract with Fox News Channel.

DeSantis has been courting donors, including in Trump's backyard, with a prominent speaking slot before the former president at a GOP fundraising retreat dinner this month at Mar-a-Lago, the Florida resort where Trump now lives.

Earlier Thursday, South Carolina Democratic Chair Trav Robertson said Pence was coming to the state to "try and salvage his relationship&nbsp;with Trump supporters irked that Pence didn't support efforts to block certification of the 2020 presidential election.

On Thursday, Pence promised to reveal more of his ideas soon, promising that he would be challenging the Biden administration's avalanche of liberal policies as he ramps up speaking engagements around the country. 
We have the winning agenda,&nbsp;Pence told Thursday's crowd.

And now it's incumbent upon us to take that winning agenda to the American people.

In his first public address since the end of the Trump administration, former Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday put down a marker for a potential return to elected office, telling an audience in early-voting South Carolina that he will use the coming months pushing back on the liberal agenda", he says is wrong for the country.

In his first public address since the end of the Trump administration, former Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday put down a marker for a potential return to elected office, telling an audience in early-voting South Carolina that he will use the coming months pushing back on the liberal agenda", he says is wrong for the country. We've got to guard our values ... By offering a positive agenda to the American people, grounded in our highest ideals, Pence told an audience of several hundred at a Columbia dinner sponsored by a conservative Christian non-profit that lobbies for what it considers to be biblical values, such as heterosexual marriage. Now, over the coming months, I'll have more to say about all of that. Also read: US extends face-mask requirement on planes until September The choice of South Carolina for Pence's post-administration debut has definite political overtones, helping him develop exposure for a potential 2024 presidential bid. The state holds the first presidential primaries in the South, and candidates of both major parties typically spend more than a year in the state ahead of those votes, introducing themselves and trying to secure support. Republican candidates use South Carolina as a proving ground to test their anti-abortion-rights mettle. Thursday's event, hosted by Palmetto Family Council, also gave Pence a backdrop for some of the issues for which he long advocated as an Indiana Congressman-turned-governor, such as restrictions on abortion and support for the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Palmetto Family most recently helped push through a ban on most South Carolina abortions, a law now being challenged in federal court. We will stand with the right of every American, of every faith, to live, to work, to speak and to worship according to the dictates of their conscience," Pence said. Pence, who since leaving office has been doing work with the Heritage Foundation and Young America's Foundation, has not indicated if he plans a future run. As vice president, he made numerous trips to South Carolina, meeting several times with Governor Henry McMaster for coronavirus-related forums and campaigning in the state for US Senator Lindsey Graham and US Representative Nancy Mace. But the question is whether Pence's former boss still looms large for the possible Republican field. Trump has not explicitly stated his plans but has teased a possible bid. On Thursday morning, asked on Fox Business about running in 2024, Trump said he's 100% thinking about it and would even possibly consider Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as his running mate. Last month, another possible GOP contender, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, said when asked about 2024 by The Associated Press that she would stand down if Trump opted to run again. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has launched an aggressive schedule, visiting states that will play a pivotal role in the 2024 primaries and signing a contract with Fox News Channel. DeSantis has been courting donors, including in Trump's backyard, with a prominent speaking slot before the former president at a GOP fundraising retreat dinner this month at Mar-a-Lago, the Florida resort where Trump now lives. Earlier Thursday, South Carolina Democratic Chair Trav Robertson said Pence was coming to the state to "try and salvage his relationship with Trump supporters irked that Pence didn't support efforts to block certification of the 2020 presidential election. On Thursday, Pence promised to reveal more of his ideas soon, promising that he would be challenging the Biden administration's avalanche of liberal policies as he ramps up speaking engagements around the country. We have the winning agenda, Pence told Thursday's crowd. And now it's incumbent upon us to take that winning agenda to the American people.

In first post-office speech, Pence lays down marker for 2024

Cape Verde, a bastion of democracy in Africa, held parliamentary polls Sunday with no clear winner in sight after a campaign dominated by the Covid pandemic and its impact on a tourism-dependent economy.

Neither of the two traditional major parties is predicted to emerge the outright winner, giving four smaller parties a chance to have their say over the group of islands off the west coast of Africa.

In the capital Praia, queues of voters began forming early in the day in front of schools serving as polling stations, AFP journalists said.

"The priority for me is to re-elect the government, fight Covid and develop the economy and tourism," said Luis Leit, 44, after voting.

With foreign tourism accounting for roughly a quarter of the economy and visitors unable to come owing to global pandemic restrictions, Cape Verde, with a population of 550,000, was plunged into a historic recession in 2020, when output shrank by 14.8 percent.

Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva nonetheless told reporters: "We are very confident. We hope to have an absolute majority."

But his Movement for Democracy (MpD) is being closely contested by the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), a socialist party led by Janira Hopffer Almada.&nbsp;

The 42-year-old lawyer and former youth minister hopes to become the first woman to lead the former Portuguese colony.

A supporter who presented himself as a jurist named Carla told AFP he wanted Almada to fight corruption, even if the country has a good reputation in that area.

After voting, Almada complained, "the state continued campaigning yesterday", (Saturday) after the official end of electioneering on Friday, calling it a "grave violation".

Virus surge despite isolation

Both major parties pledged measures to provide wide access to Covid-19 vaccinations and to diversify the economy.

Although it lies around 600 kilometres (375 miles) off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases.

With 189 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the country had the highest rate in Africa according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention for the period from April 5-11.

Voting began at 0800 GMT and polling stations were scheduled to remain open until 1900 GMT, with just over 392,000 people registered to vote.

In 1990, one-party rule in Cape Verde was swept away and the first multi-party elections were held the following year.

In 2016, the MpD ended the PAICV's 15-year run with a historic victory, gaining 40 of 72 seats in the single-chamber parliament, the National Assembly.

Cape Verde has a semi-parliamentary system in which the prime minister wields executive power while the president plays the part of arbitrator in the event of intractable disputes.

Elections for the presidency take place on October 17.&nbsp;

In a continent marked by political unrest, coups or monolithic rulers who have been in power for decades, the tiny Atlantic archipelago stands out.

It ranks just behind Mauritius as the most democratic country in sub-Saharan Africa in the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2020 Democracy Index.

Cape Verde, a bastion of democracy in Africa, held parliamentary polls Sunday with no clear winner in sight after a campaign dominated by the Covid pandemic and its impact on a tourism-dependent economy.

Cape Verde, a bastion of democracy in Africa, held parliamentary polls Sunday with no clear winner in sight after a campaign dominated by the Covid pandemic and its impact on a tourism-dependent economy. Neither of the two traditional major parties is predicted to emerge the outright winner, giving four smaller parties a chance to have their say over the group of islands off the west coast of Africa. In the capital Praia, queues of voters began forming early in the day in front of schools serving as polling stations, AFP journalists said. "The priority for me is to re-elect the government, fight Covid and develop the economy and tourism," said Luis Leit, 44, after voting. With foreign tourism accounting for roughly a quarter of the economy and visitors unable to come owing to global pandemic restrictions, Cape Verde, with a population of 550,000, was plunged into a historic recession in 2020, when output shrank by 14.8 percent. Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva nonetheless told reporters: "We are very confident. We hope to have an absolute majority." But his Movement for Democracy (MpD) is being closely contested by the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), a socialist party led by Janira Hopffer Almada. The 42-year-old lawyer and former youth minister hopes to become the first woman to lead the former Portuguese colony. A supporter who presented himself as a jurist named Carla told AFP he wanted Almada to fight corruption, even if the country has a good reputation in that area. After voting, Almada complained, "the state continued campaigning yesterday", (Saturday) after the official end of electioneering on Friday, calling it a "grave violation". Virus surge despite isolation Both major parties pledged measures to provide wide access to Covid-19 vaccinations and to diversify the economy. Although it lies around 600 kilometres (375 miles) off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases. With 189 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the country had the highest rate in Africa according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention for the period from April 5-11. Voting began at 0800 GMT and polling stations were scheduled to remain open until 1900 GMT, with just over 392,000 people registered to vote. In 1990, one-party rule in Cape Verde was swept away and the first multi-party elections were held the following year. In 2016, the MpD ended the PAICV's 15-year run with a historic victory, gaining 40 of 72 seats in the single-chamber parliament, the National Assembly. Cape Verde has a semi-parliamentary system in which the prime minister wields executive power while the president plays the part of arbitrator in the event of intractable disputes. Elections for the presidency take place on October 17. In a continent marked by political unrest, coups or monolithic rulers who have been in power for decades, the tiny Atlantic archipelago stands out. It ranks just behind Mauritius as the most democratic country in sub-Saharan Africa in the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2020 Democracy Index.

Voters go to the polls in Cape Verde, Africa's model of democracy

Civil war-hit Syria will hold a presidential election on May 26, speaker of the parliament announced on Sunday. This will be Syria's second presidential election in the shadow of the war. It is being seen as likely that President Bashar Al-Assad will stay in power.

Hamouda Sabbagh, speaker of the parliament, said in a statement that Syrians abroad will be "able to vote at embassies". He added that prospective candidates could hand in their applications from Monday.

Assad, who took power following the death of his father Hafez in 2000, has not yet officially announced that he will stand for re-election.

He won a previous election three years into Syria's devastating civil war in 2014, with 88 percent of the vote. 
Under Syria's 2012 constitution, a president may only serve two seven-year terms -- with the exception of the president elected in the 2014 poll.

Candidates contesting upcoming elections must have continuously lived in Syria for at least 10 years. This means that opposition figures in exile are barred from standing.

Candidates must also have the backing of at least 35 members of the parliament, which is dominated by Assad's Baath party.

Elections this time have come after Russian-backed Syrian government forces recaptured vital northern city of Aleppo and other areas. This has placed the government in control of two-thirds of the country.

But the poll also comes amid a crushing economic crisis.

The decade-long civil war has left at least 388,000 people dead and half of the population displaced.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Civil war-hit Syria will hold a presidential election on May 26, speaker of the parliament announced on Sunday. This will be Syria's second presidential election in the shadow of the war.

Civil war-hit Syria will hold a presidential election on May 26, speaker of the parliament announced on Sunday. This will be Syria's second presidential election in the shadow of the war. It is being seen as likely that President Bashar Al-Assad will stay in power. Hamouda Sabbagh, speaker of the parliament, said in a statement that Syrians abroad will be "able to vote at embassies". He added that prospective candidates could hand in their applications from Monday. Assad, who took power following the death of his father Hafez in 2000, has not yet officially announced that he will stand for re-election. He won a previous election three years into Syria's devastating civil war in 2014, with 88 percent of the vote. Under Syria's 2012 constitution, a president may only serve two seven-year terms -- with the exception of the president elected in the 2014 poll. Candidates contesting upcoming elections must have continuously lived in Syria for at least 10 years. This means that opposition figures in exile are barred from standing. Candidates must also have the backing of at least 35 members of the parliament, which is dominated by Assad's Baath party. Elections this time have come after Russian-backed Syrian government forces recaptured vital northern city of Aleppo and other areas. This has placed the government in control of two-thirds of the country. But the poll also comes amid a crushing economic crisis. The decade-long civil war has left at least 388,000 people dead and half of the population displaced. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria to hold presidential election on May 26, says parliament speaker

Peru voted for a new president Sunday, in its deadliest week yet of the Covid-19 pandemic, as polling queues vied with lines of people seeking oxygen for infected loved ones fighting for breath.

Some 25 million people are meant to vote -- which is mandatory -- the day after Peru recorded its highest-ever daily toll in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Authorities on Saturday reported 384 fatalities in the preceding 24 hours -- the third daily record in a week -- bringing the overall toll to more than 54,600 in the country of 33 million people.

Over 11,200 new daily cases were reported, adding to another 1.6 million to date.

Yet as the death toll mounts and infections soar, Peru's government decided to press ahead with elections, unlike neighbor Chile which postponed a vote scheduled for Sunday as South America battles a surge in infections fueled by new virus variants believed to be more contagious.

Six of Peru's 18 presidential candidates have contracted the virus, including former football goalkeeper George Forsyth -- one of the leading contenders according to polls -- who was forced to cut short his final week of campaigning.

Thousands of polling stations opened their doors at 7.00 am &nbsp;(1200 GMT), and will stay open for 12 hours -- four more than usual in a bid to prevent voters amassing.

'Unfair'

As some Peruvians lined up to vote, others queued for oxygen refills for loved ones battling coronavirus infection.

"It is unfair, because instead of being there in the voting queue, we had to get up at daybreak to fetch oxygen," Micaela Lizama, 38, told AFP in Lima.

"We give more priority now to health than to votes," added Ruben Arias, 22, also queueing for oxygen. 
Mario Tinoco, 52, said he was willing to risk the fine for not voting because "I have to get oxygen, that is the main thing for me."

Despite the pandemic outlook, election campaigning had continued until Thursday, with candidates drawing hundreds of followers to often boisterous rallies.

'Most fragmented' ever

With aspirants across the political spectrum vying for the presidency, polls have shown there is no clear favorite.

The highest-polled candidate -- Yonhy Lescano of the center-right -- had 10 percent of voter intention a week ago.&nbsp;

An Ipsos poll showed only four percentage points between Lescano and the seventh place candidate, meaning Sunday's first election round will likely be inconclusive.

The two candidates with the most votes will then compete in a runoff on June 6.

Close behind Lescano were leftist anthropologist Veronika Mendoza, conservative economist Hernando de Soto, Forsyth and corruption-accused Keiko Fujimori -- daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori.

Also in the running were ultra-conservative celibate Catholic Rafael Lopez Aliaga and far-left unionist Pedro Castillo.

This will be the country's "most fragmented election" ever, according to Ipsos Peru chief Alfredo Torres. 
Almost a third of voters are undecided.

Recession and upheaval

The uncertain outcome has the markets worried, and the Peruvian sol plunged to a record low 3.8 to the US dollar last month, adding to the future president's full in-tray.

Peru has been in recession since the second quarter of last year after a national lockdown shuttered businesses and crippled the all-important tourism sector.

Its economy contracted more than 11 percent in 2020, four million people lost their jobs and another five million dropped into poverty.

The country has also been convulsed by political upheaval driven by claims of corruption at the highest echelons.

This will be Peru's fifth president in three years after three fell within days of each other in November 2020 amid protests that left two dead and hundreds injured.

The first election results should be known around 11:30 pm on Sunday (0430 GMT Monday).

Peruvians are also voting for 130 members of congress.

Peru voted for a new president Sunday, in its deadliest week yet of the Covid-19 pandemic, as polling queues vied with lines of people seeking oxygen for infected loved ones fighting for breath.

Peru voted for a new president Sunday, in its deadliest week yet of the Covid-19 pandemic, as polling queues vied with lines of people seeking oxygen for infected loved ones fighting for breath. Some 25 million people are meant to vote -- which is mandatory -- the day after Peru recorded its highest-ever daily toll in the Covid-19 pandemic. Authorities on Saturday reported 384 fatalities in the preceding 24 hours -- the third daily record in a week -- bringing the overall toll to more than 54,600 in the country of 33 million people. Over 11,200 new daily cases were reported, adding to another 1.6 million to date. Yet as the death toll mounts and infections soar, Peru's government decided to press ahead with elections, unlike neighbor Chile which postponed a vote scheduled for Sunday as South America battles a surge in infections fueled by new virus variants believed to be more contagious. Six of Peru's 18 presidential candidates have contracted the virus, including former football goalkeeper George Forsyth -- one of the leading contenders according to polls -- who was forced to cut short his final week of campaigning. Thousands of polling stations opened their doors at 7.00 am (1200 GMT), and will stay open for 12 hours -- four more than usual in a bid to prevent voters amassing. 'Unfair' As some Peruvians lined up to vote, others queued for oxygen refills for loved ones battling coronavirus infection. "It is unfair, because instead of being there in the voting queue, we had to get up at daybreak to fetch oxygen," Micaela Lizama, 38, told AFP in Lima. "We give more priority now to health than to votes," added Ruben Arias, 22, also queueing for oxygen. Mario Tinoco, 52, said he was willing to risk the fine for not voting because "I have to get oxygen, that is the main thing for me." Despite the pandemic outlook, election campaigning had continued until Thursday, with candidates drawing hundreds of followers to often boisterous rallies. 'Most fragmented' ever With aspirants across the political spectrum vying for the presidency, polls have shown there is no clear favorite. The highest-polled candidate -- Yonhy Lescano of the center-right -- had 10 percent of voter intention a week ago. An Ipsos poll showed only four percentage points between Lescano and the seventh place candidate, meaning Sunday's first election round will likely be inconclusive. The two candidates with the most votes will then compete in a runoff on June 6. Close behind Lescano were leftist anthropologist Veronika Mendoza, conservative economist Hernando de Soto, Forsyth and corruption-accused Keiko Fujimori -- daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori. Also in the running were ultra-conservative celibate Catholic Rafael Lopez Aliaga and far-left unionist Pedro Castillo. This will be the country's "most fragmented election" ever, according to Ipsos Peru chief Alfredo Torres. Almost a third of voters are undecided. Recession and upheaval The uncertain outcome has the markets worried, and the Peruvian sol plunged to a record low 3.8 to the US dollar last month, adding to the future president's full in-tray. Peru has been in recession since the second quarter of last year after a national lockdown shuttered businesses and crippled the all-important tourism sector. Its economy contracted more than 11 percent in 2020, four million people lost their jobs and another five million dropped into poverty. The country has also been convulsed by political upheaval driven by claims of corruption at the highest echelons. This will be Peru's fifth president in three years after three fell within days of each other in November 2020 amid protests that left two dead and hundreds injured. The first election results should be known around 11:30 pm on Sunday (0430 GMT Monday). Peruvians are also voting for 130 members of congress.

Peru votes amid deadly coronavirus surge

Chadians voted in presidential elections Sunday with Idriss Deby Itno set to win a sixth term after three decades in power.

A key ally in the West's anti-jihadist campaign in the Sahel, Deby, 68, is the frontrunner in a six-candidate race without major rivals and after a campaign in which demonstrations were banned or dispersed.

The main question seems to be over turnout, after some members of the opposition called for a boycott of the election.

Speaking to journalists earlier Sunday as he cast his vote at a central polling station in the capital N'Djamena, Deby called "upon all men and women of Chad wherever they are to come out in force and vote".

There was a strong police and army presence across the city, while a lack of voting materials delayed opening at many polling stations visited by AFP.

Queueing to vote in the capital, a 25-year-old saleswoman named Bernadette told AFP she backed Deby because "thanks to him I am free to walk wherever I want, day or night, in total security".

In N'Djamena's Moursal district, seen as an opposition stronghold, one election official said they had had "only three voters since opening", standing beside a near-empty ballot box.&nbsp;

Apart from police and soldiers, the streets of N'Djamena were almost &nbsp;empty Sunday. One AFP journalist visited 10 voting stations in the capital mid-afternoon and failed to find a single voter.

"I don't vote, there's no candidate for me," said Mugabe, a motorbike taxi driver who said he scrapes by on the equivalent of three to five euros ($3.50-6.00) per day.

"Whether or not we vote, Deby will stay in power, so there's no point," he added.

An AFP journalist in Massaguet, 85 kilometres (50 miles) north of Niamey said polling stations there were also seeing little traffic.

By Sunday evening, voting stations had closed and counting was underway. Provisional results from the elections are scheduled for April 25, with the final results due on May 15.

- Candidates rejected -

Chad has struggled with poverty and instability since gaining independence from France in 1960. 
A former rebel and career soldier who seized power in a coup in 1990, Deby has twice, with French help, thwarted attempts to oust him.

Other candidates include Albert Pahimi Padacke, a former prime minister under Deby, and Felix Nialbe Romadoumngar -- officially "leader of the opposition" as his URD party has eight seats in the National Assembly.

But the Supreme Court rejected seven other candidates and three withdrew, including longtime opposition politician Saleh Kebzabo, who quit in protest over violence by the security forces.

Deby has campaigned on a promise of peace and security in a region that has been rocked by jihadist insurgencies. On Sunday, the government said two soldiers had been killed in a Thursday ambush in the Lake Chad region.

Some 7.3 million people are eligible to vote out of a population of 15 million, but the most critical opposition parties have urged voters to boycott the election.&nbsp;

Weekly protest marches urging a peaceful transfer of power have been banned or forcefully dispersed, while police and soldiers carried out a deadly raid at the home of a prominent would-be candidate, Yaya Dillo Djerou, in February.

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres are among those who have voiced criticism.

- US watching -

The United States on Thursday urged Chad's election supervisors and courts "to ensure these elections are conducted freely, fairly, and transparently".

"We'll be watching in the days ahead," US State Department spokesman Ned Price warned.

Deby has also benefited, once again, from divisions and weaknesses within opposition ranks.

Kelma Manatouma, a Chad expert at the University of Paris-Nanterre, said that "with the considerable means Deby has mobilised, it is certain he will win."

Chad has been an oil producer since 2003, but it remains deeply poor.

In 2018, 42 percent of the population lived below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. In 2020, Chad ranked 187th out of 189 countries on the UN's Human Development Index.

Chadians voted in presidential elections Sunday with Idriss Deby Itno set to win a sixth term after three decades in power. A key ally in the West's anti-jihadist campaign in the Sahel, Deby, 68, is the frontrunner in a six-candidate race without major rivals and after a campaign in which demonstrations were banned or dispersed.

Chadians voted in presidential elections Sunday with Idriss Deby Itno set to win a sixth term after three decades in power. A key ally in the West's anti-jihadist campaign in the Sahel, Deby, 68, is the frontrunner in a six-candidate race without major rivals and after a campaign in which demonstrations were banned or dispersed. The main question seems to be over turnout, after some members of the opposition called for a boycott of the election. Speaking to journalists earlier Sunday as he cast his vote at a central polling station in the capital N'Djamena, Deby called "upon all men and women of Chad wherever they are to come out in force and vote". There was a strong police and army presence across the city, while a lack of voting materials delayed opening at many polling stations visited by AFP. Queueing to vote in the capital, a 25-year-old saleswoman named Bernadette told AFP she backed Deby because "thanks to him I am free to walk wherever I want, day or night, in total security". In N'Djamena's Moursal district, seen as an opposition stronghold, one election official said they had had "only three voters since opening", standing beside a near-empty ballot box. Apart from police and soldiers, the streets of N'Djamena were almost empty Sunday. One AFP journalist visited 10 voting stations in the capital mid-afternoon and failed to find a single voter. "I don't vote, there's no candidate for me," said Mugabe, a motorbike taxi driver who said he scrapes by on the equivalent of three to five euros ($3.50-6.00) per day. "Whether or not we vote, Deby will stay in power, so there's no point," he added. An AFP journalist in Massaguet, 85 kilometres (50 miles) north of Niamey said polling stations there were also seeing little traffic. By Sunday evening, voting stations had closed and counting was underway. Provisional results from the elections are scheduled for April 25, with the final results due on May 15. - Candidates rejected - Chad has struggled with poverty and instability since gaining independence from France in 1960. A former rebel and career soldier who seized power in a coup in 1990, Deby has twice, with French help, thwarted attempts to oust him. Other candidates include Albert Pahimi Padacke, a former prime minister under Deby, and Felix Nialbe Romadoumngar -- officially "leader of the opposition" as his URD party has eight seats in the National Assembly. But the Supreme Court rejected seven other candidates and three withdrew, including longtime opposition politician Saleh Kebzabo, who quit in protest over violence by the security forces. Deby has campaigned on a promise of peace and security in a region that has been rocked by jihadist insurgencies. On Sunday, the government said two soldiers had been killed in a Thursday ambush in the Lake Chad region. Some 7.3 million people are eligible to vote out of a population of 15 million, but the most critical opposition parties have urged voters to boycott the election. Weekly protest marches urging a peaceful transfer of power have been banned or forcefully dispersed, while police and soldiers carried out a deadly raid at the home of a prominent would-be candidate, Yaya Dillo Djerou, in February. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres are among those who have voiced criticism. - US watching - The United States on Thursday urged Chad's election supervisors and courts "to ensure these elections are conducted freely, fairly, and transparently". "We'll be watching in the days ahead," US State Department spokesman Ned Price warned. Deby has also benefited, once again, from divisions and weaknesses within opposition ranks. Kelma Manatouma, a Chad expert at the University of Paris-Nanterre, said that "with the considerable means Deby has mobilised, it is certain he will win." Chad has been an oil producer since 2003, but it remains deeply poor. In 2018, 42 percent of the population lived below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. In 2020, Chad ranked 187th out of 189 countries on the UN's Human Development Index.

Chad votes with 30-year ruler Deby poised for sixth win

Peru was busy distributing ballots in polling stations on Saturday (April 10) as the country's prepares to vote for a new president.

The election on Sunday (April 11) is being framed by a deadly surge in coronavirus cases and held under the long shadow of a constitutional crisis last year that saw the Andean nation go through three leaders in a week.

Ballots were distributed amid tight security provided by the National Police force.

As candidates closed their campaigns, pollsters say half a dozen of them are still in the running for a top two spot, which would see them move into a second round run-off vote in June. Predicting which two will make it, they say, is impossible.

The uncertainty over the elections comes as Peru battles the peak of COVID-19 cases with hospitals overwhelmed and after the world's no. 2 copper producer suffered its worst economic drop in three decades last year. The twists and turns have buffeted markets and Peru's sol currency.

In the final pre-election polls, Keiko Fujimori, 45, the daughter of the imprisoned ex-president Alberto Fujimori, has climbed to the top of the pack, but with a slim lead. A radical leftist professor Pedro Castillo, 51, has also shot up from nowhere.

No candidate has more than 13% of the voting intention and 'no vote' still remains the most popular single choice.

Close behind are Yonhy Lescano, 62, the recent poll leader whose populist style has lured voters, Opus Dei member Rafael López Aliaga, 60, liberal economist Hernando de Soto, 79, and leftist Verónika Mendoza, 40. Ex-soccer star George Forsyth, 38, also remains in the mix.

Castillo, who has surprised pollsters to suddenly arrive near the top of the pack, closed his campaign on Thursday night calling for a change to Peru's Magna Carta, something the country's youth had called for amid angry protests last year.

Pollsters said that Peru's 25 million registered voters were disenchanted with all candidates, and that more radical positions were gaining amid wider uncertainties.

There are 18 presidential candidates and Peruvians will also elect 130 members of the unicameral Congress. Voting is mandatory with a fine of up to $25.

The polls open at 0700 (1200 GMT) on Sunday and close 12 hours later, when pollster Ipsos Peru will give an exit poll. The electoral office has announced that it will offer its first partial result at 1130 pm local time (0430 GMT on Monday)

Peru was busy distributing ballots in polling stations on Saturday (April 10) as the country's prepares to vote for a new president. The election on Sunday (April 11) is being framed by a deadly surge in coronavirus cases and held under the long shadow of a constitutional crisis last year that saw the Andean nation go through three leaders in a week.

Peru was busy distributing ballots in polling stations on Saturday (April 10) as the country's prepares to vote for a new president. The election on Sunday (April 11) is being framed by a deadly surge in coronavirus cases and held under the long shadow of a constitutional crisis last year that saw the Andean nation go through three leaders in a week. Ballots were distributed amid tight security provided by the National Police force. As candidates closed their campaigns, pollsters say half a dozen of them are still in the running for a top two spot, which would see them move into a second round run-off vote in June. Predicting which two will make it, they say, is impossible. The uncertainty over the elections comes as Peru battles the peak of COVID-19 cases with hospitals overwhelmed and after the world's no. 2 copper producer suffered its worst economic drop in three decades last year. The twists and turns have buffeted markets and Peru's sol currency. In the final pre-election polls, Keiko Fujimori, 45, the daughter of the imprisoned ex-president Alberto Fujimori, has climbed to the top of the pack, but with a slim lead. A radical leftist professor Pedro Castillo, 51, has also shot up from nowhere. No candidate has more than 13% of the voting intention and 'no vote' still remains the most popular single choice. Close behind are Yonhy Lescano, 62, the recent poll leader whose populist style has lured voters, Opus Dei member Rafael López Aliaga, 60, liberal economist Hernando de Soto, 79, and leftist Verónika Mendoza, 40. Ex-soccer star George Forsyth, 38, also remains in the mix. Castillo, who has surprised pollsters to suddenly arrive near the top of the pack, closed his campaign on Thursday night calling for a change to Peru's Magna Carta, something the country's youth had called for amid angry protests last year. Pollsters said that Peru's 25 million registered voters were disenchanted with all candidates, and that more radical positions were gaining amid wider uncertainties. There are 18 presidential candidates and Peruvians will also elect 130 members of the unicameral Congress. Voting is mandatory with a fine of up to $25. The polls open at 0700 (1200 GMT) on Sunday and close 12 hours later, when pollster Ipsos Peru will give an exit poll. The electoral office has announced that it will offer its first partial result at 1130 pm local time (0430 GMT on Monday)

Peru distributes ballots as country prepares to vote

Anti-lockdown protests are taking place in the Netherlands, where it had turned violent after the clashes in Hauge. Authorities even used water cannons, batons over protesters.

Netherlands witnessed violent clashes ahead of elections

With less than 12 days before another round of elections, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will pay his first visit to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. Netanyahu is said to have updated Defense Minister Benny Gantz on the visit.

PM Netanyahu to visit UAE 12 days before Israel elections

US President Joe Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of his administration's efforts to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.

Joe Biden's signs executive order to expand voting access

Ivory Coast voted on Saturday in a legislative election, with President Alassane Ouattara`s allies facing a combined challenge from opposition parties led by two of his predecessors.

The poll comes only months after Ouattara won a third term in an election marred by unrest that killed at least 85 people, the country`s worst violence since a 2010-2011 civil war.

After boycotting the presidential election in October to protest Ouattara`s decision to seek a third term, the parties of former presidents Henri Konan Bedie and Laurent Gbagbo are fielding parliamentary candidates on joint lists.

Clear control of parliament by Ouattara`s Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) would strengthen his hand to pursue an agenda based on attracting investment to the world`s top cocoa producer.

"The fact that all major parties are participating in this election is a development that confirms the democratic momentum in our country," Ouattara said after casting his own ballot.

Turnout appeared light in the early hours of voting. Polls close at 1800 GMT and final results are due on Sunday.

"We are voting for peace. We don`t want any more endless debates between Ivorians," said Aïcha Coulibaly, a hairdresser, who wore an RHDP t-shirt as she voted in Abobo, a Ouattara stronghold of the commercial capital Abidjan.

The opposition is under pressure to show it remains relevant after over a decade of political dominance by Ouattara, who came to power after defeating the incumbent Gbagbo in the 2010 election and then prevailing in the civil war that followed.

Gbagbo`s faction of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) is participating in a national election for the first time since he was ousted in 2011 and sent to the International Criminal Court to face war crimes charges. He was acquitted in 2019.

"I am happy to participate in this vote. Since 2010, I hadn`t voted," said retiree Alfred Balli after casting his ballot in Yopougoun, a Gbagbo stronghold of Abidjan.

Bedie`s Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI) dominated national politics from the 1940s until he was overthrown as president in 1999. It backed Ouattara for years but split with him in 2018.

Ivory Coast voted on Saturday in a legislative election, with President Alassane Ouattara`s allies facing a combined challenge from opposition parties led by two of his predecessors.

Ivory Coast voted on Saturday in a legislative election, with President Alassane Ouattara`s allies facing a combined challenge from opposition parties led by two of his predecessors. The poll comes only months after Ouattara won a third term in an election marred by unrest that killed at least 85 people, the country`s worst violence since a 2010-2011 civil war. After boycotting the presidential election in October to protest Ouattara`s decision to seek a third term, the parties of former presidents Henri Konan Bedie and Laurent Gbagbo are fielding parliamentary candidates on joint lists. Clear control of parliament by Ouattara`s Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) would strengthen his hand to pursue an agenda based on attracting investment to the world`s top cocoa producer. "The fact that all major parties are participating in this election is a development that confirms the democratic momentum in our country," Ouattara said after casting his own ballot. Turnout appeared light in the early hours of voting. Polls close at 1800 GMT and final results are due on Sunday. "We are voting for peace. We don`t want any more endless debates between Ivorians," said Aïcha Coulibaly, a hairdresser, who wore an RHDP t-shirt as she voted in Abobo, a Ouattara stronghold of the commercial capital Abidjan. The opposition is under pressure to show it remains relevant after over a decade of political dominance by Ouattara, who came to power after defeating the incumbent Gbagbo in the 2010 election and then prevailing in the civil war that followed. Gbagbo`s faction of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) is participating in a national election for the first time since he was ousted in 2011 and sent to the International Criminal Court to face war crimes charges. He was acquitted in 2019. "I am happy to participate in this vote. Since 2010, I hadn`t voted," said retiree Alfred Balli after casting his ballot in Yopougoun, a Gbagbo stronghold of Abidjan. Bedie`s Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI) dominated national politics from the 1940s until he was overthrown as president in 1999. It backed Ouattara for years but split with him in 2018.

Ivory Coast votes for parliament as Ouattara opponents join forces

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has controlled Turkey for 17 long years. First as prime minister and now as president. In 17 years, he has made Turkey an autocracy, a one-man show.&nbsp;

This show is now getting bad reviews. So, Erdogan wants to change the rules. The poll numbers for Erdogan are dropping and supporters of his party are disenchanted. They are drifting away because economic growth has slowed.&nbsp;

The Lira has nose-dived and Erdogan's allies are breaking away to form rival parties. According to a compilation of 15 recent opinion polls, support for Erdogan's Islamist-rooted justice and development party or AKP has fallen to 36% from 42% in the last election. This is a significant drop for a ruling party, especially for one that has been in power for 17 years and one that has been on a losing spree in 2019.&nbsp;

Municipal polls were held in Turkey and Erdogan's party suffered defeat in three very important cities, Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir.&nbsp;

These are three of the largest cities in Turkey. The elections here were won by opposition parties. It's been more than a year and there are growing fears that these embarrassing losses could transform into a wider nationwide loss in the 2023 elections. Pollsters say the Turkish President should be worried and it seems he is, which is why President Erdogan is trying to change the election rules.&nbsp;

In a recent public address, he said, “We are starting extensive work regarding changing political party and election regulations to improve democratic participation.”&nbsp;

What does it mean? The Turkish President did not bother to explain. His party officials have anonymously revealed that these plans include two primary things, one dividing large urban electoral districts into smaller constituencies and two, reducing the threshold for entering Parliament from 10% to 7%.&nbsp;

The first move could significantly boost the number of lawmakers from Erdogan's party and the second one will set barriers for opposition parties in entering Parliament.&nbsp;

It's quite a smart strategy and Erdogan is already laying the groundwork for it. He is trying to win public support ahead of these planned changes. He has eased coronavirus restrictions, lifted night-time curfews for weekends and promised measures to improve human rights, press freedoms, freedom of expression and new policies to curb violence against women. Erdogan says these measures would be implemented in the next two years with the ultimate aim of drafting a new constitution.&nbsp;

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president, Turkey, said, "In order to enhance standards related to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, we are developing measures aimed at easing the professional activities of journalists."&nbsp;

"We are educating law-enforcement officials as well as shopping district and neighbourhood guards on issues that constitute ill-treatment. We are removing the statute of limitations concerning disciplinary investigations over torture allegations."&nbsp;

"The ultimate aim of our (human rights) action plan is a new and civilian constitution."&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has controlled Turkey for 17 long years. First as prime minister and now as president. In 17 years, he has made Turkey an autocracy, a one-man show.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has controlled Turkey for 17 long years. First as prime minister and now as president. In 17 years, he has made Turkey an autocracy, a one-man show. This show is now getting bad reviews. So, Erdogan wants to change the rules. The poll numbers for Erdogan are dropping and supporters of his party are disenchanted. They are drifting away because economic growth has slowed. The Lira has nose-dived and Erdogan's allies are breaking away to form rival parties. According to a compilation of 15 recent opinion polls, support for Erdogan's Islamist-rooted justice and development party or AKP has fallen to 36% from 42% in the last election. This is a significant drop for a ruling party, especially for one that has been in power for 17 years and one that has been on a losing spree in 2019. Municipal polls were held in Turkey and Erdogan's party suffered defeat in three very important cities, Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir. These are three of the largest cities in Turkey. The elections here were won by opposition parties. It's been more than a year and there are growing fears that these embarrassing losses could transform into a wider nationwide loss in the 2023 elections. Pollsters say the Turkish President should be worried and it seems he is, which is why President Erdogan is trying to change the election rules. In a recent public address, he said, “We are starting extensive work regarding changing political party and election regulations to improve democratic participation.” What does it mean? The Turkish President did not bother to explain. His party officials have anonymously revealed that these plans include two primary things, one dividing large urban electoral districts into smaller constituencies and two, reducing the threshold for entering Parliament from 10% to 7%. The first move could significantly boost the number of lawmakers from Erdogan's party and the second one will set barriers for opposition parties in entering Parliament. It's quite a smart strategy and Erdogan is already laying the groundwork for it. He is trying to win public support ahead of these planned changes. He has eased coronavirus restrictions, lifted night-time curfews for weekends and promised measures to improve human rights, press freedoms, freedom of expression and new policies to curb violence against women. Erdogan says these measures would be implemented in the next two years with the ultimate aim of drafting a new constitution. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president, Turkey, said, "In order to enhance standards related to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, we are developing measures aimed at easing the professional activities of journalists." "We are educating law-enforcement officials as well as shopping district and neighbourhood guards on issues that constitute ill-treatment. We are removing the statute of limitations concerning disciplinary investigations over torture allegations." "The ultimate aim of our (human rights) action plan is a new and civilian constitution."

To regain control, Turkish President pushes for reforms 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced parliamentary and presidential elections on Friday (January 15), the first in 15 years, in an effort to heal long-standing internal divisions.

Palestinians announce first elections in 15 years, on eve of Biden era

Kyrghyzstan's nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov logged a landslide victory in Kyrghyzstan's snap presidential election. The polls were triggered by collapse of the previous government. Japarov has won almost 80 per cent of votes. This means that there will be no run-off elections.

Kyrghyzstan's Central Election Commission said that more than 80 per cent voters have also supported proposal for constitutional reforms that give the president greater powers at parliament's expense.

Violent protests in October sent Japarov (52) from jail to PM's&nbsp;chair. He then assumed interim presidency before running for full-time role.

Japarov, who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for kidnapping a provincial governor as part of a protest, had his verdict quashed amid the October unrest and has outspent 16 presidential poll rivals by a wide margin.

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Despite his nationalist stance - Japarov's first act as prime minister was to add ethnicity information to national ID cards - he has repeatedly pledged to maintain a close relationship with former Soviet overlord Moscow.

"Russia is our strategic partner," Japarov said after casting his ballot in a suburb of capital Bishkek, and urged all groups to accept the results in order to preserve stability.

Russia operates a military airbase in the mountainous nation and is the main destination for hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz migrant labourers.

Neighbouring China is another key trade partner and investor in the impoverished and predominantly Muslim nation, whose economy has been battered by the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting disruptions to trade and travel.

Japarov's prison sentence stems from his campaign in the early 2010s to nationalise the giant Kumtor gold mine operated by Canada's Centerra Gold. After coming to power last year, however, he said that was no longer a goal and he would only seek to ensure profits are split fairly.

Japarov's campaign, which combined references to traditional symbols and values with promises such as doubling healthcare spending struck a chord with voters, especially in rural areas.

(With Reuters inputs)

Kyrghyzstan's nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov logged a landslide victory in Kyrghyzstan's snap presidential election. The polls were triggered by collapse of the previous government.

Kyrghyzstan's nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov logged a landslide victory in Kyrghyzstan's snap presidential election. The polls were triggered by collapse of the previous government. Japarov has won almost 80 per cent of votes. This means that there will be no run-off elections. Kyrghyzstan's Central Election Commission said that more than 80 per cent voters have also supported proposal for constitutional reforms that give the president greater powers at parliament's expense. Violent protests in October sent Japarov (52) from jail to PM's chair. He then assumed interim presidency before running for full-time role. Japarov, who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for kidnapping a provincial governor as part of a protest, had his verdict quashed amid the October unrest and has outspent 16 presidential poll rivals by a wide margin. × Despite his nationalist stance - Japarov's first act as prime minister was to add ethnicity information to national ID cards - he has repeatedly pledged to maintain a close relationship with former Soviet overlord Moscow. "Russia is our strategic partner," Japarov said after casting his ballot in a suburb of capital Bishkek, and urged all groups to accept the results in order to preserve stability. Russia operates a military airbase in the mountainous nation and is the main destination for hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz migrant labourers. Neighbouring China is another key trade partner and investor in the impoverished and predominantly Muslim nation, whose economy has been battered by the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting disruptions to trade and travel. Japarov's prison sentence stems from his campaign in the early 2010s to nationalise the giant Kumtor gold mine operated by Canada's Centerra Gold. After coming to power last year, however, he said that was no longer a goal and he would only seek to ensure profits are split fairly. Japarov's campaign, which combined references to traditional symbols and values with promises such as doubling healthcare spending struck a chord with voters, especially in rural areas. (With Reuters inputs)

Kyrghyzstan nationalist wins landslide victory in elections

Polling booths across Niger saw queues of voters who are voting in an election that will mark first peaceful transition of power since Niger's independence. The elections are taking place in the shadow of Jihadist attacks. Niger gained independence from France 60 years ago but the politics has been marred by numerous coups.

Around 7.4 million people are registered to vote for the ballot for presidency, which coincides with legislative elections. Niger is ranked as the world's poorest country as per United Nations Human Development Index.

"I expect the Nigerien president to put security, health, progress and democracy first," Aboubakar Saleh, a 37-year-old launderer, told AFP in Niamey without revealing who he voted for.

Issaka Soumana, a 52-year-old lorry driver, said he wanted change.

"Niger is not moving forward. Our country must rise," he said, brandishing his thumb stained with ink to show he had cast his ballot.

Niger's incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou was elected in 2011 after a coup in 2010. He has agreed to step down after two successive terms.

The frontrunner in the 30-strong field is his designated successor, Mohamed Bazoum, 60, a former interior and foreign minister.
<img alt="Niger's presidential candidate Mohamed Bazoum leaves the polling station after casting his ballot in Niamey on December 27, 2020 during Niger's presidential and legislative elections" data-caption="Niger's presidential candidate Mohamed Bazoum leaves the polling station after casting his ballot in Niamey on December 27, 2020 during Niger's presidential and legislative elections" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb6a7b2f-9a83-4c5c-aa2d-11a5b2823771" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XT92K.jpg" />
"It is a great pride that this date of December 27 has been respected," Bazoum said after voting.

Bazoum's main rival, former prime minister Hama Amadou, was barred from contesting the vote on the grounds that in 2017 he was handed a 12-month jail term for baby trafficking -- a charge he says was bogus.

The polling stations will close at 1800 GMT on Sunday, December 27. Partial results will be announced on Monday while full results will be available on Wednesday and Thursday.
<img alt="Niger election" data-caption="A Nigerien soldier stands guard as Niger's outgoing president Mahamadou Issoufou arrives at a polling station in Niamey on December 27, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="419172b9-037a-411f-bb4f-1e7918068d5e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XT926.jpg" />
Niger has borne burnt of Jihadist violence on its southwestern border with Mali, and its southeastern frontier with Nigeria.

A jihadist insurgency that has spilt across borders in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger claimed some 4,000 lives last year from jihadist violence and ethnic bloodshed stirred by Islamists, according to the UN.

In Niger itself, hundreds have died in the past five years, and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

(With AFP inputs)

Polling booths across Niger saw queues of voters who are voting in an election that will mark first peaceful transition of power since Niger's independence. The elections are taking place in the shadow of Jihadist attacks.

Polling booths across Niger saw queues of voters who are voting in an election that will mark first peaceful transition of power since Niger's independence. The elections are taking place in the shadow of Jihadist attacks. Niger gained independence from France 60 years ago but the politics has been marred by numerous coups. Around 7.4 million people are registered to vote for the ballot for presidency, which coincides with legislative elections. Niger is ranked as the world's poorest country as per United Nations Human Development Index. "I expect the Nigerien president to put security, health, progress and democracy first," Aboubakar Saleh, a 37-year-old launderer, told AFP in Niamey without revealing who he voted for. Issaka Soumana, a 52-year-old lorry driver, said he wanted change. "Niger is not moving forward. Our country must rise," he said, brandishing his thumb stained with ink to show he had cast his ballot. Niger's incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou was elected in 2011 after a coup in 2010. He has agreed to step down after two successive terms. The frontrunner in the 30-strong field is his designated successor, Mohamed Bazoum, 60, a former interior and foreign minister. "It is a great pride that this date of December 27 has been respected," Bazoum said after voting. Bazoum's main rival, former prime minister Hama Amadou, was barred from contesting the vote on the grounds that in 2017 he was handed a 12-month jail term for baby trafficking -- a charge he says was bogus. The polling stations will close at 1800 GMT on Sunday, December 27. Partial results will be announced on Monday while full results will be available on Wednesday and Thursday. Niger has borne burnt of Jihadist violence on its southwestern border with Mali, and its southeastern frontier with Nigeria. A jihadist insurgency that has spilt across borders in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger claimed some 4,000 lives last year from jihadist violence and ethnic bloodshed stirred by Islamists, according to the UN. In Niger itself, hundreds have died in the past five years, and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes. (With AFP inputs)

Niger citizens vote in a historic election

Protests are taking place in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir for more than 4 days. Pakistan has carried out assembly elections. India has already slammed the elections held in illegally occupied territory.&nbsp;

The protests started after initial result of the elections. Pakistani opposition is leading these people into the protest. Opposition leaders are claiming that the mandate has been stolen.

The elections were held on November 15 for 23 seats of 3rd legislative assembly in Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan PM Imran Khan's party is said to be leading in eight to nine seats. Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party has bagged two seats. Two seats have gone to Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz).

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The final result is still not known, the election authorities say it will take more time. But Opposition says the outcome will be a foregone conclusion. It claims election officials are making backdoor attempts to make PTI attain a majority.

An unverified image of Gilgit-Baltistan election commissioner Raja Shahbaz meeting PTI minister is being widely circulated. The Opposition leaders are hinting at foul play.

The election commissioner has reiterated the polls were transparent. But this hasn't found many takers.

Meanwhile, another news that made waves in Pakistan was 'blasphemy activist' Khadim Hussain Rizvi's death. Rizvi was the chief of Tehreek-I-Labbaik Pakistan, a radical islamist party. Rizvi was a notorious political figure.

He was infamous for protesting any reforms to Pakistan's ultra-conservative blasphemy laws. He was last seen in an anti-France rally in Lahore. His party says he died of fever a severe chest pain.

Protests are taking place in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir for more than 4 days. Pakistan has carried out assembly elections. India has already slammed the elections held in illegally occupied territory.

Protests are taking place in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir for more than 4 days. Pakistan has carried out assembly elections. India has already slammed the elections held in illegally occupied territory. The protests started after initial result of the elections. Pakistani opposition is leading these people into the protest. Opposition leaders are claiming that the mandate has been stolen. The elections were held on November 15 for 23 seats of 3rd legislative assembly in Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan PM Imran Khan's party is said to be leading in eight to nine seats. Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party has bagged two seats. Two seats have gone to Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz). × The final result is still not known, the election authorities say it will take more time. But Opposition says the outcome will be a foregone conclusion. It claims election officials are making backdoor attempts to make PTI attain a majority. An unverified image of Gilgit-Baltistan election commissioner Raja Shahbaz meeting PTI minister is being widely circulated. The Opposition leaders are hinting at foul play. The election commissioner has reiterated the polls were transparent. But this hasn't found many takers. Meanwhile, another news that made waves in Pakistan was 'blasphemy activist' Khadim Hussain Rizvi's death. Rizvi was the chief of Tehreek-I-Labbaik Pakistan, a radical islamist party. Rizvi was a notorious political figure. He was infamous for protesting any reforms to Pakistan's ultra-conservative blasphemy laws. He was last seen in an anti-France rally in Lahore. His party says he died of fever a severe chest pain.

Gilgit-Baltistan sees continued protests over elections

Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan has urged adults from across social strata in Tamil Nadu to get their Voter ID cards or Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) ready. This message, in the form of a video comes days prior to the camps that the Election Commission would be organizing in Tamil Nadu, where voters can visit voting centers and apply for corrections and changes in their details.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India on Monday released the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, which is headed for Assembly polls in 2021.&nbsp;

According to the statistics mentioned in the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, there are about 6.10crore voters in total and this comprises 3.09crore women, 3.01crore men and 6,385 transgenders. In terms of new electors or first-time voters, there are a total of 2.08lakh voters, which comprises of 1.06lakh females, 1.01lakh males and 132 transgenders.&nbsp;

Special camps will be held at the voting centres where voters can apply for corrections or changes to be made. The first camp will be held on November 21st &amp; 22nd and the next camp will be organized on December 12th and 13th.

Haasan stated that the highest honour of merit a person receives when he/she turns 18, is the right to vote and that the most powerful weapon one could possess was a Voter ID.&nbsp;

“When a society fails to discharge the mandatory duties, people of that society lose whatever is rightfully theirs. The real peril is lurking in the issues that we think are redundant or unrelated to us” he said.&nbsp;

Making a mention of those ranting online about a corrupt system and corrupt politicians, Haasan emphasized that it would be in vain in one didn’t possess a voter ID.&nbsp;

Recalling the Bihar elections where a large number of women voters and homemakers had voted in large numbers, he highlighted the scenario where a candidate had lost with a margin of 12 votes.&nbsp;

“You are not voting for someone. You are voting for yourself. You decide on who should decide for you. Your constant mantra should be &nbsp;-I will change; I will vote" he said in the video&nbsp;

Haasan has been actively prepping his party Makkal Needhi Maiam for the 2021 Assembly Polls in the state and is hopeful that his party emerges as &nbsp;the third front in the state, after the Dravidian majors.&nbsp;

Haasan is expected to announce his campaign tour of the state towards the end of November. &nbsp;Earlier, he had said that the party’s manifesto was getting ready and over one lakh members had joined the party in recent times. He said that his party’s candidates would be people from wide-ranging fields who are known for their good work.&nbsp;

Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan has urged adults from across social strata in Tamil Nadu to get their Voter ID cards or Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) ready.

Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan has urged adults from across social strata in Tamil Nadu to get their Voter ID cards or Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) ready. This message, in the form of a video comes days prior to the camps that the Election Commission would be organizing in Tamil Nadu, where voters can visit voting centers and apply for corrections and changes in their details. The Election Commission of India on Monday released the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, which is headed for Assembly polls in 2021. According to the statistics mentioned in the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, there are about 6.10crore voters in total and this comprises 3.09crore women, 3.01crore men and 6,385 transgenders. In terms of new electors or first-time voters, there are a total of 2.08lakh voters, which comprises of 1.06lakh females, 1.01lakh males and 132 transgenders. Special camps will be held at the voting centres where voters can apply for corrections or changes to be made. The first camp will be held on November 21st & 22nd and the next camp will be organized on December 12th and 13th. Haasan stated that the highest honour of merit a person receives when he/she turns 18, is the right to vote and that the most powerful weapon one could possess was a Voter ID. “When a society fails to discharge the mandatory duties, people of that society lose whatever is rightfully theirs. The real peril is lurking in the issues that we think are redundant or unrelated to us” he said. Making a mention of those ranting online about a corrupt system and corrupt politicians, Haasan emphasized that it would be in vain in one didn’t possess a voter ID. Recalling the Bihar elections where a large number of women voters and homemakers had voted in large numbers, he highlighted the scenario where a candidate had lost with a margin of 12 votes. “You are not voting for someone. You are voting for yourself. You decide on who should decide for you. Your constant mantra should be -I will change; I will vote" he said in the video Haasan has been actively prepping his party Makkal Needhi Maiam for the 2021 Assembly Polls in the state and is hopeful that his party emerges as the third front in the state, after the Dravidian majors. Haasan is expected to announce his campaign tour of the state towards the end of November. Earlier, he had said that the party’s manifesto was getting ready and over one lakh members had joined the party in recent times. He said that his party’s candidates would be people from wide-ranging fields who are known for their good work.

Ahead of TN Polls, Kamal Haasan urges fans to get Voters IDs checked and ready

Fight for chair: Countries that held elections amid the pandemic

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday lashed out at three-time former premier Nawaz Sharif for accusing the army chief of rigging elections and installing a "puppet government" in Islamabad.

Sharif, the 70-year-old leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) who was ousted from power in 2017 by the apex court on graft charges, on Friday for the first time directly named Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and ISI head Lt Gen Faiz Hameed for interfering in the elections of 2018 to ensure victory of Imran Khan.

Hitting back at Sharif, Khan said on Saturday that the PML-N supremo came to politics by "polishing General Zia's shoes" — a reference to Sharif joining politics in 1980s during the martial law of then military dictator General Zia-ul Haq.

Khan said Sharif opted to use negative language against the army leadership at a time when soldiers were sacrificing their lives for the nation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharifs-security-ramped-up-in-london-335975">Also read:&nbsp;Sharif's security ramped up in London</a>

"Why are they sacrificing their lives? For us; for the country. And this jackal who ran with his tail between his legs used such language for the army chief and DG ISI," Khan said.

The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Khan said that Sharif took "crores" of rupees from Meeran Bank in late 1980s to fight elections against Benazir Bhutto of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

"This is the man who put (PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali) Zardari in jail twice. It was Zardari who instituted the Hudaibiya Paper Mills case against him (Sharif), not General Bajwa,"said Khan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foils-attempt-to-smuggle-endangered-falcons-336041">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan foils attempt to smuggle endangered falcons</a>

Commenting on the joint rally of the opposition parties, Khan termed it as a "circus".

He also targeted PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz, saying the two "children" who have never worked for an hour in their life and lived by using the "ill-gotten gains of their fathers" were making speeches.

Khan said these leaders would even sell the country to protect their wealth that they amassed through illegal means. 
On September 20, nearly a dozen opposition parties launched the PDM and announced a three-phased anti-government movement to oust the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) government.

Addressing the PDM rally in Gujranwala on Friday, Sharif said: "(Army chief) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa ended my government. He rigged 2018 elections and imposed incapable Imran Khan on the nation. Gen. Bajwa is a direct culprit and he will have to give an answer to this."

"You can label me a traitor if you want, seize my properties, file false cases against me but I will continue to speak for my people," said Sharif, who is facing multiple corruption charges and is currently on bail.

This is not the first time that Sharif has gone after the military leadership. During the opposition's multi-party conference last month, he had bitterly criticised the army, saying there was "a state above the state in the country". However, he had refrained from naming anyone.

The PML-N leader, however, made it clear that he was not against the army but some individuals who violated the Constitution.

Since his anti-army rant, the federal government has banned the media to broadcast Sharif's speeches.

The Opposition parties are openly protesting against the military's interference in politics and elections for the first time in the recent history of the country.

Sharif has been living in London since November last year after he was allowed by the courts and the government to go there for a period of eight weeks for medical treatment. But he did not come back, while his lawyers told the court that he was still recovering.

The Islamabad High Court through newspaper advertisements has asked Sharif to appear before it by November 24 to avoid being declared a "proclaimed offender".

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday lashed out at three-time former premier Nawaz Sharif for accusing the army chief of rigging elections and installing a "puppet government" in Islamabad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday lashed out at three-time former premier Nawaz Sharif for accusing the army chief of rigging elections and installing a "puppet government" in Islamabad. Sharif, the 70-year-old leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) who was ousted from power in 2017 by the apex court on graft charges, on Friday for the first time directly named Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and ISI head Lt Gen Faiz Hameed for interfering in the elections of 2018 to ensure victory of Imran Khan. Hitting back at Sharif, Khan said on Saturday that the PML-N supremo came to politics by "polishing General Zia's shoes" — a reference to Sharif joining politics in 1980s during the martial law of then military dictator General Zia-ul Haq. Khan said Sharif opted to use negative language against the army leadership at a time when soldiers were sacrificing their lives for the nation. Also read: Sharif's security ramped up in London "Why are they sacrificing their lives? For us; for the country. And this jackal who ran with his tail between his legs used such language for the army chief and DG ISI," Khan said. The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy. Khan said that Sharif took "crores" of rupees from Meeran Bank in late 1980s to fight elections against Benazir Bhutto of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). "This is the man who put (PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali) Zardari in jail twice. It was Zardari who instituted the Hudaibiya Paper Mills case against him (Sharif), not General Bajwa,"said Khan. Also read: Pakistan foils attempt to smuggle endangered falcons Commenting on the joint rally of the opposition parties, Khan termed it as a "circus". He also targeted PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz, saying the two "children" who have never worked for an hour in their life and lived by using the "ill-gotten gains of their fathers" were making speeches. Khan said these leaders would even sell the country to protect their wealth that they amassed through illegal means. On September 20, nearly a dozen opposition parties launched the PDM and announced a three-phased anti-government movement to oust the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) government. Addressing the PDM rally in Gujranwala on Friday, Sharif said: "(Army chief) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa ended my government. He rigged 2018 elections and imposed incapable Imran Khan on the nation. Gen. Bajwa is a direct culprit and he will have to give an answer to this." "You can label me a traitor if you want, seize my properties, file false cases against me but I will continue to speak for my people," said Sharif, who is facing multiple corruption charges and is currently on bail. This is not the first time that Sharif has gone after the military leadership. During the opposition's multi-party conference last month, he had bitterly criticised the army, saying there was "a state above the state in the country". However, he had refrained from naming anyone. The PML-N leader, however, made it clear that he was not against the army but some individuals who violated the Constitution. Since his anti-army rant, the federal government has banned the media to broadcast Sharif's speeches. The Opposition parties are openly protesting against the military's interference in politics and elections for the first time in the recent history of the country. Sharif has been living in London since November last year after he was allowed by the courts and the government to go there for a period of eight weeks for medical treatment. But he did not come back, while his lawyers told the court that he was still recovering. The Islamabad High Court through newspaper advertisements has asked Sharif to appear before it by November 24 to avoid being declared a "proclaimed offender".

Imran Khan slams Nawaz Sharif for accusing army chief of rigging elections

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