Afghanistan's top peace official, Abdullah Abdullah, said on Wednesday he did not expect the result of the upcoming US&nbsp;presidential election to dramatically change the Afghan peace process or troop withdrawal plans.

President Donald Trump's administration this year brokered peace talks between the Afghan government and the insurgent Taliban to end 19 years of war, and the United States is pulling out its troops under a deal with the militant group signed in February.

The withdrawal is expected to be complete in May, subject to certain security guarantees.

Trump is currently lagging behind Democrat challenger Joe Biden in polls ahead of the November&nbsp;3 election.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/after-climbing-afghanistans-highest-peak-fatima-sultani-plans-next-summit-331380" hreflang="en">After climbing Afghanistan's highest peak, Fatima Sultani plans next summit</a>

"Nobody can say with certainty what would be the impact of the outcome of the elections in the United States but based on my experiences and interactions, the policy will not change that much," said Abdullah, who is the senior official overseeing peace talks by the Afghan negotiating team in Doha.

"Neither Democrats nor Republicans would want to see all the gains or all the sacrifices they have made in Afghanistan in vain…(or) be hurt once again from Afghanistan or because of Afghanistan," he told Reuters in an interview at the end of a three-day visit to Pakistan.

Abdullah also said that an upcoming conference in Geneva in November, at which governments will pledge financial support to bolster the peace process, would also be "one of the things in our mind" as they try to build momentum at the negotiating table.

United States special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday flew to Doha to meet negotiators, who two diplomatic sources said have been deadlocked over setting a process for negotiations in part due to the Taliban insistence that the US-Taliban agreement be used as a basis.

During his visit to Islamabad, Abdullah had met with Prime Minister Imran Khan as well as the president and foreign minister.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/pakistan-afghanistan-should-shun-suspicion-to-build-new-relationship-afghan-peace-official-331210" hreflang="en">Pakistan, Afghanistan should shun suspicion to build new relationship: Afghan peace official</a>

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have long been rocky. Afghanistan officials – including Abdullah - and its international allies have for years accused Pakistan of backing the Taliban insurgents as a way to limit the influence of old rival India in Afghanistan.

But Abdullah said that he believed there had a been a change in recent years in Pakistan's approach, adding that they still had influence over the Taliban leadership, though the degree was at times exaggerated.

"It was communicated to the Taliban that it was important for them, it's important to their relations with Pakistan that they sit around the negotiating table," he said, saying that had helped to break decades of the Taliban refusing to sit down for talks.

"Today that has changed," he said. "I do consider this as an important development."

Afghanistan's top peace official, Abdullah Abdullah, said on Wednesday he did not expect the result of the upcoming US presidential election to dramatically change the Afghan peace process or troop withdrawal plans.

Afghanistan's top peace official, Abdullah Abdullah, said on Wednesday he did not expect the result of the upcoming US presidential election to dramatically change the Afghan peace process or troop withdrawal plans. President Donald Trump's administration this year brokered peace talks between the Afghan government and the insurgent Taliban to end 19 years of war, and the United States is pulling out its troops under a deal with the militant group signed in February. The withdrawal is expected to be complete in May, subject to certain security guarantees. Trump is currently lagging behind Democrat challenger Joe Biden in polls ahead of the November 3 election. Also read: After climbing Afghanistan's highest peak, Fatima Sultani plans next summit "Nobody can say with certainty what would be the impact of the outcome of the elections in the United States but based on my experiences and interactions, the policy will not change that much," said Abdullah, who is the senior official overseeing peace talks by the Afghan negotiating team in Doha. "Neither Democrats nor Republicans would want to see all the gains or all the sacrifices they have made in Afghanistan in vain…(or) be hurt once again from Afghanistan or because of Afghanistan," he told Reuters in an interview at the end of a three-day visit to Pakistan. Abdullah also said that an upcoming conference in Geneva in November, at which governments will pledge financial support to bolster the peace process, would also be "one of the things in our mind" as they try to build momentum at the negotiating table. United States special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday flew to Doha to meet negotiators, who two diplomatic sources said have been deadlocked over setting a process for negotiations in part due to the Taliban insistence that the US-Taliban agreement be used as a basis. During his visit to Islamabad, Abdullah had met with Prime Minister Imran Khan as well as the president and foreign minister. Also read: Pakistan, Afghanistan should shun suspicion to build new relationship: Afghan peace official Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have long been rocky. Afghanistan officials – including Abdullah - and its international allies have for years accused Pakistan of backing the Taliban insurgents as a way to limit the influence of old rival India in Afghanistan. But Abdullah said that he believed there had a been a change in recent years in Pakistan's approach, adding that they still had influence over the Taliban leadership, though the degree was at times exaggerated. "It was communicated to the Taliban that it was important for them, it's important to their relations with Pakistan that they sit around the negotiating table," he said, saying that had helped to break decades of the Taliban refusing to sit down for talks. "Today that has changed," he said. "I do consider this as an important development."

Afghan peace official sees little change in US policy regardless of election result

Russians vote on Sunday in dozens of local elections that will be scrutinised for signs of discontent with the ruling United Russia party following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Navalny, 44, had hoped to undermine United Russia’s grip on regional power and had urged his supporters to vote against it tactically before he fell gravely ill in what Germany and his allies say was an attempt to kill him last month.

United Russia, which backs President Vladimir Putin, dominates regional politics, but the elections come at a time of public frustration over years of falling wages and the government’s handling of the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-election-eve-several-thousand-join-anti-kremlin-rally-in-russian-far-east-327063">Also read:&nbsp;On election eve, several thousand join anti-Kremlin rally in Russian Far East</a>

Seen as a dry run for next September’s parliament elections, the regional polls will elect 18 governors and an array of local parliaments and city councils.

Early voting began on Friday after authorities stretched out the elections over three days, a move criticised by independent election watchdog Golos which warned the longer period would make it harder for monitors to catch fraud at polling stations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-police-seek-to-question-alexei-navalny-in-germany-326801">Also read:&nbsp;Russian police seek to question Alexei Navalny in Germany</a>

Navalny’s allies have pressed ahead with the Kremlin critic’s “smart voting” strategy, naming more than a thousand politicians on the ballots they think can beat ruling party candidates and telling their supporters to vote for them.

The strategy aims to disrupt a political system that often bars the Kremlin’s staunchest foes from running, while allowing softer candidates from the parliamentary parties to compete. Navalny has been unable to set up his own party.

The anti-corruption campaigner also has dozens of allies running in elections for seats in the city councils of Novosibirsk and Tomsk in Siberia.

There have been some signs of anti-Kremlin discontent in the regions.

Mass rallies in the far eastern city of Khabarovsk show no sign of abating two months after they flared over the arrest of a popular local governor who defeated United Russia’s candidate in an election upset in 2018.

Russians vote on Sunday in dozens of local elections that will be scrutinised for signs of discontent with the ruling United Russia party following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Russians vote on Sunday in dozens of local elections that will be scrutinised for signs of discontent with the ruling United Russia party following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Navalny, 44, had hoped to undermine United Russia’s grip on regional power and had urged his supporters to vote against it tactically before he fell gravely ill in what Germany and his allies say was an attempt to kill him last month. United Russia, which backs President Vladimir Putin, dominates regional politics, but the elections come at a time of public frustration over years of falling wages and the government’s handling of the pandemic. Also read: On election eve, several thousand join anti-Kremlin rally in Russian Far East Seen as a dry run for next September’s parliament elections, the regional polls will elect 18 governors and an array of local parliaments and city councils. Early voting began on Friday after authorities stretched out the elections over three days, a move criticised by independent election watchdog Golos which warned the longer period would make it harder for monitors to catch fraud at polling stations. Also read: Russian police seek to question Alexei Navalny in Germany Navalny’s allies have pressed ahead with the Kremlin critic’s “smart voting” strategy, naming more than a thousand politicians on the ballots they think can beat ruling party candidates and telling their supporters to vote for them. The strategy aims to disrupt a political system that often bars the Kremlin’s staunchest foes from running, while allowing softer candidates from the parliamentary parties to compete. Navalny has been unable to set up his own party. The anti-corruption campaigner also has dozens of allies running in elections for seats in the city councils of Novosibirsk and Tomsk in Siberia. There have been some signs of anti-Kremlin discontent in the regions. Mass rallies in the far eastern city of Khabarovsk show no sign of abating two months after they flared over the arrest of a popular local governor who defeated United Russia’s candidate in an election upset in 2018.

Russians vote in local elections targeted by Kremlin critic Navalny

The European Union is set to impose economic sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials, according to a Reuters report.&nbsp;

The list will include Belarus’ interior minister, and will be put out by mid-September, three EU diplomats claimed.

Fresh elections

EU wants fresh elections in Belarus after Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in allegedly disputed elections. He has ruled the country for 26 years.

"We initially agreed on 14 names but many states felt that was not sufficient. We have now reached consensus on another 17," one EU diplomat told Reuters. "These are senior officials responsible for the election, for violence and for the crackdown."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/belarus-protesters-keep-pressure-on-lukashenko-with-new-march-325562" hreflang="en">Belarus protesters keep pressure on Lukashenko with new march</a>

Additionally, EU foreign ministers have given their approval for the sanctions, including travel bands and asset freezes. This was decided last month in Berlin, but with no clear names in sight.

Greece and Cyprus are focused on imposing sanctions on Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, which is why they are yet to extend their support to sanctions against Belarus.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/belarus-people-continue-to-protest-against-lukashenko-325632/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Consensus needed

The diplomats said that all 27 EU countries must reach a consensus on these sanctions to ensure tough measures against Belarus.

The formal agreement will most likely come on September 21, when the next meeting among foreign ministers takes place. The sanctions, then, would come into effect starting September 22.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/masked-men-drag-protesting-belarusian-students-off-the-streets-325432" hreflang="en">Masked men drag protesting Belarusian students off the streets</a>

Recently, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia imposed sanctions on Belarus in the aftermath of crackdown in the country. EU has kept hush over the names on the list, for people may then be warned, and would then be able to move their assets out of banks.

Even though the interior minister, along with other ministers are expected to be on the list, Lukashenko’s name will not be added.

Germany currently holds the six-month presidency of the EU, and wants to push for more dialogue before sanctions are taken out against Lukashenko.

The European Union is set to impose economic sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials, according to a Reuters report. The list will include Belarus’ interior minister, and will be put out by mid-September, three EU diplomats claimed.

The European Union is set to impose economic sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials, according to a Reuters report. The list will include Belarus’ interior minister, and will be put out by mid-September, three EU diplomats claimed. Fresh elections EU wants fresh elections in Belarus after Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in allegedly disputed elections. He has ruled the country for 26 years. "We initially agreed on 14 names but many states felt that was not sufficient. We have now reached consensus on another 17," one EU diplomat told Reuters. "These are senior officials responsible for the election, for violence and for the crackdown." Also read: Belarus protesters keep pressure on Lukashenko with new march Additionally, EU foreign ministers have given their approval for the sanctions, including travel bands and asset freezes. This was decided last month in Berlin, but with no clear names in sight. Greece and Cyprus are focused on imposing sanctions on Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, which is why they are yet to extend their support to sanctions against Belarus. Consensus needed The diplomats said that all 27 EU countries must reach a consensus on these sanctions to ensure tough measures against Belarus. The formal agreement will most likely come on September 21, when the next meeting among foreign ministers takes place. The sanctions, then, would come into effect starting September 22. Also read: Masked men drag protesting Belarusian students off the streets Recently, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia imposed sanctions on Belarus in the aftermath of crackdown in the country. EU has kept hush over the names on the list, for people may then be warned, and would then be able to move their assets out of banks. Even though the interior minister, along with other ministers are expected to be on the list, Lukashenko’s name will not be added. Germany currently holds the six-month presidency of the EU, and wants to push for more dialogue before sanctions are taken out against Lukashenko.

EU to impose sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials over recent election: Report

United State's Postal Service has been surrounded by controversies and financial trouble for the last few months now, especially with the upcoming Presidential elections in November.

However, Americans could not see their beloved service succumbing to the financial pressure and decided to help in way possible.

The USPS started a 'flash sale' with a 50 per cent discount offer on the merchandise on their official website. People started buying stuff online, and even took to social media to urge their fellow citizens to follow the path.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Nothing says summer like ordering stamps while crying.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) <a href="https://twitter.com/billyeichner/status/1294408434176028672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Within no time, items such as the&nbsp;express mail T-shirt, USPS backpack, blue hoodie sweatshirt and Earth Day coasters&nbsp;were sold out and marked unavailable.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has brought in changes over the time to help the organisation survive. Under his command, USPS has slowed delivery, removed some of the iconic blue letter collection boxes, high-speed letter sorters from commission and issued a stark warning to election officials that mail-in ballots will no longer automatically be moved as priority mail. So much so, he also suspended overtime for workers and even reduced the working hours.

<img alt="USPS sale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a59a940-ca0d-415c-9952-2ef4617b21b2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/USPS.jpg" />

People have started to come out in support of USP now, especially since more number of people are expected to opt for mail-in voting system this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/postal-slowdown-sparks-claims-of-plot-to-undermine-us-vote-320937">Also read:&nbsp;Postal slowdown sparks claims of plot to undermine US vote</a>

On Twitter, Americans also took a trip down the memory lane by sharing their experiences, favourite moments and memories of receiving post in their childhood. Some people are also starting GoFundMe and similar petitions to help fund the USPS.

The&nbsp;American Postal Workers Union have started a hashtag of #SaveThePostOffice on Twitter.&nbsp;"91% of the people of this country trust and support the USPS. This isn't a conservative issue or a liberal issue to the people of this country who rely on the mail." APWU President Mark Dimondstein said.

United State's Postal Service has been surrounded by controversies and financial trouble for the last few months now, especially with the upcoming Presidential elections in November.

United State's Postal Service has been surrounded by controversies and financial trouble for the last few months now, especially with the upcoming Presidential elections in November. However, Americans could not see their beloved service succumbing to the financial pressure and decided to help in way possible. The USPS started a 'flash sale' with a 50 per cent discount offer on the merchandise on their official website. People started buying stuff online, and even took to social media to urge their fellow citizens to follow the path. Nothing says summer like ordering stamps while crying. — billy eichner (@billyeichner) August 14, 2020 × Within no time, items such as the express mail T-shirt, USPS backpack, blue hoodie sweatshirt and Earth Day coasters were sold out and marked unavailable. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has brought in changes over the time to help the organisation survive. Under his command, USPS has slowed delivery, removed some of the iconic blue letter collection boxes, high-speed letter sorters from commission and issued a stark warning to election officials that mail-in ballots will no longer automatically be moved as priority mail. So much so, he also suspended overtime for workers and even reduced the working hours. People have started to come out in support of USP now, especially since more number of people are expected to opt for mail-in voting system this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Postal slowdown sparks claims of plot to undermine US vote On Twitter, Americans also took a trip down the memory lane by sharing their experiences, favourite moments and memories of receiving post in their childhood. Some people are also starting GoFundMe and similar petitions to help fund the USPS. The American Postal Workers Union have started a hashtag of #SaveThePostOffice on Twitter. "91% of the people of this country trust and support the USPS. This isn't a conservative issue or a liberal issue to the people of this country who rely on the mail." APWU President Mark Dimondstein said.

Stamp sale: Americans buy merchandise to fund USPS before elections

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern kicked off her Labour Party's election campaign Saturday riding high in the opinion polls after a successful response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ardern's popularity as preferred prime minister — often referred to as "Jacindamania" — topped 60 percent in the latest surveys following her leadership through the Christchurch mosque attacks, the White Island volcanic eruption and the pandemic.&nbsp;

Before the virus forced New Zealand to seal its borders, the polls had pointed to a cliffhanger election on September 19, but support swung sharply towards the centre-left Labour Party as the country eliminated community transmission in a matter on months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-pm-fires-immigration-minister-over-affair-315156">Also watch:&nbsp;New Zealand PM fires immigration minister over affair</a>

In a country of five million people, New Zealand has had only 22 COVID-19 deaths and it has been 99 days since the last recorded case of infection from an unknown source.&nbsp;

"When people ask, is this a COVID election, my answer is yes, it is," the charismatic 40-year-old said as she launched the campaign with a NZ$311 million (US$205 million) pledge to boost jobs.

"Businesses large and small are crucial to our economic recovery."

Labour is the senior partner in a three-party coalition government but if it can maintain the support shown in recent opinion polls, where it has consistently been above 50 percent, it could govern alone after the election.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacinda-ardern-sacks-immigration-minister-iain-lees-galloway-over-office-affair-with-ex-staffer-315014">Also read:&nbsp;Jacinda Ardern sacks Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over office affair with ex-staffer</a>

Ardern was an unheralded MP when thrust into the Labour leadership shortly before the 2017 election when the party was struggling and "there were plenty who thought it couldn't (win)," she said.&nbsp;

"If you had told me then that our launch in 2020 would be in the midst of a global pandemic with our borders closed — I would have found that very hard to fathom."

The centrepiece of Labour's campaign is to support businesses in hiring at least 40,000 people whose employment has been affected by the coronavirus.&nbsp;

It pledged to expand existing job schemes to help employers hire staff at risk of long-term unemployment.&nbsp;

It will also help out-of-work New Zealanders start a business through an expanded self-employment programme which will provide the equivalent of the minimum wage for up to 30-hours a week.&nbsp;

"The new flexi-wage scheme is a key plank of our economic plan to support businesses to recover and to provide jobs to those who have lost work due to COVID," Ardern said.&nbsp;

"Our team-of-five-million approach to fighting COVID means there is huge willingness in our business community to avoid unemployment rising by retaining staff and taking on new employees where they can, but many just need a little bit of extra support to do that, which this package provides."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern kicked off her Labour Party's election campaign Saturday riding high in the opinion polls after a successful response to the coronavirus outbreak.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern kicked off her Labour Party's election campaign Saturday riding high in the opinion polls after a successful response to the coronavirus outbreak. Ardern's popularity as preferred prime minister — often referred to as "Jacindamania" — topped 60 percent in the latest surveys following her leadership through the Christchurch mosque attacks, the White Island volcanic eruption and the pandemic. Before the virus forced New Zealand to seal its borders, the polls had pointed to a cliffhanger election on September 19, but support swung sharply towards the centre-left Labour Party as the country eliminated community transmission in a matter on months. Also watch: New Zealand PM fires immigration minister over affair In a country of five million people, New Zealand has had only 22 COVID-19 deaths and it has been 99 days since the last recorded case of infection from an unknown source. "When people ask, is this a COVID election, my answer is yes, it is," the charismatic 40-year-old said as she launched the campaign with a NZ$311 million (US$205 million) pledge to boost jobs. "Businesses large and small are crucial to our economic recovery." Labour is the senior partner in a three-party coalition government but if it can maintain the support shown in recent opinion polls, where it has consistently been above 50 percent, it could govern alone after the election. Also read: Jacinda Ardern sacks Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over office affair with ex-staffer Ardern was an unheralded MP when thrust into the Labour leadership shortly before the 2017 election when the party was struggling and "there were plenty who thought it couldn't (win)," she said. "If you had told me then that our launch in 2020 would be in the midst of a global pandemic with our borders closed — I would have found that very hard to fathom." The centrepiece of Labour's campaign is to support businesses in hiring at least 40,000 people whose employment has been affected by the coronavirus. It pledged to expand existing job schemes to help employers hire staff at risk of long-term unemployment. It will also help out-of-work New Zealanders start a business through an expanded self-employment programme which will provide the equivalent of the minimum wage for up to 30-hours a week. "The new flexi-wage scheme is a key plank of our economic plan to support businesses to recover and to provide jobs to those who have lost work due to COVID," Ardern said. "Our team-of-five-million approach to fighting COVID means there is huge willingness in our business community to avoid unemployment rising by retaining staff and taking on new employees where they can, but many just need a little bit of extra support to do that, which this package provides."

New Zealand's Ardern kicks off election campaign after taming virus

With less than 90 days left for the US Presidential Election, both Republicans and Democrats are wooing the Indian American voters. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Indian Americans are getting special attention in this presidential election.

Gravitas: US Election 2020 | How Republicans & Democrats are wooing Indian Americans

Syrians voted Sunday to elect a new parliament as the Damascus government grapples with international sanctions and a crumbling economy after retaking large parts of the war-torn country.

Syrians vote for new parliament amid war and economic turmoil

&nbsp;Public health inspectors in Sri Lanka on Friday announced that they will refrain from COVID-19 related duties to protest Health Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi's recent remarks against them.

Minister Wanniarachchi recently said that PHI officers engaged in COVID-19 duties were causing inconvenience by revealing details of the latest detections of coronavirus patients to the media.

Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU) in a statement said they are protesting Wanniarachchi's remarks that PHIs had caused problems in COVID-19 prevention and therefore they would not be provided legal cover for their work. 
They said they were withdrawing from all COVID-19 combat work from mid-day Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/postal-voting-for-over-70000-sri-lankan-officials-begins-amid-new-covid-19-threat-313095">Also read:&nbsp;Postal voting for over 700,00 Sri Lankan officials begins amid new COVID-19 threat</a>

Health Minister Wanniarachchi's comments came as she took action to gazette the health guidelines after a long delay on holding the August 5 parliamentary elections.

The Election Commission had complained that guidelines that were forwarded to the authorities early June had not been given legal effect by way of a gazette publication even by Thursday.

Election Commission chief Mahinda Deshapriya said it would be extremely difficult to conduct the election on August 5 without the gazette on health guidelines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-cancels-election-rallies-over-surge-in-new-virus-cases-312781">Also read:&nbsp;Sri Lanka cancels election rallies over surge in new virus cases</a>

The PHIs told the Election Commission that the legal cover for their work was a must as people tend to object to and ignore their work to comply with health guidelines without the legal cover.

It was announced Saturday morning that COVID-19 (Elections) regulations 2020 are to deal only with issues concerning election rallies, canvassing by political parties and maintenance of elections offices by political parties.

This excludes the PHI functions in respective areas to enforce health guidelines. 
The election which had been twice postponed is due to be held on August 5.

The need for legality to the health guidelines became even more important in the face of what seemed a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

A sudden spike of over 500 cases from the north central region forced the cancellation of election campaigning and closure of schools.

Public health inspectors in Sri Lanka on Friday announced that they will refrain from COVID-19 related duties to protest Health Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi's recent remarks against them.

Public health inspectors in Sri Lanka on Friday announced that they will refrain from COVID-19 related duties to protest Health Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi's recent remarks against them. Minister Wanniarachchi recently said that PHI officers engaged in COVID-19 duties were causing inconvenience by revealing details of the latest detections of coronavirus patients to the media. Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU) in a statement said they are protesting Wanniarachchi's remarks that PHIs had caused problems in COVID-19 prevention and therefore they would not be provided legal cover for their work. They said they were withdrawing from all COVID-19 combat work from mid-day Friday. Also read: Postal voting for over 700,00 Sri Lankan officials begins amid new COVID-19 threat Health Minister Wanniarachchi's comments came as she took action to gazette the health guidelines after a long delay on holding the August 5 parliamentary elections. The Election Commission had complained that guidelines that were forwarded to the authorities early June had not been given legal effect by way of a gazette publication even by Thursday. Election Commission chief Mahinda Deshapriya said it would be extremely difficult to conduct the election on August 5 without the gazette on health guidelines. Also read: Sri Lanka cancels election rallies over surge in new virus cases The PHIs told the Election Commission that the legal cover for their work was a must as people tend to object to and ignore their work to comply with health guidelines without the legal cover. It was announced Saturday morning that COVID-19 (Elections) regulations 2020 are to deal only with issues concerning election rallies, canvassing by political parties and maintenance of elections offices by political parties. This excludes the PHI functions in respective areas to enforce health guidelines. The election which had been twice postponed is due to be held on August 5. The need for legality to the health guidelines became even more important in the face of what seemed a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. A sudden spike of over 500 cases from the north central region forced the cancellation of election campaigning and closure of schools.

Lanka health inspectors withdraw from COVID-19 duties over minister's remarks against them

Poland's incumbent Andrzej Duda has won the presidential election, results from over 99% of polling stations show, with remaining uncounted votes unlikely to sway the final outcome, the National Electoral Commission said on Monday.

Duda, an ally of Poland's ruling nationalists, is expected to help the Law and Justice (PiS) party continue its reforms of the judiciary, which have been criticised by the European Union, and generous social spending programmes.

According to the latest results, Duda received 51.21% of the vote, while opposition candidate Rafal Trzaskowski got 48.79% of the vote. The difference in votes between the candidates amounted to around 500,000.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/divided-poland-votes-in-close-presidential-run-off-312821" hreflang="en">Divided Poland votes in close presidential run-off</a>

"I don't want to speak on behalf of the campaign staff, but I think that this difference is large enough that we have to accept the result," Grzegorz Schetyna, the former head of Poland's opposition Civic Platform (PO) grouping and member of parliament told private broadcaster TVN24 on Monday.

Poles voted with almost record turnout, reported at 68.12% by the commission.

The Commission said it wasn't sure when it would announce full official results as some polling stations, including some abroad, had not yet submitted their official counts.&nbsp;

The opposition had earlier said it was collecting information about what it says were voting irregularities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/poland-holds-momentous-tight-presidential-election-runoff-312727" hreflang="en">Poland holds momentous, tight presidential election runoff</a>

"We are gathering information and signals about different irregularities and we are still only talking about polls and only a percentage of results from the National Electoral Commission so we don't have a full picture of the situation," Tomasz Siemoniak, a PO member of parliament told Reuters.&nbsp;

PiS officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The foreign ministry was also unavailable for comment.&nbsp;

"Today or perhaps at the latest tomorrow...we will be able to indicate what the scale of these protests is," Sylwester Marciniak, the head of the electoral commission, told a news conference on Monday.

Poland's incumbent Andrzej Duda has won the presidential election, results from over 99% of polling stations show, with remaining uncounted votes unlikely to sway the final outcome, the National Electoral Commission said on Monday.

Poland's incumbent Andrzej Duda has won the presidential election, results from over 99% of polling stations show, with remaining uncounted votes unlikely to sway the final outcome, the National Electoral Commission said on Monday. Duda, an ally of Poland's ruling nationalists, is expected to help the Law and Justice (PiS) party continue its reforms of the judiciary, which have been criticised by the European Union, and generous social spending programmes. According to the latest results, Duda received 51.21% of the vote, while opposition candidate Rafal Trzaskowski got 48.79% of the vote. The difference in votes between the candidates amounted to around 500,000. Also read: Divided Poland votes in close presidential run-off "I don't want to speak on behalf of the campaign staff, but I think that this difference is large enough that we have to accept the result," Grzegorz Schetyna, the former head of Poland's opposition Civic Platform (PO) grouping and member of parliament told private broadcaster TVN24 on Monday. Poles voted with almost record turnout, reported at 68.12% by the commission. The Commission said it wasn't sure when it would announce full official results as some polling stations, including some abroad, had not yet submitted their official counts. The opposition had earlier said it was collecting information about what it says were voting irregularities. Also read: Poland holds momentous, tight presidential election runoff "We are gathering information and signals about different irregularities and we are still only talking about polls and only a percentage of results from the National Electoral Commission so we don't have a full picture of the situation," Tomasz Siemoniak, a PO member of parliament told Reuters. PiS officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The foreign ministry was also unavailable for comment. "Today or perhaps at the latest tomorrow...we will be able to indicate what the scale of these protests is," Sylwester Marciniak, the head of the electoral commission, told a news conference on Monday.

Poland's incumbent Duda wins presidential election

Incumbent Andrzej Duda was marginally ahead in Poland`s presidential election on Sunday, an exit poll found, in a result seen as likely to have profound implications for Warsaw`s relations with the rest of the European Union.

The re-election of Duda, an ally of the ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS), is crucial if the government is to implement in full its conservative agenda, including judicial reforms that the European Union says are undemocratic.

Duda`s challenger, liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, has pledged to repair Poland`s relations with Europe and use the presidential veto power to hold back any legislation that would subvert the rule of law.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-holds-momentous-tight-presidential-election-runoff-312727">Also read:&nbsp;Poland holds momentous, tight presidential election runoff</a>

The exit poll by Ipsos showed Duda winning 50.4% of the vote, while Trzaskowski, the preferred candidate of the main opposition party, the centrist Civic Platform (PO), had 49.6%. Ipsos said it was too early to call a winner.

"All we need is to count the votes. The night will be tense but I am certain that when the votes are counted, we will win," Trzaskowski told supporters in a park just outside Warsaw`s historic Old Town.

Partial official results are expected on Monday.

Opinion polls before the election had shown the candidates, both 48, neck and neck, with Trzaskowski having closed the gap on Duda, who initially looked like a clear favourite.

Backed by the government, Duda ran an acrimonious campaign, laced with homophobic language, attacks on independent media and accusations levied against Trzaskowski that he would serve foreign interests instead of Poland`s.

Duda, a devout believer, had painted himself as a defender of Catholic values and of the government`s generous social benefit programmes that have transformed life for many, especially in the poorer rural regions of the country.

He appeared conciliatory on Sunday. "If anyone was offended by anything I did or said in the last five years, not just during the campaign, please accept my apology," he told supporters in Pultusk, a small town north of the capital.

Duda has also championed large infrastructure projects, which he says will create jobs and boost the country`s autonomy and international standing.

Lethal Danger 
For many religious conservatives in Poland, Trzaskowski came to represent the threats facing traditional values when he pledged to introduce education about LGBT rights in the city`s schools.

The archbishop of Krakow, Marek Jedraszewski, told worshippers in the southern city of Czestochowa on Saturday that Poland faced a "lethal danger" from ideologies that seek to undermine the traditional family structure and corrupt children.

Trzaskowski says he seeks a more tolerant Poland and has criticised PiS` rhetoric, vowing to abolish state news channel TVP Info, which critics say gave overt support to Duda in its programming.

"In politics, you should have opponents, not enemies," Trzaskowski said on Sunday. "They thought they had full power, but today they have fear in their eyes."

Duda` re-election to a second five-year term would open up the prospect of three years of uninterrupted rule by PiS, which controls the lower house of parliament, with the next national election scheduled for 2023.

Observers say his defeat could undermine the fragile parliamentary majority that supports the PiS government, raising the spectre of political instability as Poland is coping with the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

The election is being closely watched in Brussels.

Before PiS and Duda came to power in 2015, Poland had one of the most pro-European administrations in the bloc`s ex-communist east. But it has grown increasingly isolated, with divisions focusing on climate change and migration, in addition to democratic norms.

Incumbent Andrzej Duda was marginally ahead in Poland`s presidential election on Sunday, an exit poll found, in a result seen as likely to have profound implications for Warsaw`s relations with the rest of the European Union.

Incumbent Andrzej Duda was marginally ahead in Poland`s presidential election on Sunday, an exit poll found, in a result seen as likely to have profound implications for Warsaw`s relations with the rest of the European Union. The re-election of Duda, an ally of the ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS), is crucial if the government is to implement in full its conservative agenda, including judicial reforms that the European Union says are undemocratic. Duda`s challenger, liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, has pledged to repair Poland`s relations with Europe and use the presidential veto power to hold back any legislation that would subvert the rule of law. Also read: Poland holds momentous, tight presidential election runoff The exit poll by Ipsos showed Duda winning 50.4% of the vote, while Trzaskowski, the preferred candidate of the main opposition party, the centrist Civic Platform (PO), had 49.6%. Ipsos said it was too early to call a winner. "All we need is to count the votes. The night will be tense but I am certain that when the votes are counted, we will win," Trzaskowski told supporters in a park just outside Warsaw`s historic Old Town. Partial official results are expected on Monday. Opinion polls before the election had shown the candidates, both 48, neck and neck, with Trzaskowski having closed the gap on Duda, who initially looked like a clear favourite. Backed by the government, Duda ran an acrimonious campaign, laced with homophobic language, attacks on independent media and accusations levied against Trzaskowski that he would serve foreign interests instead of Poland`s. Duda, a devout believer, had painted himself as a defender of Catholic values and of the government`s generous social benefit programmes that have transformed life for many, especially in the poorer rural regions of the country. He appeared conciliatory on Sunday. "If anyone was offended by anything I did or said in the last five years, not just during the campaign, please accept my apology," he told supporters in Pultusk, a small town north of the capital. Duda has also championed large infrastructure projects, which he says will create jobs and boost the country`s autonomy and international standing. Lethal Danger For many religious conservatives in Poland, Trzaskowski came to represent the threats facing traditional values when he pledged to introduce education about LGBT rights in the city`s schools. The archbishop of Krakow, Marek Jedraszewski, told worshippers in the southern city of Czestochowa on Saturday that Poland faced a "lethal danger" from ideologies that seek to undermine the traditional family structure and corrupt children. Trzaskowski says he seeks a more tolerant Poland and has criticised PiS` rhetoric, vowing to abolish state news channel TVP Info, which critics say gave overt support to Duda in its programming. "In politics, you should have opponents, not enemies," Trzaskowski said on Sunday. "They thought they had full power, but today they have fear in their eyes." Duda` re-election to a second five-year term would open up the prospect of three years of uninterrupted rule by PiS, which controls the lower house of parliament, with the next national election scheduled for 2023. Observers say his defeat could undermine the fragile parliamentary majority that supports the PiS government, raising the spectre of political instability as Poland is coping with the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The election is being closely watched in Brussels. Before PiS and Duda came to power in 2015, Poland had one of the most pro-European administrations in the bloc`s ex-communist east. But it has grown increasingly isolated, with divisions focusing on climate change and migration, in addition to democratic norms.

Polish presidential election too close to call, incumbent marginally ahead

Hong Kong’s opposition camp set up polling booths across the Chinese-ruled city on Saturday for primary elections aimed at selecting democracy candidates who stand the best chance of success in Legislative Council elections in September.

The primaries come less than two weeks after Beijing imposed sweeping national security legislation on the Asian financial hub, stoking concerns that wide-ranging freedoms not seen in mainland China will be crushed.

The law punishes what China describes broadly as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, with up to life in prison and allows mainland security agents to operate officially in Hong Kong for the first time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-democracts-hold-primary-despite-security-law-warning-312668">Also watch:&nbsp;Hong Kong democracts hold primary despite security law warning</a>

On the eve of the primaries, police searched the office of independent pollster Robert Chung, whose Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) helps organise the election, raising concerns among activists of interference in the poll.

“The primary election is our first time to let Beijing know Hong Kongers never bow down to China,” said pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong ahead of the opening of polling booths at noon (0400 GMT).

“We urge the world to put Hong Kong under the global spotlight.”

While the primaries are only for the opposition camp, observers are watching closely as they say the turnout at the election will serve as a litmus test of broader opposition to the national security law.

The election seeks to bolster the chance for democracy candidates to achieve a 35-plus majority in the 70-seat legislature in polls on September 6, potentially giving them power to block government proposals.

Hong Kong’s opposition camp secured a landslide victory in district council elections in November, riding on support for an anti-government protest movement triggered by a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial.

Protests that escalated in June last year and evolved into calls for greater democracy have fizzled since police arrested more than 300 people on July 1, the day after Beijing introduced the national security law.

Hong Kong’s opposition camp set up polling booths across the Chinese-ruled city on Saturday for primary elections aimed at selecting democracy candidates who stand the best chance of success in Legislative Council elections in September.

Hong Kong’s opposition camp set up polling booths across the Chinese-ruled city on Saturday for primary elections aimed at selecting democracy candidates who stand the best chance of success in Legislative Council elections in September. The primaries come less than two weeks after Beijing imposed sweeping national security legislation on the Asian financial hub, stoking concerns that wide-ranging freedoms not seen in mainland China will be crushed. The law punishes what China describes broadly as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, with up to life in prison and allows mainland security agents to operate officially in Hong Kong for the first time. Also watch: Hong Kong democracts hold primary despite security law warning On the eve of the primaries, police searched the office of independent pollster Robert Chung, whose Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) helps organise the election, raising concerns among activists of interference in the poll. “The primary election is our first time to let Beijing know Hong Kongers never bow down to China,” said pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong ahead of the opening of polling booths at noon (0400 GMT). “We urge the world to put Hong Kong under the global spotlight.” While the primaries are only for the opposition camp, observers are watching closely as they say the turnout at the election will serve as a litmus test of broader opposition to the national security law. The election seeks to bolster the chance for democracy candidates to achieve a 35-plus majority in the 70-seat legislature in polls on September 6, potentially giving them power to block government proposals. Hong Kong’s opposition camp secured a landslide victory in district council elections in November, riding on support for an anti-government protest movement triggered by a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial. Protests that escalated in June last year and evolved into calls for greater democracy have fizzled since police arrested more than 300 people on July 1, the day after Beijing introduced the national security law.

Hong Kong opposition kicks off primary elections under shadow of security law

Voting started Sunday in Poland's razor-blade-close presidential election runoff between the conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda and liberal, pro-European Union Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.

Duda is backed by the ruling right-wing party and the government, as he seeks a second 5-year term. Trzaskowski, a former European Parliament lawmaker, runs for the main opposition Civic Platform party. Both candidates are aged 48.

Latest polls showed that the race may be decided by a very small margin. Amid calls from both sides to some 30 million eligible voters to cast ballots, turnout is expected to be higher than the 64.51% in the first round on June 28. 
In the first round, Duda got 43.5% and Trzaskowski 30.5%.

Voting stations remain open until 9 pm (1900 GMT,) when exit polls will be released. The final official results are expected early in the week.

The outcome of the election will decide the shape of politics in deeply divided Poland at least until 2023, when parliamentary elections are scheduled.

If Duda is reelected, the right-wing Law and Justice party that backs him will continue to have a close ally in the president and maintain its hold on almost all key instruments of power in the country.

Trzaskowski's win would give him the power to veto laws passed by the ruling party. Poland's tone would also be softened on the international arena and especially with the EU.

The voting is held under strict sanitary conditions due to the still spreading coronavirus. Poland registered over 37,000 infections and almost 1,600 deaths.

Voters must wear masks and gloves, maintain a safe distance and use hand sanitiser. They can use their own pens to mark ballots. Election officials must wear masks too and sit wide apart from each other. Ballot boxes will be regularly disinfected and the polling stations will be ventilated.

Voting started Sunday in Poland's razor-blade-close presidential election runoff between the conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda and liberal, pro-European Union Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.

Voting started Sunday in Poland's razor-blade-close presidential election runoff between the conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda and liberal, pro-European Union Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. Duda is backed by the ruling right-wing party and the government, as he seeks a second 5-year term. Trzaskowski, a former European Parliament lawmaker, runs for the main opposition Civic Platform party. Both candidates are aged 48. Latest polls showed that the race may be decided by a very small margin. Amid calls from both sides to some 30 million eligible voters to cast ballots, turnout is expected to be higher than the 64.51% in the first round on June 28. In the first round, Duda got 43.5% and Trzaskowski 30.5%. Voting stations remain open until 9 pm (1900 GMT,) when exit polls will be released. The final official results are expected early in the week. The outcome of the election will decide the shape of politics in deeply divided Poland at least until 2023, when parliamentary elections are scheduled. If Duda is reelected, the right-wing Law and Justice party that backs him will continue to have a close ally in the president and maintain its hold on almost all key instruments of power in the country. Trzaskowski's win would give him the power to veto laws passed by the ruling party. Poland's tone would also be softened on the international arena and especially with the EU. The voting is held under strict sanitary conditions due to the still spreading coronavirus. Poland registered over 37,000 infections and almost 1,600 deaths. Voters must wear masks and gloves, maintain a safe distance and use hand sanitiser. They can use their own pens to mark ballots. Election officials must wear masks too and sit wide apart from each other. Ballot boxes will be regularly disinfected and the polling stations will be ventilated.

Poland holds momentous, tight presidential election runoff

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has returned to power, winning 83 of the 93 seats contested in Friday's General Election, even as the Opposition registered minor gains.

Lee, 68, was re-elected from his Group Representation Constituency (GRC) of Ang Mo Kio. The prime minister led his party's GRC team of Gan Thiam Poh, Darryl David, Ng Ling Ling and Nadia Ahmad Samdin.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat was also re-elected. His team included Maliki Osman, Jessica Tan, Cheryl Chan and Tan Kiat How of the East Coast GRC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/masked-singapore-locals-come-out-to-cast-vote-in-new-normal-style-312177">Have a look|&nbsp;Masked Singapore locals come out to cast vote in 'new normal' style</a>

The Opposition Workers' Party -- led by Indian-origin leader Pritam Singh -- won 10 seats, including the GRC of Sengkang where it defeated the PAP's team led by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Ng Chee Meng. Meng is also the Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress.

Singh and his team retained the Aljunied GRC. Party member Dennis Tan retained the single member constituency seat of Hougang, defeating the PAP's Lee Hong Chuang. The Workers' Party had secured six seats in the last General election in 2015.

Some 2.65 million Singaporeans donning face masks and gloves voted in the elections for selecting 93 members of Parliament out of 192 candidates contesting for seats through 17 GRCs which groups together candidates in four or five, and 14 Single Member Constituencies.

The PAP has ruled Singapore since independence with absolute majority. Eleven political parties, including the PAP, campaigned for nine days amid the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 that has pushed the city-state's economy towards the worst-ever recession in nearly two decades.

In a bid to enhance the safety of voting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of polling stations was increased from 880 to 1,100.

Prime Minister Lee last month called for general elections 10 months ahead of schedule to "clear the decks" and give the new government a fresh five-year mandate to focus on the national agenda.

Lee's PAP has won every election since the late 1950s. The ruling PAP is the only party with candidates contesting on all 93 seats. This is the second general election that the opposition has fielded candidates in all seats in Parliament.

In the last elections in September 2015, the PAP contested all 89 seats and won 83 of them, an absolute majority in the house.

Lee, who is the country's third prime minister, has led the government since 2004. His father Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore's first prime minister and he transformed the city-state into an affluent nation during his 31-year rule.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has returned to power, winning 83 of the 93 seats contested in Friday's General Election, even as the Opposition registered minor gains.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has returned to power, winning 83 of the 93 seats contested in Friday's General Election, even as the Opposition registered minor gains. Lee, 68, was re-elected from his Group Representation Constituency (GRC) of Ang Mo Kio. The prime minister led his party's GRC team of Gan Thiam Poh, Darryl David, Ng Ling Ling and Nadia Ahmad Samdin. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat was also re-elected. His team included Maliki Osman, Jessica Tan, Cheryl Chan and Tan Kiat How of the East Coast GRC. Have a look| Masked Singapore locals come out to cast vote in 'new normal' style The Opposition Workers' Party -- led by Indian-origin leader Pritam Singh -- won 10 seats, including the GRC of Sengkang where it defeated the PAP's team led by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Ng Chee Meng. Meng is also the Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress. Singh and his team retained the Aljunied GRC. Party member Dennis Tan retained the single member constituency seat of Hougang, defeating the PAP's Lee Hong Chuang. The Workers' Party had secured six seats in the last General election in 2015. Some 2.65 million Singaporeans donning face masks and gloves voted in the elections for selecting 93 members of Parliament out of 192 candidates contesting for seats through 17 GRCs which groups together candidates in four or five, and 14 Single Member Constituencies. The PAP has ruled Singapore since independence with absolute majority. Eleven political parties, including the PAP, campaigned for nine days amid the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 that has pushed the city-state's economy towards the worst-ever recession in nearly two decades. In a bid to enhance the safety of voting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of polling stations was increased from 880 to 1,100. Prime Minister Lee last month called for general elections 10 months ahead of schedule to "clear the decks" and give the new government a fresh five-year mandate to focus on the national agenda. Lee's PAP has won every election since the late 1950s. The ruling PAP is the only party with candidates contesting on all 93 seats. This is the second general election that the opposition has fielded candidates in all seats in Parliament. In the last elections in September 2015, the PAP contested all 89 seats and won 83 of them, an absolute majority in the house. Lee, who is the country's third prime minister, has led the government since 2004. His father Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore's first prime minister and he transformed the city-state into an affluent nation during his 31-year rule.

Singapore's ruling PAP wins general election

Masked Singapore locals come out to cast vote in 'new normal' style

Singaporeans wearing masks and gloves cast their ballots on Friday under the cloud of the COVID-19 pandemic that is pushing the city-state's economy towards its worst-ever recession, making saving jobs the focus of the election.

Singapore goes to polls amid COVID-19 pandemic

Singaporeans wearing masks and gloves cast their ballots on Friday amid the COVID-19 pandemic that is pushing the city-state's economy towards its worst-ever recession, making saving jobs the focus of the election.

Polling underway in Singapore amid COVID-19 pandemic

Croatians went to polls Sunday to choose a government to navigate the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in a general election campaign that has been dominated by the health crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polish-president-speaks-out-against-same-sex-couple-adoptions-310754" hreflang="en">Polish president speaks out against same-sex couple adoptions</a>

The pandemic has put the European Union country's tourism-dependent economy on course for a contraction of nearly 10 percent -- its steepest decline in decades.

The ruling conservative HDZ party has been touting its relative success in containing Croatia's outbreak thus far, with an official tally of roughly 100 deaths and 3,000 infections.

But a rise of cases in recent weeks, with dozens recorded daily, has renewed fears over the health situation and given the opposition fresh ammunition.

"Everyone is scared about what will happen in autumn," Vesna Trnokop, a 60-year-old economist from Zagreb, told AFP.

"The coronavirus has changed economies, not only in Croatia, everywhere, so we should change our ideas."

Polling stations across the Adriatic country opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and will close 12 hours later.

HDZ is set for a close race with the main centre-left opposition and also risks losing votes to a new right-wing movement gunning for third place.

Neither of the two main contenders -- Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's HDZ or the 'Restart' coalition led by the Social Democrats (SDP) -- are expected to win an outright majority in the 151-seat assembly, surveys show.

That leaves the populist 'Homeland Movement' of folk singer-turned-politician Miroslav Skoro, a potentially key coalition partner.

Opposition leader and prime minister candidate Davor Bernardic has accused the government of "consciously pushing Croatia into a risk" by deciding to go ahead with the election in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His party cancelled electoral rallies over health concerns while voters have been asked to wear masks and bring their own pens. &nbsp;

Plenkovic, meanwhile, is hoping the uncertain future will inspire voters to stick with HDZ, in power since 2016.

Now is the&nbsp;time for "serious choices and not for political quackery", said the former MEP with strong backing from Brussels, who has dismissed his rivals as ill-prepared.

"Croatia doesn't have time for experiments like Bernardic or Skoro," he told AFP.

Petar Dragic, a taxi driver from Zagreb, agreed with the prime minister and said he would vote for HDZ.

"I'm pragmatic, don't care who is left or right. Only Plenkovic is capable of pulling funds from Brussels and this is what we need now," he told AFP referring to both the pandemic and looming economic crisis.

Yet some Croatians are hungry for new faces in a country struggling with massive emigration driven by low salaries and corruption at home.

"A lot needs to be changed," said retired teacher Branka Tekavec.

"There is not enough focus on Croatians leaving for abroad, unemployment and poor salaries of young people."

The government's rivals are also seizing on recent graft scandals that have rocked the party, with Bernardic calling for a "new start" instead of HDZ's "path of corruption".

In his final address ahead of the vote, right-wing Skoro argued that only his new party "guarantees a change, while SDP and HDZ guarantee the continuity of bad governance".

The popular musician made his debut when he finished third in Croatia's December presidential election, inspiring him to form a new movement.

Analysts say HDZ could ultimately accept a tie-up with the singer, despite anger over his moves to break off a segment of their traditional voting base.

SDP, on the other hand, is unlikely to consider such an alliance given 57-year-old Skoro's nostalgia for Croatia's pro-Nazi past and accusations of sexism.

Some 3.8 million people&nbsp;are eligible to vote with first official results due late Sunday.

Croatians went to polls Sunday to choose a government to navigate the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in a general election campaign that has been dominated by the health crisis.

Croatians went to polls Sunday to choose a government to navigate the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in a general election campaign that has been dominated by the health crisis. Also read: Polish president speaks out against same-sex couple adoptions The pandemic has put the European Union country's tourism-dependent economy on course for a contraction of nearly 10 percent -- its steepest decline in decades. The ruling conservative HDZ party has been touting its relative success in containing Croatia's outbreak thus far, with an official tally of roughly 100 deaths and 3,000 infections. But a rise of cases in recent weeks, with dozens recorded daily, has renewed fears over the health situation and given the opposition fresh ammunition. "Everyone is scared about what will happen in autumn," Vesna Trnokop, a 60-year-old economist from Zagreb, told AFP. "The coronavirus has changed economies, not only in Croatia, everywhere, so we should change our ideas." Polling stations across the Adriatic country opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and will close 12 hours later. HDZ is set for a close race with the main centre-left opposition and also risks losing votes to a new right-wing movement gunning for third place. Neither of the two main contenders -- Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's HDZ or the 'Restart' coalition led by the Social Democrats (SDP) -- are expected to win an outright majority in the 151-seat assembly, surveys show. That leaves the populist 'Homeland Movement' of folk singer-turned-politician Miroslav Skoro, a potentially key coalition partner. Opposition leader and prime minister candidate Davor Bernardic has accused the government of "consciously pushing Croatia into a risk" by deciding to go ahead with the election in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. His party cancelled electoral rallies over health concerns while voters have been asked to wear masks and bring their own pens. Plenkovic, meanwhile, is hoping the uncertain future will inspire voters to stick with HDZ, in power since 2016. Now is the time for "serious choices and not for political quackery", said the former MEP with strong backing from Brussels, who has dismissed his rivals as ill-prepared. "Croatia doesn't have time for experiments like Bernardic or Skoro," he told AFP. Petar Dragic, a taxi driver from Zagreb, agreed with the prime minister and said he would vote for HDZ. "I'm pragmatic, don't care who is left or right. Only Plenkovic is capable of pulling funds from Brussels and this is what we need now," he told AFP referring to both the pandemic and looming economic crisis. Yet some Croatians are hungry for new faces in a country struggling with massive emigration driven by low salaries and corruption at home. "A lot needs to be changed," said retired teacher Branka Tekavec. "There is not enough focus on Croatians leaving for abroad, unemployment and poor salaries of young people." The government's rivals are also seizing on recent graft scandals that have rocked the party, with Bernardic calling for a "new start" instead of HDZ's "path of corruption". In his final address ahead of the vote, right-wing Skoro argued that only his new party "guarantees a change, while SDP and HDZ guarantee the continuity of bad governance". The popular musician made his debut when he finished third in Croatia's December presidential election, inspiring him to form a new movement. Analysts say HDZ could ultimately accept a tie-up with the singer, despite anger over his moves to break off a segment of their traditional voting base. SDP, on the other hand, is unlikely to consider such an alliance given 57-year-old Skoro's nostalgia for Croatia's pro-Nazi past and accusations of sexism. Some 3.8 million people are eligible to vote with first official results due late Sunday.

Croatia votes for new government as virus woes loom

As Singapore gears for its upcoming general elections, a sibling rivalry may define the country’s future. Two brothers are battling each other head on to become the small country’s leader.&nbsp;Both are the sons of Lee Kuan Yew, the founder of modern Singapore.

Lee Hsien Yang, the younger son&nbsp;recently joined a new opposition party, effectively parting ways with his older brother Lee Hsien Loong and his People’s Action Party.

The PAP has ruled the city-state since its independence in 1965, with the dispute creaking in owing to property disagreements. Both the brothers are in lock heads to decide the fate of their father’s house. The younger son wants the house to be demolished, as stated in their father’s will. On the other hand, the elder brother and the prime minister is starkly against it.&nbsp;Loong wants to turn it into a museum and sees it as a historical landmark.

More than a house

The house signifies a memorable part of Singapore's political history. The founder Yew had moved into the five-bedroom home in 1945, and the PAP was founded here.&nbsp;Currently, the property is valued at 17 million Dollars.

The younger brother Yang. has joined the Progress Singapore Party. For his elder brother - a national museum will secure his legitimacy as a political heir to the city's founder.

This general election is expected to be the elder’s last, and he has called for an early election, even though his government completes the term next April.

Coronavirus connect?

With a population of 5.8 million people, Singapore's measures against the virus outbreak were hailed as an ideal model to be replicated across the world. Then, the cases soared to more than 42,000 cases. Most of the cases were linked to the foreign workers' dormitories.

The opposition, Progress Singapore Party 's leader Tan Cheng Bok has called the early elections an irresponsible act. He says the prime minister is placing politics over people's safety.

His party welcomed the younger lee with a tweet that said - “it's time for change”. The PAP has been in power since 1959.

As Singapore gears for its upcoming general elections, a sibling rivalry may define the country’s future. Two brothers are battling each other head on to become the small country’s leader.

As Singapore gears for its upcoming general elections, a sibling rivalry may define the country’s future. Two brothers are battling each other head on to become the small country’s leader. Both are the sons of Lee Kuan Yew, the founder of modern Singapore. Lee Hsien Yang, the younger son recently joined a new opposition party, effectively parting ways with his older brother Lee Hsien Loong and his People’s Action Party. The PAP has ruled the city-state since its independence in 1965, with the dispute creaking in owing to property disagreements. Both the brothers are in lock heads to decide the fate of their father’s house. The younger son wants the house to be demolished, as stated in their father’s will. On the other hand, the elder brother and the prime minister is starkly against it. Loong wants to turn it into a museum and sees it as a historical landmark. More than a house The house signifies a memorable part of Singapore's political history. The founder Yew had moved into the five-bedroom home in 1945, and the PAP was founded here. Currently, the property is valued at 17 million Dollars. The younger brother Yang. has joined the Progress Singapore Party. For his elder brother - a national museum will secure his legitimacy as a political heir to the city's founder. This general election is expected to be the elder’s last, and he has called for an early election, even though his government completes the term next April. Coronavirus connect? With a population of 5.8 million people, Singapore's measures against the virus outbreak were hailed as an ideal model to be replicated across the world. Then, the cases soared to more than 42,000 cases. Most of the cases were linked to the foreign workers' dormitories. The opposition, Progress Singapore Party 's leader Tan Cheng Bok has called the early elections an irresponsible act. He says the prime minister is placing politics over people's safety. His party welcomed the younger lee with a tweet that said - “it's time for change”. The PAP has been in power since 1959.

Sibling rivalry to play out in the upcoming Singapore general elections

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared a landslide victory for his ruling party Sunday in a parliamentary election tarnished by a boycott from much of the opposition, who accuse the leader of burgeoning authoritarianism.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/campaign-manager-brad-parscale-feels-presidents-wrath-after-sparse-crowd-shows-up-for-trumps-tulsa-rally-307544" hreflang="en">Campaign manager Brad Parscale feels president's wrath after sparse crowd shows up for Trump's Tulsa rally</a>

With some 63 percent of the vote, according to Vucic, the centre-right Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) was set to dramatically expand its dominance in the 250-member parliament.&nbsp;

While Vucic did not run for office himself, the 50-year-old tightly controls the party, which has been in power since 2012.&nbsp;

"I am grateful to the people for this historic support," he said with elation from the SNS headquarters where brass music blasted in celebration.&nbsp;

"We won everywhere," Vucic continued. "We won in the places where we had never won before."

The sweeping success was helped by a boycott from the country's main opposition camp,&nbsp;who decried the elections as neither free nor fair under Vucic's domineering reign.

But despite their stay-at-home campaign and lingering concerns about the coronavirus, turnout was lower than normal -- but not dramatically -- at slightly under 50 percent according to the independent election monitor CRTA.&nbsp;

The boycotting opposition slammed the "fake elections" and claimed their movement was victorious.

Either way the ruling party will have few rivals to contend with in the halls of parliament, where they are expected to hold around 189 seats.

In second place was their traditional junior coalition partner, the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), predicted to claim 32 seats, according to the IPSOS polling agency.

And next in line was the only opposition party to garner enough votes to pass the three percent threshold to enter parliament: the newly formed Serbian Patrotic Alliance (SPAS) with around a dozen seats.&nbsp;

A slate of ethnic minority parties with a lower bar to entry will also take some 17 spots, according to IPSOS.&nbsp;

Among those who didn't make the cut was the ultra-nationalist Serbian Radical Party, led by convicted war criminal Vojislav Seselj.

Without a meaningful opposition, the "pyrrhic&nbsp;victory" could ultimately discredit Serbia's ruling party as it will be viewed as "less legitimate than ever before", Balkans analyst Florian Bieber commented on Twitter.&nbsp;

But in the short term they will be more powerful than ever, capping Vucic's eight-year effort to consolidate control over the country's democracy, first as prime minister and now as president.&nbsp;

He came into this poll riding a fresh wave of popularity for keeping Serbia's coronavirus situation in check, with around 260 deaths in a country of seven million.

Although the post of president is meant to be ceremonial, he remains Serbia's top decision-maker and led the country through the health crisis.&nbsp;

Serbian analyst Dusan Spasojevic describes the Balkan state's elections as a form of "competitive autocracy".

"There is a competition but participants are not equal," he explained of a playing field warped by Vucic's outsized influence.

Watchdogs say Vucic's power lies in his manipulation of the media, with several outlets effectively serving as SNS propaganda machines.&nbsp;

The US-based Freedom House recently declared the country no longer a democracy but a "hybrid regime", due to "years of increasing state capture, abuse of power, and strongman tactics".

Yet the Serb leader can count on support from allies across the international stage.&nbsp;

In addition to close ties with Russia and China, he has backing from the West, where he is seen as capable of resolving Serbia's decades-long territorial dispute with former province Kosovo.

With elections behind him, the president will now face pressure to make progress on talks with Pristina that have been frozen for over a year.

He already has a busy schedule lined up: over the next week he will talk with the European Union's envoy for Serbia and Kosovo, visit Moscow and meet Kosovo representatives at the White House.&nbsp;

At the heart of the dispute is Belgrade's rejection of the independence that Kosovo, home to an ethnic Albanian majority, declared after a bloody 1990s war that was halted by a NATO intervention.

The issue is highly emotive for Serbian nationalists but it weighs especially heavily on the Serb minority still living in Kosovo.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared a landslide victory for his ruling party Sunday in a parliamentary election tarnished by a boycott from much of the opposition, who accuse the leader of burgeoning authoritarianism.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared a landslide victory for his ruling party Sunday in a parliamentary election tarnished by a boycott from much of the opposition, who accuse the leader of burgeoning authoritarianism. Also read: Campaign manager Brad Parscale feels president's wrath after sparse crowd shows up for Trump's Tulsa rally With some 63 percent of the vote, according to Vucic, the centre-right Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) was set to dramatically expand its dominance in the 250-member parliament. While Vucic did not run for office himself, the 50-year-old tightly controls the party, which has been in power since 2012. "I am grateful to the people for this historic support," he said with elation from the SNS headquarters where brass music blasted in celebration. "We won everywhere," Vucic continued. "We won in the places where we had never won before." The sweeping success was helped by a boycott from the country's main opposition camp, who decried the elections as neither free nor fair under Vucic's domineering reign. But despite their stay-at-home campaign and lingering concerns about the coronavirus, turnout was lower than normal -- but not dramatically -- at slightly under 50 percent according to the independent election monitor CRTA. The boycotting opposition slammed the "fake elections" and claimed their movement was victorious. Either way the ruling party will have few rivals to contend with in the halls of parliament, where they are expected to hold around 189 seats. In second place was their traditional junior coalition partner, the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), predicted to claim 32 seats, according to the IPSOS polling agency. And next in line was the only opposition party to garner enough votes to pass the three percent threshold to enter parliament: the newly formed Serbian Patrotic Alliance (SPAS) with around a dozen seats. A slate of ethnic minority parties with a lower bar to entry will also take some 17 spots, according to IPSOS. Among those who didn't make the cut was the ultra-nationalist Serbian Radical Party, led by convicted war criminal Vojislav Seselj. Without a meaningful opposition, the "pyrrhic victory" could ultimately discredit Serbia's ruling party as it will be viewed as "less legitimate than ever before", Balkans analyst Florian Bieber commented on Twitter. But in the short term they will be more powerful than ever, capping Vucic's eight-year effort to consolidate control over the country's democracy, first as prime minister and now as president. He came into this poll riding a fresh wave of popularity for keeping Serbia's coronavirus situation in check, with around 260 deaths in a country of seven million. Although the post of president is meant to be ceremonial, he remains Serbia's top decision-maker and led the country through the health crisis. Serbian analyst Dusan Spasojevic describes the Balkan state's elections as a form of "competitive autocracy". "There is a competition but participants are not equal," he explained of a playing field warped by Vucic's outsized influence. Watchdogs say Vucic's power lies in his manipulation of the media, with several outlets effectively serving as SNS propaganda machines. The US-based Freedom House recently declared the country no longer a democracy but a "hybrid regime", due to "years of increasing state capture, abuse of power, and strongman tactics". Yet the Serb leader can count on support from allies across the international stage. In addition to close ties with Russia and China, he has backing from the West, where he is seen as capable of resolving Serbia's decades-long territorial dispute with former province Kosovo. With elections behind him, the president will now face pressure to make progress on talks with Pristina that have been frozen for over a year. He already has a busy schedule lined up: over the next week he will talk with the European Union's envoy for Serbia and Kosovo, visit Moscow and meet Kosovo representatives at the White House. At the heart of the dispute is Belgrade's rejection of the independence that Kosovo, home to an ethnic Albanian majority, declared after a bloody 1990s war that was halted by a NATO intervention. The issue is highly emotive for Serbian nationalists but it weighs especially heavily on the Serb minority still living in Kosovo.

Landslide win for Serbia's ruling party in boycott-tainted vote

As the US elections grow closer, a shift in power is being observed, and the current civil crisis is not helping the current US President Donald Trump win hearts...or votes of public and fellow politicians.

Following the coronavirus crisis and civil unrest in the country, former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Sunday endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, instead of Donald Trump.

Colin Powell is a Republican who led the US military during the 1991 Gulf War in Iraq under President George H.W. Bush and later headed the State Department under President George W. Bush.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minneapolis-council-votes-to-dismantle-police-over-george-floyds-death-304094">Also read:&nbsp;Minneapolis council votes to dismantle police over George Floyd's death</a>

Explaining his choice in 2020 elections, Powell alleged that Trump "lies all the time," and has "drifted away" from the U.S. Constitution. He also stated that Trump, the infamous American President, poses a danger to American democracy.

"I cannot in any way support President Trump this year," Powell, who did not vote for the Republican president in 2016, told a local news channel.

Responding to the news, Trump called Powell a stiff and blamed him for getting the US tangled in the Middle East Wars.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Colin Powell, a real stiff who was very responsible for getting us into the disastrous Middle East Wars, just announced he will be voting for another stiff, Sleepy Joe Biden. Didn’t Powell say that Iraq had “weapons of mass destruction?” They didn’t, but off we went to WAR!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1269634983687315457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While it is very rare for Republicans to openly condemn Donald Trump, this is not the first time he has faced criticism in the past month.&nbsp;

Trump has been attracting a lot of criticism for the current crisis that the country is going through -- rise in number of coronaviorus cases, civil unrest due to murders of African-American community and a sharp economic downfall.

Last week, Trump's former defense secretary, retired General Jim Mattis, denounced what he called Trump's "deliberate" efforts to divide the country.&nbsp;Former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairmen Michael Mullen and Martin Dempsey have also criticized Trump's handling of the unrest.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said last week that she was "struggling" with whether to support Trump's reelection, while Republican Senator Mitt Romney praised Mattis' words.

With a rapid increase in the death toll, number of coronavirus cases and number of people out on roads protesting against racism faced by minority groups, Trump holds a sensitive position at getting reelected in 2020 elections.

(With inputs from Reuters)

As the US elections grow closer, a shift in power is being observed, and the current civil crisis is not helping the current US President Donald Trump win hearts.

As the US elections grow closer, a shift in power is being observed, and the current civil crisis is not helping the current US President Donald Trump win hearts...or votes of public and fellow politicians. Following the coronavirus crisis and civil unrest in the country, former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Sunday endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, instead of Donald Trump. Colin Powell is a Republican who led the US military during the 1991 Gulf War in Iraq under President George H.W. Bush and later headed the State Department under President George W. Bush. Also read: Minneapolis council votes to dismantle police over George Floyd's death Explaining his choice in 2020 elections, Powell alleged that Trump "lies all the time," and has "drifted away" from the U.S. Constitution. He also stated that Trump, the infamous American President, poses a danger to American democracy. "I cannot in any way support President Trump this year," Powell, who did not vote for the Republican president in 2016, told a local news channel. Responding to the news, Trump called Powell a stiff and blamed him for getting the US tangled in the Middle East Wars. Colin Powell, a real stiff who was very responsible for getting us into the disastrous Middle East Wars, just announced he will be voting for another stiff, Sleepy Joe Biden. Didn’t Powell say that Iraq had “weapons of mass destruction?” They didn’t, but off we went to WAR! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 7, 2020 × While it is very rare for Republicans to openly condemn Donald Trump, this is not the first time he has faced criticism in the past month. Trump has been attracting a lot of criticism for the current crisis that the country is going through -- rise in number of coronaviorus cases, civil unrest due to murders of African-American community and a sharp economic downfall. Last week, Trump's former defense secretary, retired General Jim Mattis, denounced what he called Trump's "deliberate" efforts to divide the country. Former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairmen Michael Mullen and Martin Dempsey have also criticized Trump's handling of the unrest. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said last week that she was "struggling" with whether to support Trump's reelection, while Republican Senator Mitt Romney praised Mattis' words. With a rapid increase in the death toll, number of coronavirus cases and number of people out on roads protesting against racism faced by minority groups, Trump holds a sensitive position at getting reelected in 2020 elections. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump is a threat to American democracy: Colin Powell picks Biden

The elections for the 5 non-permanent seats of United Nations Security Council will take place on 17th June with India being one of the candidates.

India will be standing unopposed for the Asia Pacific seat which is currently held by Indonesia and had announced its candidacy for the the2021-2022 term in November 2013. It was endorsed by the Asia Pacific group in June 2019.

All in All 7 member states--Canada, Djibouti, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway are in the fray. For one seat of Africa--Djibouti and Kenya are standing, for 2 seats of western Europe and others--3 countries, Canada, Ireland and Norway standing. For the Asia Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean seat--India and Mexico stand unopposed.

As the founding member of the world body, India has served 7 times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;

The UN said in its candidature India "emphasised its unique position as a democratic country with a population of over one billion" and "As one of the largest troop and police contributors...its durable commitment to UN peacekeeping."

As of 30 April, India contributes 5,434 personnel to nine UN peace operations, predominantly the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), followed by the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

"India would seek to advance discussions on counter-terrorism related issues," said a UN document on upcoming UNSC election, "emphasising the need for better regional and international cooperation to combat terrorism."

New Delhi has been a long-standing proponent of Security Council reform, including the expansion of its membership (both permanent and non-permanent) to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan usually has a rotating presence at the UNSC and usually, South Asian countries rarely run against each other. One exception occurred in 1975 when India and Pakistan contested the same seat and eight rounds of voting were needed before Pakistan prevailed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the election this time will be different. The President of the General Assembly will give at least ten days’ notice to UN member states of the date of the elections and a designated venue for casting ballots. Member states would cast ballots during designated time slots and at a specified venue.

The elections for the 5 non-permanent seats of United Nations Security Council will take place on 17th June with India being one of the candidates. India will be standing unopposed for the Asia Pacific seat which is currently held by Indonesia and had announced its candidacy for the the2021-2022 term in November 2013.

The elections for the 5 non-permanent seats of United Nations Security Council will take place on 17th June with India being one of the candidates. India will be standing unopposed for the Asia Pacific seat which is currently held by Indonesia and had announced its candidacy for the the2021-2022 term in November 2013. It was endorsed by the Asia Pacific group in June 2019. All in All 7 member states--Canada, Djibouti, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway are in the fray. For one seat of Africa--Djibouti and Kenya are standing, for 2 seats of western Europe and others--3 countries, Canada, Ireland and Norway standing. For the Asia Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean seat--India and Mexico stand unopposed. As the founding member of the world body, India has served 7 times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The UN said in its candidature India "emphasised its unique position as a democratic country with a population of over one billion" and "As one of the largest troop and police contributors...its durable commitment to UN peacekeeping." As of 30 April, India contributes 5,434 personnel to nine UN peace operations, predominantly the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), followed by the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). "India would seek to advance discussions on counter-terrorism related issues," said a UN document on upcoming UNSC election, "emphasising the need for better regional and international cooperation to combat terrorism." New Delhi has been a long-standing proponent of Security Council reform, including the expansion of its membership (both permanent and non-permanent) to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan usually has a rotating presence at the UNSC and usually, South Asian countries rarely run against each other. One exception occurred in 1975 when India and Pakistan contested the same seat and eight rounds of voting were needed before Pakistan prevailed. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the election this time will be different. The President of the General Assembly will give at least ten days’ notice to UN member states of the date of the elections and a designated venue for casting ballots. Member states would cast ballots during designated time slots and at a specified venue.

Elections for 5 non-permanent seats of UNSC on June 17; India stands unopposed in Asia pacific seat

End of stalemate in Israel? President to ask Benny Gantz to form government

Presidential contender Joe Biden told South Carolina’s Democrats on Friday that they can take control of the White House if they pick “the right nominee” to face President Donald Trump.

“If you send me out of here with a victory that’s significant then I think I’m going to be the next nominee,” he said at Wofford College in Spartanburg. “We really can’t afford to let Donald Trump have four more years.”

It was a message of hope for Democrats who widely dislike the sitting president, but also for a campaign much in need of hope.

A win in South Carolina’s fourth in the nation nominating contest on Saturday would be a big boost to Biden’s chances of being the Democratic nominee to run against Trump on Nov. 3. Biden faces candidates including front-runner Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist.

At a rally in North Charleston, Trump urged his Republican supporters to vote in the Democratic primary to ensure he faces the weakest possible opponent, which is allowed in South Carolina.

“Who the hell is easier to beat?” Trump asked of the crowd. He ultimately said the answer was Sanders.

<div>Here’s what else happened on the campaign trail on Friday:</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rivals-question-front-runner-sanders-electability-at-rowdy-south-carolina-democratic-debate-282776">Rivals question front-runner Sanders' electability at rowdy South Carolina Democratic debate</a> 
&nbsp;</div>

<div>FIRST IN LINE</div>

<div>
Before Trump took the stage in North Charleston, his fiercest supporters had been waiting for hours - even days.

Packing blankets, chairs and coolers, thousands waited to enter the rally, some of them having camped out to attend.

Richard Snowden was in his usual place, first in line. Dressed in a crisp suit and tie, the 68-year-old retired restaurant and nightclub businessman from Florida said he arrived on Tuesday for what would be his 66th Trump rally.

“I’m competitive, obviously. And I like being number one,” he said.

Trump decided to hold a rally here even though the state’s Republican Party canceled its nominating contest to ensure the president faced no opposition as he seeks re-election.

The evening marked the third Trump event for Snowden’s girlfriend, Trish Asselta, who said she’s already hooked.

“The energy that everyone portrays is just a feeling that you just can’t explain. I mean, he energizes everyone,” she said.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oysters-and-politics-on-the-menu-in-south-carolina-282932">Oysters and politics on the menu in South Carolina</a>

CORONAVIRUS CRITICISM

Earlier in the day, Biden, Sanders and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg joined the chorus of prominent Democrats criticizing the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, which expanded to six new countries and sent global stock markets tumbling again on Friday.

At a campaign event in Sumter, South Carolina, Biden accused Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who is overseeing the government response to the outbreak, of misleading the American public about the virus threat.

“Trump and Pence decided that the public health experts cannot inform the public on their own what’s going on,” Biden said. “Now the president won’t let other people tell the truth.”

Sanders slammed Trump for holding the North Charleston rally rather than remaining in Washington to address the situation.

“Why is he here? He’s here to try and disrupt the Democratic primary,” Sanders said in St. George. “How pathetic and how petty can you be?”

Bloomberg pointed to the sharp stock market drop as a sign of concern about Trump’s competence.

“The stock market has plunged partly out of fear (about the virus) but also because investors have no confidence that this president is capable of managing the crisis,” Bloomberg said in Memphis, Tennessee.

Bloomberg, a late entrant in the race for the White House, has not competed in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina, and is pinning his hopes on Super Tuesday nominating contests next week in Tennessee and 13 other states.

There are 62 confirmed cases of the virus in the United States, including people repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, U.S. officials said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-appoints-vice-president-mike-pence-man-in-charge-of-coronavirus-response-282971">Donald Trump appoints Vice-President Mike Pence man in charge of coronavirus response</a>

COUNTING ON SOUTH CAROLINA

Biden continued to show signs of growing strength ahead of Saturday.

His campaign celebrated a $1.2 million one-day online fundraising haul, the most contributed by small-dollar internet donors since his campaign launch last year, when similar contributions added up to more than $6 million.

A Monmouth University poll released on Thursday showed Biden with heavy support from black South Carolina voters, who make up about 60% of the state’s Democratic electorate.

He was buoyed as well by an endorsement from U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who was the 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee under Hillary Clinton. Virginia votes on Tuesday.

In Sumter, undecided voter Marybeth Berry, 44, told Biden that she sees a “fire” in some of his rivals and asked what drives him.

He responded “decency and honor” and added that he hates to see the “abuse of power” against vulnerable people.

Berry said she thought Biden’s answer was “very, very good” and “powerful,” and that she was leaning toward him after hearing him speak, but added she was also considering Sanders.

<div>Her husband, Christopher, an Army veteran who met Biden when he served in Iraq, was already convinced. He voted for Trump in 2016 but is supporting Biden this time.</div>

Biden had poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire and finished a distant second place in Nevada.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bernie-sanders-scores-decisive-win-in-nevada-biden-heading-to-second-place-282175">Bernie Sanders scores decisive win in Nevada, Biden heading to second place</a>
</div>

Presidential contender Joe Biden told South Carolina’s Democrats on Friday that they can take control of the White House if they pick “the right nominee” to face President Donald Trump.

Presidential contender Joe Biden told South Carolina’s Democrats on Friday that they can take control of the White House if they pick “the right nominee” to face President Donald Trump. “If you send me out of here with a victory that’s significant then I think I’m going to be the next nominee,” he said at Wofford College in Spartanburg. “We really can’t afford to let Donald Trump have four more years.” It was a message of hope for Democrats who widely dislike the sitting president, but also for a campaign much in need of hope. A win in South Carolina’s fourth in the nation nominating contest on Saturday would be a big boost to Biden’s chances of being the Democratic nominee to run against Trump on Nov. 3. Biden faces candidates including front-runner Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist. At a rally in North Charleston, Trump urged his Republican supporters to vote in the Democratic primary to ensure he faces the weakest possible opponent, which is allowed in South Carolina. “Who the hell is easier to beat?” Trump asked of the crowd. He ultimately said the answer was Sanders. Here’s what else happened on the campaign trail on Friday: Also read: Rivals question front-runner Sanders' electability at rowdy South Carolina Democratic debate FIRST IN LINE Before Trump took the stage in North Charleston, his fiercest supporters had been waiting for hours - even days. Packing blankets, chairs and coolers, thousands waited to enter the rally, some of them having camped out to attend. Richard Snowden was in his usual place, first in line. Dressed in a crisp suit and tie, the 68-year-old retired restaurant and nightclub businessman from Florida said he arrived on Tuesday for what would be his 66th Trump rally. “I’m competitive, obviously. And I like being number one,” he said. Trump decided to hold a rally here even though the state’s Republican Party canceled its nominating contest to ensure the president faced no opposition as he seeks re-election. The evening marked the third Trump event for Snowden’s girlfriend, Trish Asselta, who said she’s already hooked. “The energy that everyone portrays is just a feeling that you just can’t explain. I mean, he energizes everyone,” she said. Also see: Oysters and politics on the menu in South Carolina CORONAVIRUS CRITICISM Earlier in the day, Biden, Sanders and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg joined the chorus of prominent Democrats criticizing the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, which expanded to six new countries and sent global stock markets tumbling again on Friday. At a campaign event in Sumter, South Carolina, Biden accused Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who is overseeing the government response to the outbreak, of misleading the American public about the virus threat. “Trump and Pence decided that the public health experts cannot inform the public on their own what’s going on,” Biden said. “Now the president won’t let other people tell the truth.” Sanders slammed Trump for holding the North Charleston rally rather than remaining in Washington to address the situation. “Why is he here? He’s here to try and disrupt the Democratic primary,” Sanders said in St. George. “How pathetic and how petty can you be?” Bloomberg pointed to the sharp stock market drop as a sign of concern about Trump’s competence. “The stock market has plunged partly out of fear (about the virus) but also because investors have no confidence that this president is capable of managing the crisis,” Bloomberg said in Memphis, Tennessee. Bloomberg, a late entrant in the race for the White House, has not competed in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina, and is pinning his hopes on Super Tuesday nominating contests next week in Tennessee and 13 other states. There are 62 confirmed cases of the virus in the United States, including people repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, U.S. officials said. Also read: Donald Trump appoints Vice-President Mike Pence man in charge of coronavirus response COUNTING ON SOUTH CAROLINA Biden continued to show signs of growing strength ahead of Saturday. His campaign celebrated a $1.2 million one-day online fundraising haul, the most contributed by small-dollar internet donors since his campaign launch last year, when similar contributions added up to more than $6 million. A Monmouth University poll released on Thursday showed Biden with heavy support from black South Carolina voters, who make up about 60% of the state’s Democratic electorate. He was buoyed as well by an endorsement from U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who was the 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee under Hillary Clinton. Virginia votes on Tuesday. In Sumter, undecided voter Marybeth Berry, 44, told Biden that she sees a “fire” in some of his rivals and asked what drives him. He responded “decency and honor” and added that he hates to see the “abuse of power” against vulnerable people. Berry said she thought Biden’s answer was “very, very good” and “powerful,” and that she was leaning toward him after hearing him speak, but added she was also considering Sanders. Her husband, Christopher, an Army veteran who met Biden when he served in Iraq, was already convinced. He voted for Trump in 2016 but is supporting Biden this time. Biden had poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire and finished a distant second place in Nevada. Also see: Bernie Sanders scores decisive win in Nevada, Biden heading to second place

On the trail: Biden aims for 'significant' South Carolina win, Trump urges supporters to intervene

According to U.S officials, Russia is trying to help Sanders. Question is that is Russia meddling in US elections again. Intel says Russia trying to help Sanders.

New reports of Russian interference

United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of both impeachment charges in the Senate today.

The voting clearly happened along party lines, with Republic led Senate protecting him. The Democrats, on the other hand, all wanted him convicted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-acquitted-of-impeachment-charges-in-republican-majority-senate-278933">US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate</a>

There was one unexpected twist in the trial as Mitt Romney, a&nbsp;Republican leader from Utah&nbsp;decided to vote in favour of convicting Trump on the charge of abuse of power for the involvement of Ukraine in the US elections. This made Romney the first US senator in history to go against his own president and party.

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11b2383f-a90c-426c-baef-058f7f5e7476" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_78.jpg" /> 
US Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) returns from a recess during the impeachment trial proceedings of US President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill January 30, 2020, in Washington, DC | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

"The president's purpose was personal and political. Accordingly, the president is guilty of appalling abuse of public trust," Romney said in a floor speech.

"What he did was not perfect, no. It was a flagrant assault under electoral rights, our national security and our fundamental values. Corrupting an election to keep one's self in the office is perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of one's oath of office that I can imagine", he added.

Romney issued a statement reflecting on the State of the Union address but did not mention his vote against the president. He did, however, mentioned in his speech that the Republicans will ''vehemently denounce'' his words and that he would draw disapproval from the conservative party. "I'm sure to hear abuse from the president and his supporters," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
My statement on tonight's State of the Union address: <a href="https://t.co/i4cBEfucLr">pic.twitter.com/i4cBEfucLr</a>
— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorRomney/status/1224901384551718917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On December 18, Donald Trump was charged with two articles of impeachment including abuse of power and the obstruction of Congress. The voting in the Senate happened mostly along party lines, as it earlier did in the Democratic majority House of Representatives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/State-of-the-Union-address-us-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-tears-up-text-as-trump-ends-state-of-the-union-address-278666">US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up text as Trump ends State of the Union address</a> 
 
After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of all charges. Earlier, Trump was impeached in the House, but this trajectory failed to hold its ground in the Senate.

In the Senate, the call was close, as 52 people chose to acquit him, while 48 people voted in favour of the impeachment charge of abusing power.&nbsp;

<img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bdcfe519-5e3c-45c2-963b-4e31fbfc1eec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_59.jpg" />

The Democrats had accused Trump of abusing power by requesting Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, Trump's Democratic rival. Mitt Romney was the only Republican Senator who voted to convict Trump on this charge, alongside the Democrats, none of whom voted to acquit.

On the other charge of obstruction of Congress, the Senate voted 53-47 to acquit him. He was suspected of blocking witnesses and documents that were sought by the House. All Republicans, including Romney, voted to acquit him, while no Democrats did.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had failed presidential candidate <a href="https://twitter.com/MittRomney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MittRomney</a> devoted the same energy and anger to defeating a faltering Barack Obama as he sanctimoniously does to me, he could have won the election. Read the Transcripts!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1225288731235700737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump lashed out against Romney on Twitter and reiterated ''Read the transcripts!''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-the-state-of-the-union-address-278582" hreflang="en">EXPLAINED: What is the State of the Union address</a>

United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of both impeachment charges in the Senate today. The voting clearly happened along party lines, with Republic led Senate protecting him.

United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of both impeachment charges in the Senate today. The voting clearly happened along party lines, with Republic led Senate protecting him. The Democrats, on the other hand, all wanted him convicted. Also read: US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate There was one unexpected twist in the trial as Mitt Romney, a Republican leader from Utah decided to vote in favour of convicting Trump on the charge of abuse of power for the involvement of Ukraine in the US elections. This made Romney the first US senator in history to go against his own president and party. US Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) returns from a recess during the impeachment trial proceedings of US President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill January 30, 2020, in Washington, DC | AFP "The president's purpose was personal and political. Accordingly, the president is guilty of appalling abuse of public trust," Romney said in a floor speech. "What he did was not perfect, no. It was a flagrant assault under electoral rights, our national security and our fundamental values. Corrupting an election to keep one's self in the office is perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of one's oath of office that I can imagine", he added. Romney issued a statement reflecting on the State of the Union address but did not mention his vote against the president. He did, however, mentioned in his speech that the Republicans will ''vehemently denounce'' his words and that he would draw disapproval from the conservative party. "I'm sure to hear abuse from the president and his supporters," he said. My statement on tonight's State of the Union address: pic.twitter.com/i4cBEfucLr — Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) February 5, 2020 × On December 18, Donald Trump was charged with two articles of impeachment including abuse of power and the obstruction of Congress. The voting in the Senate happened mostly along party lines, as it earlier did in the Democratic majority House of Representatives. Also read: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up text as Trump ends State of the Union address After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of all charges. Earlier, Trump was impeached in the House, but this trajectory failed to hold its ground in the Senate. In the Senate, the call was close, as 52 people chose to acquit him, while 48 people voted in favour of the impeachment charge of abusing power. The Democrats had accused Trump of abusing power by requesting Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, Trump's Democratic rival. Mitt Romney was the only Republican Senator who voted to convict Trump on this charge, alongside the Democrats, none of whom voted to acquit. On the other charge of obstruction of Congress, the Senate voted 53-47 to acquit him. He was suspected of blocking witnesses and documents that were sought by the House. All Republicans, including Romney, voted to acquit him, while no Democrats did. Had failed presidential candidate @MittRomney devoted the same energy and anger to defeating a faltering Barack Obama as he sanctimoniously does to me, he could have won the election. Read the Transcripts! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 6, 2020 × Trump lashed out against Romney on Twitter and reiterated ''Read the transcripts!'' EXPLAINED: What is the State of the Union address

Mitt Romney becomes first Senator in US history to vote against own party's president

Before Delhi goes to poll on February 9, Aam Aadmi Party's National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today released the party manifesto, titled ''Kejriwal ka Guarantee Card''.

The CM has promised 200 units of free electricity, Mohalla marshals, and 24x7 clean water to the residents of New Delhi. 
 
"This guarantee speaks about things which affect every resident of Delhi. We have already fulfilled some promises. We are now promising in our guarantee card that it will continue.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/allocate-maximum-funds-to-delhi-in-union-budget-kejriwal-to-centre-274745">Allocate maximum funds to Delhi in Union Budget: Kejriwal to Centre</a> 
 
The opposition says these schemes will only be there till March 31 and Kejriwal will scrap this later," Kejriwal said while launching the manifesto.

Additionally, Kejriwal has promised to continue the policies that were introduced in his current term. These include providing 200 units free electricity as well as round the clock supply.

"The city will be freed from the web of wires and electricity will reach each household through underground cables," Kejriwal said.

<img alt="Kejriwal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed2d59da-57c0-4bf3-892c-410d7dc570bd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_23.jpg" /> 
Image: Kejriwal | ANI 
 
Kejriwal also said that the provision for 20,000 litres of free water would remain in place.&nbsp;

World-class education has been at the forefront of Kejriwal's agenda since he delved into politics. The CM added that new Mohalla clinics and polyclinics will be unveiled in the coming years.

He has also promised 11,000 new buses for the people of Delhi. Additionally, free rides can now be availed not just by women, but also by students.

Kejriwal additionally asserted that he would reduce air pollution three-fold and that a Yamuna cleaning drive would be undertaken. 
 
"Two crores trees will be planted in the next five years," Kejriwal said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-govt-constructed-20k-new-classrooms-in-5-years-says-arvind-kejriwal-273224">AAP government constructed 20,000 new classrooms in 5 years, says Arvind Kejriwal</a> 
 
The AAP chief also intends to make the capital garbage-free in the next five years. 
 
Under the ''Jahan Jhuggi Wahin Makan'' scheme, pucca houses would be provided to people living in slums.

Delhi goes to polls on February 8 with the counting of votes to take place on February 11.

(With inputs from ANI)

Before Delhi goes to poll on February 9, Aam Aadmi Party's National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today released the party manifesto, titled ''Kejriwal ka Guarantee Card''.

Before Delhi goes to poll on February 9, Aam Aadmi Party's National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today released the party manifesto, titled ''Kejriwal ka Guarantee Card''. The CM has promised 200 units of free electricity, Mohalla marshals, and 24x7 clean water to the residents of New Delhi. "This guarantee speaks about things which affect every resident of Delhi. We have already fulfilled some promises. We are now promising in our guarantee card that it will continue. Also read: Allocate maximum funds to Delhi in Union Budget: Kejriwal to Centre The opposition says these schemes will only be there till March 31 and Kejriwal will scrap this later," Kejriwal said while launching the manifesto. Additionally, Kejriwal has promised to continue the policies that were introduced in his current term. These include providing 200 units free electricity as well as round the clock supply. "The city will be freed from the web of wires and electricity will reach each household through underground cables," Kejriwal said. Image: Kejriwal | ANI Kejriwal also said that the provision for 20,000 litres of free water would remain in place. World-class education has been at the forefront of Kejriwal's agenda since he delved into politics. The CM added that new Mohalla clinics and polyclinics will be unveiled in the coming years. He has also promised 11,000 new buses for the people of Delhi. Additionally, free rides can now be availed not just by women, but also by students. Kejriwal additionally asserted that he would reduce air pollution three-fold and that a Yamuna cleaning drive would be undertaken. "Two crores trees will be planted in the next five years," Kejriwal said. Also read: AAP government constructed 20,000 new classrooms in 5 years, says Arvind Kejriwal The AAP chief also intends to make the capital garbage-free in the next five years. Under the ''Jahan Jhuggi Wahin Makan'' scheme, pucca houses would be provided to people living in slums. Delhi goes to polls on February 8 with the counting of votes to take place on February 11. (With inputs from ANI)

Delhi election: Arvind Kejriwal promises to end civic woes in manifesto

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paralysis-in-iraq-as-protesters-harden-position-270033">Iraq's parliament</a> approved&nbsp;on Tuesday a new electoral law, a key demand of protesters to make elections fairer, but political deadlock is still holding up the selection of an interim prime minister.

Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October&nbsp;1 and protesters, most of them young, are demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed.

"In the name of Iraq, and in the name of the Iraqi people, in the name of the martyrs, in the name of all those who sacrificed, in the name of the displaced, the law has been approved," Council of Representatives Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi said after the vote.

Watch:&nbsp;Thousands protest in Iraq ahead of deadline to name new PM

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thousands-protest-in-iraq-ahead-of-deadline-to-name-new-pm-269854/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The new election law passed by parliament will allow voters to elect individual lawmakers instead of choosing from party lists and have each member of parliament represent a specific electoral district instead of groups of legislators representing entire provinces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-in-iraq-as-deadline-for-new-pm-looms-269585">Protesters have demanded not just a new electoral law</a>, but also the removal of the entire political class and an independent prime minister with no party affiliation.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned last month under pressure from the street demonstrations but has remained in office in a caretaker capacity. The constitutional deadline to name a replacement expired on Thursday.

Iraq's parliament approved on Tuesday a new electoral law, a key demand of protesters to make elections fairer, but political deadlock is still holding up the selection of an interim prime minister.

Iraq's parliament approved on Tuesday a new electoral law, a key demand of protesters to make elections fairer, but political deadlock is still holding up the selection of an interim prime minister. Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October 1 and protesters, most of them young, are demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed. "In the name of Iraq, and in the name of the Iraqi people, in the name of the martyrs, in the name of all those who sacrificed, in the name of the displaced, the law has been approved," Council of Representatives Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi said after the vote. Watch: Thousands protest in Iraq ahead of deadline to name new PM The new election law passed by parliament will allow voters to elect individual lawmakers instead of choosing from party lists and have each member of parliament represent a specific electoral district instead of groups of legislators representing entire provinces. Protesters have demanded not just a new electoral law, but also the removal of the entire political class and an independent prime minister with no party affiliation. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned last month under pressure from the street demonstrations but has remained in office in a caretaker capacity. The constitutional deadline to name a replacement expired on Thursday.

Individual leaders, not party politicians to lead Iraq as new election law comes to effect

Ashraf Ghani recently won the majority in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-says-hell-never-accept-division-of-power-251944">Afghanistan's presidential poll</a>. The preliminary results of the presidential polls in Afghanistan were announced today, nearly three months after Afghans voted in presidential polls that were marred by low turnout and fraud claims.

According to the Independent Election Commission, Ghani won 50.64 per cent of the vote in the September 28 poll, while his rival Abdullah Abdullah scored 39.52 per cent.

Earlier today, Zabih Sadaat, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC), said, "We are going to announce the election results today"

Preliminary results were originally due October 19 but were repeatedly delayed amid technical issues and allegations of fraud from various candidates.

The delays and setbacks in the declaration of results were accelerated owing to the talks between the United States and the Taliban.

The election was meant to be the cleanest yet in Afghanistan's young democracy, with a German firm supplying biometric machines to stop people from voting more than once.

But nearly one million of the initial 2.7 million votes were purged owing to irregularities, meaning the election saw by far the lowest turnout of any Afghan poll.

Most observers saw the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-sees-his-chance-in-upcoming-elections-after-collapse-of-us-taliban-talks-250287">election as a two-horse race</a> between incumbent President Ashraf Ghani and his Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

Had neither candidate scored a majority, the vote would have gone to a second-round runoff, probably in the spring.

Now that the preliminary results are announced, candidates have the opportunity to lodge any complaints before a final result is published.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ashraf Ghani recently won the majority in Afghanistan's presidential poll. The preliminary results of the presidential polls in Afghanistan were announced today, nearly three months after Afghans voted in presidential polls that were marred by low turnout and fraud claims.

Ashraf Ghani recently won the majority in Afghanistan's presidential poll. The preliminary results of the presidential polls in Afghanistan were announced today, nearly three months after Afghans voted in presidential polls that were marred by low turnout and fraud claims. According to the Independent Election Commission, Ghani won 50.64 per cent of the vote in the September 28 poll, while his rival Abdullah Abdullah scored 39.52 per cent. Earlier today, Zabih Sadaat, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC), said, "We are going to announce the election results today" Preliminary results were originally due October 19 but were repeatedly delayed amid technical issues and allegations of fraud from various candidates. The delays and setbacks in the declaration of results were accelerated owing to the talks between the United States and the Taliban. The election was meant to be the cleanest yet in Afghanistan's young democracy, with a German firm supplying biometric machines to stop people from voting more than once. But nearly one million of the initial 2.7 million votes were purged owing to irregularities, meaning the election saw by far the lowest turnout of any Afghan poll. Most observers saw the election as a two-horse race between incumbent President Ashraf Ghani and his Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. Had neither candidate scored a majority, the vote would have gone to a second-round runoff, probably in the spring. Now that the preliminary results are announced, candidates have the opportunity to lodge any complaints before a final result is published. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan elections: Preliminary results out, Ashraf Ghani wins presidential poll

Croatians cast ballots in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/croatia-to-pick-a-president-in-tight-three-way-race-269278">a presidential vote</a> on Sunday that could weaken the ruling conservatives just as the country takes the helm of the European Union's rotating presidency.&nbsp;

The pre-Christmas poll, likely to be decided in a January 5 run-off, has evolved into a tight race between conservative incumbent Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and front-running rivals on the right and the left.&nbsp;

Grabar-Kitarovic has been president since 2015 with backing from HDZ, the centre-right party that has led Croatia for most of its independence since 1991.

During her term, the 51-year-old has wavered between representing the party's moderates and pandering to its nationalist faction.

In her re-election bid, she is struggling to hold on to hardliners shifting to a right-wing folk singer turned politician, Miroslav Skoro.

Playing on an emotive symbol of the 1990s independence war, Grabar-Kitarovic held her final campaign rally on Friday in eastern Vukovar, the town whose bloody siege by Serb forces became a byword for Croatian suffering during the conflict.&nbsp;

She told the crowd she believed those who fought and died in the war "don't regret being killed since Croatia is (now) here".

The comments were seen as part of her battle to keep far-right voters from turning to Skoro, who has been wooing nationalists with promises to deploy troops to halt migrants at the borders and pardon a convicted war criminal.

Running as an independent, the 57-year-old singer was polling in third place in the run-up to election day.

Meanwhile, the split on the right has carved out a space for leftist former premier Zoran Milanovic, 53, to gain traction. He was running neck-and-neck with Grabar-Kitarovic in the latest opinion polls.

Prime minister from 2011 to 2016, Milanovic was previously derided for his arrogance but is trying to make a comeback with the promise to make Croatia a "normal" country with an independent judiciary and respect for minorities.

Christmas calculation

Analysts say a loss for Grabar-Kitarovic would deliver a blow to HDZ Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, a moderate in the party, ahead of parliamentary elections next year.&nbsp;

Starting on January 1, his government will be tasked with hosting the EU's rotating presidency for a six-month term, with thorny issues like Brexit the Western Balkans' membership bids on the agenda.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/croatia-to-hold-presidential-vote-on-december-22-pm-plenkovic-262143">Critics of the government</a> have speculated that the pre-Christmas poll in an overwhelmingly Catholic country was purposefully scheduled to take advantage of the diaspora who are home for the holidays,&nbsp;and typically vote HDZ.&nbsp;

Of the 3.8 million people eligible to vote, some 170,000 are living abroad, mainly in neighbouring Bosnia.

The emigration exodus, a trend that accelerated after Croatia joined the EU in 2013, is one of the most pressing problems on the country's horizon.

The government has struggled to halt young people from packing their bags for better pay and professional opportunities in wealthier member states.&nbsp;

Many who leave also cite a culture of nepotism and corruption at home, plus poor public services, as key motivations.&nbsp;

The presidential campaign has however been light on policy ideas with many candidates instead attacking each other with war-era grievances.&nbsp;

Polling stations will be open from 0600 GMT to 1800 GMT, with initial results expected from 1900 GMT.

Croatians cast ballots in a presidential vote on Sunday that could weaken the ruling conservatives just as the country takes the helm of the European Union's rotating presidency.

Croatians cast ballots in a presidential vote on Sunday that could weaken the ruling conservatives just as the country takes the helm of the European Union's rotating presidency. The pre-Christmas poll, likely to be decided in a January 5 run-off, has evolved into a tight race between conservative incumbent Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and front-running rivals on the right and the left. Grabar-Kitarovic has been president since 2015 with backing from HDZ, the centre-right party that has led Croatia for most of its independence since 1991. During her term, the 51-year-old has wavered between representing the party's moderates and pandering to its nationalist faction. In her re-election bid, she is struggling to hold on to hardliners shifting to a right-wing folk singer turned politician, Miroslav Skoro. Playing on an emotive symbol of the 1990s independence war, Grabar-Kitarovic held her final campaign rally on Friday in eastern Vukovar, the town whose bloody siege by Serb forces became a byword for Croatian suffering during the conflict. She told the crowd she believed those who fought and died in the war "don't regret being killed since Croatia is (now) here". The comments were seen as part of her battle to keep far-right voters from turning to Skoro, who has been wooing nationalists with promises to deploy troops to halt migrants at the borders and pardon a convicted war criminal. Running as an independent, the 57-year-old singer was polling in third place in the run-up to election day. Meanwhile, the split on the right has carved out a space for leftist former premier Zoran Milanovic, 53, to gain traction. He was running neck-and-neck with Grabar-Kitarovic in the latest opinion polls. Prime minister from 2011 to 2016, Milanovic was previously derided for his arrogance but is trying to make a comeback with the promise to make Croatia a "normal" country with an independent judiciary and respect for minorities. Christmas calculation Analysts say a loss for Grabar-Kitarovic would deliver a blow to HDZ Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, a moderate in the party, ahead of parliamentary elections next year. Starting on January 1, his government will be tasked with hosting the EU's rotating presidency for a six-month term, with thorny issues like Brexit the Western Balkans' membership bids on the agenda. Critics of the government have speculated that the pre-Christmas poll in an overwhelmingly Catholic country was purposefully scheduled to take advantage of the diaspora who are home for the holidays, and typically vote HDZ. Of the 3.8 million people eligible to vote, some 170,000 are living abroad, mainly in neighbouring Bosnia. The emigration exodus, a trend that accelerated after Croatia joined the EU in 2013, is one of the most pressing problems on the country's horizon. The government has struggled to halt young people from packing their bags for better pay and professional opportunities in wealthier member states. Many who leave also cite a culture of nepotism and corruption at home, plus poor public services, as key motivations. The presidential campaign has however been light on policy ideas with many candidates instead attacking each other with war-era grievances. Polling stations will be open from 0600 GMT to 1800 GMT, with initial results expected from 1900 GMT.

Croatia votes for president, set to lead European Union

State opening of the U.K. Parliament after the victory of Boris Johnson in recent elections.

Gravitas: The queen outlines Boris Johnson government's agenda

Britons Live Up To Its Tradition Of Carrying Dogs To Polling Stations.

Gravitas: United Kingdom: When dogs defined the elections...

elections-0

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

elections 0