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Gravitas: United Kingdom: Make or break election

To decide the future of Brexit, voters across the United Kingdom went to the polls on Thursday to cast their vote in the third general election in less than five-years. #WION UKElections2019

Polling underway in UK General elections

The crucial by-poll results are out in Karnataka and Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) is rejoicing after bagging 12 out of the 15 constituencies that went into polls. But is it really the victory of BJP, or the re-emergence of BS Yediyurappa, the tallest leader that the party has seen in the state?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yediyurappa's political career has braved quite a few storms - right from never completing a full term as CM despite swearing-in four&nbsp;times, to being jailed on corruption charges, to walking out and forming his own party.&nbsp;

So while Yediyurappa is elated with the victory, is the BJP really happy with the southern power centre getting stronger? Highly unlikely. Senior BJP leaders, who have been party loyalists have expressed displeasure over the involvement of Yediyurappa's son Vijayendra in the functioning of the government.

The party high command was reportedly upset with the Chief Minister after an activist highlighted the rampant involvement of Vijayendra in bureaucratic transfers in the state. Now with the Vijayendra largely being credited for the party's first victory in the Vokkaliga belt of Mandya, the reins have further loosened.&nbsp;

Added to that there is now the issue of defectors being inducted into the 34-member cabinet that already has 18 members. With Yediyurappa saying he sees no problems in all 11 defectors, who won the elections, getting cabinet berths, the loyalists are further perturbed.

The victory has also strengthened the bargaining power of the ageing leader, who plans to finalise the cabinet allotments with the high command in the coming few days. With age not on his side, Yediyurappa is evidently grooming his son to take over the party after proving his ability to consolidate the crucial Lingayat votes. Can other powerful camps within the BJP fight the Yediyurappa power, when he has successfully secured people's mandate?&nbsp;

Let's now turn our eyes to the second biggest party in the house. Congress has shrunk from 78 seats in 2018 to 68 now. The one state that was offering hope to the beaten-down party in 2018, has fallen as well. Siddaramaiah, the Leader of Opposition and Legislature Party Chief has resigned from the position. Dinesh Gundurao, KPCC President, has also taken responsibility for the sad showing and has tendered his resignation. Who will fill Congress' leadership vacuum now?

DK Shivakumar has often positioned himself as the next leader of the Karnataka Congress, but with the ED baggage and multiple failures in the Vokkaliga strong belt, it is unlikely the party will let him take the lead. ''Congress needs an alternative narrative. They left it to Siddaramaiah this time too, and he was functioning with a rather old-style narrative. He did get what he wanted in the two constituencies that they won. He showed his dominance in the Kuruba community, but that is not enough to win a state election'', says Narendar Pani, a political analyst.&nbsp;

Then there is the biggest loser of the lot - Janata Dal (Secular). It was only a few months back that HD Kumaraswamy of the JD(S) held the position of the Chief Minister. Today the party has not won a single seat in the by-poll and has also conceded seats to the BJP in its backyard, Mandya.

''It is clear that they are out of touch even with the Vokkaliga community. They are still functioning in the old farmer-based approach. But many in Mandya are moving out of agriculture'', says Pani. Despite Kumaraswamy directly appealing to the caste in his election campaign, and not to mention the contentious farm loan waiver, JD(S) drew a blank these elections and has its numbers at 34 in the 223 member house. The party which rose to power on the Cauvery dispute bandwagon and promised to champion the cause of farmers has lost its steam. What they need now is a new approach to new issues that the electorate faces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The crucial by-poll results are out in Karnataka and Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) is rejoicing after bagging 12 out of the 15 constituencies that went into polls.

The crucial by-poll results are out in Karnataka and Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) is rejoicing after bagging 12 out of the 15 constituencies that went into polls. But is it really the victory of BJP, or the re-emergence of BS Yediyurappa, the tallest leader that the party has seen in the state? Yediyurappa's political career has braved quite a few storms - right from never completing a full term as CM despite swearing-in four times, to being jailed on corruption charges, to walking out and forming his own party. So while Yediyurappa is elated with the victory, is the BJP really happy with the southern power centre getting stronger? Highly unlikely. Senior BJP leaders, who have been party loyalists have expressed displeasure over the involvement of Yediyurappa's son Vijayendra in the functioning of the government. The party high command was reportedly upset with the Chief Minister after an activist highlighted the rampant involvement of Vijayendra in bureaucratic transfers in the state. Now with the Vijayendra largely being credited for the party's first victory in the Vokkaliga belt of Mandya, the reins have further loosened. Added to that there is now the issue of defectors being inducted into the 34-member cabinet that already has 18 members. With Yediyurappa saying he sees no problems in all 11 defectors, who won the elections, getting cabinet berths, the loyalists are further perturbed. The victory has also strengthened the bargaining power of the ageing leader, who plans to finalise the cabinet allotments with the high command in the coming few days. With age not on his side, Yediyurappa is evidently grooming his son to take over the party after proving his ability to consolidate the crucial Lingayat votes. Can other powerful camps within the BJP fight the Yediyurappa power, when he has successfully secured people's mandate? Let's now turn our eyes to the second biggest party in the house. Congress has shrunk from 78 seats in 2018 to 68 now. The one state that was offering hope to the beaten-down party in 2018, has fallen as well. Siddaramaiah, the Leader of Opposition and Legislature Party Chief has resigned from the position. Dinesh Gundurao, KPCC President, has also taken responsibility for the sad showing and has tendered his resignation. Who will fill Congress' leadership vacuum now? DK Shivakumar has often positioned himself as the next leader of the Karnataka Congress, but with the ED baggage and multiple failures in the Vokkaliga strong belt, it is unlikely the party will let him take the lead. ''Congress needs an alternative narrative. They left it to Siddaramaiah this time too, and he was functioning with a rather old-style narrative. He did get what he wanted in the two constituencies that they won. He showed his dominance in the Kuruba community, but that is not enough to win a state election'', says Narendar Pani, a political analyst. Then there is the biggest loser of the lot - Janata Dal (Secular). It was only a few months back that HD Kumaraswamy of the JD(S) held the position of the Chief Minister. Today the party has not won a single seat in the by-poll and has also conceded seats to the BJP in its backyard, Mandya. ''It is clear that they are out of touch even with the Vokkaliga community. They are still functioning in the old farmer-based approach. But many in Mandya are moving out of agriculture'', says Pani. Despite Kumaraswamy directly appealing to the caste in his election campaign, and not to mention the contentious farm loan waiver, JD(S) drew a blank these elections and has its numbers at 34 in the 223 member house. The party which rose to power on the Cauvery dispute bandwagon and promised to champion the cause of farmers has lost its steam. What they need now is a new approach to new issues that the electorate faces.

Karnataka bypolls: What it means for BJP, Congress, JD(S)

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-in-gaza-after-rocket-attack-266911">Israel edged closer</a> to a third election within a year Monday as neither the embattled premier Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main rival appeared close to forming a government two days before a deadline.

Right-winger Netanyahu and former army general Benny Gantz, who leads the centrist Blue and White alliance, traded blame over the impasse ahead of Wednesday, the last opportunity to form a coalition and avoid fresh polls.

A new election would be a repeat of September's deadlocked vote, which in itself was a response to inconclusive April polls, and would further deepen the political turmoil in the Jewish state.

"We made offer after offer and got nothing. Nada," Netanyahu said Sunday at a conference organised by a conservative Israeli newspaper. "Blue and White did not budge a millimetre."

The two parties have been discussing forming a unity coalition but Gantz has rejected serving under Netanyahu, pointing to his indictment&nbsp;on a string of corruption charges.

"People think that acts of corruption can be forgiven because of one political circumstance or another," Gantz told the same conference. "The support of the people who want to protect the prime minister causes them to be blind."

Following the inconclusive elections in September, both Netanyahu and Gantz were given 28-day periods to try and negotiate a workable coalition in Israel's proportional political system.

Neither was able to get the support of more than half of the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament.

Down to the wire

President Reuven Rivlin then turned to parliament in the hope of avoiding an unpopular election.

But the 21-day period he granted parliament to find a suitable candidate expires at 11:59 pm&nbsp;on Wednesday.

If <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-foreign-minister-says-he-hopes-jeremy-corbyn-loses-british-election-266430">nothing changes by then</a>, new polls will be called for, most likely to be held in March.

Theoretically, any member of parliament could try and gain the necessary support, but Netanyahu and Gantz remain the only realistic contenders.

A last-minute deal could still be reached with the help of a kingmaker in a political system where such battles often go down to the wire.

Avigdor Lieberman, whose secular nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party has eight seats and holds the balance of power, could decide to throw his support behind either bloc.

He has so far refused to back either, accusing Gantz of being reliant on the support of Israel's Arab minority and Netanyahu of being at the whim of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties.

He prefers a unity government, but weeks of talks have faltered.&nbsp;

Most Israeli media Monday reported little movement in the negotiations, setting the stage for new elections.

Watch: Israeli PM Netanyahu agrees to party elections

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-pm-netanyahu-agrees-for-party-election-264411/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Internal challenge

Netanyahu's political problems are intertwined with his legal woes,&nbsp;Israel's attorney general last month indicted him for bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

He strongly denies the allegations and accuses the country's&nbsp;media, police and prosecution of a witchhunt.

No date has yet been set for the beginning of the proceedings.

Under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-occupation-costs-palestinian-economy-25-bn-a-year-un-265772">Israeli law Netanyahu</a>, the country's longest-serving prime minister can remain in office despite an indictment.

A new poll Monday by Israel's public broadcaster Kan found that Netanyahu's Likud and Blue and White would again be deadlocked if elections were held today.

But if they do take place, Netanyahu might face yet another battle,&nbsp;this time over the leadership of Likud.

Gideon Saar, a&nbsp;rival within the party, has called for a primary vote before any new election, though no decision has been taken yet on the idea.

On Sunday, both Saar and Netanyahu spoke at a closed-door meeting of Likud's central committee attended by around 800 people.

According to sources within the meeting cited by the Israeli press, Saar received a warm welcome from his supporters but shouts of "traitor" from Netanyahu backers.

Saar later posted a video on his Facebook page of supporters chanting his name at the event.

"The attempts to delegitimize and besmirch those who seek to run (against Netanyahu) are against the Likud's democratic spirit," he told the crowd.&nbsp;

"A democratic competition strengthens the movement."

Israel edged closer to a third election within a year Monday as neither the embattled premier Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main rival appeared close to forming a government two days before a deadline.

Israel edged closer to a third election within a year Monday as neither the embattled premier Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main rival appeared close to forming a government two days before a deadline. Right-winger Netanyahu and former army general Benny Gantz, who leads the centrist Blue and White alliance, traded blame over the impasse ahead of Wednesday, the last opportunity to form a coalition and avoid fresh polls. A new election would be a repeat of September's deadlocked vote, which in itself was a response to inconclusive April polls, and would further deepen the political turmoil in the Jewish state. "We made offer after offer and got nothing. Nada," Netanyahu said Sunday at a conference organised by a conservative Israeli newspaper. "Blue and White did not budge a millimetre." The two parties have been discussing forming a unity coalition but Gantz has rejected serving under Netanyahu, pointing to his indictment on a string of corruption charges. "People think that acts of corruption can be forgiven because of one political circumstance or another," Gantz told the same conference. "The support of the people who want to protect the prime minister causes them to be blind." Following the inconclusive elections in September, both Netanyahu and Gantz were given 28-day periods to try and negotiate a workable coalition in Israel's proportional political system. Neither was able to get the support of more than half of the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament. Down to the wire President Reuven Rivlin then turned to parliament in the hope of avoiding an unpopular election. But the 21-day period he granted parliament to find a suitable candidate expires at 11:59 pm on Wednesday. If nothing changes by then, new polls will be called for, most likely to be held in March. Theoretically, any member of parliament could try and gain the necessary support, but Netanyahu and Gantz remain the only realistic contenders. A last-minute deal could still be reached with the help of a kingmaker in a political system where such battles often go down to the wire. Avigdor Lieberman, whose secular nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party has eight seats and holds the balance of power, could decide to throw his support behind either bloc. He has so far refused to back either, accusing Gantz of being reliant on the support of Israel's Arab minority and Netanyahu of being at the whim of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties. He prefers a unity government, but weeks of talks have faltered. Most Israeli media Monday reported little movement in the negotiations, setting the stage for new elections. Watch: Israeli PM Netanyahu agrees to party elections Internal challenge Netanyahu's political problems are intertwined with his legal woes, Israel's attorney general last month indicted him for bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He strongly denies the allegations and accuses the country's media, police and prosecution of a witchhunt. No date has yet been set for the beginning of the proceedings. Under Israeli law Netanyahu, the country's longest-serving prime minister can remain in office despite an indictment. A new poll Monday by Israel's public broadcaster Kan found that Netanyahu's Likud and Blue and White would again be deadlocked if elections were held today. But if they do take place, Netanyahu might face yet another battle, this time over the leadership of Likud. Gideon Saar, a rival within the party, has called for a primary vote before any new election, though no decision has been taken yet on the idea. On Sunday, both Saar and Netanyahu spoke at a closed-door meeting of Likud's central committee attended by around 800 people. According to sources within the meeting cited by the Israeli press, Saar received a warm welcome from his supporters but shouts of "traitor" from Netanyahu backers. Saar later posted a video on his Facebook page of supporters chanting his name at the event. "The attempts to delegitimize and besmirch those who seek to run (against Netanyahu) are against the Likud's democratic spirit," he told the crowd. "A democratic competition strengthens the movement."

Deadlocked Israel faces repeat vote with deadline nearing

Supporters of Azzedine Mihoubi, a former Algerian culture minister who is running for president in December's election, gathered on Wednesday (December 4) for a rally as the corruption trial of senior officials including two former prime ministers began.

'Algeria needs all its children,' says Mihoubi supporters as election looms

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly. The alliance includes NCP, Congress, and the Shiv Sena. 
 
Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government is set to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-maha-vikas-aghadi-government-to-face-trust-vote-today-sanjay-raut-claims-support-of-170-mlas-265349">face a trust vote</a> in the Maharashtra Assembly today. 
 
Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance between the three parties.

The floor test will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session.

Pawar also alluded to his meeting with BJP MP Prataprao Chikhalikar and claimed that it had nothing to do with the floor test.

"It was just a courtesy meeting. Even if we are from different parties we all have relations with each other. We did not have any discussion on the floor test. As Sanjay Raut said, our alliance will prove our numbers today in the house," Pawar said. 
 
Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs.

(With inputs from ANI)

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly.

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly. The alliance includes NCP, Congress, and the Shiv Sena. Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government is set to face a trust vote in the Maharashtra Assembly today. Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance between the three parties. The floor test will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session. Pawar also alluded to his meeting with BJP MP Prataprao Chikhalikar and claimed that it had nothing to do with the floor test. "It was just a courtesy meeting. Even if we are from different parties we all have relations with each other. We did not have any discussion on the floor test. As Sanjay Raut said, our alliance will prove our numbers today in the house," Pawar said. Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs. (With inputs from ANI)

NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra will prove its majority during floor test today: Ajit Pawar

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-elections-first-phase-of-polling-13-seats-begins-265332">Jharkhand</a> on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment. 
 
Speaking to ANI in Lohargada, a voter Vikas Verma said, "I voted for the party that called for development in the state. I hope that the party will work on the issue of development." 
 
In Daltonganj, Ram Tiwari said, "Development ha not taken place here. There is poverty and unemployment. I voted on these issues. This time I feel a lot of people will come to vote. There is no fear among the voters here." 
 
Shravan Kumar Tiwari said, "I voted on the issue of unemployment. Many youths are losing their jobs so I voted for the party that brings employment." 
 
While Arvind Tiwari was highly critical of the governments in past saying, "There are problems of lack of electricity and water in the region. In the past 30 years, no government did the task of providing fulltime electricity and water. There is unemployment as well so I voted on these issues." 
 
The first phase of polling in 13 constituencies spread across six districts of Jharkhand commenced on Saturday morning. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-janshakti-party-releases-third-list-of-24-candidates-for-jharkhand-assembly-polls-264865">The constituencies where polling is taking place</a> are -&nbsp;Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur.

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment.

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment. Speaking to ANI in Lohargada, a voter Vikas Verma said, "I voted for the party that called for development in the state. I hope that the party will work on the issue of development." In Daltonganj, Ram Tiwari said, "Development ha not taken place here. There is poverty and unemployment. I voted on these issues. This time I feel a lot of people will come to vote. There is no fear among the voters here." Shravan Kumar Tiwari said, "I voted on the issue of unemployment. Many youths are losing their jobs so I voted for the party that brings employment." While Arvind Tiwari was highly critical of the governments in past saying, "There are problems of lack of electricity and water in the region. In the past 30 years, no government did the task of providing fulltime electricity and water. There is unemployment as well so I voted on these issues." The first phase of polling in 13 constituencies spread across six districts of Jharkhand commenced on Saturday morning. The constituencies where polling is taking place are - Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur.

Jharkhand: Voters stress on the issue of development in assembly polls in Lohardaga, Daltonganj

Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government will face a trust vote in Maharashtra Assembly today. 
 
Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance - Maha Vikas Aghadi, which enjoys the support of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress legislators. 
 
The floor test proceeding will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session. 
 
Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs. 
 
"Today is the day to prove majority... 170 +++++..." he tweeted. 
 
Leaders of the Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP will meet at the Assembly to discuss floor test and Speaker's election at 9.30 am. 
 
At 2 pm today, the vote of confidence will be conducted following the formal introduction of new ministers, six in number, to the Assembly. 
 
On Sunday, a permanent Speaker will be elected and the name of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) will be also announced. 
 
As per the assembly results, the Shiv Sena has 56 MLAs, NCP has 54 and Congress has 44 in the 288-member state assembly. 
 
The pro tem speaker has a casting vote in case of a tie.

Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government will face a trust vote in Maharashtra Assembly today. Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance - Maha Vikas Aghadi, which enjoys the support of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress legislators.

Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government will face a trust vote in Maharashtra Assembly today. Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance - Maha Vikas Aghadi, which enjoys the support of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress legislators. The floor test proceeding will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session. Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs. "Today is the day to prove majority... 170 +++++..." he tweeted. Leaders of the Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP will meet at the Assembly to discuss floor test and Speaker's election at 9.30 am. At 2 pm today, the vote of confidence will be conducted following the formal introduction of new ministers, six in number, to the Assembly. On Sunday, a permanent Speaker will be elected and the name of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) will be also announced. As per the assembly results, the Shiv Sena has 56 MLAs, NCP has 54 and Congress has 44 in the 288-member state assembly. The pro tem speaker has a casting vote in case of a tie.

Maharashtra: Maha Vikas Aghadi government to face trust vote today, Sanjay Raut claims support of 170 MLAs

The first phase of polling for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-janshakti-party-releases-third-list-of-24-candidates-for-jharkhand-assembly-polls-264865">Assembly elections</a>&nbsp;began today in Jharkhand. The phase encompasses 13 constituencies spread across six districts, with voting slated to last until 3 pm.

37 lakh people are eligible to vote in these elections, to decide the fate of 189 candidates, including 15 female candidates in the first phase of Assembly elections, said Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vinay Kumar Choubey on Friday.

The constituencies where polling is taking place are Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur. 
 
Security measures have been taken to avoid any issues. "Adequate security has been ensured in all polling booths across the constituencies which will go to polls in the first phase. Special arrangements have been made for the specially-abled voters," Choubey said. 
 
The district administration in Jharkhand has tightened the security in two assembly constituencies, Latehar and Manika, where a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-will-completely-uproot-naxalism-in-jharkhand-amit-shah-265107">Naxal attack</a> took place a few days ago.

The authorities expressed confidence in arrangements that have been made to conduct the elections peacefully.

As many as 67 assembly constituencies are "very extremely" to "extremely" affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora had said.

"We have completed our security preparations, whether it is security or dispatch. Security forces at required places have also been deployed. We are ready to conduct the poll peacefully. Hypersensitive booths have been further divided into clusters, superclusters and zones," Deputy Commissioner of Latehar, Zeeshan Qamar told ANI on Thursday. 
 
Jharkhand, an 81-member assembly, will have polls in five phases up to December 20.&nbsp; 
 
Incumbent Chief Minister Raghubar Das, who became the first CM of the state to complete a full term in office, is seeking another five-year term.

The tenure of the current Assembly ends on January 5, 2020. 
 
Apart from the BJP, Congress, JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) and RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) are major players in the state Assembly elections. The Congress, JMM and RJD are contesting the polls together.

This is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-jharkhand-manifesto-lays-emphasis-on-skill-education-264950">fourth Assembly election</a> in Jharkhand since the state was carved out in 2000.

The votes will be counted on December 23.

(With inputs from ANI)

The first phase of polling for Assembly elections began today in Jharkhand. The phase encompasses 13 constituencies spread across six districts, with voting slated to last until 3 pm.

The first phase of polling for Assembly elections began today in Jharkhand. The phase encompasses 13 constituencies spread across six districts, with voting slated to last until 3 pm. 37 lakh people are eligible to vote in these elections, to decide the fate of 189 candidates, including 15 female candidates in the first phase of Assembly elections, said Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vinay Kumar Choubey on Friday. The constituencies where polling is taking place are Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur. Security measures have been taken to avoid any issues. "Adequate security has been ensured in all polling booths across the constituencies which will go to polls in the first phase. Special arrangements have been made for the specially-abled voters," Choubey said. The district administration in Jharkhand has tightened the security in two assembly constituencies, Latehar and Manika, where a Naxal attack took place a few days ago. The authorities expressed confidence in arrangements that have been made to conduct the elections peacefully. As many as 67 assembly constituencies are "very extremely" to "extremely" affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora had said. "We have completed our security preparations, whether it is security or dispatch. Security forces at required places have also been deployed. We are ready to conduct the poll peacefully. Hypersensitive booths have been further divided into clusters, superclusters and zones," Deputy Commissioner of Latehar, Zeeshan Qamar told ANI on Thursday. Jharkhand, an 81-member assembly, will have polls in five phases up to December 20. Incumbent Chief Minister Raghubar Das, who became the first CM of the state to complete a full term in office, is seeking another five-year term. The tenure of the current Assembly ends on January 5, 2020. Apart from the BJP, Congress, JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) and RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) are major players in the state Assembly elections. The Congress, JMM and RJD are contesting the polls together. This is the fourth Assembly election in Jharkhand since the state was carved out in 2000. The votes will be counted on December 23. (With inputs from ANI)

Jharkhand Assembly elections: First phase of polling begins

An explosive device detonated near a polling station in Kaski District of Nepal as voting for by-elections to elect people's representatives for 52 vacant posts in Kathmandu Valley started on early Saturday morning. 
 
The incident happened in Naya Bazar in Kaski District, with no casualties being reported so far, an official confirmed. 
 
"Soon after blast polling at Nawa Prabhat Secondary School was halted. But now it has resumed," Chief District Officer of Kaski District Tek Narayan Paudel told ANI over the phone. 
 
"Investigation about who is behind the incident is being carried by the police. People again have turned up to vote at the polling station and the security has been beefed up," Paudel added. 
 
Polling started from 7 am&nbsp;(local time) for one seat of Lower House, three seats of Province Council and 48 seats of the local bodies. 
 
The voting is being held for a member of the House of Representatives in Kaski constituency-2, while for State Assembly members in Bhaktapur, Baglung and Dang. Similarly, the election is also underway for the mayor at Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City. 
 
The Election Commission of Nepal had earlier stated that three layers of security have been deployed in and around the polling stations. 
 
A total of 750 police and over 500 armed police force have been deployed around the polling stations, along with the Nepal army patrolling over the area regularly. 
A total of 4, 54 114 voters are eligible to vote in the election and 337 candidates are on the fray. 
 
Top ruling party leaders, including co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, have admitted that the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) will face a tough time maintaining the seats they got in the previous polls. 
 
However, the Nepali Congress, which has the opportunity to grab the seats it had lost in the last election, does not have any better prospects, given its lethargic performance as an opposition as well as controversies of its own, say analysts. 
 
While the by-elections won't change the existing dynamics of the government, they do help cement existing values and rebuild trust among voters and provide a gauge of votes before the next major elections.

An explosive device detonated near a polling station in Kaski District of Nepal as voting for by-elections to elect people's representatives for 52 vacant posts in Kathmandu Valley started on early Saturday morning.

An explosive device detonated near a polling station in Kaski District of Nepal as voting for by-elections to elect people's representatives for 52 vacant posts in Kathmandu Valley started on early Saturday morning. The incident happened in Naya Bazar in Kaski District, with no casualties being reported so far, an official confirmed. "Soon after blast polling at Nawa Prabhat Secondary School was halted. But now it has resumed," Chief District Officer of Kaski District Tek Narayan Paudel told ANI over the phone. "Investigation about who is behind the incident is being carried by the police. People again have turned up to vote at the polling station and the security has been beefed up," Paudel added. Polling started from 7 am (local time) for one seat of Lower House, three seats of Province Council and 48 seats of the local bodies. The voting is being held for a member of the House of Representatives in Kaski constituency-2, while for State Assembly members in Bhaktapur, Baglung and Dang. Similarly, the election is also underway for the mayor at Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City. The Election Commission of Nepal had earlier stated that three layers of security have been deployed in and around the polling stations. A total of 750 police and over 500 armed police force have been deployed around the polling stations, along with the Nepal army patrolling over the area regularly. A total of 4, 54 114 voters are eligible to vote in the election and 337 candidates are on the fray. Top ruling party leaders, including co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, have admitted that the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) will face a tough time maintaining the seats they got in the previous polls. However, the Nepali Congress, which has the opportunity to grab the seats it had lost in the last election, does not have any better prospects, given its lethargic performance as an opposition as well as controversies of its own, say analysts. While the by-elections won't change the existing dynamics of the government, they do help cement existing values and rebuild trust among voters and provide a gauge of votes before the next major elections.

Nepal by-polls: Explosion near polling station in Kaski, no casualties

Chinese state media on Tuesday sought to downplay and discredit the results of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-summons-us-ambassador-over-hong-kong-rights-bill-264512">Hong Kong elections</a> that delivered a stunning victory for pro-democracy candidates and a stinging rebuke to the pro-Beijing establishment.

Local elections in the semi-autonomous city revealed broad public support for a protest movement that has stirred months of violence, as candidates seeking to loosen control by China seized an overwhelming majority of the 452 elected seats.

But the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-carrie-lam-thanks-residents-for-orderly-voting-after-district-elections-264504">election winners were not mentioned in Chinese-language state media</a> on Tuesday, including official broadcaster CCTV and Communist Party mouthpiece the People's Daily.

The People's Daily said, "social unrest... has seriously disrupted the electoral process."

An editorial in the English-language version of China Daily said the poll was "skewed by intimidation" and "dirty tricks".

The editorial said, "violent intimidation tactics were intended to reduce the exposure and visibility of pro-establishment candidates".

"External forces that have helped stoke the months-long anti-government campaign in the special administrative region also contributed greatly to damaging the election chances of pro-establishment candidates," it said.

A commentary in English on official news agency Xinhua said that the election "fell victim" to "rioters".

"Campaigns of some patriotic candidates were seriously disrupted, and their offices were trashed and set ablaze," it said Tuesday.

"One candidate was injured in an attack. Harassment on patriotic candidates occurred on the voting day."

The commentary went on to give its support to city leader Carrie Lam, and said the "Hong Kong community should also correctly understand the relationship between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland".

The Tuesday front page of the nationalistic Global Times said the election had sparked "reflection" but warned it was "highly politicized amid ongoing social unrest".

The article went on to quote experts saying there was "no need to over-interpret the victory of pan-democrats".

Global Times said that "under the plurality voting system... the opposition won 80 per cent of seats with only 60 per cent of the vote".

On Monday evening, the flagship Chinese news programme Xinwen Lianbo also did not mention the Hong Kong elections.

Chinese state media on Tuesday sought to downplay and discredit the results of Hong Kong elections that delivered a stunning victory for pro-democracy candidates and a stinging rebuke to the pro-Beijing establishment.

Chinese state media on Tuesday sought to downplay and discredit the results of Hong Kong elections that delivered a stunning victory for pro-democracy candidates and a stinging rebuke to the pro-Beijing establishment. Local elections in the semi-autonomous city revealed broad public support for a protest movement that has stirred months of violence, as candidates seeking to loosen control by China seized an overwhelming majority of the 452 elected seats. But the election winners were not mentioned in Chinese-language state media on Tuesday, including official broadcaster CCTV and Communist Party mouthpiece the People's Daily. The People's Daily said, "social unrest... has seriously disrupted the electoral process." An editorial in the English-language version of China Daily said the poll was "skewed by intimidation" and "dirty tricks". The editorial said, "violent intimidation tactics were intended to reduce the exposure and visibility of pro-establishment candidates". "External forces that have helped stoke the months-long anti-government campaign in the special administrative region also contributed greatly to damaging the election chances of pro-establishment candidates," it said. A commentary in English on official news agency Xinhua said that the election "fell victim" to "rioters". "Campaigns of some patriotic candidates were seriously disrupted, and their offices were trashed and set ablaze," it said Tuesday. "One candidate was injured in an attack. Harassment on patriotic candidates occurred on the voting day." The commentary went on to give its support to city leader Carrie Lam, and said the "Hong Kong community should also correctly understand the relationship between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland". The Tuesday front page of the nationalistic Global Times said the election had sparked "reflection" but warned it was "highly politicized amid ongoing social unrest". The article went on to quote experts saying there was "no need to over-interpret the victory of pan-democrats". Global Times said that "under the plurality voting system... the opposition won 80 per cent of seats with only 60 per cent of the vote". On Monday evening, the flagship Chinese news programme Xinwen Lianbo also did not mention the Hong Kong elections.

Chinese state media say Hong Kong elections 'skewed'

Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;can&nbsp;stay&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/political-deadlock-in-israel-benjamin-netanyahu-running-out-of-options-264457">on&nbsp;in his post</a> although he has been indicted&nbsp;on&nbsp;corruption charges, Israel's&nbsp;attorney&nbsp;general&nbsp;said Monday.

Avichai Mandelblit, in a statement, said,&nbsp;"there is no legal obligation for the prime minister to resign".

Under Israeli law, while ministers cannot keep their posts after the indictment, a prime minister is not legally required to step down unless convicted and with all appeals exhausted.

But the embattled premier has faced calls to resign from several politicians since Mandelblit last Thursday charged him with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Watch: Benjamin Netanyahu acts unperturbed by indictment

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/benjamin-netanyahu-acts-unperturbed-by-indictment-264254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The&nbsp;indictment&nbsp;comes as Israel edges closer to its third&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-faces-court-party-challenges-after-indictment-264271">general&nbsp;election in a year</a>, after two inconclusive polls in April and September, with&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;and centrist rival Benny Gantz unable to form a government.

Gantz's Blue and White party won one more seat than&nbsp;Netanyahu's rightwing Likud in the September polls.

Parliament now has less than three weeks to find a candidate who can gain the support of more than half of the Knesset's 120 lawmakers, or a deeply unpopular third election will be called.

Netanyahu&nbsp;remains the country's interim premier.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can stay on in his post although he has been indicted on corruption charges, Israel's attorney general said Monday. Avichai Mandelblit, in a statement, said, "there is no legal obligation for the prime minister to resign".

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can stay on in his post although he has been indicted on corruption charges, Israel's attorney general said Monday. Avichai Mandelblit, in a statement, said, "there is no legal obligation for the prime minister to resign". Under Israeli law, while ministers cannot keep their posts after the indictment, a prime minister is not legally required to step down unless convicted and with all appeals exhausted. But the embattled premier has faced calls to resign from several politicians since Mandelblit last Thursday charged him with bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Watch: Benjamin Netanyahu acts unperturbed by indictment The indictment comes as Israel edges closer to its third general election in a year, after two inconclusive polls in April and September, with Netanyahu and centrist rival Benny Gantz unable to form a government. Gantz's Blue and White party won one more seat than Netanyahu's rightwing Likud in the September polls. Parliament now has less than three weeks to find a candidate who can gain the support of more than half of the Knesset's 120 lawmakers, or a deeply unpopular third election will be called. Netanyahu remains the country's interim premier.

Netanyahu can stay on as Prime Minister despite indictment: Israel's Attorney General

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-elections-young-voters-attributed-to-landslide-gains-for-pro-democracy-campaigners-264414">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam</a> on Tuesday expressed gratitude towards residents of the Chinese-ruled city for orderly voting on Sunday despite a relatively volatile environment and said she hoped the peace signified people's resolve against violence.

Lam was speaking a day after poll results showed democratic candidates secured almost 90 per cent of 452 district council seats in Sunday's local elections, a landslide victory in polls that were widely seen as a barometer of support for Lam.

Watch: Hong Kong local body polls - Big victory for pro-democracy candidates

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-local-body-polls-big-victory-for-pro-democracy-candidates-264492/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The elections are being seen as a de-facto referendum on the city's Beijing-backed government to which China responded by saying no matter what the outcome is Hong Kong will always remain its part.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-democrats-romp-to-local-election-landslide-after-months-of-protests-264272">The results are being attributed to young voters</a> who participated in the anti-government protests.

The recent development sends a strong message to China and the city's Chief Executive Carrie Lam, as the pro-establishment camp won all the council seats in the last elections, held in 2015.

Earlier, the establishment had a majority in the district council with 292 seats.

The district council elections on Sunday laid bare concern over "deficiencies in the government, including unhappiness with the time taken to deal with the current unstable environment and of course to end violence", Lam acknowledged at a weekly press briefing.

The city's chief executive pledged that her government would "seriously reflect" on the result of the community-level elections in which her pro-Beijing establishment took a severe drubbing, and would "improve governance".

The poll outcome has re-energised calls by the pro-democracy camp for direct popular elections for the city's leadership and legislature and a probe into alleged police brutality against demonstrators.

But Lam sidestepped those calls, instead reiterating an earlier pledge to open a dialogue among all parties in the territory, a proposal that opponents have dismissed as too little, too late.

"What we need to do now is (open) community dialogue and invite social leaders to help us analyse the causes of the disturbances and Hong Kong’s deep-seated social problems, and to come up with solutions," Lam said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday expressed gratitude towards residents of the Chinese-ruled city for orderly voting on Sunday despite a relatively volatile environment and said she hoped the peace signified people's resolve against violence.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday expressed gratitude towards residents of the Chinese-ruled city for orderly voting on Sunday despite a relatively volatile environment and said she hoped the peace signified people's resolve against violence. Lam was speaking a day after poll results showed democratic candidates secured almost 90 per cent of 452 district council seats in Sunday's local elections, a landslide victory in polls that were widely seen as a barometer of support for Lam. Watch: Hong Kong local body polls - Big victory for pro-democracy candidates The elections are being seen as a de-facto referendum on the city's Beijing-backed government to which China responded by saying no matter what the outcome is Hong Kong will always remain its part. The results are being attributed to young voters who participated in the anti-government protests. The recent development sends a strong message to China and the city's Chief Executive Carrie Lam, as the pro-establishment camp won all the council seats in the last elections, held in 2015. Earlier, the establishment had a majority in the district council with 292 seats. The district council elections on Sunday laid bare concern over "deficiencies in the government, including unhappiness with the time taken to deal with the current unstable environment and of course to end violence", Lam acknowledged at a weekly press briefing. The city's chief executive pledged that her government would "seriously reflect" on the result of the community-level elections in which her pro-Beijing establishment took a severe drubbing, and would "improve governance". The poll outcome has re-energised calls by the pro-democracy camp for direct popular elections for the city's leadership and legislature and a probe into alleged police brutality against demonstrators. But Lam sidestepped those calls, instead reiterating an earlier pledge to open a dialogue among all parties in the territory, a proposal that opponents have dismissed as too little, too late. "What we need to do now is (open) community dialogue and invite social leaders to help us analyse the causes of the disturbances and Hong Kong’s deep-seated social problems, and to come up with solutions," Lam said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong: Carrie Lam thanks residents for 'orderly voting' after district elections, acknowledges 'voter unhappiness'

Former New York Mayor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-bloomberg-to-launch-100-million-digital-anti-trump-campaign-262468">Michael Bloomberg</a> admitted he was wrong to support the "stop and frisk" police practice that ensnared disproportionate numbers of blacks and Latinos, apologizing to a largely African-American church on Sunday as he weighs a presidential bid.

"I was wrong. And I am sorry," Bloomberg told the Christian Cultural Center, the New York Times reported, describing the centre as a black megachurch.

His reversal comes as he considers whether to compete for the Democratic nomination for president, a contest in which African-American voters are highly influential.

Bloomberg, 77, has not formally entered the 2020 race, with the months-long nominating contests starting in February, but he has taken steps to get on the ballot in states with early filing deadlines.

The self-made billionaire who served 12 years as New York mayor had long defended stop and frisk as an effective police tactic that saved lives, even after a federal judge in 2013 found it violated the rights of ethnic minorities.

The practice stopped and frisked more than 684,000 people at its peak in 2011, ostensibly in many cases to search for illegal weapons. But the non-profit Center for Constitutional Rights conducted a study that found blacks and Latinos were nine times more likely than white people to be stopped in 2009. The searches sometimes turned up low-level offences such as drug possession that otherwise would have gone unnoticed.

Bloomberg told the congregation the policy eroded trust with the public and he aimed to earn back that trust, the Times reported.

"Over time, I've come to understand something that I long struggled to admit to myself: I got something important wrong. I got something important really wrong. I didn't understand back then the full impact that stops were having on the black and Latino communities. I was totally focused on saving lives, but as we know, good intentions aren't good enough," Bloomberg said.

If <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bloomberg-files-papers-paving-way-for-us-presidential-bid-260916">Bloomberg does enter the race</a>, he will be the fifth most-popular candidate, and his presence may draw more support away from former Vice President Joe Biden than others, a Reuters/Ipsos public opinion poll found.

The November&nbsp;12-14 national poll found that three&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of Democrats and independents said they would vote for Bloomberg.

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg admitted he was wrong to support the "stop and frisk" police practice that ensnared disproportionate numbers of blacks and Latinos, apologizing to a largely African-American church on Sunday as he weighs a presidential bid.

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg admitted he was wrong to support the "stop and frisk" police practice that ensnared disproportionate numbers of blacks and Latinos, apologizing to a largely African-American church on Sunday as he weighs a presidential bid. "I was wrong. And I am sorry," Bloomberg told the Christian Cultural Center, the New York Times reported, describing the centre as a black megachurch. His reversal comes as he considers whether to compete for the Democratic nomination for president, a contest in which African-American voters are highly influential. Bloomberg, 77, has not formally entered the 2020 race, with the months-long nominating contests starting in February, but he has taken steps to get on the ballot in states with early filing deadlines. The self-made billionaire who served 12 years as New York mayor had long defended stop and frisk as an effective police tactic that saved lives, even after a federal judge in 2013 found it violated the rights of ethnic minorities. The practice stopped and frisked more than 684,000 people at its peak in 2011, ostensibly in many cases to search for illegal weapons. But the non-profit Center for Constitutional Rights conducted a study that found blacks and Latinos were nine times more likely than white people to be stopped in 2009. The searches sometimes turned up low-level offences such as drug possession that otherwise would have gone unnoticed. Bloomberg told the congregation the policy eroded trust with the public and he aimed to earn back that trust, the Times reported. "Over time, I've come to understand something that I long struggled to admit to myself: I got something important wrong. I got something important really wrong. I didn't understand back then the full impact that stops were having on the black and Latino communities. I was totally focused on saving lives, but as we know, good intentions aren't good enough," Bloomberg said. If Bloomberg does enter the race, he will be the fifth most-popular candidate, and his presence may draw more support away from former Vice President Joe Biden than others, a Reuters/Ipsos public opinion poll found. The November 12-14 national poll found that three per cent of Democrats and independents said they would vote for Bloomberg.

Bloomberg admits he was wrong, apologises for 'stop and frisk' in New York

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-has-been-sworn-in-as-the-prime-minister-of-sri-lanka-263600">Sri Lanka's presidential election</a> significantly increases policy uncertainty and could prompt loosening that exacerbates fiscal weaknesses and a rollback of reforms, according to Fitch Ratings. 
 
However, whether these risks materialise remains to be seen as a clear policy direction may only start to emerge after parliamentary elections. 
 
Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) defeated Sajith Premadasa of the ruling United National Party (UNP) in last week's election. He is a former defence secretary and the brother of SLPP leader and ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa. 
 
Mahinda Rajapaksa has been named prime minister following the resignation of the UNP's Ranil Wickremesinghe, and an interim cabinet is likely to be appointed. 
 
The policy environment in Sri Lanka&nbsp;had improved following the resolution of the 2018 political crisis, supporting the resumption of fiscal and economic reforms and of Sri Lanka's IMF programme. However, political tensions could resurface ahead of elections to parliament, where the UNP is the largest party. 
 
These are expected early next year. The new president's constitutional reform plans could resurrect controversial proposals to enhance the executive's powers. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/charges-dropped-against-immune-new-sri-lanka-president-263597">Gotabaya Rajapaksa's economic manifesto</a> targets average growth of 6.5 per cent or higher, compared with 3.2 per cent in 2018 and a Fitch-forecast 2.8 per cent in 2019, by promoting commodity and apparel exports, construction and tourism. "Strengthening growth and exports will be credit positive, but we think there is a risk of a more expansionary fiscal stance after the parliamentary elections." 
 
Under Mahinda Rajapaksa's presidency from 2005-2015, an aggressive infrastructure drive pushed up government debt. Gotabaya Rajapaksa's manifesto targets a budget deficit below 4 per cent of GDP and inflation below 5 per cent. 
 
"Although detailed economic plans are yet to be announced, we think achieving ambitious growth targets could entail stimulus measures that erode fiscal headroom which is limited by high public debt (about 83 per cent of GDP). This could undermine policy credibility, investor confidence, and potentially complicate relations with the IMF," said Fitch. 
 
The new president's manifesto suggests that the undermining of monetary policy credibility that was a feature of Mahinda Rajapaksa's presidency will not recur. 
 
An important measure of this commitment will be the status of a planned amendment to the Monetary Law Act, which would establish price stability as the central bank's primary objective and support the shift towards flexible inflation targeting. 
 
Gotabaya Rajapaksa's commitments on social spending and public-sector wages and pensions could jeopardise deficit reduction unless government revenue (which is low at just over 13 per cent of GDP) increases. 
 
His manifesto includes plans to replace the Inland Revenue Act, a lynchpin of fiscal reforms under the IMF programme, to unify VAT (currently 15 per cent) and the Nation-Building Tax (2 per cent) with a single VAT rate of 8 per cent and cap personal income tax rates at 15 per cent. If these lead to revenue losses, they could put Sri Lanka's medium-term fiscal consolidation plan at risk. 
 
A 4 per cent deficit may, therefore, prove challenging. "We forecast the deficit to stabilise at about 5 per cent of GDP in 2020-2021, as GDP growth recovers from the April bombings in Colombo. 
 
The market reaction to the election has been mildly positive. The Sri Lankan currency has appreciated by about 0.5 per cent against the dollar and the Colombo stock index rose by about 2 per cent. 
 
A row-back on reforms could have implications for Sri Lanka's IMF programme which has been extended to June 2020. The sixth review was completed in September and, coupled with 4.4 billion dollars of sovereign bond issuance this year, has eased near-term external pressures. 
 
But external debt repayments are substantial at 19 billion dollars in 2020-2023 against reserves of 7.8 billion dollars.

Sri Lanka's presidential election significantly increases policy uncertainty and could prompt loosening that exacerbates fiscal weaknesses and a rollback of reforms, according to Fitch Ratings.

Sri Lanka's presidential election significantly increases policy uncertainty and could prompt loosening that exacerbates fiscal weaknesses and a rollback of reforms, according to Fitch Ratings. However, whether these risks materialise remains to be seen as a clear policy direction may only start to emerge after parliamentary elections. Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) defeated Sajith Premadasa of the ruling United National Party (UNP) in last week's election. He is a former defence secretary and the brother of SLPP leader and ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa. Mahinda Rajapaksa has been named prime minister following the resignation of the UNP's Ranil Wickremesinghe, and an interim cabinet is likely to be appointed. The policy environment in Sri Lanka had improved following the resolution of the 2018 political crisis, supporting the resumption of fiscal and economic reforms and of Sri Lanka's IMF programme. However, political tensions could resurface ahead of elections to parliament, where the UNP is the largest party. These are expected early next year. The new president's constitutional reform plans could resurrect controversial proposals to enhance the executive's powers. Gotabaya Rajapaksa's economic manifesto targets average growth of 6.5 per cent or higher, compared with 3.2 per cent in 2018 and a Fitch-forecast 2.8 per cent in 2019, by promoting commodity and apparel exports, construction and tourism. "Strengthening growth and exports will be credit positive, but we think there is a risk of a more expansionary fiscal stance after the parliamentary elections." Under Mahinda Rajapaksa's presidency from 2005-2015, an aggressive infrastructure drive pushed up government debt. Gotabaya Rajapaksa's manifesto targets a budget deficit below 4 per cent of GDP and inflation below 5 per cent. "Although detailed economic plans are yet to be announced, we think achieving ambitious growth targets could entail stimulus measures that erode fiscal headroom which is limited by high public debt (about 83 per cent of GDP). This could undermine policy credibility, investor confidence, and potentially complicate relations with the IMF," said Fitch. The new president's manifesto suggests that the undermining of monetary policy credibility that was a feature of Mahinda Rajapaksa's presidency will not recur. An important measure of this commitment will be the status of a planned amendment to the Monetary Law Act, which would establish price stability as the central bank's primary objective and support the shift towards flexible inflation targeting. Gotabaya Rajapaksa's commitments on social spending and public-sector wages and pensions could jeopardise deficit reduction unless government revenue (which is low at just over 13 per cent of GDP) increases. His manifesto includes plans to replace the Inland Revenue Act, a lynchpin of fiscal reforms under the IMF programme, to unify VAT (currently 15 per cent) and the Nation-Building Tax (2 per cent) with a single VAT rate of 8 per cent and cap personal income tax rates at 15 per cent. If these lead to revenue losses, they could put Sri Lanka's medium-term fiscal consolidation plan at risk. A 4 per cent deficit may, therefore, prove challenging. "We forecast the deficit to stabilise at about 5 per cent of GDP in 2020-2021, as GDP growth recovers from the April bombings in Colombo. The market reaction to the election has been mildly positive. The Sri Lankan currency has appreciated by about 0.5 per cent against the dollar and the Colombo stock index rose by about 2 per cent. A row-back on reforms could have implications for Sri Lanka's IMF programme which has been extended to June 2020. The sixth review was completed in September and, coupled with 4.4 billion dollars of sovereign bond issuance this year, has eased near-term external pressures. But external debt repayments are substantial at 19 billion dollars in 2020-2023 against reserves of 7.8 billion dollars.

Sri Lanka's election result increases policy uncertainty: Fitch ratings

The ongoing district elections in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-seige-8-students-arrested-as-protests-fizzle-out-263764">Hong Kong</a> have been dangerous owing to the anti-government protests in the city.

Polling stations are due to open across Hong Kong on Sunday morning as the semi-autonomous city of 7.5 million votes for district councillors, in a ballot seen as a gauge of the popularity of Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the pro-Beijing government.

First-time candidate Kwan Siu Lun says campaigning for this weekend's district elections in Hong Kong has been a dangerous business in the white heat of the city's political crisis.

In normal times, district elections are tame, hyper-local affairs dominated by candidates allied to the China-backed government with a remit over rubbish collections and planning decisions.&nbsp;

But with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/too-scared-to-escape-isolated-protesters-hold-out-on-trashed-hong-kong-campus-263740">protests coursing through the city</a>, pro-democracy candidates are hoping for a dramatic swing in their favour.

The&nbsp;protest movement needs a big turnout,&nbsp;it was 47 per cent the last time around in 2015,&nbsp;to give the unpopular government a bloody nose at the ballot box.

The signs point in their favour with 4.1 million Hong Kongers registering to vote,&nbsp;nearly 400,000 more than in 2015.

There are no disruptive actions planned so far for Sunday, while a "HOW TO CAST A VOTE" airdrop is urging young voters to turn up early, bring their ID and "avoid wearing black shirts and masks" or accidentally spoiling ballots.

In a city beset by violence, candidate Kwan says he has tried to tip-toe around the conflicting political opinions.

"I try to focus on local community issues," says the 38-year-old architect running as an independent on the pro-democracy side&nbsp;in his working-class constituency of Hung Hom.

"But of course some voters ask what my political views are... some people have sworn at me and thrown my leaflets to the ground."

The poll to choose 452 councillors across 18 districts is the closest voters in Hong Kong get to direct representation.

By contrast, members of the city's legislature are elected by a combination of the popular vote and industry groups stacked with Beijing loyalists, while the city's chief executive is chosen by a similarly pro-establishment committee.&nbsp;

This year it is "a kind of referendum" on the Hong Kong government's handling "of the riots over the extradition (bill), democracy and the conflicts between the people and the police", says political analyst Dixon Sing.

Watch: Hong Kong police storm university

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-hong-kong-police-storm-university-262997/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

'Deeply touched'&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-china-diplomat-says-beijing-will-never-allow-anyone-to-destroy-hong-kongs-stability-263609">political unrest of recent months</a> has overshadowed what would normally be a calm campaign.

A pro-democracy candidate had his ear bitten off, while 17 other candidates of all stripes -- some seeking re-election -- have been arrested over protest-related activities.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, election authorities banned democracy activist Joshua Wong from running in the district poll over his political views espousing "self-determination" for the Chinese-ruled city.

Kwan says he did not plan to run. Then protests unfurled on June 9 against an extradition bill to China. They have not stopped since. &nbsp;

"I never thought about running before... I have a day job and I have a new-born baby," he told AFP, the pavement dug up around him by protesters seeking projectiles to hurl at police.

But "I felt deeply touched" by the protest movement, he said, explaining he sees district power as a way to help young people.

The challenges of campaigning during a political crisis cuts across colours.

Michelle Tang, an independent candidate affiliated with the pro-establishment camp, is seeking re-election in her constituency of Tsim Sha Tsui East.

The now-trashed Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus stands in her district, scene of an ongoing siege of pro-democracy protesters by police.

"Some shops have refused to put up my poster even though the owners privately support me" she said, explaining they are worried about provoking the protesters.

In the hurly-burly of a political crisis, it is also hard to predict who is likely to triumph in Sunday's poll.

But there is a strategic imperative for a protest movement that has brought millions onto the street to also flood the polling booths.

Under the <a href="wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-trying-to-settle-university-scuffle-peacefully-one-country-two-systems-to-be-upheld-263534">city's convoluted China-scripted electoral system</a>, seats on the district council could translate into 117 votes in the Election Committee,&nbsp;the mechanism by which a Chief Executive is chosen.

A big win at the grassroots level in the city's most free vote could help mobilise the pro-democracy bloc for next year's parliamentary elections, says analyst Sing.

Back on the city's febrile streets, candidates have the choice of fending off barrages of abuse or running muted campaigns.

"Some pro-establishment voters come to me and call me a 'cockroach', or a 'rioter'," says Isaac Ho, a pro-democracy candidate&nbsp;running for the first time in a government-allied stronghold in Kowloon.&nbsp;

"I just answer with a smile," he says.

The ongoing district elections in Hong Kong have been dangerous owing to the anti-government protests in the city. Polling stations are due to open across Hong Kong on Sunday morning as the semi-autonomous city of 7.

The ongoing district elections in Hong Kong have been dangerous owing to the anti-government protests in the city. Polling stations are due to open across Hong Kong on Sunday morning as the semi-autonomous city of 7.5 million votes for district councillors, in a ballot seen as a gauge of the popularity of Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the pro-Beijing government. First-time candidate Kwan Siu Lun says campaigning for this weekend's district elections in Hong Kong has been a dangerous business in the white heat of the city's political crisis. In normal times, district elections are tame, hyper-local affairs dominated by candidates allied to the China-backed government with a remit over rubbish collections and planning decisions. But with protests coursing through the city, pro-democracy candidates are hoping for a dramatic swing in their favour. The protest movement needs a big turnout, it was 47 per cent the last time around in 2015, to give the unpopular government a bloody nose at the ballot box. The signs point in their favour with 4.1 million Hong Kongers registering to vote, nearly 400,000 more than in 2015. There are no disruptive actions planned so far for Sunday, while a "HOW TO CAST A VOTE" airdrop is urging young voters to turn up early, bring their ID and "avoid wearing black shirts and masks" or accidentally spoiling ballots. In a city beset by violence, candidate Kwan says he has tried to tip-toe around the conflicting political opinions. "I try to focus on local community issues," says the 38-year-old architect running as an independent on the pro-democracy side in his working-class constituency of Hung Hom. "But of course some voters ask what my political views are... some people have sworn at me and thrown my leaflets to the ground." The poll to choose 452 councillors across 18 districts is the closest voters in Hong Kong get to direct representation. By contrast, members of the city's legislature are elected by a combination of the popular vote and industry groups stacked with Beijing loyalists, while the city's chief executive is chosen by a similarly pro-establishment committee. This year it is "a kind of referendum" on the Hong Kong government's handling "of the riots over the extradition (bill), democracy and the conflicts between the people and the police", says political analyst Dixon Sing. Watch: Hong Kong police storm university 'Deeply touched' The political unrest of recent months has overshadowed what would normally be a calm campaign. A pro-democracy candidate had his ear bitten off, while 17 other candidates of all stripes -- some seeking re-election -- have been arrested over protest-related activities. Meanwhile, election authorities banned democracy activist Joshua Wong from running in the district poll over his political views espousing "self-determination" for the Chinese-ruled city. Kwan says he did not plan to run. Then protests unfurled on June 9 against an extradition bill to China. They have not stopped since. "I never thought about running before... I have a day job and I have a new-born baby," he told AFP, the pavement dug up around him by protesters seeking projectiles to hurl at police. But "I felt deeply touched" by the protest movement, he said, explaining he sees district power as a way to help young people. The challenges of campaigning during a political crisis cuts across colours. Michelle Tang, an independent candidate affiliated with the pro-establishment camp, is seeking re-election in her constituency of Tsim Sha Tsui East. The now-trashed Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus stands in her district, scene of an ongoing siege of pro-democracy protesters by police. "Some shops have refused to put up my poster even though the owners privately support me" she said, explaining they are worried about provoking the protesters. In the hurly-burly of a political crisis, it is also hard to predict who is likely to triumph in Sunday's poll. But there is a strategic imperative for a protest movement that has brought millions onto the street to also flood the polling booths. Under the city's convoluted China-scripted electoral system, seats on the district council could translate into 117 votes in the Election Committee, the mechanism by which a Chief Executive is chosen. A big win at the grassroots level in the city's most free vote could help mobilise the pro-democracy bloc for next year's parliamentary elections, says analyst Sing. Back on the city's febrile streets, candidates have the choice of fending off barrages of abuse or running muted campaigns. "Some pro-establishment voters come to me and call me a 'cockroach', or a 'rioter'," says Isaac Ho, a pro-democracy candidate running for the first time in a government-allied stronghold in Kowloon. "I just answer with a smile," he says.

Hong Kong set to vote for district councillors amid anti-government protests

Bolivia's interim <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-3-dead-in-bolivia-as-protesters-clash-with-security-forces-amid-food-fuel-crisis-263256">President Jeanine Anez</a> asked Congress Wednesday to approve a law that would allow for new elections, after deadly unrest following the resignation of Evo Morales and the disputed October 20 ballot.

The announcement comes after the number of people killed in clashes with security forces at a fuel plant near La Paz on Tuesday rose to eight, officials said, taking the total death toll since last month's vote to 32. &nbsp;

Morales, who fled to Mexico after resigning November 10, accused the Bolivian security forces of engaging in "genocide" against his indigenous supporters and called for action by the international community.

The government earlier released an audio recording of a person it alleged to be Morales ordering a member of the opposition movement to continue road blockades around the landlocked country.

For weeks his supporters have been obstructing main roads leading from agricultural regions to La Paz and other major cities, causing severe food and fuel shortages.

Speaking to reporters, Anez said she hoped the caretaker government's proposal,&nbsp;which also seeks the annulment of the original ballot and the formation of a new election tribunal,&nbsp;would form the basis for generating "a national consensus."

Justice Minister Alvaro Coimbra said the hope was for Congress to approve the law "as soon as possible," to allow the selection within 15 days of a new election tribunal, which would be responsible for choosing a date for the ballot.

A similar proposal put forward by Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS) party has been sent to a Senate committee for analysis.&nbsp;

Anez still has the option to issue a presidential decree for a new vote.

The Washington-based Organisation of the American States, which audited last month's elections and found irregularities, on Wednesday, approved a resolution calling on Bolivia to "urgently" hold a new vote.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coca-farmers-march-police-fire-tear-gas-in-worsening-bolivia-unrest-263166">Unrest in Bolivia</a> first erupted after Morales, the country's first indigenous president,&nbsp;was accused of rigging the results of last month's polls to gain re-election.

He resigned and fled to Mexico after losing the support of the security forces.

Anez, the 52-year-old former deputy speaker of the Senate, declared herself the country's interim president last week, filling a vacuum left by Morales' departure and the resignations of several ministers.

Since Morales stepped down, his supporters have demonstrated daily in the streets of La Paz and in some provincial cities to demand Anez's departure.

The United Nations, the European Union and the influential Catholic Church have been trying to broker talks between Anez's interim government and opposition parties loyal to Morales to end the violence.&nbsp;

Interior Minister Arturo Murillo played a telephone recording to journalists on Wednesday, allegedly of Morales issuing instructions to a leader of the opposition movement in Bolivia.

"Don't let food into the cities, we're going to block, really encircle (the cities)," says the voice Murillo attributed to Morales.&nbsp;

Morales' order was a "crime against humanity," Murillo told reporters, accusing the ex-president of "terrorism."

"In the coming hours we will file an international lawsuit on this," Murillo said.

Watch: Bolivians go hungry as protests snarl cities

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Deadly violence

Speaking to reporters in Mexico on Wednesday, Morales urged the international community to intervene to stop what he called a "genocide" in Bolivia.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivian-farmers-protest-against-interim-president-at-site-of-killings-263033">This massacre</a> ... is part of a genocide that is happening in our beloved Bolivia," Morales told a press conference in Mexico City.

The deadliest clashes occurred Friday in the central city of Cochabamba, a stronghold for Morales, where nine people were killed in a confrontation with the army and police.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, deadly violence erupted in El Alto when security forces lifted a siege on a fuel plant that had caused severe shortages in the nearby capital.

The attorney general's office said eight people died in those clashes. The initial death toll had been three, with dozens more wounded. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A spokesman for the ombudsman's office said earlier two of those killed had been hit by gunfire.

The army said in a statement that "agitators and vandals" had attacked and partially destroyed the Senkata fuel plant, "using high-powered explosives."

A convoy of around 50 fuel tankers was able to leave the Senkata plant for the first time in more than a week after police and military forces using armoured vehicles secured the route to neighbouring La Paz.

But the defence ministry issued a statement Wednesday night saying protesters had surrounded the plant again and security forces were protecting it to avoid "any type of attack."

Morales supporters erected barricades around the El Alto plant last week to protest what they said was a coup by Anez.&nbsp;

Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez asked Congress Wednesday to approve a law that would allow for new elections, after deadly unrest following the resignation of Evo Morales and the disputed October 20 ballot.

Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez asked Congress Wednesday to approve a law that would allow for new elections, after deadly unrest following the resignation of Evo Morales and the disputed October 20 ballot. The announcement comes after the number of people killed in clashes with security forces at a fuel plant near La Paz on Tuesday rose to eight, officials said, taking the total death toll since last month's vote to 32. Morales, who fled to Mexico after resigning November 10, accused the Bolivian security forces of engaging in "genocide" against his indigenous supporters and called for action by the international community. The government earlier released an audio recording of a person it alleged to be Morales ordering a member of the opposition movement to continue road blockades around the landlocked country. For weeks his supporters have been obstructing main roads leading from agricultural regions to La Paz and other major cities, causing severe food and fuel shortages. Speaking to reporters, Anez said she hoped the caretaker government's proposal, which also seeks the annulment of the original ballot and the formation of a new election tribunal, would form the basis for generating "a national consensus." Justice Minister Alvaro Coimbra said the hope was for Congress to approve the law "as soon as possible," to allow the selection within 15 days of a new election tribunal, which would be responsible for choosing a date for the ballot. A similar proposal put forward by Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS) party has been sent to a Senate committee for analysis. Anez still has the option to issue a presidential decree for a new vote. The Washington-based Organisation of the American States, which audited last month's elections and found irregularities, on Wednesday, approved a resolution calling on Bolivia to "urgently" hold a new vote. Unrest in Bolivia first erupted after Morales, the country's first indigenous president, was accused of rigging the results of last month's polls to gain re-election. He resigned and fled to Mexico after losing the support of the security forces. Anez, the 52-year-old former deputy speaker of the Senate, declared herself the country's interim president last week, filling a vacuum left by Morales' departure and the resignations of several ministers. Since Morales stepped down, his supporters have demonstrated daily in the streets of La Paz and in some provincial cities to demand Anez's departure. The United Nations, the European Union and the influential Catholic Church have been trying to broker talks between Anez's interim government and opposition parties loyal to Morales to end the violence. Interior Minister Arturo Murillo played a telephone recording to journalists on Wednesday, allegedly of Morales issuing instructions to a leader of the opposition movement in Bolivia. "Don't let food into the cities, we're going to block, really encircle (the cities)," says the voice Murillo attributed to Morales. Morales' order was a "crime against humanity," Murillo told reporters, accusing the ex-president of "terrorism." "In the coming hours we will file an international lawsuit on this," Murillo said. Watch: Bolivians go hungry as protests snarl cities Deadly violence Speaking to reporters in Mexico on Wednesday, Morales urged the international community to intervene to stop what he called a "genocide" in Bolivia. "This massacre ... is part of a genocide that is happening in our beloved Bolivia," Morales told a press conference in Mexico City. The deadliest clashes occurred Friday in the central city of Cochabamba, a stronghold for Morales, where nine people were killed in a confrontation with the army and police. On Tuesday, deadly violence erupted in El Alto when security forces lifted a siege on a fuel plant that had caused severe shortages in the nearby capital. The attorney general's office said eight people died in those clashes. The initial death toll had been three, with dozens more wounded. A spokesman for the ombudsman's office said earlier two of those killed had been hit by gunfire. The army said in a statement that "agitators and vandals" had attacked and partially destroyed the Senkata fuel plant, "using high-powered explosives." A convoy of around 50 fuel tankers was able to leave the Senkata plant for the first time in more than a week after police and military forces using armoured vehicles secured the route to neighbouring La Paz. But the defence ministry issued a statement Wednesday night saying protesters had surrounded the plant again and security forces were protecting it to avoid "any type of attack." Morales supporters erected barricades around the El Alto plant last week to protest what they said was a coup by Anez.

Bolivia: President asks Congress to approve law for new elections

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday congratulated Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his "historic" victory in the presidential elections. 
 
"My heartiest congratulations to the President-elect @GotabayaR on his historic victory!," Sirisena said in a tweet.

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My heartiest congratulations to the President-elect <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GotabayaR</a> on his historic victory!
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Sri Lanka-based Colombo Page reported that the country's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also congratulated the President-elect on his victory. 
 
The Prime Minister was quoted as saying in a statement that the Premier said they value democracy and a decision will be made on the next Parliamentary elections after discussing it with Speaker, party leaders and government Members of Parliament. 
 
Sri Lanka's Elections Chief Mahinda Deshapriya on Sunday afternoon confirmed that opposition candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa had won the presidential elections. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Rajapaksa for his victory in the elections. 
 
"Congratulations @GotabayaR on your victory in the Presidential elections. I look forward to working closely with you for deepening the close and fraternal ties between our two countries and citizens, and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region," Modi had tweeted. 
 
"I also congratulate the people of Sri Lanka for the successful conduct of the elections," he said. 
 
Rajapaksa, who has been credited for having crushed the Tamil Tigers 10 years ago, focused his campaign on his credentials as the defence secretary that brought a close to the bloody 26-year civil war, while also calling for an overhaul of economic policies implemented by Premadasa's UNP during its five-year charge of the parliament. 
 
To win, a candidate has to secure at least 50 per cent&nbsp;+ one vote in the first round of counting, the Elections Commission Chairman had said. 
 
Rajapaksa, a former defence secretary and brother of two-time former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, based his campaign on providing strong leadership on national security issues, following coordinated bombings in April that killed at least 269 people. 
 
He will be sworn in as the seventh President of Sri Lanka tomorrow morning, November 18, in Anuradhapura, his party sources confirmed to ColomboPage.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday congratulated Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his "historic" victory in the presidential elections. "My heartiest congratulations to the President-elect @GotabayaR on his historic victory!

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday congratulated Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his "historic" victory in the presidential elections. "My heartiest congratulations to the President-elect @GotabayaR on his historic victory!," Sirisena said in a tweet. My heartiest congratulations to the President-elect @GotabayaR on his historic victory! — Maithripala Sirisena (@MaithripalaS) November 17, 2019 × Sri Lanka-based Colombo Page reported that the country's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also congratulated the President-elect on his victory. The Prime Minister was quoted as saying in a statement that the Premier said they value democracy and a decision will be made on the next Parliamentary elections after discussing it with Speaker, party leaders and government Members of Parliament. Sri Lanka's Elections Chief Mahinda Deshapriya on Sunday afternoon confirmed that opposition candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa had won the presidential elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Rajapaksa for his victory in the elections. "Congratulations @GotabayaR on your victory in the Presidential elections. I look forward to working closely with you for deepening the close and fraternal ties between our two countries and citizens, and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region," Modi had tweeted. "I also congratulate the people of Sri Lanka for the successful conduct of the elections," he said. Rajapaksa, who has been credited for having crushed the Tamil Tigers 10 years ago, focused his campaign on his credentials as the defence secretary that brought a close to the bloody 26-year civil war, while also calling for an overhaul of economic policies implemented by Premadasa's UNP during its five-year charge of the parliament. To win, a candidate has to secure at least 50 per cent + one vote in the first round of counting, the Elections Commission Chairman had said. Rajapaksa, a former defence secretary and brother of two-time former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, based his campaign on providing strong leadership on national security issues, following coordinated bombings in April that killed at least 269 people. He will be sworn in as the seventh President of Sri Lanka tomorrow morning, November 18, in Anuradhapura, his party sources confirmed to ColomboPage.

Sri Lanka: President Maithripala Sirisena congratulates Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 'historic' victory

Congress on Saturday released a list of its six candidates for the upcoming Assembly by-elections in Karnataka. 
 
The party has fielded Gananan Balachandra Mangasuli from Athani, Bharamgouda Alagouda Kage from Kagwad, and Lakhan Jarkiholi from Gokak Assembly constituencies. 
 
Venkatrao Ghorpade will be contesting from Vijayanagara, Rizwan Arshad from Shivajinagar and KB Chandrashekar from Krishnarajpet Assembly seat. 
 
Congress has also named Praveen Peter as its candidate for the forthcoming election to Legislative Council of Karnataka from Bangalore Teachers' constituency. 
 
Elections to 15 Assembly seats will be held on December 5.

Congress on Saturday released a list of its six candidates for the upcoming Assembly by-elections in Karnataka. The party has fielded Gananan Balachandra Mangasuli from Athani, Bharamgouda Alagouda Kage from Kagwad, and Lakhan Jarkiholi from Gokak Assembly constituencies.

Congress on Saturday released a list of its six candidates for the upcoming Assembly by-elections in Karnataka. The party has fielded Gananan Balachandra Mangasuli from Athani, Bharamgouda Alagouda Kage from Kagwad, and Lakhan Jarkiholi from Gokak Assembly constituencies. Venkatrao Ghorpade will be contesting from Vijayanagara, Rizwan Arshad from Shivajinagar and KB Chandrashekar from Krishnarajpet Assembly seat. Congress has also named Praveen Peter as its candidate for the forthcoming election to Legislative Council of Karnataka from Bangalore Teachers' constituency. Elections to 15 Assembly seats will be held on December 5.

Karnataka: Congress declares names of six candidates contesting Assembly by-polls

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-rival-parties-strike-deal-to-end-political-chaos-262188">Bolivia's interim president</a> Jeanine Anez on Thursday ruled out exiled leader Evo&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;from standing in new elections as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the socialist icon and against the new, acting leader.

Columns of people streamed into the seat of government La Paz from the neighbouring town of El Alto for the second day running to press their argument that&nbsp;Morales's departure was not a resignation but rather the product of a coup.

Waving multicoloured "wiphala" indigenous flags, many of the demonstrators chanted: "The time is now, civil war" and "Come back Evo!"

The interim government announced on Thursday that talks with&nbsp;Morales's Movement for Socialism (MAS) party had begun in a bid to bring peace to the deeply polarized country.

Pledging early elections, Anez, until now a little-known lawmaker,&nbsp;proclaimed herself acting president on Tuesday after&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;fled the country for Mexico, claiming to fear for his safety amid deadly protests. Her move was validated by the country's top court.

Unrest erupted when&nbsp;Morales,&nbsp;Bolivia's first indigenous president,&nbsp;was accused of rigging the results of October 20 polls to gain re-election for a fourth term.

But Anez, 52, said&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;could not take part in any new elections,&nbsp;Bolivia's constitution limits a president to two successive terms.

"Evo&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;is not allowed to stand for a fourth term. That's why we've had all this upheaval," said Anez, suggesting that MAS "find another candidate."

With tensions still high, the government said it had opened negotiations with MAS lawmakers, who previously boycotted the senate session in which Anez declared herself president.

"We have set up talks and we believe we can bring peace to the country," said Anez's cabinet chief Jerjes Justiniano.

The claim could not immediately be confirmed with the MAS party.

'Racist, putschist'

Thursday's protests included&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;supporters like the "red ponchos",&nbsp;members of the Aymara indigenous people.

"We are calling for the resignation of this racist president, this putschist," said Juan Gutierrez, an Aymara.

Morales&nbsp;has kept up attacks on the new government via Twitter from his exile in Mexico.

Anez told reporters on Thursday that new Foreign Minister Karen Longari would "make representations" to Mexico to insist that&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;be held to the terms of his political asylum and prevented from interfering in Bolivia's politics.

Mexico rejected the accusation, insisting "a refugee's freedom of expression cannot be subject to greater limitations than any other Mexican civilian."

MAS on Thursday accused Anez of "continuing to incite violence" in the country, which has been in turmoil since&nbsp;Morales's contested re-election.

International recognition

Nearly a month of protests have left 10 people dead and almost 400 wounded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-bolivian-leader-seeks-quick-vote-foes-plan-disruptions-261889">Normal business has&nbsp;resumed in the main cities</a>, but schools and universities remained shut due to the continued threat of demonstrations. Many gas stations remained closed because of a lack of supplies.

Buoyed by growing international recognition, Anez was expected to complete her government line-up on Thursday, having named new military chiefs and half of her proposed 20-member cabinet the night before.

New defence minister Fernandez Lopez Julio said in a speech at the military college in La Paz that the incoming government would bring peace to the country.

"Above all, we will have to have faith in God," he said, highlighting the conservative Christian emphasis of Anez's government after she set the tone by brandishing a bible when assuming office on Tuesday.

The United States, Russia, Colombia and Guatemala all recognized Anez as the interim president, though Moscow said it considered&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;the victim of a coup.

"This is not about recognizing what has happened in Bolivia as a legitimate process," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

Argentina's president-elect Alberto Fernandez said once he assumes office, he would be willing to offer asylum to&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;and his former vice president Alvaro Garcia Linera.

The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said her bloc supported a solution that looked toward new elections and a way "to avoid a power vacuum, which could have dire consequences for the entire country."&nbsp;

Break with Maduro

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">Anez gave the first indication</a> of her government's foreign policy by recognising Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as his country's president,&nbsp;a key shift of alliance in the volatile region.

The announcement removes one of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's main allies as he fends off efforts to oust him amid a deadly economic and political crisis. Maduro's opponents have branded him a dictator.&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;backed Maduro.&nbsp;

Guaido has declared himself Venezuela's rightful acting president. He has gained the recognition of 50 countries, including the United States, but has so far failed to dislodge Maduro.

Bolivia's interim president Jeanine Anez on Thursday ruled out exiled leader Evo Morales from standing in new elections as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the socialist icon and against the new, acting leader.

Bolivia's interim president Jeanine Anez on Thursday ruled out exiled leader Evo Morales from standing in new elections as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the socialist icon and against the new, acting leader. Columns of people streamed into the seat of government La Paz from the neighbouring town of El Alto for the second day running to press their argument that Morales's departure was not a resignation but rather the product of a coup. Waving multicoloured "wiphala" indigenous flags, many of the demonstrators chanted: "The time is now, civil war" and "Come back Evo!" The interim government announced on Thursday that talks with Morales's Movement for Socialism (MAS) party had begun in a bid to bring peace to the deeply polarized country. Pledging early elections, Anez, until now a little-known lawmaker, proclaimed herself acting president on Tuesday after Morales fled the country for Mexico, claiming to fear for his safety amid deadly protests. Her move was validated by the country's top court. Unrest erupted when Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, was accused of rigging the results of October 20 polls to gain re-election for a fourth term. But Anez, 52, said Morales could not take part in any new elections, Bolivia's constitution limits a president to two successive terms. "Evo Morales is not allowed to stand for a fourth term. That's why we've had all this upheaval," said Anez, suggesting that MAS "find another candidate." With tensions still high, the government said it had opened negotiations with MAS lawmakers, who previously boycotted the senate session in which Anez declared herself president. "We have set up talks and we believe we can bring peace to the country," said Anez's cabinet chief Jerjes Justiniano. The claim could not immediately be confirmed with the MAS party. 'Racist, putschist' Thursday's protests included Morales supporters like the "red ponchos", members of the Aymara indigenous people. "We are calling for the resignation of this racist president, this putschist," said Juan Gutierrez, an Aymara. Morales has kept up attacks on the new government via Twitter from his exile in Mexico. Anez told reporters on Thursday that new Foreign Minister Karen Longari would "make representations" to Mexico to insist that Morales be held to the terms of his political asylum and prevented from interfering in Bolivia's politics. Mexico rejected the accusation, insisting "a refugee's freedom of expression cannot be subject to greater limitations than any other Mexican civilian." MAS on Thursday accused Anez of "continuing to incite violence" in the country, which has been in turmoil since Morales's contested re-election. International recognition Nearly a month of protests have left 10 people dead and almost 400 wounded. Normal business has resumed in the main cities, but schools and universities remained shut due to the continued threat of demonstrations. Many gas stations remained closed because of a lack of supplies. Buoyed by growing international recognition, Anez was expected to complete her government line-up on Thursday, having named new military chiefs and half of her proposed 20-member cabinet the night before. New defence minister Fernandez Lopez Julio said in a speech at the military college in La Paz that the incoming government would bring peace to the country. "Above all, we will have to have faith in God," he said, highlighting the conservative Christian emphasis of Anez's government after she set the tone by brandishing a bible when assuming office on Tuesday. The United States, Russia, Colombia and Guatemala all recognized Anez as the interim president, though Moscow said it considered Morales the victim of a coup. "This is not about recognizing what has happened in Bolivia as a legitimate process," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. Argentina's president-elect Alberto Fernandez said once he assumes office, he would be willing to offer asylum to Morales and his former vice president Alvaro Garcia Linera. The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said her bloc supported a solution that looked toward new elections and a way "to avoid a power vacuum, which could have dire consequences for the entire country." Break with Maduro Anez gave the first indication of her government's foreign policy by recognising Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as his country's president, a key shift of alliance in the volatile region. The announcement removes one of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's main allies as he fends off efforts to oust him amid a deadly economic and political crisis. Maduro's opponents have branded him a dictator. Morales backed Maduro. Guaido has declared himself Venezuela's rightful acting president. He has gained the recognition of 50 countries, including the United States, but has so far failed to dislodge Maduro.

Bolivia interim president rules out Morales election bid

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">Bolivia's interim government</a> and lawmakers from the party of unseated leader Evo Morales struck a deal late on Thursday to pursue new elections, potentially helping resolve the South American country's political crisis.

In a late-night session of the Bolivian Senate, the chamber's President, a member of Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, said there was an agreement to work towards new elections after weeks of protests and violence that led to leftist leader Morales resigning under pressure last Sunday.

"Today is a historic day where we have been able to agree between opposition and government with the sole objective to make new elections as soon as possible, to pacify our country and above all to defend democracy," said Mónica Eva Copa Murga, who had earlier been confirmed in her role.

She called on Bolivia's security forces, who have been facing skirmishes in the streets with pro-Morales supporters, to treat the country's indigenous groups with respect.

"Let's get rid of colours, of radical positions, what our country is looking for right now is peace," she said.

Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez, who took over on Tuesday after a spate of resignations, had earlier indicated she wanted to mend bridges with Morales' party. She said, however, that Morales himself would not be welcome as a candidate.

Anez, 52, is trying to lead a sharply divided Bolivia that has been rocked by protests since an October&nbsp;20 election, which was won by Morales but marred by widespread allegations of fraud.

Veteran leftist and indigenous leader Morales resigned after an audit found electoral irregularities and the military withdrew its backing and urged him to step down as president to help restore calm.

Morales and his vice president Alvaro Garcia, who also resigned, have been offered asylum by Mexico.

No fourth term

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-bolivian-leader-seeks-quick-vote-foes-plan-disruptions-261889">Evo Morales</a> does not qualify to run for a fourth term," conservative former senator Anez told a news conference on Thursday, adding the country's "convulsions" were because he had run in defiance of term limits.

She said MAS, which has a majority in Congress, was welcome to participate in the vote. "They should start searching for a candidate," she said.

Morales, the charismatic leader of Bolivia since 2006, ran again despite a 2016 referendum against lifting term limits, after a court packed with loyalists gave him a green light to run indefinitely, citing his "human rights."

Jerjes Justiniano, one of Anez's newly appointed ministers, earlier told reporters that the interim government was pursuing talks with MAS.

"We are at the dialogue table, we are talking," he said in comments aired on channel Unitel, adding that MAS had sought assurance that Morales would be able to return freely to Bolivia, which he said would not be an issue.

"There's no problem with that, it's just one citizen more."

Anez did not give a specific date for the election, but under the constitution, she has 90 days to do so since declaring herself interim leader by invoking the constitutional line of succession earlier this week.

Morales has said he was the victim of a coup, with his supporters continuing to agitate on his behalf with marches and skirmishes in the streets of La Paz and nearby El Alto. On Thursday thousands of Morales supporters marched carrying colourful flags and banners in La Paz.

Meanwhile, Anez is shoring up her position. She has appointed a new military chief and cabinet members, while MAS lawmakers seemed to have backed away from plans to try to nullify her interim appointment.

Russia, an ally for Bolivia under Morales, said it would work with Anez and recognise her as Bolivia's leader until new elections were held.

The United States, Brazil, Colombia, Britain and Germany have also recognised Anez. Other governments in South America, including neighbouring Peru and Argentina, have so far held off.

In protests since the October vote, at least 10 people have been killed, the public prosecutor's office said, mostly by projectiles from firearms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-mexico-morales-pledges-to-remain-in-politics-as-bolivia-battles-to-restore-stability-261704">Morales</a>, tweeting from Mexico, has called for dialogue to help "pacify" Bolivia, asking the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church to help find a solution. The United Nations is sending an envoy.

Bolivia's interim government and lawmakers from the party of unseated leader Evo Morales struck a deal late on Thursday to pursue new elections, potentially helping resolve the South American country's political crisis.

Bolivia's interim government and lawmakers from the party of unseated leader Evo Morales struck a deal late on Thursday to pursue new elections, potentially helping resolve the South American country's political crisis. In a late-night session of the Bolivian Senate, the chamber's President, a member of Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, said there was an agreement to work towards new elections after weeks of protests and violence that led to leftist leader Morales resigning under pressure last Sunday. "Today is a historic day where we have been able to agree between opposition and government with the sole objective to make new elections as soon as possible, to pacify our country and above all to defend democracy," said Mónica Eva Copa Murga, who had earlier been confirmed in her role. She called on Bolivia's security forces, who have been facing skirmishes in the streets with pro-Morales supporters, to treat the country's indigenous groups with respect. "Let's get rid of colours, of radical positions, what our country is looking for right now is peace," she said. Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez, who took over on Tuesday after a spate of resignations, had earlier indicated she wanted to mend bridges with Morales' party. She said, however, that Morales himself would not be welcome as a candidate. Anez, 52, is trying to lead a sharply divided Bolivia that has been rocked by protests since an October 20 election, which was won by Morales but marred by widespread allegations of fraud. Veteran leftist and indigenous leader Morales resigned after an audit found electoral irregularities and the military withdrew its backing and urged him to step down as president to help restore calm. Morales and his vice president Alvaro Garcia, who also resigned, have been offered asylum by Mexico. No fourth term "Evo Morales does not qualify to run for a fourth term," conservative former senator Anez told a news conference on Thursday, adding the country's "convulsions" were because he had run in defiance of term limits. She said MAS, which has a majority in Congress, was welcome to participate in the vote. "They should start searching for a candidate," she said. Morales, the charismatic leader of Bolivia since 2006, ran again despite a 2016 referendum against lifting term limits, after a court packed with loyalists gave him a green light to run indefinitely, citing his "human rights." Jerjes Justiniano, one of Anez's newly appointed ministers, earlier told reporters that the interim government was pursuing talks with MAS. "We are at the dialogue table, we are talking," he said in comments aired on channel Unitel, adding that MAS had sought assurance that Morales would be able to return freely to Bolivia, which he said would not be an issue. "There's no problem with that, it's just one citizen more." Anez did not give a specific date for the election, but under the constitution, she has 90 days to do so since declaring herself interim leader by invoking the constitutional line of succession earlier this week. Morales has said he was the victim of a coup, with his supporters continuing to agitate on his behalf with marches and skirmishes in the streets of La Paz and nearby El Alto. On Thursday thousands of Morales supporters marched carrying colourful flags and banners in La Paz. Meanwhile, Anez is shoring up her position. She has appointed a new military chief and cabinet members, while MAS lawmakers seemed to have backed away from plans to try to nullify her interim appointment. Russia, an ally for Bolivia under Morales, said it would work with Anez and recognise her as Bolivia's leader until new elections were held. The United States, Brazil, Colombia, Britain and Germany have also recognised Anez. Other governments in South America, including neighbouring Peru and Argentina, have so far held off. In protests since the October vote, at least 10 people have been killed, the public prosecutor's office said, mostly by projectiles from firearms. Morales, tweeting from Mexico, has called for dialogue to help "pacify" Bolivia, asking the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church to help find a solution. The United Nations is sending an envoy.

Bolivia's rival parties strike deal to end political chaos

Spain's Socialists and the radical leftwing Podemos have agreed in principle <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-socialists-again-seek-to-rule-without-majority-as-ciudadanos-collapses-261511">to form a coalition government</a>, the leaders of the two parties said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A government formed by the two parties,&nbsp;who failed to reach a deal several months ago, triggering Sunday's repeat election,&nbsp;would need the support of other factions to pass an investiture vote. That would require a majority of at least 176 in the 350-seat parliament.

Should the agreement come to fruition, it would be Spain's first coalition government in its modern history.&nbsp;

Announcing the tentative deal at a joint press conference, outgoing Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the aim was to break months of political deadlock and establish "a stable government".

"Our desire is to achieve majority support in the chamber," he said.

They would approach other factions "to achieve a stable and sustained majority that would make possible not only an investiture vote but a legislature", he added.

Standing next to him, pony-tailed Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias said the two parties were looking to form "a progressive coalition government".&nbsp;

"As election night showed... what was a historic opportunity in April has become a historic necessity," Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias told journalists.&nbsp;

In the coming weeks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-fourth-election-in-four-years-fails-to-break-deadlock-261407">the two parties would thrash out all the details</a> of both the structure and the programme of the government, he added.

Although Sanchez's Socialists won Sunday's vote, the fourth in as many years, he emerged from the elections weakened. The repeat vote boosted support for the rightwing People's Party and propelled the far-right Vox into third place.

Both the Socialists and Podemos lost seats compared to April's election.

Sanchez's party took 120, down from 123, while Podemos secured 35, down from 42, leaving the two factions 21 seats short for an investiture vote.&nbsp;

Spain's Socialists and the radical leftwing Podemos have agreed in principle to form a coalition government, the leaders of the two parties said on Tuesday. A government formed by the two parties, who failed to reach a deal several months ago, triggering Sunday's repeat election, would need the support of other factions to pass an investiture vote.

Spain's Socialists and the radical leftwing Podemos have agreed in principle to form a coalition government, the leaders of the two parties said on Tuesday. A government formed by the two parties, who failed to reach a deal several months ago, triggering Sunday's repeat election, would need the support of other factions to pass an investiture vote. That would require a majority of at least 176 in the 350-seat parliament. Should the agreement come to fruition, it would be Spain's first coalition government in its modern history. Announcing the tentative deal at a joint press conference, outgoing Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the aim was to break months of political deadlock and establish "a stable government". "Our desire is to achieve majority support in the chamber," he said. They would approach other factions "to achieve a stable and sustained majority that would make possible not only an investiture vote but a legislature", he added. Standing next to him, pony-tailed Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias said the two parties were looking to form "a progressive coalition government". "As election night showed... what was a historic opportunity in April has become a historic necessity," Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias told journalists. In the coming weeks, the two parties would thrash out all the details of both the structure and the programme of the government, he added. Although Sanchez's Socialists won Sunday's vote, the fourth in as many years, he emerged from the elections weakened. The repeat vote boosted support for the rightwing People's Party and propelled the far-right Vox into third place. Both the Socialists and Podemos lost seats compared to April's election. Sanchez's party took 120, down from 123, while Podemos secured 35, down from 42, leaving the two factions 21 seats short for an investiture vote.

Spain Socialists, far-left Podemos agree in principle to form government after deadlock

Spain's Socialists faced tough talks to form a government on Monday after the party emerged on top but weakened from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatists-block-spain-france-highway-261375">repeat election</a> which produced an even more divided parliament and propelled far-right Vox into third place.

Neither the left nor the right bloc is anywhere near an absolute majority in the 350-seat assembly following Sunday's polls, prolonging a political deadlock in the eurozone's fourth-largest economy after a similar result in the previous general election in April.

The "elections did not solve the difficulties in achieving a governing majority. On the contrary, (they) worsened them," top-selling daily newspaper El Pais wrote in an editorial.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez triggered the repeat polls, Spain's fourth in four years, after his Socialists failed to reach an agreement with other parties to forge a parliamentary majority in April.

But his gamble resulted in the party winning just 120 parliamentary seats,&nbsp;three fewer than in April,&nbsp;while far-left Podemos party slumped to 35 seats from 42 the last time around.

Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias urged the left to unite this time and said he was willing to start negotiating with Sanchez. However, their two parties together would still need the support of several smaller parties to build a working majority of 176 seats in parliament.

The main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) recovered from its worst-ever showing in April, finishing second with 88 seats, up from 66, while Vox was the biggest winner.

It won 52 seats,&nbsp;more than doubling the 24 it took during its April parliamentary debut in the most significant showing by a far-right faction since Spain's return to democracy following dictator Francisco Franco's death in 1975.

'Practically impossible'

The deepening Catalan separatist crisis played squarely into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-far-right-doubles-seats-in-hung-parliament-difficult-talks-ahead-261232">hands of the far-right</a>, which has vowed to clamp down aggressively on Catalonia's independence drive.

Catalonia was rocked by days of mass, sometimes violent, pro-independence rallies after Spain's Supreme Court on October 14 sentenced nine politicians and activists to jail for up to 13 years for their role in a failed secession bid in 2017.

"My hypothesis is it will be practically impossible to form a government in Spain... It will be harder than in the past," said Joan Botella, a political science professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (AUB).

"All parties have a rival to their left, another rival to their right, and that blocks strategic options," he added.

Business-friendly Ciudadanos, which had been another option as a governing partner for the Socialists, suffered a drubbing, winning just 10 seats, down from 57.

On Monday, Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera resigned, saying it was "the responsible thing to do".

'Change in criteria'

The Socialist have hinted they would like to govern in a minority and have appealed for "generosity" and a "sense of responsibility" to allow it to do so.

"We ask for a change in criteria from everyone, of generosity in the interests of this country," Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said in an interview with public television.

The Socialist Party is already pressuring the PP to abstain from voting during a confidence vote in parliament to allow it to form a government.

But Eurasia analyst Frederic Santini said that given the improved performance of the right bloc, the "PP's leadership will now likely be more comfortable with the idea of a new election...and therefore even more reluctant to back a Socialist government."

Oriol Bartomeus, another AUB political scientist, said the PP was "threatened by the rise of Vox, and as a result has much less incentive to join forces with the Socialists."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-votes-in-repeat-general-election-amid-catalonia-tensions-261157">Spain has been mired in political paralysis for four years</a> since Podemos and Ciudadanos entered parliament following a December 2015 election that shattered the decades-long hegemony of the Socialists and the PP.

Spain's Socialists faced tough talks to form a government on Monday after the party emerged on top but weakened from a repeat election which produced an even more divided parliament and propelled far-right Vox into third place.

Spain's Socialists faced tough talks to form a government on Monday after the party emerged on top but weakened from a repeat election which produced an even more divided parliament and propelled far-right Vox into third place. Neither the left nor the right bloc is anywhere near an absolute majority in the 350-seat assembly following Sunday's polls, prolonging a political deadlock in the eurozone's fourth-largest economy after a similar result in the previous general election in April. The "elections did not solve the difficulties in achieving a governing majority. On the contrary, (they) worsened them," top-selling daily newspaper El Pais wrote in an editorial. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez triggered the repeat polls, Spain's fourth in four years, after his Socialists failed to reach an agreement with other parties to forge a parliamentary majority in April. But his gamble resulted in the party winning just 120 parliamentary seats, three fewer than in April, while far-left Podemos party slumped to 35 seats from 42 the last time around. Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias urged the left to unite this time and said he was willing to start negotiating with Sanchez. However, their two parties together would still need the support of several smaller parties to build a working majority of 176 seats in parliament. The main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) recovered from its worst-ever showing in April, finishing second with 88 seats, up from 66, while Vox was the biggest winner. It won 52 seats, more than doubling the 24 it took during its April parliamentary debut in the most significant showing by a far-right faction since Spain's return to democracy following dictator Francisco Franco's death in 1975. 'Practically impossible' The deepening Catalan separatist crisis played squarely into the hands of the far-right, which has vowed to clamp down aggressively on Catalonia's independence drive. Catalonia was rocked by days of mass, sometimes violent, pro-independence rallies after Spain's Supreme Court on October 14 sentenced nine politicians and activists to jail for up to 13 years for their role in a failed secession bid in 2017. "My hypothesis is it will be practically impossible to form a government in Spain... It will be harder than in the past," said Joan Botella, a political science professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (AUB). "All parties have a rival to their left, another rival to their right, and that blocks strategic options," he added. Business-friendly Ciudadanos, which had been another option as a governing partner for the Socialists, suffered a drubbing, winning just 10 seats, down from 57. On Monday, Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera resigned, saying it was "the responsible thing to do". 'Change in criteria' The Socialist have hinted they would like to govern in a minority and have appealed for "generosity" and a "sense of responsibility" to allow it to do so. "We ask for a change in criteria from everyone, of generosity in the interests of this country," Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said in an interview with public television. The Socialist Party is already pressuring the PP to abstain from voting during a confidence vote in parliament to allow it to form a government. But Eurasia analyst Frederic Santini said that given the improved performance of the right bloc, the "PP's leadership will now likely be more comfortable with the idea of a new election...and therefore even more reluctant to back a Socialist government." Oriol Bartomeus, another AUB political scientist, said the PP was "threatened by the rise of Vox, and as a result has much less incentive to join forces with the Socialists." Spain has been mired in political paralysis for four years since Podemos and Ciudadanos entered parliament following a December 2015 election that shattered the decades-long hegemony of the Socialists and the PP.

Spain's fourth election in four years fails to break deadlock

Bolivian President Evo Morales agreed on Sunday to hold <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irregularities-in-disputed-bolivia-vote-should-hold-new-elections-organisation-of-american-states-261191">new presidential elections</a> after a damning report from the Organisation of American States (OAS) found serious irregularities in an October&nbsp;20 vote won by the leftist leader.

Morales' victory last month sparked widespread protests around the country.

The OAS report, issued earlier on Sunday, said the October vote should be annulled after it had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system that meant it could not verify the result.

Morales, speaking at a press conference in La Paz, also said he would replace the country's electoral body. The department has come under heavy criticism after an unexplained halt to the vote count sparked widespread allegations of fraud and prompted the OAS audit.

Morales, who came to power in 2006 as Bolivia's first indigenous leader, has defended his election win but had said he would adhere to the findings of the OAS audit.

The weeks-long standoff over the disputed election escalated over the weekend as police forces were seen joining anti-government protests and the military said it would not "confront the people" over the issue.

"The manipulations to the computer systems are of such magnitude that they must be deeply investigated by the Bolivian State to get to the bottom of and assign responsibility in this serious case," the preliminary OAS report said.

"The first round of the elections held on October 20 must be annulled and the electoral process must begin again," the OAS added in a separate statement.

Voting should take place as soon as conditions are in place to guarantee it being able to go ahead, including a newly composed electoral body, the OAS said.

The OAS added that it was statistically "unlikely" that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-seize-state-run-media-in-bolivia-as-tensions-soar-261099">Morales had secured the 10 percentage point</a> margin of victory needed to win outright.

In an outright win that had allowed Morales to avoid a riskier second-round run-off, he was declared the winner of the election with a lead of just over 10 points over his rival Carlos Mesa.

The protests erupted afterwards, particularly because of a nearly 24-hour halt during the vote count.

Bolivian President Evo Morales agreed on Sunday to hold new presidential elections after a damning report from the Organisation of American States (OAS) found serious irregularities in an October 20 vote won by the leftist leader.

Bolivian President Evo Morales agreed on Sunday to hold new presidential elections after a damning report from the Organisation of American States (OAS) found serious irregularities in an October 20 vote won by the leftist leader. Morales' victory last month sparked widespread protests around the country. The OAS report, issued earlier on Sunday, said the October vote should be annulled after it had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system that meant it could not verify the result. Morales, speaking at a press conference in La Paz, also said he would replace the country's electoral body. The department has come under heavy criticism after an unexplained halt to the vote count sparked widespread allegations of fraud and prompted the OAS audit. Morales, who came to power in 2006 as Bolivia's first indigenous leader, has defended his election win but had said he would adhere to the findings of the OAS audit. The weeks-long standoff over the disputed election escalated over the weekend as police forces were seen joining anti-government protests and the military said it would not "confront the people" over the issue. "The manipulations to the computer systems are of such magnitude that they must be deeply investigated by the Bolivian State to get to the bottom of and assign responsibility in this serious case," the preliminary OAS report said. "The first round of the elections held on October 20 must be annulled and the electoral process must begin again," the OAS added in a separate statement. Voting should take place as soon as conditions are in place to guarantee it being able to go ahead, including a newly composed electoral body, the OAS said. The OAS added that it was statistically "unlikely" that Morales had secured the 10 percentage point margin of victory needed to win outright. In an outright win that had allowed Morales to avoid a riskier second-round run-off, he was declared the winner of the election with a lead of just over 10 points over his rival Carlos Mesa. The protests erupted afterwards, particularly because of a nearly 24-hour halt during the vote count.

Bolivia's Morales agrees to new elections after damning OAS audit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/romanias-liberals-present-minority-government-258012">Romania</a> voted in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, with pro-European incumbent Klaus Iohannis the favourite to win, potentially adding to a liberal fightback against the region's prevailing nationalism.

Iohannis of the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL) repeatedly clashed with the beleaguered government of the left-wing Social Democrat (PSD) party, which collapsed last month.

His main rival in the presidential vote, the PSD's Viorica Dancila, served as prime minister for the government, which took power in 2016.

The PSD's government had engaged in a long battle with Brussels,&nbsp;and Iohannis,&nbsp;over allegations it was trying to push through controversial judicial reforms in order to neuter the judiciary and benefit PSD politicians.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Today Romanians are deciding on the future of their country," Iohannis, 60, told reporters as he cast his ballot at a school in the capital Bucharest.

After casting her own ballot, Dancila told supporters she voted "for a safe and dignified Romania".

He has made rule of law a central plank of his campaign which has mirrored that of Slovakian anti-corruption activist Zuzana Caputova, who won the presidential election in that country in March.

In Hungary too, the nationalist government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban suffered a rare setback last month when centre-left candidate Gergely Karacsony united the opposition to wrest the mayoralty of the capital Budapest from Orban's Fidesz party.

'Pro-European signal'&nbsp;

While nationalism has been less present in Romanian politics than in Hungary or Poland, the PSD had tried to frame its clashes with EU institutions as evidence that the party was standing up for Romania.

However, as the German magazine Osteuropa pointed out in a recent editorial, at May's European elections "while Fidesz and (Poland's ruling) PiS party won on the back of anti-Brussels campaigns, Romanian voters punished the government and sent a pro-European signal".

The heavy losses in the European polls added to a series of travails for Dancila's government which eventually saw it brought down by parliament in a no-confidence vote last month.

Sociologist Vasile Dancu said the PSD would be "seeking a new identity after three years in power".

Earlier this week MPs gave their backing to a government led by the PNL's Ludovic Orban.

Iohannis, a member of the country's ethnic German minority, was first elected in 2014 and is widely expected to win a second five-year term in the run-off vote on November 24.

The former physics teacher and mayor of the city of Sibiu have warned that a PSD win would pose a threat to democracy.

The left-wing party is seen as the successor of the elite which dominated the country before the overthrow of communism in 1989 and is accused of harbouring corruption in its ranks.

Record diaspora turnout

Some four million Romanians have moved abroad in recent years and the diaspora, which predominantly votes for liberal candidates, could play a key role in the election.

Voting opened at many locations abroad on Friday and by Sunday morning more than 300,000 diaspora Romanians had already voted, a record for the first round of a presidential election.

The election could mark the end of an era. For the first time since the return to multi-party democracy the PSD,&nbsp;increasingly reliant on an ageing, rural voter base,&nbsp;can't be sure of making it through to the second round.

Polls indicate Dancila will face a tough fight for second place with 44-year-old Dan Barna standing for the recently formed pro-European Save Romania Union (USR) party.

In total 14 candidates are standing and 18.2 million people are eligible to vote.

Polling stations opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and will close at 9:00 pm, with two exit polls expected shortly afterwards.

Romania voted in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, with pro-European incumbent Klaus Iohannis the favourite to win, potentially adding to a liberal fightback against the region's prevailing nationalism.

Romania voted in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, with pro-European incumbent Klaus Iohannis the favourite to win, potentially adding to a liberal fightback against the region's prevailing nationalism. Iohannis of the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL) repeatedly clashed with the beleaguered government of the left-wing Social Democrat (PSD) party, which collapsed last month. His main rival in the presidential vote, the PSD's Viorica Dancila, served as prime minister for the government, which took power in 2016. The PSD's government had engaged in a long battle with Brussels, and Iohannis, over allegations it was trying to push through controversial judicial reforms in order to neuter the judiciary and benefit PSD politicians. "Today Romanians are deciding on the future of their country," Iohannis, 60, told reporters as he cast his ballot at a school in the capital Bucharest. After casting her own ballot, Dancila told supporters she voted "for a safe and dignified Romania". He has made rule of law a central plank of his campaign which has mirrored that of Slovakian anti-corruption activist Zuzana Caputova, who won the presidential election in that country in March. In Hungary too, the nationalist government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban suffered a rare setback last month when centre-left candidate Gergely Karacsony united the opposition to wrest the mayoralty of the capital Budapest from Orban's Fidesz party. 'Pro-European signal' While nationalism has been less present in Romanian politics than in Hungary or Poland, the PSD had tried to frame its clashes with EU institutions as evidence that the party was standing up for Romania. However, as the German magazine Osteuropa pointed out in a recent editorial, at May's European elections "while Fidesz and (Poland's ruling) PiS party won on the back of anti-Brussels campaigns, Romanian voters punished the government and sent a pro-European signal". The heavy losses in the European polls added to a series of travails for Dancila's government which eventually saw it brought down by parliament in a no-confidence vote last month. Sociologist Vasile Dancu said the PSD would be "seeking a new identity after three years in power". Earlier this week MPs gave their backing to a government led by the PNL's Ludovic Orban. Iohannis, a member of the country's ethnic German minority, was first elected in 2014 and is widely expected to win a second five-year term in the run-off vote on November 24. The former physics teacher and mayor of the city of Sibiu have warned that a PSD win would pose a threat to democracy. The left-wing party is seen as the successor of the elite which dominated the country before the overthrow of communism in 1989 and is accused of harbouring corruption in its ranks. Record diaspora turnout Some four million Romanians have moved abroad in recent years and the diaspora, which predominantly votes for liberal candidates, could play a key role in the election. Voting opened at many locations abroad on Friday and by Sunday morning more than 300,000 diaspora Romanians had already voted, a record for the first round of a presidential election. The election could mark the end of an era. For the first time since the return to multi-party democracy the PSD, increasingly reliant on an ageing, rural voter base, can't be sure of making it through to the second round. Polls indicate Dancila will face a tough fight for second place with 44-year-old Dan Barna standing for the recently formed pro-European Save Romania Union (USR) party. In total 14 candidates are standing and 18.2 million people are eligible to vote. Polling stations opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and will close at 9:00 pm, with two exit polls expected shortly afterwards.

Romania votes for president with liberal incumbent favoured

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-launches-new-company-logo-260130">Facebook</a> vowed Tuesday to step up monitoring for any attempt to use its platform to meddle in Taiwan's elections as the island's authorities say they face growing interference from China.

Taiwan will elect a new president and parliament on January 11, and relations with the mainland are dominating the campaign.&nbsp;

Beijing has ramped up Taiwan's isolation ever since President Tsai Ing-wen took office three years ago because her party refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China". &nbsp;

Tsai is seeking a second term against Han Kuo-yu, a challenger who favours much warmer ties with Beijing.&nbsp;

She and her party have accused Beijing of attempting to influence the elections by spreading disinformation via social media.

On Tuesday Facebook said it would establish a regional election centre in Singapore in the final weeks before Taiwan's elections, following similar moves in the United States, India, Indonesia and the European Union.&nbsp;

"Protecting elections at the company is a major priority for us,"&nbsp;Kate Harbath, Facebook's public policy director and global&nbsp;elections lead, told reporters via a videoconference in Taipei.

"Now we are heavily focused on these upcoming elections in Taiwan," she added, as well as upcoming polls in countries including Sri Lanka and Singapore.&nbsp;

"Each election has different risks," she said, adding that the company starts a year before an election to assess what is involved.

Facebook said it currently has 40 teams that focus on elections, to increase transparency, reduce misinformation and harmful content, as well as removing inaccurate voting information or any content that violates community standards such as hate messages.

"Our product teams are building tooling to better monitor... in order for us to be able to take quicker action and we can respond to those things in realtime," Harbath said. &nbsp;

Faced with criticism that the site has been used to manipulate polls, Facebook has been under mounting pressure to improve how its spots meddling and misinformation, as well as scrutinising political adverts.&nbsp;

It will introduce strict criteria for political ads in Taiwan, requiring those who want to advertise about elections and politics to confirm their identity and location, and disclose who is responsible for the ad.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lawsuit-accuses-facebook-ad-targeting-of-abetting-bias-259200">Facebook</a> said it has also been working with third-party checkers, including an independent fact-checking organisation in Taiwan.

In a global initiative set to start mid-November, the social network will also step up a system that makes clear when information comes from state-controlled media outlets.&nbsp;

Facebook in August removed hundreds of fake accounts it said was involved in "coordinated inauthentic behaviour" focused on Hong Kong's ongoing protests.

Since the protests began Beijing's well-oiled state media machinery has launched a global propaganda campaign both online and on social media.

Facebook said it has not detected such moves targeting Taiwan election so far.

Facebook vowed Tuesday to step up monitoring for any attempt to use its platform to meddle in Taiwan's elections as the island's authorities say they face growing interference from China.

Facebook vowed Tuesday to step up monitoring for any attempt to use its platform to meddle in Taiwan's elections as the island's authorities say they face growing interference from China. Taiwan will elect a new president and parliament on January 11, and relations with the mainland are dominating the campaign. Beijing has ramped up Taiwan's isolation ever since President Tsai Ing-wen took office three years ago because her party refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China". Tsai is seeking a second term against Han Kuo-yu, a challenger who favours much warmer ties with Beijing. She and her party have accused Beijing of attempting to influence the elections by spreading disinformation via social media. On Tuesday Facebook said it would establish a regional election centre in Singapore in the final weeks before Taiwan's elections, following similar moves in the United States, India, Indonesia and the European Union. "Protecting elections at the company is a major priority for us," Kate Harbath, Facebook's public policy director and global elections lead, told reporters via a videoconference in Taipei. "Now we are heavily focused on these upcoming elections in Taiwan," she added, as well as upcoming polls in countries including Sri Lanka and Singapore. "Each election has different risks," she said, adding that the company starts a year before an election to assess what is involved. Facebook said it currently has 40 teams that focus on elections, to increase transparency, reduce misinformation and harmful content, as well as removing inaccurate voting information or any content that violates community standards such as hate messages. "Our product teams are building tooling to better monitor... in order for us to be able to take quicker action and we can respond to those things in realtime," Harbath said. Faced with criticism that the site has been used to manipulate polls, Facebook has been under mounting pressure to improve how its spots meddling and misinformation, as well as scrutinising political adverts. It will introduce strict criteria for political ads in Taiwan, requiring those who want to advertise about elections and politics to confirm their identity and location, and disclose who is responsible for the ad. Facebook said it has also been working with third-party checkers, including an independent fact-checking organisation in Taiwan. In a global initiative set to start mid-November, the social network will also step up a system that makes clear when information comes from state-controlled media outlets. Facebook in August removed hundreds of fake accounts it said was involved in "coordinated inauthentic behaviour" focused on Hong Kong's ongoing protests. Since the protests began Beijing's well-oiled state media machinery has launched a global propaganda campaign both online and on social media. Facebook said it has not detected such moves targeting Taiwan election so far.

Amid controversies, Facebook steps up monitoring content for Taiwan elections

Britain is following standard procedure by not publishing a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics until after the election, one of Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-presses-election-rival-jeremy-corbyn-to-explain-brexit-stance-260104">Boris Johnson's</a> most senior ministers said.

The report by parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee has cleared security service clearance but has not yet cleared approval by Johnson's Downing Street office and so will not be published before the December&nbsp;12 election.

When asked if the government was sitting on the report, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove told the BBC,&nbsp;"Absolutely not".

"It's always the case with select committee reports, particularly when they deal with sensitive issues, that there is a process through which they have to go before they are published and a response is issued," Gove said.

"This is no different from the standard procedure," he said, adding that it was going through the "same process as ever".

Dominic Grieve, the chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, has said there is no legitimate reason for delaying the publication of the report.

"We continue to be very disappointed by the failure of the government to publish this report and to provide any explanation as to why it should not be published. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-rejects-calls-for-no-deal-brexit-in-election-pitch-259559">Explanations</a> currently advanced that the timing is too short are entirely disingenuous and grossly misleading," Grieve told the BBC.

Britain is following standard procedure by not publishing a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics until after the election, one of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's most senior ministers said.

Britain is following standard procedure by not publishing a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics until after the election, one of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's most senior ministers said. The report by parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee has cleared security service clearance but has not yet cleared approval by Johnson's Downing Street office and so will not be published before the December 12 election. When asked if the government was sitting on the report, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove told the BBC, "Absolutely not". "It's always the case with select committee reports, particularly when they deal with sensitive issues, that there is a process through which they have to go before they are published and a response is issued," Gove said. "This is no different from the standard procedure," he said, adding that it was going through the "same process as ever". Dominic Grieve, the chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, has said there is no legitimate reason for delaying the publication of the report. "We continue to be very disappointed by the failure of the government to publish this report and to provide any explanation as to why it should not be published. Explanations currently advanced that the timing is too short are entirely disingenuous and grossly misleading," Grieve told the BBC.

UK delays publishing report on Russia poll meddling, calls it 'standard procedure'

Britain's opposition Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, kicks off his election campaign on Thursday with a vow to take on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-spins-towards-christmas-election-in-bid-to-break-brexit-deadlock-258700">Britain's "rigged system"</a>, which he said was run by a privileged elite of tax dodgers, billionaire owners and bad bosses.

On the day Britain was supposed to leave the European Union, both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his main opponent, Corbyn, are on Thursday pitching their starkly different visions for world's fifth-largest economy ahead of a December&nbsp;12 election.

In a sweeping challenge to the Western capitalist consensus, Corbyn said the election was a once-in-a-generation chance to overthrow what he cast as a corrupt elite which profited by exploiting workers, lying to the public and polluting the environment.

"This election is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform our country, take on the vested interests holding people back and ensure that no community is left behind," Corbyn, a 70-year-old veteran socialist campaigner, said in remarks released by his party.

Corbyn named prominent billionaires such as landowner Hugh Grosvenor, Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley, Ineos CEO Jim Ratcliffe, hedge fund manager Crispin Odey and U.S. media tycoon Rupert Murdoch as representatives of Britain's "rigged system".

He proposes nationalisation of rail, mail and water services and much higher taxes on the bankers who have made London the pre-eminent international financial capital.

The first December election in Britain since 1923 will be one of the hardest to call in years. Brexit has variously fatigued, enthused and enraged swathes of voters while eroding loyalties to the two major parties.

A five-year flurry of two historic referendums rises.

UK under threat

Johnson, who has failed to deliver on his "do or die" promise that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-set-for-third-election-in-four-years-to-try-to-break-brexit-gridlock-258692">Britain would leave the EU on October 31</a>, is pitching the election as a chance to get Brexit done, and he will accuse Corbyn of threatening the United Kingdom's future.

Johnson says Labour's plan to hold another referendum on Britain's membership of the bloc, and the possibility of Labour agreeing to another referendum on Scottish independence, risk ripping the United Kingdom apart.

"Today should have been the day that Brexit was delivered and we finally left the EU," Johnson said in pre-prepared remarks provided by his office.&nbsp;

"But, despite the great new deal I agreed with the EU, Jeremy Corbyn refused to allow that to happen – insisting upon more dither, more delay and more uncertainty for families and business."

Johnson, who was hailed by the US&nbsp;president as Britain's Donald Trump, will visit a school, hospital and police unit to argue that Britain needs to deliver Brexit so it can move on and focus on investing in public services.

The Conservatives are ahead of Labour by an average of about 10 percentage points in polls this month, indicating a majority in the 650-seat parliament for Johnson, though pollsters admit their models are imperfect with turnout a key variable.

Britain's opposition Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, kicks off his election campaign on Thursday with a vow to take on Britain's "rigged system", which he said was run by a privileged elite of tax dodgers, billionaire owners and bad bosses.

Britain's opposition Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, kicks off his election campaign on Thursday with a vow to take on Britain's "rigged system", which he said was run by a privileged elite of tax dodgers, billionaire owners and bad bosses. On the day Britain was supposed to leave the European Union, both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his main opponent, Corbyn, are on Thursday pitching their starkly different visions for world's fifth-largest economy ahead of a December 12 election. In a sweeping challenge to the Western capitalist consensus, Corbyn said the election was a once-in-a-generation chance to overthrow what he cast as a corrupt elite which profited by exploiting workers, lying to the public and polluting the environment. "This election is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform our country, take on the vested interests holding people back and ensure that no community is left behind," Corbyn, a 70-year-old veteran socialist campaigner, said in remarks released by his party. Corbyn named prominent billionaires such as landowner Hugh Grosvenor, Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley, Ineos CEO Jim Ratcliffe, hedge fund manager Crispin Odey and U.S. media tycoon Rupert Murdoch as representatives of Britain's "rigged system". He proposes nationalisation of rail, mail and water services and much higher taxes on the bankers who have made London the pre-eminent international financial capital. The first December election in Britain since 1923 will be one of the hardest to call in years. Brexit has variously fatigued, enthused and enraged swathes of voters while eroding loyalties to the two major parties. A five-year flurry of two historic referendums rises. UK under threat Johnson, who has failed to deliver on his "do or die" promise that Britain would leave the EU on October 31, is pitching the election as a chance to get Brexit done, and he will accuse Corbyn of threatening the United Kingdom's future. Johnson says Labour's plan to hold another referendum on Britain's membership of the bloc, and the possibility of Labour agreeing to another referendum on Scottish independence, risk ripping the United Kingdom apart. "Today should have been the day that Brexit was delivered and we finally left the EU," Johnson said in pre-prepared remarks provided by his office. "But, despite the great new deal I agreed with the EU, Jeremy Corbyn refused to allow that to happen – insisting upon more dither, more delay and more uncertainty for families and business." Johnson, who was hailed by the US president as Britain's Donald Trump, will visit a school, hospital and police unit to argue that Britain needs to deliver Brexit so it can move on and focus on investing in public services. The Conservatives are ahead of Labour by an average of about 10 percentage points in polls this month, indicating a majority in the 650-seat parliament for Johnson, though pollsters admit their models are imperfect with turnout a key variable.

United Kingdom election campaign begins with Corbyn's attack on 'rigged system'

Ruling liberal coalition candidate Daniel Martinez was narrowly leading the Uruguay election in the early hours of Monday, according to an official count of just over a quarter of votes, but a determining second round will be needed.

The liberal Frente Amplio coalition has run Uruguay for more than 14 years, but Martinez, a former mayor of the capital Montevideo, faced a significant challenge from lawyer Luis Lacalle Pou, 46, who may now form a right-wing coalition with small parties to oust him.

With 27 per cent&nbsp;of polling stations counted, Frente Amplio had 36 per cent&nbsp;of the vote compared to the National Party of Lacalle with 35 per cent, the electoral body said.

If no candidate gets over 50 per cent&nbsp;of the vote, the two with the most votes will meet in a run-off on the last Sunday of November.

"I offer my congratulations to my opponent in the second round," Martinez told journalists outside his campaign headquarters.

He added in a tweet: "We will continue doing all we can to ensure stability and certainty. Uruguay has to continue growing, distributing wealth and being a nation of justice."

Lacalle looks likely to lead a coalition of conservative groups into the second round that could displace the Frente Amplio.

Speaking after polls closed, Lacalle suggested he could lead a "multicolored front, headed by the National Party" and that there was "fertile ground" for agreements with other parties.

Ernesto Talvi, leader of the smaller, centre-right Colorado party, said on Sunday he would throw his weight behind Lacalle.

"Uruguay needs a change, we invite our voters to support Lacalle Pou," he said.

Ruling liberal coalition candidate Daniel Martinez was narrowly leading the Uruguay election in the early hours of Monday, according to an official count of just over a quarter of votes, but a determining second round will be needed.

Ruling liberal coalition candidate Daniel Martinez was narrowly leading the Uruguay election in the early hours of Monday, according to an official count of just over a quarter of votes, but a determining second round will be needed. The liberal Frente Amplio coalition has run Uruguay for more than 14 years, but Martinez, a former mayor of the capital Montevideo, faced a significant challenge from lawyer Luis Lacalle Pou, 46, who may now form a right-wing coalition with small parties to oust him. With 27 per cent of polling stations counted, Frente Amplio had 36 per cent of the vote compared to the National Party of Lacalle with 35 per cent, the electoral body said. If no candidate gets over 50 per cent of the vote, the two with the most votes will meet in a run-off on the last Sunday of November. "I offer my congratulations to my opponent in the second round," Martinez told journalists outside his campaign headquarters. He added in a tweet: "We will continue doing all we can to ensure stability and certainty. Uruguay has to continue growing, distributing wealth and being a nation of justice." Lacalle looks likely to lead a coalition of conservative groups into the second round that could displace the Frente Amplio. Speaking after polls closed, Lacalle suggested he could lead a "multicolored front, headed by the National Party" and that there was "fertile ground" for agreements with other parties. Ernesto Talvi, leader of the smaller, centre-right Colorado party, said on Sunday he would throw his weight behind Lacalle. "Uruguay needs a change, we invite our voters to support Lacalle Pou," he said.

Uruguay faces second round election with candidates in close battle

The leaders of two British opposition parties unveiled a plan Saturday to give Prime Minister Boris Johnson the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-boris-johnson-says-he-wants-early-election-on-december-12-258016">snap election</a> he wants, but only if EU leaders delay Brexit until January.

Johnson has tried twice to call an early election to break the deadlock in the House of Commons over Britain's departure from the European Union and will try again in a vote on Monday.

But he needs the support of opposition MPs and they have refused to back a poll until the risk of a disorderly "no-deal" Brexit on October 31 is completely removed.

Johnson was forced by law to ask EU leaders last weekend to delay Brexit after MPs refused to back the divorce terms he struck with Brussels.

EU leaders are expected to decide on Monday or early Tuesday whether to grant the three-month delay requested or to set another date.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Liberal Democrats, who between them have 54 MPs in the 650-seat Commons, said that a three-month delay to end-January would see them put forward plans for an early election on Tuesday.

"If that meaningful extension is secured we will then work together to bring forward an election this year," said SNP leader Ian Blackford.

He and Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson have laid out their offer in a letter to European Council president Donald Tusk.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-prepares-fresh-brexit-push-257303">Johnson has proposed</a> an election on December 12, but only if parliament ratifies his Brexit deal before then.

The SNP and Lib Dems,&nbsp;who both strongly oppose Brexit,&nbsp;want an election on December 9.

Johnson late Saturday accused MPs of holding Britain "hostage" by refusing to back an election or a Brexit deal.

"Millions of businesses and people cannot plan their futures, this paralysis is causing real damage and the country must move on in 2020," he said in a statement.

The leaders of two British opposition parties unveiled a plan Saturday to give Prime Minister Boris Johnson the snap election he wants, but only if EU leaders delay Brexit until January.

The leaders of two British opposition parties unveiled a plan Saturday to give Prime Minister Boris Johnson the snap election he wants, but only if EU leaders delay Brexit until January. Johnson has tried twice to call an early election to break the deadlock in the House of Commons over Britain's departure from the European Union and will try again in a vote on Monday. But he needs the support of opposition MPs and they have refused to back a poll until the risk of a disorderly "no-deal" Brexit on October 31 is completely removed. Johnson was forced by law to ask EU leaders last weekend to delay Brexit after MPs refused to back the divorce terms he struck with Brussels. EU leaders are expected to decide on Monday or early Tuesday whether to grant the three-month delay requested or to set another date. The Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Liberal Democrats, who between them have 54 MPs in the 650-seat Commons, said that a three-month delay to end-January would see them put forward plans for an early election on Tuesday. "If that meaningful extension is secured we will then work together to bring forward an election this year," said SNP leader Ian Blackford. He and Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson have laid out their offer in a letter to European Council president Donald Tusk. Johnson has proposed an election on December 12, but only if parliament ratifies his Brexit deal before then. The SNP and Lib Dems, who both strongly oppose Brexit, want an election on December 9. Johnson late Saturday accused MPs of holding Britain "hostage" by refusing to back an election or a Brexit deal. "Millions of businesses and people cannot plan their futures, this paralysis is causing real damage and the country must move on in 2020," he said in a statement.

United Kingdom opposition parties outline election plan

Bolivians banged on pots and pans from windows and rooftops in the capital La Paz on Friday, protesting a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-set-to-win-outright-as-disputed-vote-count-nears-completion-257985">controversial election</a> count handing President Evo Morales a fourth consecutive term that would extend his rule to nearly two decades.

Morales, 59, who swept to power in 2006 as the country's first indigenous leader, hailed the official result of Sunday's vote as another historic triumph for his leftist movement and accused the opposition, without evidence, of trying to stage a coup d'etat with foreign backing.

Morales faced a fifth day of street protests in La Paz and other cities that begun after an official quick count of votes was suddenly suspended on Sunday when it revealed Morales heading to a riskier run-off election against rival Carlos Mesa.

A confident Morales said then his socialist party MAS would get an outright win as rural votes trickled in.

The tabulation of ballots at 100 per cent&nbsp;on Friday confirmed his prediction, giving him a 10.57-point lead over Mesa, less than a point above what he needed to avoid a second-round vote.

Election monitors, the opposition and some foreign governments criticised the election for lacking transparency.

The European Union, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia called for Bolivia to convene a second-round vote to ease the unrest.

Brazil's foreign ministry said it would not recognize Morales' win while an audit of the vote count by the regional group Organization of American States (OAS) was still pending.

The only countries that have congratulated Morales on his win were Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico.

After nightfall, Bolivians banged on pots and pans in a traditional form of protest. Earlier, roads were blocked and demonstrators surrounded the headquarters of the country's electoral board, guarded by rows of police in anti-riot gear.

"Evo Morales had an acceptable administration," said protester Jose Callisaya, 38. But "it's healthy in a democracy to change leaders."

Mesa, a former president who leads the Citizen Community party, has called for indefinite protests until a second-round vote is convened, which Morales has ruled out as unconstitutional.

"The government is despising the popular vote," Mesa told local television channel Unitel on Friday. 
 
Steady growth

A former union leader for coca farmers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-election-sparks-protest-as-rivals-clash-over-results-257398">Morales has overseen steady growth</a> and relative stability in one of South America's poorest countries and is now the region's longest-serving president. He has accused the opposition of trying to stir up unrest and denied charges of vote-rigging.

Officials and diplomats raised concerns the conflict could hit Bolivia's ties with global trade partners and hurt an economy already straining under declining gas exports.

The country's electoral board denied any political interference in its count and invited anyone to examine voting sheets posted on its website.

Mesa's campaign has said it had found irregularities on the website that swung some 100,000 votes in favour of Morales.

Bolivia's electoral system was "absolutely transparent," said Idelfonso Mamani, one of the five remaining members of the board following the resignation of its vice president in protest this week. "We have the means to prove the results," he said.

The office of the country's ombudsman, which monitors conflicts, said 57 people have been arrested and 29 people wounded in this week's protests. Prosecutor Juan Lanchipa said 40 people have been investigated for vandalism.

Interior Minister Carlos Romero called for calm. "There are people out for blood...to say there's a dictatorship here."

The OAS, a regional group that sent an observer mission to Bolivia, has said it had "serious doubts" about the election and earlier this week accepted an invitation by Morales' government to audit it to clear them up. It was unclear when the audit would begin.

Bolivians banged on pots and pans from windows and rooftops in the capital La Paz on Friday, protesting a controversial election count handing President Evo Morales a fourth consecutive term that would extend his rule to nearly two decades.

Bolivians banged on pots and pans from windows and rooftops in the capital La Paz on Friday, protesting a controversial election count handing President Evo Morales a fourth consecutive term that would extend his rule to nearly two decades. Morales, 59, who swept to power in 2006 as the country's first indigenous leader, hailed the official result of Sunday's vote as another historic triumph for his leftist movement and accused the opposition, without evidence, of trying to stage a coup d'etat with foreign backing. Morales faced a fifth day of street protests in La Paz and other cities that begun after an official quick count of votes was suddenly suspended on Sunday when it revealed Morales heading to a riskier run-off election against rival Carlos Mesa. A confident Morales said then his socialist party MAS would get an outright win as rural votes trickled in. The tabulation of ballots at 100 per cent on Friday confirmed his prediction, giving him a 10.57-point lead over Mesa, less than a point above what he needed to avoid a second-round vote. Election monitors, the opposition and some foreign governments criticised the election for lacking transparency. The European Union, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia called for Bolivia to convene a second-round vote to ease the unrest. Brazil's foreign ministry said it would not recognize Morales' win while an audit of the vote count by the regional group Organization of American States (OAS) was still pending. The only countries that have congratulated Morales on his win were Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico. After nightfall, Bolivians banged on pots and pans in a traditional form of protest. Earlier, roads were blocked and demonstrators surrounded the headquarters of the country's electoral board, guarded by rows of police in anti-riot gear. "Evo Morales had an acceptable administration," said protester Jose Callisaya, 38. But "it's healthy in a democracy to change leaders." Mesa, a former president who leads the Citizen Community party, has called for indefinite protests until a second-round vote is convened, which Morales has ruled out as unconstitutional. "The government is despising the popular vote," Mesa told local television channel Unitel on Friday. Steady growth A former union leader for coca farmers, Morales has overseen steady growth and relative stability in one of South America's poorest countries and is now the region's longest-serving president. He has accused the opposition of trying to stir up unrest and denied charges of vote-rigging. Officials and diplomats raised concerns the conflict could hit Bolivia's ties with global trade partners and hurt an economy already straining under declining gas exports. The country's electoral board denied any political interference in its count and invited anyone to examine voting sheets posted on its website. Mesa's campaign has said it had found irregularities on the website that swung some 100,000 votes in favour of Morales. Bolivia's electoral system was "absolutely transparent," said Idelfonso Mamani, one of the five remaining members of the board following the resignation of its vice president in protest this week. "We have the means to prove the results," he said. The office of the country's ombudsman, which monitors conflicts, said 57 people have been arrested and 29 people wounded in this week's protests. Prosecutor Juan Lanchipa said 40 people have been investigated for vandalism. Interior Minister Carlos Romero called for calm. "There are people out for blood...to say there's a dictatorship here." The OAS, a regional group that sent an observer mission to Bolivia, has said it had "serious doubts" about the election and earlier this week accepted an invitation by Morales' government to audit it to clear them up. It was unclear when the audit would begin.

Bolivians bang on pots and pans in protest at Morales election win

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