Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/proud-that-wing-commander-is-from-tamil-nadu-pm-modi-in-kanyakumari-200502">Narendra Modi</a> Friday said the NDA government's decision to create a South Coast Railway Zone headquartered in Vishakhapatnam shows its commitment for Andhra Pradesh's development.

The Prime Minister also listed the Centre's various efforts in the state, in what is seen as a response to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu's taunt asking him if he was not ashamed to visit the state with 'empty hands.'

Without naming Naidu and in an apparent reference to his aligning with the Congress, Modi said the TDP supremo was now hobnobbing with those who "spared no efforts to hurt" Andhra's pride.

He also lashed out at those whom he described as speaking in support of Pakistan against the backdrop of the tensions between the two countries, and asked them to 'introspect' on why their comments were being lauded in the neighbouring country.

Apparently referring to some opposition parties and the proposed Mahagathbandhan, Modi said "Why are the parties of 'Mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) indulging in petty politics that is benefiting the enemy. In their hatred for Modi, they have started hating the country."

Visakhapatnam was a 'dream city' of Andhra youth and the Centre had accorded priority to fulfil their aspirations, he said, addressing a public meeting.

"Today I have come here with a good news. The government has taken a proactive step on a long pending demand. Centre has decided to create South Coast railway zone with Visakhapatnam as its headquarters," Modi said.

This was as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, he said.

Other initiatives for the state included upgradation of the local airport, an IIT, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, ESIC super speciality hospital and creating oil reserve facilities, he said.

The 'pradhan sevak' (principal worker) was totally dedicated for the development of the state and the NDA was doing it with full vigour and honesty as "there is no baggage on us."

"We have no fear of what will happen if some file is opened. Only those who had sinned will be afraid. This fear is consuming our rivals, among who are those trying to establish a dynasty," he said without naming anyone.

In an apparent reference to Naidu, he called him an "expert in U-turn," and said had he fulfilled the promises made by him, he could not have had to blame the Prime Minister for his follies.

"He (Naidu) is hobnobbing with those who spared no efforts to hurt Andhra's pride," Modi said in an apparent reference to the TDP leader's aligning with the Congress.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, Modi has been training his guns against Naidu, seeking to remind him that the Telugu Desam Party founder, the late NT Ramarao, had founded the very party against the Congress.

Modi also said those who have to ensure the progress of sons and daughters of Andhra Pradesh were doing it for their own sons and daughters, seen as yet another criticism directed at Naidu.

In a letter to the Prime Minister on the eve of his scheduled visit to the port city, Naidu had asked Modi if he was not ashamed to visit the state with 'empty hands', saying he owed an explanation to 'five crore people' over unfulfilled promises,vis-a-vis the AP Reorganisation Act,2014.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the NDA government's decision to create a South Coast Railway Zone headquartered in Vishakhapatnam shows its commitment for Andhra Pradesh's development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the NDA government's decision to create a South Coast Railway Zone headquartered in Vishakhapatnam shows its commitment for Andhra Pradesh's development. The Prime Minister also listed the Centre's various efforts in the state, in what is seen as a response to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu's taunt asking him if he was not ashamed to visit the state with 'empty hands.' Without naming Naidu and in an apparent reference to his aligning with the Congress, Modi said the TDP supremo was now hobnobbing with those who "spared no efforts to hurt" Andhra's pride. He also lashed out at those whom he described as speaking in support of Pakistan against the backdrop of the tensions between the two countries, and asked them to 'introspect' on why their comments were being lauded in the neighbouring country. Apparently referring to some opposition parties and the proposed Mahagathbandhan, Modi said "Why are the parties of 'Mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) indulging in petty politics that is benefiting the enemy. In their hatred for Modi, they have started hating the country." Visakhapatnam was a 'dream city' of Andhra youth and the Centre had accorded priority to fulfil their aspirations, he said, addressing a public meeting. "Today I have come here with a good news. The government has taken a proactive step on a long pending demand. Centre has decided to create South Coast railway zone with Visakhapatnam as its headquarters," Modi said. This was as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, he said. Other initiatives for the state included upgradation of the local airport, an IIT, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, ESIC super speciality hospital and creating oil reserve facilities, he said. The 'pradhan sevak' (principal worker) was totally dedicated for the development of the state and the NDA was doing it with full vigour and honesty as "there is no baggage on us." "We have no fear of what will happen if some file is opened. Only those who had sinned will be afraid. This fear is consuming our rivals, among who are those trying to establish a dynasty," he said without naming anyone. In an apparent reference to Naidu, he called him an "expert in U-turn," and said had he fulfilled the promises made by him, he could not have had to blame the Prime Minister for his follies. "He (Naidu) is hobnobbing with those who spared no efforts to hurt Andhra's pride," Modi said in an apparent reference to the TDP leader's aligning with the Congress. Ahead of the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, Modi has been training his guns against Naidu, seeking to remind him that the Telugu Desam Party founder, the late NT Ramarao, had founded the very party against the Congress. Modi also said those who have to ensure the progress of sons and daughters of Andhra Pradesh were doing it for their own sons and daughters, seen as yet another criticism directed at Naidu. In a letter to the Prime Minister on the eve of his scheduled visit to the port city, Naidu had asked Modi if he was not ashamed to visit the state with 'empty hands', saying he owed an explanation to 'five crore people' over unfulfilled promises,vis-a-vis the AP Reorganisation Act,2014.

Decision to create Railway zone proof of NDA's commitment for Andhra Pradesh's development: PM Modi

The general elections in the country will be held on time, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/women-electorate-to-play-an-important-role-in-lok-sabha-elections-2019-197199">Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora</a> said Friday, amid tensions between India-Pakistan.

The CEC is in the Uttar Pradesh capital for the past two days to review poll preparations in the state.

"The election in the country will be held on time," Arora told reporters here when asked about the poll schedule in the wake of tensions between the two countries.

He said as per a new notification of the commission, candidates will have to give details of their properties abroad, besides those in the country.

"The I-T department will look into it and, if any, discrepancies are found then it will be uploaded on the Election Commission (EC) website and strict action will be initiated," the CEC said.

When asked about the EC's stand on inflammatory speeches, Arora said in his review meetings, he tried to find out the status of such cases lodged during previous elections.

"Whatever the EC has found, I have apprised about its intentions to the chief secretary and the DGP, who assured that strict action will be taken in such cases," he said.

The commission is committed to holding free and fair polls, and will promptly act on any complaint regarding this, the CEC said.

"The C-Vigil app will be launched soon so that any citizen, whose name will be kept secret, can register his poll related complaints. Besides this, we will constitute committees to keep an eye on social media," he said.

In all the 1,63,331 polling centres, VVPAT machines will be used this time, he said.

The general elections in the country will be held on time, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said Friday, amid tensions between India-Pakistan. The CEC is in the Uttar Pradesh capital for the past two days to review poll preparations in the state.

The general elections in the country will be held on time, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said Friday, amid tensions between India-Pakistan. The CEC is in the Uttar Pradesh capital for the past two days to review poll preparations in the state. "The election in the country will be held on time," Arora told reporters here when asked about the poll schedule in the wake of tensions between the two countries. He said as per a new notification of the commission, candidates will have to give details of their properties abroad, besides those in the country. "The I-T department will look into it and, if any, discrepancies are found then it will be uploaded on the Election Commission (EC) website and strict action will be initiated," the CEC said. When asked about the EC's stand on inflammatory speeches, Arora said in his review meetings, he tried to find out the status of such cases lodged during previous elections. "Whatever the EC has found, I have apprised about its intentions to the chief secretary and the DGP, who assured that strict action will be taken in such cases," he said. The commission is committed to holding free and fair polls, and will promptly act on any complaint regarding this, the CEC said. "The C-Vigil app will be launched soon so that any citizen, whose name will be kept secret, can register his poll related complaints. Besides this, we will constitute committees to keep an eye on social media," he said. In all the 1,63,331 polling centres, VVPAT machines will be used this time, he said.

General elections will be held on time: Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora

In a bid to ensure peaceful elections, an inter-state coordination meeting of senior police officials of six states was held in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

DG and ADGs from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, West Bengal, and Odisha attended the meeting, in addition to Odisha DGP RP Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department - Government of Odisha, CRPF IGP (Odisha), BSF IGP (Odisha) and DIG intelligence (Odisha).

Police officials of the six neighbouring states discussed several law and order issues including the flow of illegal money, liquor, Maoist activities, security arrangements in affected areas and Intelligence sharing to develop more impact full inter-state cooperation to tackle the challenges and holding smooth upcoming general election 2019.

"We already have an institutionalised mechanism for inter-state coordination in Police, today we had special coordination meeting in view of the coming election, and focus was on to deploy joint forces for tackling Left Wing Extremism (LWE) menace, movement of narcotics, movement of cash and movement of criminals. We will focus on increasing our communication and joint operations," said Asit Tripathi, Additional Chief Secretary Home Department, Government of Odisha.

Meanwhile, Sharma added, "We have good cooperation with neighbouring states in terms of intelligence sharing, joint operations but such meetings are necessary before the elections to discuss the emerging challenge and the solution for that, we have identified certain areas where we have to coordinate so that peacefully election will be conducted".

The Lok Sabha elections are expected to take place in April-May this year.

In a bid to ensure peaceful elections, an inter-state coordination meeting of senior police officials of six states was held in Bhubaneswar on Friday. DG and ADGs from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, West Bengal, and Odisha attended the meeting, in addition to Odisha DGP RP Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department - Government of Odisha, CRPF IGP (Odisha), BSF IGP (Odisha) and DIG intelligence (Odisha).

In a bid to ensure peaceful elections, an inter-state coordination meeting of senior police officials of six states was held in Bhubaneswar on Friday. DG and ADGs from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, West Bengal, and Odisha attended the meeting, in addition to Odisha DGP RP Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department - Government of Odisha, CRPF IGP (Odisha), BSF IGP (Odisha) and DIG intelligence (Odisha). Police officials of the six neighbouring states discussed several law and order issues including the flow of illegal money, liquor, Maoist activities, security arrangements in affected areas and Intelligence sharing to develop more impact full inter-state cooperation to tackle the challenges and holding smooth upcoming general election 2019. "We already have an institutionalised mechanism for inter-state coordination in Police, today we had special coordination meeting in view of the coming election, and focus was on to deploy joint forces for tackling Left Wing Extremism (LWE) menace, movement of narcotics, movement of cash and movement of criminals. We will focus on increasing our communication and joint operations," said Asit Tripathi, Additional Chief Secretary Home Department, Government of Odisha. Meanwhile, Sharma added, "We have good cooperation with neighbouring states in terms of intelligence sharing, joint operations but such meetings are necessary before the elections to discuss the emerging challenge and the solution for that, we have identified certain areas where we have to coordinate so that peacefully election will be conducted". The Lok Sabha elections are expected to take place in April-May this year.

Road to Lok Sabha polls: 6 states participate in inter-state police coordination meeting

JD(U) leader and election strategist Prashant Kishor said that Priyanka Gandhi's highly anticipated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-hope-we-can-together-start-a-new-kind-of-politics-priyanka-gandhi-says-on-lucknow-road-show-196688">induction in the Congress</a> will not impact the forthcoming general elections.

He said Priyanka Gandhi is not a big challenge while adding that to create an impact one needs time and that nobody had a "magic wand" which could perform a miracle for the Congress party.

Addressing the media here, Kishor said, “She is just starting, nobody has a magic wand. I don't see her as a big challenge in the short run, not because she lacks capability but because it's hard to make an impact in a short time. In long run, she is a big face and name.”

The newly-appointed Congress general secretary for East Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka on Monday, made her much-awaited political debut by holding a mega road show along with brother and party president Rahul Gandhi in Lucknow. Her fellow UP in-charge Jyotiraditya Scindia was also present at the event.

Priyanka was given charge of Uttar Pradesh east as Congress party’s general secretary on January 23.

JD(U) leader and election strategist Prashant Kishor said that Priyanka Gandhi's highly anticipated induction in the Congress will not impact the forthcoming general elections.

JD(U) leader and election strategist Prashant Kishor said that Priyanka Gandhi's highly anticipated induction in the Congress will not impact the forthcoming general elections. He said Priyanka Gandhi is not a big challenge while adding that to create an impact one needs time and that nobody had a "magic wand" which could perform a miracle for the Congress party. Addressing the media here, Kishor said, “She is just starting, nobody has a magic wand. I don't see her as a big challenge in the short run, not because she lacks capability but because it's hard to make an impact in a short time. In long run, she is a big face and name.” The newly-appointed Congress general secretary for East Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka on Monday, made her much-awaited political debut by holding a mega road show along with brother and party president Rahul Gandhi in Lucknow. Her fellow UP in-charge Jyotiraditya Scindia was also present at the event. Priyanka was given charge of Uttar Pradesh east as Congress party’s general secretary on January 23.

Nobody has a magic wand: Prashant Kishor on Priyanka Gandhi's impact on Lok Sabha polls

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes.

“We have been using EVMs for more than two decades now. No way are we going back to the ballot boxes. Some political parties demanded that VVPATs be used in all polling booths. Some parties demanded that results from all EVMs be matched with VVPAT slips. Commission has informed the political parties that VVPATs will be used in all polling booths countrywide in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections,” said Arora, adding, “The commission has firm belief and convinced that EVM and VVPAT machines are secure and have proved effective on all the parameters. As per extant practice, VVPAT slips will be matched with EVM vote count in one randomly selected polling station of each assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency.”

He further added that for the first time, the state will have VVPATs across all the polling booths. “For the first time in the entire state, VVPATs will also be used at all polling booths along with the EVM machines. Thus the officers need to ensure due awareness to all stakeholders about proper usage of the machines. The officers were also asked to strictly adhere to the laid down procedures and Standard Operating Procedures about use, storage and transportation of the machines in all the constituencies.”

Arora, along with the Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa led the full bench of Election Commission of India to conduct a two-day review of poll preparedness in the state of West Bengal.

During the visit, the Commission met with representatives of various political parties and noted their issues and concerns. The Commission took note of their concerns for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. The Commission reviewed the work of District Election Officers, Commissioner of Police/SPs, and discussed election preparedness with Chief Secretary, DGP, Home Secretary and other senior Officials of the State.

On the second day of the visit, the ECI officials met the Nodal officers of Income Tax, Excise, Commercial Tax departments and with State Level Bankers Committee convener to review in detail the strategy to curb misuse of money/drugs/liquor and gifts distribution during the election.

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes.

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes. “We have been using EVMs for more than two decades now. No way are we going back to the ballot boxes. Some political parties demanded that VVPATs be used in all polling booths. Some parties demanded that results from all EVMs be matched with VVPAT slips. Commission has informed the political parties that VVPATs will be used in all polling booths countrywide in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections,” said Arora, adding, “The commission has firm belief and convinced that EVM and VVPAT machines are secure and have proved effective on all the parameters. As per extant practice, VVPAT slips will be matched with EVM vote count in one randomly selected polling station of each assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency.” He further added that for the first time, the state will have VVPATs across all the polling booths. “For the first time in the entire state, VVPATs will also be used at all polling booths along with the EVM machines. Thus the officers need to ensure due awareness to all stakeholders about proper usage of the machines. The officers were also asked to strictly adhere to the laid down procedures and Standard Operating Procedures about use, storage and transportation of the machines in all the constituencies.” Arora, along with the Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa led the full bench of Election Commission of India to conduct a two-day review of poll preparedness in the state of West Bengal. During the visit, the Commission met with representatives of various political parties and noted their issues and concerns. The Commission took note of their concerns for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. The Commission reviewed the work of District Election Officers, Commissioner of Police/SPs, and discussed election preparedness with Chief Secretary, DGP, Home Secretary and other senior Officials of the State. On the second day of the visit, the ECI officials met the Nodal officers of Income Tax, Excise, Commercial Tax departments and with State Level Bankers Committee convener to review in detail the strategy to curb misuse of money/drugs/liquor and gifts distribution during the election.

Not going back to the ballot boxes: Chief Election Commissioner

Venezuela has been receiving massive attention from the international community since National Assembly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-rules-out-crisis-talks-says-maduro-can-not-be-trusted-192823">chief Juan Guaido</a> declared himself acting interim president of Venezuela.

With socialist President Nicolas Maduro hanging on to power, these are their respective key supports, inside and outside the OPEC member:

Maduro

Military: The Venezuela armed forces are considered the backbone of the government, and on Thursday senior military officers reaffirmed support for Maduro, claiming that there was an effective "coup" underway.

Of 32 cabinet ministers, nine are from the military and run portfolios such as Defense, Interior, Agriculture and the intelligence service, as well as state oil giant PDVSA, which contributes 96 per cent of the country's income.

They also control a television station, a bank and a vehicle assembly plant, among other companies.

But their support has come under some threat. The military attache of Venezuela in Washington, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, announced Saturday that he no longer recognises Maduro as the legitimate president, and urged his "military brothers" to back Guaido.

International creditors and allies: China, Venezuela's biggest creditor with some $20 billion dollars owed, said Thursday it opposed "external interference" after the United States and some allies recognised Guaido as interim leader.

Venezuela's number two creditor, Russia, also backs it militarily: in December it sent two bombers and some 100 officers to Caracas for joint exercises. President Vladimir Putin called Maduro to express his "support."

Countries such as Turkey, Cuba, Bolivia, Uruguay and Mexico — as well as Iran and North Korea — continue to recognise the 56-year-old Maduro.

Justice: Venezuela's Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) supports the Maduro regime. Court justices were chosen by the pro-government National Assembly in December 2015, just days before the opposition took control of the legislature.

Since 2016 the top court has declared the opposition-controlled legislature in contempt and voided all of its actions. The court on Thursday reiterated its support for Maduro regime.

Venezuela's top prosecutor, Attorney General Tarek William Saab, also is a Maduro loyalist.

National Constituent Assembly: Maduro convened the staunchly pro-government assembly after four months of opposition protests that left about 125 dead in 2017. It has absolute powers and serves as the de facto legislature. the opposition says it was created illegally.

Electoral Authority: The National Electoral Council (CNE), in charge of running elections, is chaired by the openly pro-government Tibisay Lucena. Under her management, several opposition parties have been disqualified, and on Thursday it issued a statement endorsing Maduro.

Rulings by pro-government judges and the CNE thwarted opposition efforts to hold a referendum to revoke Maduro's presidency in 2016, a vote allowed under the constitution.

Opposition parties refused to participate in the last elections, including the May 2018 presidential vote in which Maduro was reelected, saying there were no guarantees of impartiality. They say Maduro was elected through fraud.

Guaido

International support: The United States, along with several Latin America and European Union countries, refused to recognise Maduro's reelection.

When Guaido proclaimed himself acting interim president US President Donald Trump quickly recognised him. Other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Australia, quickly followed. On Sunday Israel said it would recognise Guaido as president.

Six European countries — Spain, France, Germany, Britain, Portugal, the Netherlands — on Saturday demanded that either Venezuela call elections within eight days or they would recognise Guaido as interim leader.

Some European countries such as Greece still support Maduro.

The head of the Washington-based Organization of American States, &nbsp;Uruguayan Luis Almagro, also gave his support to Guaido.

National Assembly: The opposition-controlled National Assembly was elected in 2015 when a coalition of opposition parties handed the leftist regime its biggest electoral defeat ever.

After taking office on January 5, Guaido, 35, began to press for a "transitional government" and new elections, calling on the military to break with the government in exchange for an amnesty.

Justice in exile: A Venezuelan Supreme Court in exile, with members appointed by the National Assembly, on Wednesday welcomed Guaido's "will" to take over as acting leader pending new elections. 
&nbsp;

Venezuela has been receiving massive attention from the international community since National Assembly chief Juan Guaido declared himself acting interim president of Venezuela.

Venezuela has been receiving massive attention from the international community since National Assembly chief Juan Guaido declared himself acting interim president of Venezuela. With socialist President Nicolas Maduro hanging on to power, these are their respective key supports, inside and outside the OPEC member: Maduro Military: The Venezuela armed forces are considered the backbone of the government, and on Thursday senior military officers reaffirmed support for Maduro, claiming that there was an effective "coup" underway. Of 32 cabinet ministers, nine are from the military and run portfolios such as Defense, Interior, Agriculture and the intelligence service, as well as state oil giant PDVSA, which contributes 96 per cent of the country's income. They also control a television station, a bank and a vehicle assembly plant, among other companies. But their support has come under some threat. The military attache of Venezuela in Washington, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, announced Saturday that he no longer recognises Maduro as the legitimate president, and urged his "military brothers" to back Guaido. International creditors and allies: China, Venezuela's biggest creditor with some $20 billion dollars owed, said Thursday it opposed "external interference" after the United States and some allies recognised Guaido as interim leader. Venezuela's number two creditor, Russia, also backs it militarily: in December it sent two bombers and some 100 officers to Caracas for joint exercises. President Vladimir Putin called Maduro to express his "support." Countries such as Turkey, Cuba, Bolivia, Uruguay and Mexico — as well as Iran and North Korea — continue to recognise the 56-year-old Maduro. Justice: Venezuela's Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) supports the Maduro regime. Court justices were chosen by the pro-government National Assembly in December 2015, just days before the opposition took control of the legislature. Since 2016 the top court has declared the opposition-controlled legislature in contempt and voided all of its actions. The court on Thursday reiterated its support for Maduro regime. Venezuela's top prosecutor, Attorney General Tarek William Saab, also is a Maduro loyalist. National Constituent Assembly: Maduro convened the staunchly pro-government assembly after four months of opposition protests that left about 125 dead in 2017. It has absolute powers and serves as the de facto legislature. the opposition says it was created illegally. Electoral Authority: The National Electoral Council (CNE), in charge of running elections, is chaired by the openly pro-government Tibisay Lucena. Under her management, several opposition parties have been disqualified, and on Thursday it issued a statement endorsing Maduro. Rulings by pro-government judges and the CNE thwarted opposition efforts to hold a referendum to revoke Maduro's presidency in 2016, a vote allowed under the constitution. Opposition parties refused to participate in the last elections, including the May 2018 presidential vote in which Maduro was reelected, saying there were no guarantees of impartiality. They say Maduro was elected through fraud. Guaido International support: The United States, along with several Latin America and European Union countries, refused to recognise Maduro's reelection. When Guaido proclaimed himself acting interim president US President Donald Trump quickly recognised him. Other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Australia, quickly followed. On Sunday Israel said it would recognise Guaido as president. Six European countries — Spain, France, Germany, Britain, Portugal, the Netherlands — on Saturday demanded that either Venezuela call elections within eight days or they would recognise Guaido as interim leader. Some European countries such as Greece still support Maduro. The head of the Washington-based Organization of American States, Uruguayan Luis Almagro, also gave his support to Guaido. National Assembly: The opposition-controlled National Assembly was elected in 2015 when a coalition of opposition parties handed the leftist regime its biggest electoral defeat ever. After taking office on January 5, Guaido, 35, began to press for a "transitional government" and new elections, calling on the military to break with the government in exchange for an amnesty. Justice in exile: A Venezuelan Supreme Court in exile, with members appointed by the National Assembly, on Wednesday welcomed Guaido's "will" to take over as acting leader pending new elections.

Maduro vs Guaido: Who is backing whom?

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro oversaw a display of the army's Russian hardware on Sunday, with anti-aircraft flak and tank rounds pounding a hillside to show military force and loyalty in the face of an international ultimatum for new elections.

Maduro, 56, is confronting an unprecedented challenge to his authority after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president, citing a fraudulent election. Guaido has won wide international support and offers amnesty to soldiers who join him.

On Sunday, Israel and Australia joined the countries backing the 35-year-old leader, and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282">President Donald Trump's administration</a> said it had accepted Venezuelan opposition figure Carlos Alfredo Vecchio as the country's diplomatic representative in the United States.

Early on Sunday, alongside Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, Maduro watched a platoon of soldiers release volleys of rocket-propelled grenades, machine-gun anti-aircraft fire and tank rounds at hillside targets, the Russian ordnance kicking up clouds of dust at the Fort of Paramacay, an armored vehicle base.

Maduro said the display showed the world he had the backing of the military and that Venezuela's armed forces were ready to defend the country. Maduro says Guaido is taking part in a coup directed by Trump's hardline policy advisers, who include Cold War veterans John Bolton and Elliott Abrams.

"Nobody respects the weak, cowards, traitors. In this world, what's respected is the brave, the courageous, power," Maduro said.

"Nobody should even think of stepping on this sacred soil. Venezuela wants peace," he said. "To guarantee peace, we have to be prepared."

From Feb. 10 to 15, the military is planning larger exercises that Maduro described as the "most important in the history of Venezuela."

The show of force was accompanied by a government publicity campaign online based on the slogan "Always Loyal, Never a Traitor," and followed a high-profile defection by the country's top military diplomat in the United States on Saturday.

The Fort of Paramacay, about two hours west of the capital, Caracas, was itself the site of an uprising in 2017, when about 20 soldiers and armed civilians attacked the base. The leader of the attack, which was quickly subdued, said he was calling for a transitional government.

Maduro on Sunday denounced an alleged conspiracy aimed at spreading rebellion in the army, saying thousands of messages were being sent to soldiers every day over WhatsApp and other social media platforms from neighboring Colombia. He later jogged with soldiers and boarded an amphibious vehicle at a navy base.

Guaido also sent a message to the military on Sunday, asking for support and ordering it not to repress civilians during an event in which supporters handed out copies of a proposed amnesty for people accused of crimes in the Maduro government.

"I order you not to shoot," he said. "I order you not to repress the people."

At a U.N. Security Council debate on Saturday, Russia and China strongly backed Maduro and rejected calls by the United States, Canada, Latin American nations and European powers for early elections.

Both Russia and China are major creditors of Venezuela. Since the government of Maduro's late mentor, Hugo Chavez, the OPEC nation has invested heavily in Russian weaponry, including Sukhoi fighter jets and heavy armor.

The strategic alliance was in evidence last year, when two Russian nuclear-capable bombers landed in Venezuela. Reuters reported on Friday that private military contractors who do secret missions for Russia flew into Venezuela to beef up security for Maduro.

NO ELECTIONS

In an interview that aired on Sunday, Maduro rejected a European ultimatum to call elections within eight days and said Guaido violated the constitution by declaring himself interim leader. He said European nations should leave Venezuela, if they so wanted.

"Fortunately, we don’t depend on Europe. And those arrogant, overbearing attitudes, looking down on us, because we are ‘sudacas,’ inferior to them," he told CNN Turk.

"The leaders of Europe are sycophants, kneeling behind the policies of Donald Trump," he said, adding he was open to dialog and that meeting Trump was improbable but not impossible.

Washington urged the world on Saturday to "pick a side" on Venezuela and financially disconnect from Maduro's government.

Bolton, the White House national security adviser, warned on Sunday against violence or the intimidation of American diplomats in Venezuela or Guaido, saying such action would trigger a response from the United States.

Venezuela has sunk into turmoil under Maduro, with food shortages and protests amid an economic and political crisis that has led millions to leave the country and with inflation seen rising to 10 million percent this year.

Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said they would recognize Guaido if Maduro failed to call new elections within eight days, an ultimatum Russia said was "absurd" and the Venezuelan foreign minister called "childlike."

The United States, Canada, most Latin American nations and many European states say Maduro stole his second-term election win last May. The former union leader cruised to victory after blocking the main opposition candidates from running. Turnout was low.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan voiced his support for Maduro in a phone call on Thursday.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro oversaw a display of the army's Russian hardware on Sunday, with anti-aircraft flak and tank rounds pounding a hillside to show military force and loyalty in the face of an international ultimatum for new elections.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro oversaw a display of the army's Russian hardware on Sunday, with anti-aircraft flak and tank rounds pounding a hillside to show military force and loyalty in the face of an international ultimatum for new elections. Maduro, 56, is confronting an unprecedented challenge to his authority after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president, citing a fraudulent election. Guaido has won wide international support and offers amnesty to soldiers who join him. On Sunday, Israel and Australia joined the countries backing the 35-year-old leader, and President Donald Trump's administration said it had accepted Venezuelan opposition figure Carlos Alfredo Vecchio as the country's diplomatic representative in the United States. Early on Sunday, alongside Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, Maduro watched a platoon of soldiers release volleys of rocket-propelled grenades, machine-gun anti-aircraft fire and tank rounds at hillside targets, the Russian ordnance kicking up clouds of dust at the Fort of Paramacay, an armored vehicle base. Maduro said the display showed the world he had the backing of the military and that Venezuela's armed forces were ready to defend the country. Maduro says Guaido is taking part in a coup directed by Trump's hardline policy advisers, who include Cold War veterans John Bolton and Elliott Abrams. "Nobody respects the weak, cowards, traitors. In this world, what's respected is the brave, the courageous, power," Maduro said. "Nobody should even think of stepping on this sacred soil. Venezuela wants peace," he said. "To guarantee peace, we have to be prepared." From Feb. 10 to 15, the military is planning larger exercises that Maduro described as the "most important in the history of Venezuela." The show of force was accompanied by a government publicity campaign online based on the slogan "Always Loyal, Never a Traitor," and followed a high-profile defection by the country's top military diplomat in the United States on Saturday. The Fort of Paramacay, about two hours west of the capital, Caracas, was itself the site of an uprising in 2017, when about 20 soldiers and armed civilians attacked the base. The leader of the attack, which was quickly subdued, said he was calling for a transitional government. Maduro on Sunday denounced an alleged conspiracy aimed at spreading rebellion in the army, saying thousands of messages were being sent to soldiers every day over WhatsApp and other social media platforms from neighboring Colombia. He later jogged with soldiers and boarded an amphibious vehicle at a navy base. Guaido also sent a message to the military on Sunday, asking for support and ordering it not to repress civilians during an event in which supporters handed out copies of a proposed amnesty for people accused of crimes in the Maduro government. "I order you not to shoot," he said. "I order you not to repress the people." At a U.N. Security Council debate on Saturday, Russia and China strongly backed Maduro and rejected calls by the United States, Canada, Latin American nations and European powers for early elections. Both Russia and China are major creditors of Venezuela. Since the government of Maduro's late mentor, Hugo Chavez, the OPEC nation has invested heavily in Russian weaponry, including Sukhoi fighter jets and heavy armor. The strategic alliance was in evidence last year, when two Russian nuclear-capable bombers landed in Venezuela. Reuters reported on Friday that private military contractors who do secret missions for Russia flew into Venezuela to beef up security for Maduro. NO ELECTIONS In an interview that aired on Sunday, Maduro rejected a European ultimatum to call elections within eight days and said Guaido violated the constitution by declaring himself interim leader. He said European nations should leave Venezuela, if they so wanted. "Fortunately, we don’t depend on Europe. And those arrogant, overbearing attitudes, looking down on us, because we are ‘sudacas,’ inferior to them," he told CNN Turk. "The leaders of Europe are sycophants, kneeling behind the policies of Donald Trump," he said, adding he was open to dialog and that meeting Trump was improbable but not impossible. Washington urged the world on Saturday to "pick a side" on Venezuela and financially disconnect from Maduro's government. Bolton, the White House national security adviser, warned on Sunday against violence or the intimidation of American diplomats in Venezuela or Guaido, saying such action would trigger a response from the United States. Venezuela has sunk into turmoil under Maduro, with food shortages and protests amid an economic and political crisis that has led millions to leave the country and with inflation seen rising to 10 million percent this year. Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said they would recognize Guaido if Maduro failed to call new elections within eight days, an ultimatum Russia said was "absurd" and the Venezuelan foreign minister called "childlike." The United States, Canada, most Latin American nations and many European states say Maduro stole his second-term election win last May. The former union leader cruised to victory after blocking the main opposition candidates from running. Turnout was low. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan voiced his support for Maduro in a phone call on Thursday.

As West calls for new elections, Venezuela's Maduro shows off military might

Venezuela crisis: EU gives Maduro 8-day deadline to call elections

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-accepts-deal-in-tax-fraud-case-in-spain-with-fine-suspended-sentence-191989&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiynpe5sIbgAhXJbn0KHZmEB4sQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AaiI-I4Wa-NaYCjCthlhS">Spain</a> on Thursday said fresh elections were the "only way out" for Venezuela after opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the presidency amid anti-government protests.

"The scenario has changed radically, there have been deaths. We have to prevent the situation from worsening. This undoubtedly demands a process of intervention to guarantee the only way out which is elections," said Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell.

The United States, Brazil, and other countries on Wednesday endorsed Guaido's declaration in repudiation of President Nicolas Maduro, as more protests rocked the economically strapped country.

Guaido's announcement came amid violence that has killed at least 13 people this week, according to a toll by the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict.

When asked if Spain would also endorse Guaido's declaration, Borrell reiterated that "what is important" is that Venezuela holds fresh elections.

He said some 200,000 Spanish nationals live in Venezuela, a former Spanish colony.

Spain on Thursday said fresh elections were the "only way out" for Venezuela after opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the presidency amid anti-government protests.

Spain on Thursday said fresh elections were the "only way out" for Venezuela after opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the presidency amid anti-government protests. "The scenario has changed radically, there have been deaths. We have to prevent the situation from worsening. This undoubtedly demands a process of intervention to guarantee the only way out which is elections," said Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell. The United States, Brazil, and other countries on Wednesday endorsed Guaido's declaration in repudiation of President Nicolas Maduro, as more protests rocked the economically strapped country. Guaido's announcement came amid violence that has killed at least 13 people this week, according to a toll by the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict. When asked if Spain would also endorse Guaido's declaration, Borrell reiterated that "what is important" is that Venezuela holds fresh elections. He said some 200,000 Spanish nationals live in Venezuela, a former Spanish colony.

Elections only way out of Venezuela crisis: Spain

Dismissing opposition parties 'Mahagathbandhan' as unviable and unworkable,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/food-surpluses-have-led-to-dip-in-farmers-income-jaitley-191111&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjX1vvH8v7fAhUUVH0KHa3RDLkQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0JsTIDJmAhKbzMD-_G7iGJ">&nbsp;finance&nbsp;minister Arun Jaitley</a> Monday said its going to be advantage BJP in the next general election as an aspirational society will not commit a "collective suicide" by voting for a short-lived political alliance.

The two-fold strategy of the opposition parties for the 2019 general elections is to pursue anti-Modi agenda and take advantage of the electoral arithmetic, he said in a Facebook post titled 'Agenda for 2019? Modi Vs Chaos'.

People are more intelligent than what many politicians think, Jaitley said, adding they will never choose chaos as an option.&nbsp;

"The BJP and NDA have to be prepared for a battle for a 50 per cent vote in the direct fight contest. The many States will still witness triangular contests. If a second term for Prime Minister Modi is the issue, it is advantage BJP. The election will be more presidential.&nbsp;

"If negativism is the political campaign in an aspirational nation, it won't work. If arithmetic is the only hope, the Modi chemistry can prevail over it," said Jaitley, who is currently in the US for a medical check-up.

Recalling the 1971 g<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-elections-near-ram-temple-back-as-electoral-agenda-191280&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwis1KHb8v7fAhUQVH0KHSEcCAwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-MBkPnAz9jBUqacgIqy7-">eneral elections</a>, Jaitley said the opposition had formed a 'Grand Alliance' or the 'Mahagathbandhan' teaming up against the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In 1971, he said: "We (Grand Alliance) had powerful leaders and a head-start in the media. Additionally, Congress had split into two... The results were announced, India rejected negativism. The India of 2019 has moved way ahead of India of 1971. Aspirational society never commits collective suicide. They do not suffer from Lemming Syndrome".

Lemming Syndrome refers to a phenomenon wherein crowds of people, imitate actions of each other just because they see a majority of their peers doing it.

"Will 2019 be a replica of 1971? It is Modi vs an unviable and an unworkable short-lived combination. OR is it Modi vs Chaos?? Jaitley wondered.

Stating that every general election has its own script that is dictated by the prevailing political environment, Jaitley said for 2019 political battle, India's opposition has a two-fold strategy, firstly, negative anti-Modi agenda and secondly, random political grouping to gain from the electoral arithmetic.

He said Opposition politics has thrown up four desirous Prime Ministers wishing to challenge <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-chief-alok-verma-removed-by-pm-narendra-modi-led-panel-on-corruption-charges-189425&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjXkf_v8v7fAhVHNY8KHY6xCi0QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw19NuBiegDDJpYz7hcZz8wy">Narendra Modi</a>.

"It is obvious that the level of satisfaction with PM Sh @narendramodi ji is very high. If that weren't so, what was the need for multiple disparate forces to come together against him? It is only the fear of his popularity &amp; a certain comeback that is bringing them together," Jaitley said.

He said the anti-Modi rally organised by Opposition parties in Kolkata, became significantly "a non-Rahul Gandhi rally," by his conspicuous absence.

"All four ambitious politicians pursue fanciful strategies to replace PM @narendramodi, however, Congress can at best dream only to be a pillion rider," Jaitley noted.&nbsp;

The opposition politics has thrown up four desirous Prime Ministers wishing to challenge Modi, he said.

"Two-third of those on stage (at Kolkata rally) were those who in the past have worked with the BJP. Some octogenarians reached Kolkata to satisfy their late-life ambitions. There was not a single speech reflecting the positive idea which the leaders proposed for the future.&nbsp;

"Negativism was writ large in their approach. The strategy of each of the four contenders (Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati and KCR) is clear... The individual strategy of each one of the above appears to be the same. Replace Modi and get on to the Driver's seat," Jaitley said.

Modi, Jaitley said, has singularly decimated all caste-based parties and dynastic political groups in 2014. "The opposition is making Prime Minister Modi's continuation in office as a key political issue. We in BJP welcome this agenda being set by the opposition," he said.

Dismissing opposition parties 'Mahagathbandhan' as unviable and unworkable, finance minister Arun Jaitley Monday said its going to be advantage BJP in the next general election as an aspirational society will not commit a "collective suicide" by voting for a short-lived political alliance.

Dismissing opposition parties 'Mahagathbandhan' as unviable and unworkable, finance minister Arun Jaitley Monday said its going to be advantage BJP in the next general election as an aspirational society will not commit a "collective suicide" by voting for a short-lived political alliance. The two-fold strategy of the opposition parties for the 2019 general elections is to pursue anti-Modi agenda and take advantage of the electoral arithmetic, he said in a Facebook post titled 'Agenda for 2019? Modi Vs Chaos'. People are more intelligent than what many politicians think, Jaitley said, adding they will never choose chaos as an option. "The BJP and NDA have to be prepared for a battle for a 50 per cent vote in the direct fight contest. The many States will still witness triangular contests. If a second term for Prime Minister Modi is the issue, it is advantage BJP. The election will be more presidential. "If negativism is the political campaign in an aspirational nation, it won't work. If arithmetic is the only hope, the Modi chemistry can prevail over it," said Jaitley, who is currently in the US for a medical check-up. Recalling the 1971 general elections, Jaitley said the opposition had formed a 'Grand Alliance' or the 'Mahagathbandhan' teaming up against the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In 1971, he said: "We (Grand Alliance) had powerful leaders and a head-start in the media. Additionally, Congress had split into two... The results were announced, India rejected negativism. The India of 2019 has moved way ahead of India of 1971. Aspirational society never commits collective suicide. They do not suffer from Lemming Syndrome". Lemming Syndrome refers to a phenomenon wherein crowds of people, imitate actions of each other just because they see a majority of their peers doing it. "Will 2019 be a replica of 1971? It is Modi vs an unviable and an unworkable short-lived combination. OR is it Modi vs Chaos?? Jaitley wondered. Stating that every general election has its own script that is dictated by the prevailing political environment, Jaitley said for 2019 political battle, India's opposition has a two-fold strategy, firstly, negative anti-Modi agenda and secondly, random political grouping to gain from the electoral arithmetic. He said Opposition politics has thrown up four desirous Prime Ministers wishing to challenge Narendra Modi. "It is obvious that the level of satisfaction with PM Sh @narendramodi ji is very high. If that weren't so, what was the need for multiple disparate forces to come together against him? It is only the fear of his popularity & a certain comeback that is bringing them together," Jaitley said. He said the anti-Modi rally organised by Opposition parties in Kolkata, became significantly "a non-Rahul Gandhi rally," by his conspicuous absence. "All four ambitious politicians pursue fanciful strategies to replace PM @narendramodi, however, Congress can at best dream only to be a pillion rider," Jaitley noted. The opposition politics has thrown up four desirous Prime Ministers wishing to challenge Modi, he said. "Two-third of those on stage (at Kolkata rally) were those who in the past have worked with the BJP. Some octogenarians reached Kolkata to satisfy their late-life ambitions. There was not a single speech reflecting the positive idea which the leaders proposed for the future. "Negativism was writ large in their approach. The strategy of each of the four contenders (Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati and KCR) is clear... The individual strategy of each one of the above appears to be the same. Replace Modi and get on to the Driver's seat," Jaitley said. Modi, Jaitley said, has singularly decimated all caste-based parties and dynastic political groups in 2014. "The opposition is making Prime Minister Modi's continuation in office as a key political issue. We in BJP welcome this agenda being set by the opposition," he said.

2019 general elections: Its going to advantage BJP in polls, say finance minister Arun Jaitley

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunil-arora-takes-charge-as-new-chief-election-commissioner-of-india-180847">Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora</a> Friday lamented that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were being treated like a "football" by parties suffering electoral losses, and said the voting equipment was foolproof as far as fears of manipulation were concerned.

Talking to reporters here upon the conclusion of his two-day tour of Bihar, the CEC, heading a team of the poll panel, said though EVMs could suffer occasional technical snags, they were promptly fixed.

"It is not possible to manipulate the EVMs. It is definitely foolproof as far as apprehensions of conspiracy and manipulation are concerned. But technical snags are possible as in case of any other device," he said.

"But the incidence of snags has been very low. In the recent assembly polls in five states, 1.76 lakh EVMs were installed out of which only six reported the malfunction. The complaints were promptly taken care of," Arora claimed.

Asked about apprehensions expressed about EVMs by several parties, he said they had noticed that whenever a party lost an election it started having complaints about EVMs which vanished the moment it won.&nbsp;

"It is my request to all, please do not make EVMs a football," Arora said.

He said VVPATs were introduced to address the misgivings that people might have about EVMs.&nbsp;

"The Lok Sabha polls would see the use of these on a still larger scale. The Election Commission is committed to holding the elections in a free and fair manner," he said.

Replying to a query regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he said once all preparations are complete and the election schedule drawn, the EC would announce it at a press conference in New Delhi.

He also said during the EC team's tour of Bihar, instructions were issued for completing the revision of electoral rolls by January 31.

Earlier, on Thursday upon its arrival in the city, the EC team had interacted with representatives of various political parties which had come up with suggestions to improve the poll process.

While the RJD had come out strongly against the EVMs and advocated reverting to the use of ballot papers, the JD(U) had stressed on making VVPATs available at every polling booth.

The CPI came up with an elaborate list of suggestions which included limiting the number of voters in a booth to 800 and setting up mobile polling stations which could be of help to those having difficulty in travelling to their respective booths.

The BJP requested that complaints of anomalies in electoral rolls be seriously looked into and resolved.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Talking to reporters here upon the conclusion of his two-day tour of Bihar, the CEC, heading a team of the poll panel, said though EVMs could suffer occasional technical snags, they were promptly fixed.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora Friday lamented that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were being treated like a "football" by parties suffering electoral losses, and said the voting equipment was foolproof as far as fears of manipulation were concerned. Talking to reporters here upon the conclusion of his two-day tour of Bihar, the CEC, heading a team of the poll panel, said though EVMs could suffer occasional technical snags, they were promptly fixed. "It is not possible to manipulate the EVMs. It is definitely foolproof as far as apprehensions of conspiracy and manipulation are concerned. But technical snags are possible as in case of any other device," he said. "But the incidence of snags has been very low. In the recent assembly polls in five states, 1.76 lakh EVMs were installed out of which only six reported the malfunction. The complaints were promptly taken care of," Arora claimed. Asked about apprehensions expressed about EVMs by several parties, he said they had noticed that whenever a party lost an election it started having complaints about EVMs which vanished the moment it won. "It is my request to all, please do not make EVMs a football," Arora said. He said VVPATs were introduced to address the misgivings that people might have about EVMs. "The Lok Sabha polls would see the use of these on a still larger scale. The Election Commission is committed to holding the elections in a free and fair manner," he said. Replying to a query regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he said once all preparations are complete and the election schedule drawn, the EC would announce it at a press conference in New Delhi. He also said during the EC team's tour of Bihar, instructions were issued for completing the revision of electoral rolls by January 31. Earlier, on Thursday upon its arrival in the city, the EC team had interacted with representatives of various political parties which had come up with suggestions to improve the poll process. While the RJD had come out strongly against the EVMs and advocated reverting to the use of ballot papers, the JD(U) had stressed on making VVPATs available at every polling booth. The CPI came up with an elaborate list of suggestions which included limiting the number of voters in a booth to 800 and setting up mobile polling stations which could be of help to those having difficulty in travelling to their respective booths. The BJP requested that complaints of anomalies in electoral rolls be seriously looked into and resolved.

EVMs being treated like football by parties suffering electoral losses: Chief Election Commissioner

Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as Bangladesh's prime minister for a record fourth term Monday after a crushing election victory marred by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-calls-for-probe-into-bangladesh-elections-188315">deadly violence and claims of widespread rigging</a>.

Hasina, 71, has presided over record economic growth in the South Asian country of 165 million people but critics have accused her of creeping authoritarianism.

Her ruling Awami League party and its allies won the December 30 elections by a landslide, securing 288 seats in the 300-seat parliament compared to just seven for the main opposition.

The campaign saw mass arrests of opposition activists and candidates and allegations of widespread rigging including ballot stuffing and voter intimidation.

Seventeen people were killed on election day.

The European Union has called for a probe into allegations of irregularities, saying "significant obstacles to a level playing field... tainted the electoral campaign and the vote."

The United States expressed concern about "credible reports of harassment, intimidation and violence".

The United Nations on Friday said there were indications that "reprisals" have targeted the opposition since the election, including physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, harassment, disappearances and filing of criminal cases.

The opposition, which last week <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-opposition-boycotts-swearing-in-amid-calls-to-probe-vote-rigging-188025">boycotted the oath-taking ceremony</a> of the newly elected MPs, has demanded fresh polls under a neutral caretaker government -- something Hasina and the election commission have rejected outright.

'Mother of humanity'

President Abdul Hamid administered Hassina'a oath in a ceremony at the presidential palace, Bangabhaban. A 47-member cabinet with many new faces was also sworn in.

To her supporters, Hasina is known as Bangladesh's "mother of humanity" for allowing in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing a military crackdown in neighbouring Myanmar in 2017.

Opponents accuse her of jailing arch-foe Khaleda Zia on politically motivated charges, of orchestrating mass arrests, enforced disappearances and passing Draconian anti-press freedom laws to try to cling to power.

Hasina was abroad in August 1975 when a group of renegade military officers assassinated her father, Bangladesh's first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his wife and three sons.

She started her political career as a hero of the people, returning from exile in 1981 to take over as Awami League leader and beginning a long struggle to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

Hasina joined forces with Zia's BNP to help oust military dictator Hussain Muhammad Ershad in 1990 but the pair soon fell out and were branded the "Battling Begums".

Their rivalry has dominated Bangladeshi politics for the last 30 years.

Hasina was first elected prime minister in 1996 but she struggled to emerge from the shadow of her father during her first term and lost the 2001 contest.

She returned to power after winning the December 2008 polls by landslide, just months after she was imprisoned by a military-backed government on corruption charges.

She has been in power ever since, presiding over economic expansion of more than six per cent every year since 2009. GDP growth last year was 7.86 per cent and Hasina has promised to take that into double digits.

Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as Bangladesh's prime minister for a record fourth term Monday after a crushing election victory marred by deadly violence and claims of widespread rigging.

Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as Bangladesh's prime minister for a record fourth term Monday after a crushing election victory marred by deadly violence and claims of widespread rigging. Hasina, 71, has presided over record economic growth in the South Asian country of 165 million people but critics have accused her of creeping authoritarianism. Her ruling Awami League party and its allies won the December 30 elections by a landslide, securing 288 seats in the 300-seat parliament compared to just seven for the main opposition. The campaign saw mass arrests of opposition activists and candidates and allegations of widespread rigging including ballot stuffing and voter intimidation. Seventeen people were killed on election day. The European Union has called for a probe into allegations of irregularities, saying "significant obstacles to a level playing field... tainted the electoral campaign and the vote." The United States expressed concern about "credible reports of harassment, intimidation and violence". The United Nations on Friday said there were indications that "reprisals" have targeted the opposition since the election, including physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, harassment, disappearances and filing of criminal cases. The opposition, which last week boycotted the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected MPs, has demanded fresh polls under a neutral caretaker government -- something Hasina and the election commission have rejected outright. 'Mother of humanity' President Abdul Hamid administered Hassina'a oath in a ceremony at the presidential palace, Bangabhaban. A 47-member cabinet with many new faces was also sworn in. To her supporters, Hasina is known as Bangladesh's "mother of humanity" for allowing in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing a military crackdown in neighbouring Myanmar in 2017. Opponents accuse her of jailing arch-foe Khaleda Zia on politically motivated charges, of orchestrating mass arrests, enforced disappearances and passing Draconian anti-press freedom laws to try to cling to power. Hasina was abroad in August 1975 when a group of renegade military officers assassinated her father, Bangladesh's first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his wife and three sons. She started her political career as a hero of the people, returning from exile in 1981 to take over as Awami League leader and beginning a long struggle to restore democracy in Bangladesh. Hasina joined forces with Zia's BNP to help oust military dictator Hussain Muhammad Ershad in 1990 but the pair soon fell out and were branded the "Battling Begums". Their rivalry has dominated Bangladeshi politics for the last 30 years. Hasina was first elected prime minister in 1996 but she struggled to emerge from the shadow of her father during her first term and lost the 2001 contest. She returned to power after winning the December 2008 polls by landslide, just months after she was imprisoned by a military-backed government on corruption charges. She has been in power ever since, presiding over economic expansion of more than six per cent every year since 2009. GDP growth last year was 7.86 per cent and Hasina has promised to take that into double digits.

Sheikh Hasina sworn in as Bangladesh PM after 'tainted' polls

Preliminary results from Democratic Republic of Congo`s tumultuous presidential election will be delayed past Sunday`s deadline, the head of the election commission told Reuters.&nbsp;

The commission, known as CENI, had received only 47 per cent of vote tally sheets as of Saturday, said its president, Corneille Nangaa, and it was not yet clear when the results would be ready.

The delay is the latest setback in a disorganised poll to pick a successor to President Joseph Kabila, who has ruled the country of 80 million people since his father was assassinated in 2001.&nbsp;

The December 30 vote could mark Congo`s first democratic transition of power since independence from Belgium in 1960. But tensions rose after observers reported a litany of irregularities that the opposition says are part of the ruling party`s effort to steal the election.&nbsp;

The opposition, represented by its two main candidates Martin Fayulu and Felix Tshisekedi, and the ruling coalition all say their candidates have won.&nbsp;

"It will not be possible to announce the results tomorrow," Nangaa said.&nbsp;

A CENI spokesman later said that the commission was holding a meeting on Sunday to decide when they will be announced.&nbsp;

Worried that disputes and delays could spark the kind of violence seen after the 2006 and 2011 elections, the United Nations Security Council met on Friday to discuss how to react, but was unable to reach an agreement, according to an internal report seen by Reuters.

The United States condemned a lack of transparency in the contest, while China, a major investor, lauded the process.&nbsp;

"Tensions were mounting while the CENI tabulated the results, notably in light of posturing by parties and candidates," Leila Zerrougui, head of the UN Stabilization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo, told the meeting, according to the internal report.&nbsp;

But the 15 council members "differed in their appreciation of the problems that beset the process and were divided over the question of whether the Council should issue a press statement", the report went on to say.&nbsp;

A negative international reaction could be problematic for Kabila, whose government has defended the election`s organisation, and could weaken the legitimacy of Kabila`s hand-picked successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, should he be declared winner.&nbsp;

Inflame the situation

In the meeting, France pushed for the publication of a statement that recognised that Congo`s election had allowed people to exercise their democratic right and called for calm, but criticised the government`s decision to cut access to the Internet and some media outlets.&nbsp;

The United States, which has threatened to impose sanctions against those who undermine the election process and has deployed troops to Gabon in case its citizens need rescuing from any violence, backed the statement, alongside Britain, Ivory Coast, Belgium and others.&nbsp;

South Africa, long a Kabila ally, said the statement could "inflame" the situation if issued before the results, the report said. Russia said it could be seen as an attempt to skew public opinion. China "lauded the manner in which elections were conducted", the report said, and said a statement should not be published before the results.&nbsp;

Congo`s Catholic church body, CENCO, said this week that it had identified the victor based on its own tallies collected by 40,000 observers, though it did not name the winner. The declaration was widely seen as a warning to authorities against rigging the vote.&nbsp;

Preliminary results from Democratic Republic of Congo`s tumultuous presidential election will be delayed past Sunday`s deadline, the head of the election commission told Reuters.

Preliminary results from Democratic Republic of Congo`s tumultuous presidential election will be delayed past Sunday`s deadline, the head of the election commission told Reuters. The commission, known as CENI, had received only 47 per cent of vote tally sheets as of Saturday, said its president, Corneille Nangaa, and it was not yet clear when the results would be ready. The delay is the latest setback in a disorganised poll to pick a successor to President Joseph Kabila, who has ruled the country of 80 million people since his father was assassinated in 2001. The December 30 vote could mark Congo`s first democratic transition of power since independence from Belgium in 1960. But tensions rose after observers reported a litany of irregularities that the opposition says are part of the ruling party`s effort to steal the election. The opposition, represented by its two main candidates Martin Fayulu and Felix Tshisekedi, and the ruling coalition all say their candidates have won. "It will not be possible to announce the results tomorrow," Nangaa said. A CENI spokesman later said that the commission was holding a meeting on Sunday to decide when they will be announced. Worried that disputes and delays could spark the kind of violence seen after the 2006 and 2011 elections, the United Nations Security Council met on Friday to discuss how to react, but was unable to reach an agreement, according to an internal report seen by Reuters. The United States condemned a lack of transparency in the contest, while China, a major investor, lauded the process. "Tensions were mounting while the CENI tabulated the results, notably in light of posturing by parties and candidates," Leila Zerrougui, head of the UN Stabilization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo, told the meeting, according to the internal report. But the 15 council members "differed in their appreciation of the problems that beset the process and were divided over the question of whether the Council should issue a press statement", the report went on to say. A negative international reaction could be problematic for Kabila, whose government has defended the election`s organisation, and could weaken the legitimacy of Kabila`s hand-picked successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, should he be declared winner. Inflame the situation In the meeting, France pushed for the publication of a statement that recognised that Congo`s election had allowed people to exercise their democratic right and called for calm, but criticised the government`s decision to cut access to the Internet and some media outlets. The United States, which has threatened to impose sanctions against those who undermine the election process and has deployed troops to Gabon in case its citizens need rescuing from any violence, backed the statement, alongside Britain, Ivory Coast, Belgium and others. South Africa, long a Kabila ally, said the statement could "inflame" the situation if issued before the results, the report said. Russia said it could be seen as an attempt to skew public opinion. China "lauded the manner in which elections were conducted", the report said, and said a statement should not be published before the results. Congo`s Catholic church body, CENCO, said this week that it had identified the victor based on its own tallies collected by 40,000 observers, though it did not name the winner. The declaration was widely seen as a warning to authorities against rigging the vote.

Congo election results delayed past Sunday deadline

The United Nations on Friday called for an independent and impartial investigation into the December 30 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-slams-us-statement-over-polls-observers-186042">election in Bangladesh</a> in which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a third straight term amid accusations of violence and voting irregularities.&nbsp;

Hasina's ruling alliance won more than 90 per cent of the seats contested in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-asks-bangladesh-political-parties-to-ensure-peaceful-post-electoral-environment-187907">Sunday's election</a>, which was marred by accusations of ballot stuffing, voter intimidation and violence that killed at least 19 people.&nbsp;

Opponents rejected the election result but Hasina and her Awami League have denied any impropriety, saying that the vote was peaceful and there was enthusiastic participation from her supporters.

"We urge the authorities to carry out prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigations into all alleged acts of violence and human rights violations related to the elections, with a view to holding accountable those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations," the United Nations said.

On Thursday, newly elected members of parliament, including Hasina, were sworn in, but the seven opposition members stayed away, saying the results were rigged and calling for a new election.

"There are worrying indications that reprisals have continued to take place, notably against the political opposition, including physical attacks and ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests, harassment, disappearances and filing of criminal cases," the United Nations said.

"Reports suggest that violent attacks and intimidation, including against minorities, have been disproportionately carried out by ruling party activists, at times with complicity or involvement of law enforcement officers."

The United Nations called on the authorities to take urgent measures to prevent further reprisals, and to ensure that law enforcement authorities exercised their powers in accordance with the rule of law.

It also urged the National Human Rights Commission to play an independent and proactive role.

Western governments, including the United States and the European Union, have condemned the election-day violence and called for an investigation into a range of irregularities.&nbsp;

On Thursday, New York-based Human Rights Watch said the run-up to the vote was characterised by "violence and intimidation against the opposition ... and the misuse of laws to limit free speech".&nbsp;

The United Nations on Friday called for an independent and impartial investigation into the December 30 election in Bangladesh in which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a third straight term amid accusations of violence and voting irregularities.

The United Nations on Friday called for an independent and impartial investigation into the December 30 election in Bangladesh in which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a third straight term amid accusations of violence and voting irregularities. Hasina's ruling alliance won more than 90 per cent of the seats contested in Sunday's election, which was marred by accusations of ballot stuffing, voter intimidation and violence that killed at least 19 people. Opponents rejected the election result but Hasina and her Awami League have denied any impropriety, saying that the vote was peaceful and there was enthusiastic participation from her supporters. "We urge the authorities to carry out prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigations into all alleged acts of violence and human rights violations related to the elections, with a view to holding accountable those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations," the United Nations said. On Thursday, newly elected members of parliament, including Hasina, were sworn in, but the seven opposition members stayed away, saying the results were rigged and calling for a new election. "There are worrying indications that reprisals have continued to take place, notably against the political opposition, including physical attacks and ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests, harassment, disappearances and filing of criminal cases," the United Nations said. "Reports suggest that violent attacks and intimidation, including against minorities, have been disproportionately carried out by ruling party activists, at times with complicity or involvement of law enforcement officers." The United Nations called on the authorities to take urgent measures to prevent further reprisals, and to ensure that law enforcement authorities exercised their powers in accordance with the rule of law. It also urged the National Human Rights Commission to play an independent and proactive role. Western governments, including the United States and the European Union, have condemned the election-day violence and called for an investigation into a range of irregularities. On Thursday, New York-based Human Rights Watch said the run-up to the vote was characterised by "violence and intimidation against the opposition ... and the misuse of laws to limit free speech".

UN calls for probe into Bangladesh elections

Launching the first phase of the poll campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/opinion-modi-back-in-a-humble-avatar-187769">Prime Minister Modi</a>&nbsp;addressed a rally at Assam's Cachar district on Friday.

In the first, Vijay Sankalp Samavesh Rally, PM Modi assured the people of Assam that no genuine citizen will be left out of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nrc-will-be-limited-to-assam-for-now-hansraj-ahir-185187">NRC&nbsp;(National Register of Citizens)</a> and hoped that the citizenship bill will soon get Parliament's nod.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM Modi addressing a rally in Silchar, Assam: Aapko fir se bharosa deta hoon, koi bhi bharatiya nagrik National Register of Citizens of India (NRC) mein se nahi chootega. <a href="https://t.co/fq9IT0vei5">pic.twitter.com/fq9IT0vei5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1081130764773732352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Aapko fir se bharosa deta hoon, koi bhi bharatiya nagrik National Register of Citizens of India (NRC) mein se nahi chootega".

"I am aware of the problems and difficulties faced by many during the NRC process but I assure you that no injustice will be done to any genuine Indian citizens," he added.

Calling the Citizenship Amendment Bill, a penance against the injustice done in the past, he also assured that his government was working to get the Citizen Amendment Bill passed in Parliament.

"Citizenship bill not for anyone's benefit, but a penance against injustice done in past; hope it will be passed soon in Parliament, " PM Modi said.

"Our government is moving ahead with Citizenship (Amendment) Bill; it is linked with emotions and related to peoples' lives," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM Modi addressing a rally in Silchar, Assam: Our govt is also working to get the Citizen Amendment Bill passed in the Parliament. <a href="https://t.co/GF2WdSBlBD">pic.twitter.com/GF2WdSBlBD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1081134449427771392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

PM Modi further said that the government had decided to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord to safeguard social, cultural and linguistic identity of the state.

"I am indebted to the people of Assam for voting for the BJP in the recent panchayat elections and I am committed to repay this debt by ensuring the development of the state," he said.

Recalling his inauguration of the country's longest rail-cum-road bridge at Bogibeel in upper Assam on December 25, Modi said "I am fortunate to be with the people of Assam for the second time in 10 days. The Barak and Brahmaputra valleys are a source of inspiration not only for the state but also for the country", Modi said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Manipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates several development projects and dedicates 400kV double circuit Silchar-Imphal line, in Imphal. Chief Minister N Biren Singh also present. <a href="https://t.co/aDWqjNeqTf">pic.twitter.com/aDWqjNeqTf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1081100736786821122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The BJP and its allies is setting the target to win 21 out of the 25 parliamentary seats in eight states in the region and in Assam the party hopes to win at least 11 of the 14 seats.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BJP had made massive in roads in Assam winning seven of its 14 parliamentary seats and in the 2016 assembly polls the party emerged as the single largest party with 61 seats while its alliance partners AGP and BPF had won 14 and 12 seats respectively.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Launching the first phase of the poll campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Modi addressed a rally at Assam's Cachar district on Friday. In the first, Vijay Sankalp Samavesh Rally, PM Modi assured the people of Assam that no genuine citizen will be left out of the NRC (National Register of Citizens) and hoped that the citizenship bill will soon get Parliament's nod.

Launching the first phase of the poll campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Modi addressed a rally at Assam's Cachar district on Friday. In the first, Vijay Sankalp Samavesh Rally, PM Modi assured the people of Assam that no genuine citizen will be left out of the NRC (National Register of Citizens) and hoped that the citizenship bill will soon get Parliament's nod. PM Modi addressing a rally in Silchar, Assam: Aapko fir se bharosa deta hoon, koi bhi bharatiya nagrik National Register of Citizens of India (NRC) mein se nahi chootega. pic.twitter.com/fq9IT0vei5 — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2019 × "Aapko fir se bharosa deta hoon, koi bhi bharatiya nagrik National Register of Citizens of India (NRC) mein se nahi chootega". "I am aware of the problems and difficulties faced by many during the NRC process but I assure you that no injustice will be done to any genuine Indian citizens," he added. Calling the Citizenship Amendment Bill, a penance against the injustice done in the past, he also assured that his government was working to get the Citizen Amendment Bill passed in Parliament. "Citizenship bill not for anyone's benefit, but a penance against injustice done in past; hope it will be passed soon in Parliament, " PM Modi said. "Our government is moving ahead with Citizenship (Amendment) Bill; it is linked with emotions and related to peoples' lives," he added. PM Modi addressing a rally in Silchar, Assam: Our govt is also working to get the Citizen Amendment Bill passed in the Parliament. pic.twitter.com/GF2WdSBlBD — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2019 × PM Modi further said that the government had decided to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord to safeguard social, cultural and linguistic identity of the state. "I am indebted to the people of Assam for voting for the BJP in the recent panchayat elections and I am committed to repay this debt by ensuring the development of the state," he said. Recalling his inauguration of the country's longest rail-cum-road bridge at Bogibeel in upper Assam on December 25, Modi said "I am fortunate to be with the people of Assam for the second time in 10 days. The Barak and Brahmaputra valleys are a source of inspiration not only for the state but also for the country", Modi said. Manipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates several development projects and dedicates 400kV double circuit Silchar-Imphal line, in Imphal. Chief Minister N Biren Singh also present. pic.twitter.com/aDWqjNeqTf — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2019 × The BJP and its allies is setting the target to win 21 out of the 25 parliamentary seats in eight states in the region and in Assam the party hopes to win at least 11 of the 14 seats. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BJP had made massive in roads in Assam winning seven of its 14 parliamentary seats and in the 2016 assembly polls the party emerged as the single largest party with 61 seats while its alliance partners AGP and BPF had won 14 and 12 seats respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

No genuine citizen will be left out of NRC: PM Modi at rally in Assam

Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began&nbsp;at 8:00 am on Sunday.

Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to&nbsp;vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Polls opened at 08:00 am (0200 GMT) amid tight security following a campaign that was marred by violence and allegations of a government crackdown on opposition activists.

Around&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-deploys-600000-security-forces-ahead-of-elections-187152">600,000 security personnel&nbsp;were deployed</a>&nbsp;in the country ahead of the polls.

The elections are&nbsp;expected to deliver a record fourth term to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina casts her vote in general elections in Dhaka <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xep0FPKcaj">pic.twitter.com/Xep0FPKcaj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079230202759262210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The primary Opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is in a state of disarray owing to the absence of two of its top leaders.&nbsp;

Main opposition leader&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zia-bangladeshs-fighter-begum-and-former-premier-marred-by-controversies-185022">Khaleda Zia</a>, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges, has been barred from contesting.

Her son, BNP's acting chief, Tarique Rahman is on an exile in London after a Bangladesh court sentenced him to life in jail for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists.

The emergence of the National Unity Forum as a joint Opposition platform was a landmark event in Bangladesh's political front this year after Zia's imprisonment in February.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in Zia's absence, it is Kamal Hossain who is giving a tough fight to PM Sheikh Hasina and the ruling Awami League.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began at 8:00 am on Sunday. Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election.

Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began at 8:00 am on Sunday. Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election. Polls opened at 08:00 am (0200 GMT) amid tight security following a campaign that was marred by violence and allegations of a government crackdown on opposition activists. Around 600,000 security personnel were deployed in the country ahead of the polls. The elections are expected to deliver a record fourth term to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina casts her vote in general elections in Dhaka #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/Xep0FPKcaj — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2018 × The primary Opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is in a state of disarray owing to the absence of two of its top leaders. Main opposition leader Khaleda Zia, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges, has been barred from contesting. Her son, BNP's acting chief, Tarique Rahman is on an exile in London after a Bangladesh court sentenced him to life in jail for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists. The emergence of the National Unity Forum as a joint Opposition platform was a landmark event in Bangladesh's political front this year after Zia's imprisonment in February. Meanwhile, in Zia's absence, it is Kamal Hossain who is giving a tough fight to PM Sheikh Hasina and the ruling Awami League.

Polls open in Bangladesh general election amid tight security

Tensions rise as Bangladesh Votes; 8 killed in Violent clashes

As <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/its-not-between-sheikh-hasina-and-me-its-about-politics-of-value-kamal-hossain-187073">Bangladesh</a> prepares to go for polling on December 30 to elect a new Parliament in the country, armed forces have been deployed in 389 'upazilas' or administrative region till January 2.

Dhaka Tribune reported that the security and law enforcement agencies of the country have unveiled various measures, to ensure an environment free of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-violence-and-arrests-of-opposition-activists-mars-bangaldesh-election-187035">violence, intimidation and coercion</a> before and after the 11th Parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on Sunday.

Security forces including Bangladesh Army troops, members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are reportedly patrolling the streets and have set up security check-posts over different locations in Dhaka.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has been given the responsibility of maintaining security and stability before and after the general elections.

Dhaka Tribune quoted the DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia as saying, "The DMP has already established a well-coordinated and strong security system to make the election free of violence, safe and joyful."

"Our cyber team is working to prevent rumours online. If there is any obstruction, then we will take immediate action. Police also have ensured adequate security arrangements for 14 points from where ballot papers will be forwarded to polling centres," he added.

The DMP has also prohibited the movement of vehicles from Saturday midnight to Sunday midnight apart from emergencies including ambulance services.&nbsp;

The Dhaka police have also confirmed that the people who are travelling to some local or international destinations should carry proper identity proofs and necessary documents with them.

"The traffic department has been directed to take necessary steps," Asaduzzaman noted."

Vehicles will be checked. The measures are to ensure that no one can create disorder and disrupt balloting," he said.&nbsp;

As Bangladesh prepares to go for polling on December 30 to elect a new Parliament in the country, armed forces have been deployed in 389 'upazilas' or administrative region till January 2.

As Bangladesh prepares to go for polling on December 30 to elect a new Parliament in the country, armed forces have been deployed in 389 'upazilas' or administrative region till January 2. Dhaka Tribune reported that the security and law enforcement agencies of the country have unveiled various measures, to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before and after the 11th Parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on Sunday. Security forces including Bangladesh Army troops, members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are reportedly patrolling the streets and have set up security check-posts over different locations in Dhaka. Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has been given the responsibility of maintaining security and stability before and after the general elections. Dhaka Tribune quoted the DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia as saying, "The DMP has already established a well-coordinated and strong security system to make the election free of violence, safe and joyful." "Our cyber team is working to prevent rumours online. If there is any obstruction, then we will take immediate action. Police also have ensured adequate security arrangements for 14 points from where ballot papers will be forwarded to polling centres," he added. The DMP has also prohibited the movement of vehicles from Saturday midnight to Sunday midnight apart from emergencies including ambulance services. The Dhaka police have also confirmed that the people who are travelling to some local or international destinations should carry proper identity proofs and necessary documents with them. "The traffic department has been directed to take necessary steps," Asaduzzaman noted." Vehicles will be checked. The measures are to ensure that no one can create disorder and disrupt balloting," he said.

Security beefed up in Bangladesh ahead of polls on Sunday

Campaigning for Bangladesh's general election at the weekend ended on Friday after weeks of violence, mainly against workers and officials from an opposition alliance, that has been criticised by the United States and others.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is seeking its third straight term in Sunday's election against the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last vote in 2014.

The Awami League is promoting its economic record over the past decade but the BNP-led opposition alliance, many of whose leaders have been jailed, has vowed to remove curbs on the media, raise wages and freeze energy prices.

"The government has lost moral support," BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a news conference late on Thursday, urging voters to "restore democracy".

"But the people are with us. They want change," he said.

The BNP's preparations have been hamstrung by the February jailing of their chairwoman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on what they call trumped-up corruption charges.

Awami League leaders deny any misuse of power and say they will return to government with an overwhelming majority.

Hasina told supporters on Thursday they must "ensure victory of pro-liberation forces", a reference to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971 led by her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Economist Intelligence Unit expects her party to win a third term.

The BNP said on Thursday more than 8,200 opposition leaders and activists from a coalition of about 20 parties have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. Four workers were killed and more than 12,300 injured, it said.

The Awami League has, in turn, said the BNP and its partners were behind attacks that killed at least five of its workers over the past three weeks.

Police declined to confirm the figures.

Mahbub Talukdar, one of Bangladesh's five election commissioners, has said there has not been a level playing field, although other commissioners have said they expected the election would be free and fair.

Earl Miller, the US ambassador to Bangladesh, said all parties had been victims of violence, including women and minority candidates.

"However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence," he said in a statement after meeting Election Commission officials on Thursday.

Miller said all candidates and voters must be able to take part without "harassment, intimidation, or violence" and that an independent media must be allowed to cover the election.

The United Nations has made a similar call for a "peaceful, credible and inclusive poll".

Campaigning for Bangladesh's general election at the weekend ended on Friday after weeks of violence, mainly against workers and officials from an opposition alliance, that has been criticised by the United States and others.

Campaigning for Bangladesh's general election at the weekend ended on Friday after weeks of violence, mainly against workers and officials from an opposition alliance, that has been criticised by the United States and others. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is seeking its third straight term in Sunday's election against the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last vote in 2014. The Awami League is promoting its economic record over the past decade but the BNP-led opposition alliance, many of whose leaders have been jailed, has vowed to remove curbs on the media, raise wages and freeze energy prices. "The government has lost moral support," BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a news conference late on Thursday, urging voters to "restore democracy". "But the people are with us. They want change," he said. The BNP's preparations have been hamstrung by the February jailing of their chairwoman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on what they call trumped-up corruption charges. Awami League leaders deny any misuse of power and say they will return to government with an overwhelming majority. Hasina told supporters on Thursday they must "ensure victory of pro-liberation forces", a reference to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971 led by her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Economist Intelligence Unit expects her party to win a third term. The BNP said on Thursday more than 8,200 opposition leaders and activists from a coalition of about 20 parties have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. Four workers were killed and more than 12,300 injured, it said. The Awami League has, in turn, said the BNP and its partners were behind attacks that killed at least five of its workers over the past three weeks. Police declined to confirm the figures. Mahbub Talukdar, one of Bangladesh's five election commissioners, has said there has not been a level playing field, although other commissioners have said they expected the election would be free and fair. Earl Miller, the US ambassador to Bangladesh, said all parties had been victims of violence, including women and minority candidates. "However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence," he said in a statement after meeting Election Commission officials on Thursday. Miller said all candidates and voters must be able to take part without "harassment, intimidation, or violence" and that an independent media must be allowed to cover the election. The United Nations has made a similar call for a "peaceful, credible and inclusive poll".

Weakened Bangladesh opposition hopes for change in Sunday's election

Israeli lawmakers dissolve Parliament, sets elections for April 9, 2019

New clashes marred the deadly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-bangladesh-election-results-will-impact-its-ties-with-india-186618">Bangladesh</a> election campaign on Wednesday as opposition leaders stepped up complaints over the organisation of what they consider a one-sided vote.

Youths on motorbikes carrying a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-election-violence-youths-carrying-awami-league-banner-attack-bnp-candidate-186668">banner of the ruling Awami League attacked an opposition </a>Bangladesh Nationalist Party candidate with knives, hours after a BNP leader was wounded in clashes between rival party activists, police said.

Habibur Rahman Habib, a BNP candidate for parliament, was attacked by 15 men on motorbikes in the northern town of Ishwardi on Wednesday, according to police.

"He was hacked three times on his thigh. He was grievously injured but is out of danger," local police chief Bahauddin Faruqi told AFP.

Late Tuesday, senior BNP leader Goyeshwar Roy was injured as BNP and Awami League activists clashed in Dhaka district, police superintendent S.M. Shafiur Rahman told AFP. Media images showed blood pouring down Roy's face.

The campaign for Sunday's vote has seen daily confrontations between supporters of the two main parties, which has further soured their bitter constitutional showdown.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking a record fourth term, but her party has been accused of organising the arrest and intimidation of opposition candidates to boost her chances. The government denies any wrongdoing.

The BNP, whose leader Khaleda Zia is in jail, and its main Islamist ally claim more than 11,500 of their supporters have been detained since the election was called on November 8. Hundreds of their supporters have been injured in fighting, they say.

Thousands arrested

Six people -- four BNP supporters and two from the Awami League -- have been killed in the campaign violence.

The BNP-led opposition coalition demanded the resignation of the chief election commissioner Nurul Huda, accusing him of supporting ruling party followers in the unrest.

"It is not possible to get a non-partisan and neutral election from him and there is no possibility of fair treatment from him," opposition spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

Opposition parties walked out of a meeting with Huda late Tuesday, and have demanded a neutral election commissioner take over for Sunday's vote.

They say the mass arrest of their followers -- 8,243 from the BNP and 3,600 from the Jamaat-e-Islami -- was intended to create a "climate of fear".

Police have not confirmed the number of arrests during the campaign but insist all those detained had warrants against them.

"We never target any individual unless they break the law," said police spokesman Sohel Rana.

There was no comment from Chief Election Commissioner on the violence, but another election commissioner urged police "act neutrally and without discrimination to all."

"Don't take any undesirable action by being too enthusiastic," commissioner Mahbub Talukder said in a statement.

"Refrain from acting in a partisan manner in the polls. Uphold the dignity and righteousness of your uniform... I am worried over the growing number of incidents of clashes and violence ahead of the national election."

Hasina and Zia have been political foes since the introduction of democracy in 1991. They have traditionally alternated in power but Hasina's current rule has lasted since 2009 and Zia's jail term this year prevented her from taking part in the election.

The ruling party has emphasised the economic growth in Hasina's last 10 years in power to justify her reelection.

The BNP had hoped the deployment of 30,000 troops on Monday would improve security across the Muslim-majority country of 165 million.

But Ahmed said its candidates were attacked in 28 constituencies on Tuesday, leaving more than 100 people injured.

Hasina won a 2008 poll by a landslide and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election -- saying it was not free and fair -- gifting her a return to power.

Civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press through a strict digital-security law.

New clashes marred the deadly Bangladesh election campaign on Wednesday as opposition leaders stepped up complaints over the organisation of what they consider a one-sided vote.

New clashes marred the deadly Bangladesh election campaign on Wednesday as opposition leaders stepped up complaints over the organisation of what they consider a one-sided vote. Youths on motorbikes carrying a banner of the ruling Awami League attacked an opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party candidate with knives, hours after a BNP leader was wounded in clashes between rival party activists, police said. Habibur Rahman Habib, a BNP candidate for parliament, was attacked by 15 men on motorbikes in the northern town of Ishwardi on Wednesday, according to police. "He was hacked three times on his thigh. He was grievously injured but is out of danger," local police chief Bahauddin Faruqi told AFP. Late Tuesday, senior BNP leader Goyeshwar Roy was injured as BNP and Awami League activists clashed in Dhaka district, police superintendent S.M. Shafiur Rahman told AFP. Media images showed blood pouring down Roy's face. The campaign for Sunday's vote has seen daily confrontations between supporters of the two main parties, which has further soured their bitter constitutional showdown. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking a record fourth term, but her party has been accused of organising the arrest and intimidation of opposition candidates to boost her chances. The government denies any wrongdoing. The BNP, whose leader Khaleda Zia is in jail, and its main Islamist ally claim more than 11,500 of their supporters have been detained since the election was called on November 8. Hundreds of their supporters have been injured in fighting, they say. Thousands arrested Six people -- four BNP supporters and two from the Awami League -- have been killed in the campaign violence. The BNP-led opposition coalition demanded the resignation of the chief election commissioner Nurul Huda, accusing him of supporting ruling party followers in the unrest. "It is not possible to get a non-partisan and neutral election from him and there is no possibility of fair treatment from him," opposition spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said. Opposition parties walked out of a meeting with Huda late Tuesday, and have demanded a neutral election commissioner take over for Sunday's vote. They say the mass arrest of their followers -- 8,243 from the BNP and 3,600 from the Jamaat-e-Islami -- was intended to create a "climate of fear". Police have not confirmed the number of arrests during the campaign but insist all those detained had warrants against them. "We never target any individual unless they break the law," said police spokesman Sohel Rana. There was no comment from Chief Election Commissioner on the violence, but another election commissioner urged police "act neutrally and without discrimination to all." "Don't take any undesirable action by being too enthusiastic," commissioner Mahbub Talukder said in a statement. "Refrain from acting in a partisan manner in the polls. Uphold the dignity and righteousness of your uniform... I am worried over the growing number of incidents of clashes and violence ahead of the national election." Hasina and Zia have been political foes since the introduction of democracy in 1991. They have traditionally alternated in power but Hasina's current rule has lasted since 2009 and Zia's jail term this year prevented her from taking part in the election. The ruling party has emphasised the economic growth in Hasina's last 10 years in power to justify her reelection. The BNP had hoped the deployment of 30,000 troops on Monday would improve security across the Muslim-majority country of 165 million. But Ahmed said its candidates were attacked in 28 constituencies on Tuesday, leaving more than 100 people injured. Hasina won a 2008 poll by a landslide and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election -- saying it was not free and fair -- gifting her a return to power. Civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press through a strict digital-security law.

Campaign attacks heighten fears for Bangladesh election

Bangladesh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-sheikh-hasina-on-top-in-battle-of-the-bangladesh-begums-186170">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a> has always had cordial relations with India. Under her regime, ties between the two countries flourished well and the engagement between the two countries improved on all fronts.&nbsp;Bangladesh's first female prime minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zia-bangladeshs-fighter-begum-and-former-premier-marred-by-controversies-185022">Khaleda Zia</a>, on the other hand, had rocky ties with India.&nbsp;

With 2018 Bangladesh polls just around the corner, here's taking a look at Bangladesh-India ties under the 'battling begums.'

Bangladesh PM Hasina

The 2008 elections in Bangladesh marked a new chapter in the country's relationship with India.

The polls ushered in a new phase for the democracy of the country. The polls were held after two years of an army-backed caretaker government ruled the nation. Hasina-led Awami League returned to power with a thumping majority.

Since Hasina's coming to power, India and Bangladesh entered into engagements on every front. Several bus and train routes, connecting the two countries, have been operationalised.

After Sheikh Hasina's visit to India last year, there has been a renewed focus on improving connectivity between the two countries.

After her meeting with PM Modi in India, Hasina said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I had a productive meeting, we sat together to take our excellent bilateral relations to a new height. Prime minister Modi and I agreed that greater connectivity is vital for the development of the region".

In recent years, India and Bangladesh have made major headway to solve their boundary disputes.&nbsp;

In the past few years, the two countries ended an issue in North Bengal. A decades-old maritime boundary dispute was also settled in 2014.&nbsp;

Significant headway has also been made to settle differences over the sharing of waters of the Teesta river.&nbsp;

India has reciprocated to this in equal measure. Around a dozen agreements have been signed with Dhaka. India has committed 10 billion dollars of private investment. &nbsp;New Delhi has approved a 7.5 billion dollars for infrastructure and other projects in Bangladesh. Both sides continue to explore other areas of cooperation.&nbsp;

Beyond these projects, India and Bangladesh have established deep security cooperation. Intelligence agencies of both countries have developed a close working relationship. Since taking over the prime minister's office, Sheikh Hasina has led efforts to crush ISI's covert activities in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

"We want to build cooperation in new areas, especially some high-technology areas that have a deeper connect with the youth in both our societies.

These would include working in the fields of electronics, information technology, cybersecurity, space exploration, civil nuclear energy, and other areas," PM Modi said.

And Hasina being at the helm of affairs has certainly provided a stable neighbour for India.

Bangladesh-India ties under Khaleda Zia

Hasina and Zia have dominated the political landscape of Dhaka for the past 30 years. But former PM Khalida Zia's stature has significantly diminished. She's in jail for corruption. Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party is counting on allies to mount a challenge to the prime minister. And yet, Zia cannot be written off.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-in-punishing-khaleda-zia-was-awami-league-being-vindictive-32590?amp">Khaleda Zia </a>was the first female prime minister of Bangladesh. In her early political life, she was dismissed as the politically inexperienced housewife of a military dictator. But, after her husband's assassination, Zia served as the prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

During her tenure as the prime minister of the country, Zia had a rocky relationship with New Delhi.&nbsp;There was an immense trust deficit between both sides.&nbsp;

Zia's party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is seen as anti-India.&nbsp;Her government was also criticised for supporting and harbouring anti-India elements.&nbsp;

But, in 2012, Zia did attempt some overtures. During a visit to New Delhi, she met with the then President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. These high-level meetings were followed by talks with political leaders from both sides of the political spectrum.&nbsp;

After losing power, Zia has faced major roadblocks in her attempts to mount a comeback.&nbsp;

The leader of the opposition in Bangladesh is serving a 10-year jail term for corruption.&nbsp;

Zia blames the ruling Sheikh Hasina government. Before going to jail, she claimed that opposition is being targeted.&nbsp;

"We were locked in our office for months after months. During that time, I was accused for different incidents that took place outside my office. The jails are all filled with the supporters of my party."

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has always had cordial relations with India. Under her regime, ties between the two countries flourished well and the engagement between the two countries improved on all fronts.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has always had cordial relations with India. Under her regime, ties between the two countries flourished well and the engagement between the two countries improved on all fronts. Bangladesh's first female prime minister Khaleda Zia, on the other hand, had rocky ties with India. With 2018 Bangladesh polls just around the corner, here's taking a look at Bangladesh-India ties under the 'battling begums.' Bangladesh PM Hasina The 2008 elections in Bangladesh marked a new chapter in the country's relationship with India. The polls ushered in a new phase for the democracy of the country. The polls were held after two years of an army-backed caretaker government ruled the nation. Hasina-led Awami League returned to power with a thumping majority. Since Hasina's coming to power, India and Bangladesh entered into engagements on every front. Several bus and train routes, connecting the two countries, have been operationalised. After Sheikh Hasina's visit to India last year, there has been a renewed focus on improving connectivity between the two countries. After her meeting with PM Modi in India, Hasina said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I had a productive meeting, we sat together to take our excellent bilateral relations to a new height. Prime minister Modi and I agreed that greater connectivity is vital for the development of the region". In recent years, India and Bangladesh have made major headway to solve their boundary disputes. In the past few years, the two countries ended an issue in North Bengal. A decades-old maritime boundary dispute was also settled in 2014. Significant headway has also been made to settle differences over the sharing of waters of the Teesta river. India has reciprocated to this in equal measure. Around a dozen agreements have been signed with Dhaka. India has committed 10 billion dollars of private investment. New Delhi has approved a 7.5 billion dollars for infrastructure and other projects in Bangladesh. Both sides continue to explore other areas of cooperation. Beyond these projects, India and Bangladesh have established deep security cooperation. Intelligence agencies of both countries have developed a close working relationship. Since taking over the prime minister's office, Sheikh Hasina has led efforts to crush ISI's covert activities in Bangladesh. "We want to build cooperation in new areas, especially some high-technology areas that have a deeper connect with the youth in both our societies. These would include working in the fields of electronics, information technology, cybersecurity, space exploration, civil nuclear energy, and other areas," PM Modi said. And Hasina being at the helm of affairs has certainly provided a stable neighbour for India. Bangladesh-India ties under Khaleda Zia Hasina and Zia have dominated the political landscape of Dhaka for the past 30 years. But former PM Khalida Zia's stature has significantly diminished. She's in jail for corruption. Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party is counting on allies to mount a challenge to the prime minister. And yet, Zia cannot be written off. Khaleda Zia was the first female prime minister of Bangladesh. In her early political life, she was dismissed as the politically inexperienced housewife of a military dictator. But, after her husband's assassination, Zia served as the prime minister of the country. During her tenure as the prime minister of the country, Zia had a rocky relationship with New Delhi. There was an immense trust deficit between both sides. Zia's party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is seen as anti-India. Her government was also criticised for supporting and harbouring anti-India elements. But, in 2012, Zia did attempt some overtures. During a visit to New Delhi, she met with the then President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. These high-level meetings were followed by talks with political leaders from both sides of the political spectrum. After losing power, Zia has faced major roadblocks in her attempts to mount a comeback. The leader of the opposition in Bangladesh is serving a 10-year jail term for corruption. Zia blames the ruling Sheikh Hasina government. Before going to jail, she claimed that opposition is being targeted. "We were locked in our office for months after months. During that time, I was accused for different incidents that took place outside my office. The jails are all filled with the supporters of my party."

Bangladesh's 'battling begums': India-Bangladesh ties under PM Sheikh Hasina, ex-PM Khaleda Zia

A senior Bangladesh opposition leader's motorcade was attacked Friday after he visited a mausoleum in Mirpur to pay tributes to intellectuals 
Killed in the 1971 independence war with Pakistan.

Jatiya Oikyafront leader Kamal Hossain's motorcade came under attack near the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial as he and other alliance leaders were getting in their cars, said Latiful Bari Hamim, a staff of the Oikyafront's media wing.

The Jatiya Oikyafront is an alliance of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Prokriya, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, and Nagorik Oikya.

The Oikyafront was formed on October 13 with the demand of holding a national election under a neutral government after dissolution of parliament and release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail.

At least 12 leaders and activists from the Oikya Front have been injured in the attack and about seven cars were vandalised, bdnews24.Com reported. 
However, Hossain was unhurt in the attack.

"We are here to pay tribute to the martyred intellectuals. We must uphold our independence and make it meaningful for everyone, as millions of martyrs have sacrificed their lives for it," Hossain said.

"We're working to create a beautiful society free of repression. We'll free the country from the clutches of those who work against our dreams. They will have to give in to our countrymen, no matter how powerful they are," he said.

The opposition said such attacks were designed to weaken them ahead of the poll on December 30.&nbsp;

The war in 1971 broke after the sudden crackdown at midnight past on March 25, 1971 in the erstwhile East Pakistan by the Pakistani troops and ended on December 16. The same year Pakistan conceded defeat and unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian soldiers.

A senior Bangladesh opposition leader's motorcade was attacked Friday after he visited a mausoleum in Mirpur to pay tributes to intellectuals Killed in the 1971 independence war with Pakistan.

A senior Bangladesh opposition leader's motorcade was attacked Friday after he visited a mausoleum in Mirpur to pay tributes to intellectuals Killed in the 1971 independence war with Pakistan. Jatiya Oikyafront leader Kamal Hossain's motorcade came under attack near the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial as he and other alliance leaders were getting in their cars, said Latiful Bari Hamim, a staff of the Oikyafront's media wing. The Jatiya Oikyafront is an alliance of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Prokriya, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, and Nagorik Oikya. The Oikyafront was formed on October 13 with the demand of holding a national election under a neutral government after dissolution of parliament and release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail. At least 12 leaders and activists from the Oikya Front have been injured in the attack and about seven cars were vandalised, bdnews24.Com reported. However, Hossain was unhurt in the attack. "We are here to pay tribute to the martyred intellectuals. We must uphold our independence and make it meaningful for everyone, as millions of martyrs have sacrificed their lives for it," Hossain said. "We're working to create a beautiful society free of repression. We'll free the country from the clutches of those who work against our dreams. They will have to give in to our countrymen, no matter how powerful they are," he said. The opposition said such attacks were designed to weaken them ahead of the poll on December 30. The war in 1971 broke after the sudden crackdown at midnight past on March 25, 1971 in the erstwhile East Pakistan by the Pakistani troops and ended on December 16. The same year Pakistan conceded defeat and unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian soldiers.

Senior Bangla opposition leader's motorcade attacked in Mirpur

Bangladesh's election campaign turned violent Tuesday with scores injured at political rallies across the country, as police fired pellet guns into crowds and stick-wielding mobs attacked rival candidates.

Police told AFP clashes broke out in at least seven major towns on just the second day of campaigning, injuring nearly 100 people who turned out to cheer the two major parties contesting the December 30 poll.

The unrest follows a crackdown on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in recent weeks, with hundreds of supporters from the main opposition movement thrown behind bars before campaigning had even begun.

In Thakurgaon, a northern district, a motorcade for the BNP's secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was set upon by a huge crowd swinging batons.

Local police chief Mohammad Moniruzzaman said the windows of several cars were smashed, but Alamgir escaped unscathed. There were reports of several injuries.

The opposition blamed thugs aligned to the ruling Awami League, the party chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is running for a record fourth term in office.

In Kabirhat, a southern town, at least 22 people were hurt as rivals from the Awami League and BNP clashed with sticks and hurled rocks during a campaign stop, police said.

In the central town of Faridganj, police said they fired rubber bullets at an opposition parade after rocks were hurled at them. 
"We were compelled to retaliate in self defence," said local police chief Harunur Rashid. At least 26 civilians and four policemen were injured, he added.

At least 25 others were injured in separate clashes elsewhere in the country.

There was also infighting, with rival Awami League factions firing pellet guns at each other in southern Fatikchhari town, injuring seven, local police chief Babul Akhter told AFP.

BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed said more than 200 of its supporters were injured in what it called "administration-backed" attacks.

"They are creating the ground for an uneven poll through this violence," he told AFP.

Hasina walked her third term as prime minister in 2014 after the BNP and its allies boycotted what it called a rigged poll. That election was condemned by international observers.

Around 100 million voters have registered for this year's ballot, even though the opposition is yet to name a candidate to run against Hasina.

Veteran opposition leader and two-time prime minister Khaleda Zia has been barred from contesting the election against her long-time rival Hasina.

She is behind bars, serving a ten-year jail sentence on graft charges her supporters say are unfounded.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's election campaign turned violent Tuesday with scores injured at political rallies across the country, as police fired pellet guns into crowds and stick-wielding mobs attacked rival candidates.

Bangladesh's election campaign turned violent Tuesday with scores injured at political rallies across the country, as police fired pellet guns into crowds and stick-wielding mobs attacked rival candidates. Police told AFP clashes broke out in at least seven major towns on just the second day of campaigning, injuring nearly 100 people who turned out to cheer the two major parties contesting the December 30 poll. The unrest follows a crackdown on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in recent weeks, with hundreds of supporters from the main opposition movement thrown behind bars before campaigning had even begun. In Thakurgaon, a northern district, a motorcade for the BNP's secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was set upon by a huge crowd swinging batons. Local police chief Mohammad Moniruzzaman said the windows of several cars were smashed, but Alamgir escaped unscathed. There were reports of several injuries. The opposition blamed thugs aligned to the ruling Awami League, the party chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is running for a record fourth term in office. In Kabirhat, a southern town, at least 22 people were hurt as rivals from the Awami League and BNP clashed with sticks and hurled rocks during a campaign stop, police said. In the central town of Faridganj, police said they fired rubber bullets at an opposition parade after rocks were hurled at them. "We were compelled to retaliate in self defence," said local police chief Harunur Rashid. At least 26 civilians and four policemen were injured, he added. At least 25 others were injured in separate clashes elsewhere in the country. There was also infighting, with rival Awami League factions firing pellet guns at each other in southern Fatikchhari town, injuring seven, local police chief Babul Akhter told AFP. BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed said more than 200 of its supporters were injured in what it called "administration-backed" attacks. "They are creating the ground for an uneven poll through this violence," he told AFP. Hasina walked her third term as prime minister in 2014 after the BNP and its allies boycotted what it called a rigged poll. That election was condemned by international observers. Around 100 million voters have registered for this year's ballot, even though the opposition is yet to name a candidate to run against Hasina. Veteran opposition leader and two-time prime minister Khaleda Zia has been barred from contesting the election against her long-time rival Hasina. She is behind bars, serving a ten-year jail sentence on graft charges her supporters say are unfounded.

Nearly 100 injured in Bangladesh poll campaign violence

An octogenarian former comrade of Bangladesh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-opposition-to-challenge-pm-hasina-in-election-176659">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a>'s father in the country's independence struggle is now the face of an embattled opposition seeking to end her decade-long rule increasingly tainted by accusations of authoritarianism.

The 82-year-old Kamal Hossain said in an interview with Reuters on Monday that his decision to forge an alliance with the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was critical to restoring democracy in the country.

Hossain is an Oxford-educated international jurist who drafted the country's constitution - and whom Hasina grew up calling "kaka", or uncle. He will be fighting to wrest away power from Hasina's ruling Awami League in a general election due by December 30.

Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's independence hero Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is the longest-serving leader in its short history. She began a second straight term in power in 2014, after an election boycotted by the BNP and shunned by international observers, with more than half the seats uncontested.

"What has happened in the last five years is unprecedented," Hossain said. "We've never had a government which has been around for five years without elections."

The BNP's participation in the December 30 election was in doubt until last month, when it and three other parties announced the formation of a new alliance, the Jatiya Oikya Front, or National Unity Front, helmed by Hossain.

Hossain had said he was not seeking to become prime minister as he is too old. But some in the coalition, he said, privately compare him to Mahathir Mohamad, the Malaysian prime minister who took power earlier this year at age 92.

An octogenarian former comrade of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's father in the country's independence struggle is now the face of an embattled opposition seeking to end her decade-long rule increasingly tainted by accusations of authoritarianism.

An octogenarian former comrade of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's father in the country's independence struggle is now the face of an embattled opposition seeking to end her decade-long rule increasingly tainted by accusations of authoritarianism. The 82-year-old Kamal Hossain said in an interview with Reuters on Monday that his decision to forge an alliance with the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was critical to restoring democracy in the country. Hossain is an Oxford-educated international jurist who drafted the country's constitution - and whom Hasina grew up calling "kaka", or uncle. He will be fighting to wrest away power from Hasina's ruling Awami League in a general election due by December 30. Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's independence hero Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is the longest-serving leader in its short history. She began a second straight term in power in 2014, after an election boycotted by the BNP and shunned by international observers, with more than half the seats uncontested. "What has happened in the last five years is unprecedented," Hossain said. "We've never had a government which has been around for five years without elections." The BNP's participation in the December 30 election was in doubt until last month, when it and three other parties announced the formation of a new alliance, the Jatiya Oikya Front, or National Unity Front, helmed by Hossain. Hossain had said he was not seeking to become prime minister as he is too old. But some in the coalition, he said, privately compare him to Mahathir Mohamad, the Malaysian prime minister who took power earlier this year at age 92.

The ageing 'uncle' seeking to bring down Bangladesh PM Hasina

Senior Congress leader M Sasidhar Reddy, son of former Chief Minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh M Chenna Reddy, Saturday expressed disappointment over not being given a ticket for the December 7 Telangana assembly polls, saying the reason given was that he would lose.

Reddy, a former Vice Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), traditionally contests from Sanatnagar in Hyderabad, but the seat has been alloted to TDP as part of seat-sharing among partners of the "grand alliance" for the polls.

An angry Reddy hit out at Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy for denying him the seat.

"It's not the question of an individual seat that was denied to me. The reasons given for that is something which is very upsetting, as propagated by Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy," he told PTI.

"It was very forcefully argued by him that I will lose. That is the reason why he wants to leave it to TDP. The basis for that is supposed to be his survey," he said.

However, an online poll by a TV channel gave him 68 per cent winning chances against his TRS rival, he said.

The denial of ticket to him sends out a wrong message to the rank and file that loyalty and contributions have no value and "all that matters is the personal agendas of these leaders", Reddy said.

He also alleged that the PCC leadership had misled the high command.

"I don't blame the Congress high command. Because of the constraint of time, elections in various states and the rallies and all that the Congress president is attending. Four-five states are going for polls," he said.

Reddy said he got a call from senior party leaders in Delhi and that he was on the way to airport to leave for the national capital.

Meanwhile, several other aspirants who failed to get tickets voiced their protest and some of them said they would form a front to contest the elections.

Congress sources said that a committee of party leaders would speak to those who were denied tickets.

Senior Congress leader M Sasidhar Reddy, son of former Chief Minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh M Chenna Reddy, Saturday expressed disappointment over not being given a ticket for the December 7 Telangana assembly polls, saying the reason given was that he would lose.

Senior Congress leader M Sasidhar Reddy, son of former Chief Minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh M Chenna Reddy, Saturday expressed disappointment over not being given a ticket for the December 7 Telangana assembly polls, saying the reason given was that he would lose. Reddy, a former Vice Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), traditionally contests from Sanatnagar in Hyderabad, but the seat has been alloted to TDP as part of seat-sharing among partners of the "grand alliance" for the polls. An angry Reddy hit out at Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy for denying him the seat. "It's not the question of an individual seat that was denied to me. The reasons given for that is something which is very upsetting, as propagated by Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy," he told PTI. "It was very forcefully argued by him that I will lose. That is the reason why he wants to leave it to TDP. The basis for that is supposed to be his survey," he said. However, an online poll by a TV channel gave him 68 per cent winning chances against his TRS rival, he said. The denial of ticket to him sends out a wrong message to the rank and file that loyalty and contributions have no value and "all that matters is the personal agendas of these leaders", Reddy said. He also alleged that the PCC leadership had misled the high command. "I don't blame the Congress high command. Because of the constraint of time, elections in various states and the rallies and all that the Congress president is attending. Four-five states are going for polls," he said. Reddy said he got a call from senior party leaders in Delhi and that he was on the way to airport to leave for the national capital. Meanwhile, several other aspirants who failed to get tickets voiced their protest and some of them said they would form a front to contest the elections. Congress sources said that a committee of party leaders would speak to those who were denied tickets.

Telangana polls: Son of former Andhra Pradesh CM miffed at being denied ticket

Former Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina was leading after last week's presidential election aimed at ending a political crisis, ahead of rival Marc Ravalomanana, according to preliminary results released on Sunday.

Rajoelina and Ravalomanana were frontrunners in the November&nbsp;7 vote in the poor Indian Ocean island that has struggled with instability since independence from France in 1960.

After counting from 30.6 per cent of polling stations, Rajoelina was ahead with 40.9 per cent of the votes against 36 per cent for Ravalomanana, the CENI electoral authority said.

Outgoing president Hery Rajaonarimampianina had 7 per cent of ballots, it said. His attempts to change the electoral laws this year backfired, sparking nearly three months of sometimes violent protests in the capital Antananarivo.

The demonstrators forced Rajaonarimampianina to accept a "consensus" government tasked with organising the election in an impoverished country burdened by a long history of coups and unrest.

Madagascar's electoral regulations mean the two frontrunners will be forced into a run-off in December if neither manages to secure more than 50 percent of the votes in the first round ballot.

Both Ravalomanana and Rajaonarimampianina, who governed from 2014 to September 2018, have denounced irregularities and fraud, but the national election commission has rejected the accusations.

The EU observation mission said it noted only minor irregularities that would not impact the election outcome.

Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, according to World Bank data, with almost four in five people living in grinding poverty.

It has struggled to overcome political divisions after a disputed 2001 election that sparked clashes and after a 2009 military-backed coup.

Former Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina was leading after last week's presidential election aimed at ending a political crisis, ahead of rival Marc Ravalomanana, according to preliminary results released on Sunday.

Former Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina was leading after last week's presidential election aimed at ending a political crisis, ahead of rival Marc Ravalomanana, according to preliminary results released on Sunday. Rajoelina and Ravalomanana were frontrunners in the November 7 vote in the poor Indian Ocean island that has struggled with instability since independence from France in 1960. After counting from 30.6 per cent of polling stations, Rajoelina was ahead with 40.9 per cent of the votes against 36 per cent for Ravalomanana, the CENI electoral authority said. Outgoing president Hery Rajaonarimampianina had 7 per cent of ballots, it said. His attempts to change the electoral laws this year backfired, sparking nearly three months of sometimes violent protests in the capital Antananarivo. The demonstrators forced Rajaonarimampianina to accept a "consensus" government tasked with organising the election in an impoverished country burdened by a long history of coups and unrest. Madagascar's electoral regulations mean the two frontrunners will be forced into a run-off in December if neither manages to secure more than 50 percent of the votes in the first round ballot. Both Ravalomanana and Rajaonarimampianina, who governed from 2014 to September 2018, have denounced irregularities and fraud, but the national election commission has rejected the accusations. The EU observation mission said it noted only minor irregularities that would not impact the election outcome. Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, according to World Bank data, with almost four in five people living in grinding poverty. It has struggled to overcome political divisions after a disputed 2001 election that sparked clashes and after a 2009 military-backed coup.

Madagascar ex-president Rajoelina leads in vote count: Initial results

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging.

Opposition parties have expressed concern that the polls will not be democratic and have threatened protests.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is part of the newly-formed opposition alliance - National Unity Front (NUF) which has demanded that the December 23 polls be deferred by one month.

"We have decided to participate in the polls as part of our movement," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a press conference with senior NUF and BNP leaders present.

The BNP announcement came three days after the election commission announced the poll schedule with December 23 as the date for the vote amid an impasse between the government and the main opposition alliance over the poll's timing.

"Despite an extremely adverse situation, Jatiya Oikya Front (NUF) has decided to take part in the election as part of our movement to restore democracy," convenor of the platform and prominent lawyer Kamal Hossain said, ending speculation over the opposition's participation in the polls.

He, however, said that the election commission must defer the polls by one month.

BNP had boycotted the 2014 polls due to a dispute with the ruling Awami League over a plan for an interim government to oversee the polls, and it emerged as the main opposition party outside Parliament.

Political analysts said the opposition is demanding the deferment of polls to pave the way for an interim government.

Prime Minister Hasina earlier said installation of a non-elected government could lead to "third-party interventions" like a virtual military takeover as in 2007 when an army-backed interim government was installed amid a political vacuum and unrest.&nbsp;

But the BNP is in a state of disarray as 73-year-old Zia is serving a 10-year prison term on corruption charges and her "fugitive" son and acting party chief Tarique Rahman has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a rival political rally in 2004.

Rahman, who has been living in London since 2008, was convicted after a trial in absentia two months ago over the August, 2004 grenade attack that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists while Hasina had narrowly escaped the blast.

Legal experts said their convictions would disqualify the two BNP leaders from contesting the polls unless they secure a favourable Supreme Court ruling.

The Awami League urged the election commission to stick to its plan even as the EC had said it was Constitutionally obligated to hold the 11th parliamentary election by January 28.

The NUF emerged two months ago as an opposition platform and floated a seven-point demand including dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for an interim government to ensure a credible election.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging.

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging. Opposition parties have expressed concern that the polls will not be democratic and have threatened protests. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is part of the newly-formed opposition alliance - National Unity Front (NUF) which has demanded that the December 23 polls be deferred by one month. "We have decided to participate in the polls as part of our movement," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a press conference with senior NUF and BNP leaders present. The BNP announcement came three days after the election commission announced the poll schedule with December 23 as the date for the vote amid an impasse between the government and the main opposition alliance over the poll's timing. "Despite an extremely adverse situation, Jatiya Oikya Front (NUF) has decided to take part in the election as part of our movement to restore democracy," convenor of the platform and prominent lawyer Kamal Hossain said, ending speculation over the opposition's participation in the polls. He, however, said that the election commission must defer the polls by one month. BNP had boycotted the 2014 polls due to a dispute with the ruling Awami League over a plan for an interim government to oversee the polls, and it emerged as the main opposition party outside Parliament. Political analysts said the opposition is demanding the deferment of polls to pave the way for an interim government. Prime Minister Hasina earlier said installation of a non-elected government could lead to "third-party interventions" like a virtual military takeover as in 2007 when an army-backed interim government was installed amid a political vacuum and unrest. But the BNP is in a state of disarray as 73-year-old Zia is serving a 10-year prison term on corruption charges and her "fugitive" son and acting party chief Tarique Rahman has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a rival political rally in 2004. Rahman, who has been living in London since 2008, was convicted after a trial in absentia two months ago over the August, 2004 grenade attack that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists while Hasina had narrowly escaped the blast. Legal experts said their convictions would disqualify the two BNP leaders from contesting the polls unless they secure a favourable Supreme Court ruling. The Awami League urged the election commission to stick to its plan even as the EC had said it was Constitutionally obligated to hold the 11th parliamentary election by January 28. The NUF emerged two months ago as an opposition platform and floated a seven-point demand including dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for an interim government to ensure a credible election.

Bangladesh opposition BNP says will take part in polls

Madagascar votes on Wednesday for a new president in unprecedented polls in which the three front-runners are former heads of state facing-off amid efforts to defuse a political crisis.

Attempts by the most recent president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, to change the large Indian Ocean island's electoral laws backfired, sparking nearly three months of sometimes violent protests in the capital Antananarivo.

The demonstrators forced Rajaonarimampianina to accept a "consensus" government tasked with organising the election in the poor country with a history of coups and unrest.

Nearly 10 million voters are eligible to cast ballots for one of 36 candidates who, as well as the three front-runners, include two ex-prime ministers, pastors and a rock star. Polling stations open at 0300 GMT and are due to close by 1400 GMT.

One presidential contender must win 50 per cent of votes cast or a second round will be held on December 19.

Rajaonarimampianina is competing against two of his predecessors.&nbsp;

Marc Ravalomanana, a milk mogul, ruled from 2002 to 2009 and Andry Rajoelina, a former party organiser nicknamed "the disc jockey", succeeded him and was in power until 2013.

The trio staged massive rallies over the weekend in the capital, each attracting tens of thousands of supporters.&nbsp;

The former French colony has struggled to overcome political divisions after a disputed 2001 election that sparked clashes and a 2009 military-backed coup that ousted Ravalomanana.

Apart from protests earlier this year, Rajaonarimampianina's tenure was mostly peaceful but anger over the past still simmers.

He has promised "a new phase" in Madagascar's development if elected.

"I'm poor. I live hand to mouth, day to day. I don't have anything to eat for tomorrow," said Coledette, a mother-of-four angered by recent increases in the price of rice.

Bloody protests&nbsp;

The key battle will be between Rajaonarimampianina and the former presidents Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, according to analysts and the findings of a banned pre-vote poll seen by AFP.

The survey, commissioned by the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation, gave Rajoelina support of 25 percent, Ravalomanana 17 percent and four percent for Rajaonarimampianina.

"The big risk of this election is that it will return us to an era of crisis," said Sahondra Rabenarivo, an analyst at the Malagasy Observatory on Public Life.

"It's very important that the results are credible and that the third-placed candidate accepts them," added Rabenarivo referring to the leading hopeful who will not advance to any second round.

Tensions are high between Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, who succeeded him with the backing of the army in the 2009 uprising.

Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, according to World Bank data, with almost four in five people living in grinding poverty.

Many voters see the delivery of basic resources like water, electricity and jobs as their priorities.

The trio of main contenders -- armed with significant campaign resources -- have criss-crossed the island of 25 million by helicopter promising voters a better future.

"It's a circus," added Rabenarivo, the analyst.

An EU-sponsored study found that Rajaonarimampianina spent $43 million on his 2013 campaign -- $21.50 for each vote.

"The people are sick of the (leading) three candidates. Their time in power has been fruitless," said rural voter Mari Rajafinniana who told AFP he planned to vote for candidate number 11, Ny Rado Rafalimanana.

Although there were bloody protests in April that left two people dead, campaigning has so far gone smoothly.

'Disgusted'&nbsp;

The candidates have however been accused of vote buying. The head of Transparency International in Madagascar, Ketakandriana Rafitoson, is "disgusted" by what she says is the handing out of T-shirts, sewing machines and even floor tiles to buy votes.

The election will be seen as an important opportunity for rivals Ravalomanana and Rajoelina to settle their scores through the ballot box, according to commentators.

Both were banned from contesting the last elections in 2013.

Ravalomanana, who until 2014 lived in exile in South Africa after his removal from office,&nbsp;is still bitter after his ouster by Rajoelina in the coup that left the island internationally isolated and bitterly divided.

Rajoelina, a former mayor, party planner and successful entrepreneur is banking on his youth and communication skills to rally support.

Around 20 lower-profile candidates have alleged irregularities in the electoral roll and have unsuccessfully called for the poll to be delayed.

Madagascar votes on Wednesday for a new president in unprecedented polls in which the three front-runners are former heads of state facing-off amid efforts to defuse a political crisis.

Madagascar votes on Wednesday for a new president in unprecedented polls in which the three front-runners are former heads of state facing-off amid efforts to defuse a political crisis. Attempts by the most recent president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, to change the large Indian Ocean island's electoral laws backfired, sparking nearly three months of sometimes violent protests in the capital Antananarivo. The demonstrators forced Rajaonarimampianina to accept a "consensus" government tasked with organising the election in the poor country with a history of coups and unrest. Nearly 10 million voters are eligible to cast ballots for one of 36 candidates who, as well as the three front-runners, include two ex-prime ministers, pastors and a rock star. Polling stations open at 0300 GMT and are due to close by 1400 GMT. One presidential contender must win 50 per cent of votes cast or a second round will be held on December 19. Rajaonarimampianina is competing against two of his predecessors. Marc Ravalomanana, a milk mogul, ruled from 2002 to 2009 and Andry Rajoelina, a former party organiser nicknamed "the disc jockey", succeeded him and was in power until 2013. The trio staged massive rallies over the weekend in the capital, each attracting tens of thousands of supporters. The former French colony has struggled to overcome political divisions after a disputed 2001 election that sparked clashes and a 2009 military-backed coup that ousted Ravalomanana. Apart from protests earlier this year, Rajaonarimampianina's tenure was mostly peaceful but anger over the past still simmers. He has promised "a new phase" in Madagascar's development if elected. "I'm poor. I live hand to mouth, day to day. I don't have anything to eat for tomorrow," said Coledette, a mother-of-four angered by recent increases in the price of rice. Bloody protests The key battle will be between Rajaonarimampianina and the former presidents Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, according to analysts and the findings of a banned pre-vote poll seen by AFP. The survey, commissioned by the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation, gave Rajoelina support of 25 percent, Ravalomanana 17 percent and four percent for Rajaonarimampianina. "The big risk of this election is that it will return us to an era of crisis," said Sahondra Rabenarivo, an analyst at the Malagasy Observatory on Public Life. "It's very important that the results are credible and that the third-placed candidate accepts them," added Rabenarivo referring to the leading hopeful who will not advance to any second round. Tensions are high between Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, who succeeded him with the backing of the army in the 2009 uprising. Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, according to World Bank data, with almost four in five people living in grinding poverty. Many voters see the delivery of basic resources like water, electricity and jobs as their priorities. The trio of main contenders -- armed with significant campaign resources -- have criss-crossed the island of 25 million by helicopter promising voters a better future. "It's a circus," added Rabenarivo, the analyst. An EU-sponsored study found that Rajaonarimampianina spent $43 million on his 2013 campaign -- $21.50 for each vote. "The people are sick of the (leading) three candidates. Their time in power has been fruitless," said rural voter Mari Rajafinniana who told AFP he planned to vote for candidate number 11, Ny Rado Rafalimanana. Although there were bloody protests in April that left two people dead, campaigning has so far gone smoothly. 'Disgusted' The candidates have however been accused of vote buying. The head of Transparency International in Madagascar, Ketakandriana Rafitoson, is "disgusted" by what she says is the handing out of T-shirts, sewing machines and even floor tiles to buy votes. The election will be seen as an important opportunity for rivals Ravalomanana and Rajoelina to settle their scores through the ballot box, according to commentators. Both were banned from contesting the last elections in 2013. Ravalomanana, who until 2014 lived in exile in South Africa after his removal from office, is still bitter after his ouster by Rajoelina in the coup that left the island internationally isolated and bitterly divided. Rajoelina, a former mayor, party planner and successful entrepreneur is banking on his youth and communication skills to rally support. Around 20 lower-profile candidates have alleged irregularities in the electoral roll and have unsuccessfully called for the poll to be delayed.

Madagascar goes to the polls to pick next president

The ruling Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance, which has seen rough patches time and again, is all set to undergo its first litmus test as counting of votes cast during the recently-held by-polls has begun.

Results for bypolls held in Shimoga, Bellary and Mandya Lok Sabha seats, and Ramanagara and Jamakhandi legislative assembly seats will be declared later today.

Elections in the three Lok Sabha and two Assembly constituencies were held on November 3.

At the end of the stipulated voting period, &nbsp;Bellary parliamentary constituency had recorded the highest voter turnout (63.85 per cent) among the three Lok Sabha constituencies while Mandya saw the least (53.93 per cent). Among the assembly constituencies, Jamakhandi recorded 81.58 per cent while Ramanagara saw 73. 71 per cent voter turnout.

While JD(S) candidates contested from Mandya and Shimoga Lok Sabha seats and the Ramanagara assembly constituency, the Congress fielded candidates in the Bellary Lok Sabha seat and Jamakhandi assembly seat.

In Ramanagara, the JD (S) fielded Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha Kumaraswamy. The by-poll was necessitated after Kumaraswamy, who contested on two seats - Channapatna and Ramanagara - in the assembly elections earlier this year, decided to resign from Ramanagara.

The Shimoga Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after former state chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader BS Yeddyurappa decided not to contest the assembly election from Shikaripura.

The terms for the Bellary, Shimoga and Mandya seats will be too short considering the fact that the Lok Sabha elections are due next year.&nbsp;

The ruling Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance, which has seen rough patches time and again, is all set to undergo its first litmus test as counting of votes cast during the recently-held by-polls has begun.

The ruling Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance, which has seen rough patches time and again, is all set to undergo its first litmus test as counting of votes cast during the recently-held by-polls has begun. Results for bypolls held in Shimoga, Bellary and Mandya Lok Sabha seats, and Ramanagara and Jamakhandi legislative assembly seats will be declared later today. Elections in the three Lok Sabha and two Assembly constituencies were held on November 3. At the end of the stipulated voting period, Bellary parliamentary constituency had recorded the highest voter turnout (63.85 per cent) among the three Lok Sabha constituencies while Mandya saw the least (53.93 per cent). Among the assembly constituencies, Jamakhandi recorded 81.58 per cent while Ramanagara saw 73. 71 per cent voter turnout. While JD(S) candidates contested from Mandya and Shimoga Lok Sabha seats and the Ramanagara assembly constituency, the Congress fielded candidates in the Bellary Lok Sabha seat and Jamakhandi assembly seat. In Ramanagara, the JD (S) fielded Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha Kumaraswamy. The by-poll was necessitated after Kumaraswamy, who contested on two seats - Channapatna and Ramanagara - in the assembly elections earlier this year, decided to resign from Ramanagara. The Shimoga Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after former state chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader BS Yeddyurappa decided not to contest the assembly election from Shikaripura. The terms for the Bellary, Shimoga and Mandya seats will be too short considering the fact that the Lok Sabha elections are due next year.

Karnataka bypolls: High stakes for Cong-JD(S) alliance as counting of votes begins

As part of its vigil against the illegal supply of money and other valuables ahead of elections, unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh, two kilograms of gold and two quintals of silver were seized by Rajasthan Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

The consignment was seized on Saturday night from Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express at Ajmer, Jaipur and Beawar stations.

Following a tip-off about the presence of hawala money in the parcels being loaded in trains, a team of the ATS in coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) searched the luggage coaches and seized the consignment.

A GRP officer Ramavatar said, "We were monitoring the luggage loaded in the trains since few times. We received inputs from the ATS about the unaccounted cash and valuables items in Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express. Hence, along with the ATS, we conducted a raid in the train."

Rajasthan is slated to go for polls on December 7, and counting of votes will be done on December 11.&nbsp;

As part of its vigil against the illegal supply of money and other valuables ahead of elections, unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh, two kilograms of gold and two quintals of silver were seized by Rajasthan Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

As part of its vigil against the illegal supply of money and other valuables ahead of elections, unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh, two kilograms of gold and two quintals of silver were seized by Rajasthan Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The consignment was seized on Saturday night from Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express at Ajmer, Jaipur and Beawar stations. Following a tip-off about the presence of hawala money in the parcels being loaded in trains, a team of the ATS in coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) searched the luggage coaches and seized the consignment. A GRP officer Ramavatar said, "We were monitoring the luggage loaded in the trains since few times. We received inputs from the ATS about the unaccounted cash and valuables items in Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express. Hence, along with the ATS, we conducted a raid in the train." Rajasthan is slated to go for polls on December 7, and counting of votes will be done on December 11.

Unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh seized in poll-bound Rajasthan

elections-0

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

elections 0