With just over a week for the first phase of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-lacks-leadership-strategy-and-principle-amit-shah-in-chhattisgarh-rally-175481">Chhattisgarh assembly elections</a>, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-polls-amit-shah-asks-rahul-gandhi-to-clear-stand-on-raj-babbars-naxalism-remark-175450">incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP), which is ruling the state for the last 15 years, is seeking to win its fourth electoral term, while the Congress will aim to dethrone the Chief Minister Raman Singh-led government and win the polls.

In the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, there are two phases of voting.

In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state.

On a closer look, 18 out of 12 seats are located in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-polls-naxals-will-shun-violence-if-bsp-regains-power-says-mayawati-175427">Naxal-affected </a>Bastar division and six are located in Rajnandgaon district.

As many as 192 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the state assembly elections.

The first phase of the assembly elections assumes plenty of significance as both the arch-rival parties, BJP and Congress, are going all out to woo the people for votes while engaging in a political mudslinging amongst each other.

Let us now chronicle the journey as to why the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is so special.

It is well known that the Bastar division, on the one hand, is very popular in Chhattisgarh due to its beauty, while on the other hand, the region has suffered from decades-long Naxal violence.

In the previous assembly elections held in 2013, the BJP, although retained power in the state, it, however, lost its mark in the Bastar division and the Congress gained the upper hand in the region.

Out of a total of 12 seats, the Congress grabbed eight seats while the BJP mustered only four seats in its account.

In the past five years, the Raman Singh-led government has stated that it has undertaken plenty of development work in Bastar.

In fact, there are many assembly constituencies in Bastar division, where tickets have been given to the old faces of the party.

The same situation also persists in Rajanandgaon district. The BJP has decided to field new faces in the region, which has six constituencies.But the most anticipated electoral battle will be witnessed in Rajnandgaon seat where incumbent state chief minister Raman Singh is pitted against former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s niece Karuna Shukla, who was also a part of the BJP for over 30 years, before switching to Congress in 2014. While Singh has won thrice from Rajnandgaon, it is to be seen whether the three-time chief minister will continue his winning spree or whether Shukla will play party pooper, if she emerges victorious.

The BJP government has claimed to take strict steps in tackling Naxalism. However, local residents of Bastar are still struggling with the decades-long problem. This factor could harm BJP`s prospects in winning a record fourth term in the assembly polls.

There is a saying in Chhattisgarhi language that if a niece or nephew wins, celebrations will happen in the same house. In Dantewada seat of Bastar division, seven candidates from different parties are not only from the same family but are each other`s relatives, who will be contesting against each other in the first phase of the assembly polls.

BJP candidate Bhima Mandavi is the brother-in-law of Congress candidate Devti Karma.

Also, Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate Nandaram Sori and Devti share a brother-sister relationship. Devti also shares an interesting connection, as she is the aunt of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Ballu Bhawani. Independent candidate Jaya Kashyap is Devti`s niece.

Lastly, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Keshav Netam and Sundaru Kunjam share a nephew-uncle relationship with Bhawani.

Amid constant threats by Naxalites to boycott polls, there is an atmosphere of fear in Bastar Division. For instance, in Konta seat, many candidates have refrained from filing their nomination forms. In 2008 assembly elections, only four candidates were in the fray.

In this year`s and 2013 polls, six candidates each will contest from this seat.

In Chitrakoot, where the number of candidates was 22 in 2013 polls, the number has fallen down to just 10 in this year`s assembly elections. In Jagdalpur seat, where 38 candidates had tried their luck in the previous elections, this time only 26 of them are in the fray.

Other constituencies such as Kanker, Kesh Kal, Bastar and Narayanpur will also see less participation of candidates in the upcoming polls.

The Antagarh seat is a bright spot in the Naxal-affected Bastar division, where the number of candidates has seen an increase.

In the 2008 assembly elections, only six candidates were in the fray and the number increased to eight in 2013.

Now, 15 candidates will try their luck in this year`s assembly elections.

The second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is slated to be held on November 20. Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

With just over a week for the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle.

With just over a week for the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle. The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is ruling the state for the last 15 years, is seeking to win its fourth electoral term, while the Congress will aim to dethrone the Chief Minister Raman Singh-led government and win the polls. In the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, there are two phases of voting. In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state. On a closer look, 18 out of 12 seats are located in Naxal-affected Bastar division and six are located in Rajnandgaon district. As many as 192 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the state assembly elections. The first phase of the assembly elections assumes plenty of significance as both the arch-rival parties, BJP and Congress, are going all out to woo the people for votes while engaging in a political mudslinging amongst each other. Let us now chronicle the journey as to why the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is so special. It is well known that the Bastar division, on the one hand, is very popular in Chhattisgarh due to its beauty, while on the other hand, the region has suffered from decades-long Naxal violence. In the previous assembly elections held in 2013, the BJP, although retained power in the state, it, however, lost its mark in the Bastar division and the Congress gained the upper hand in the region. Out of a total of 12 seats, the Congress grabbed eight seats while the BJP mustered only four seats in its account. In the past five years, the Raman Singh-led government has stated that it has undertaken plenty of development work in Bastar. In fact, there are many assembly constituencies in Bastar division, where tickets have been given to the old faces of the party. The same situation also persists in Rajanandgaon district. The BJP has decided to field new faces in the region, which has six constituencies.But the most anticipated electoral battle will be witnessed in Rajnandgaon seat where incumbent state chief minister Raman Singh is pitted against former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s niece Karuna Shukla, who was also a part of the BJP for over 30 years, before switching to Congress in 2014. While Singh has won thrice from Rajnandgaon, it is to be seen whether the three-time chief minister will continue his winning spree or whether Shukla will play party pooper, if she emerges victorious. The BJP government has claimed to take strict steps in tackling Naxalism. However, local residents of Bastar are still struggling with the decades-long problem. This factor could harm BJP`s prospects in winning a record fourth term in the assembly polls. There is a saying in Chhattisgarhi language that if a niece or nephew wins, celebrations will happen in the same house. In Dantewada seat of Bastar division, seven candidates from different parties are not only from the same family but are each other`s relatives, who will be contesting against each other in the first phase of the assembly polls. BJP candidate Bhima Mandavi is the brother-in-law of Congress candidate Devti Karma. Also, Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate Nandaram Sori and Devti share a brother-sister relationship. Devti also shares an interesting connection, as she is the aunt of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Ballu Bhawani. Independent candidate Jaya Kashyap is Devti`s niece. Lastly, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Keshav Netam and Sundaru Kunjam share a nephew-uncle relationship with Bhawani. Amid constant threats by Naxalites to boycott polls, there is an atmosphere of fear in Bastar Division. For instance, in Konta seat, many candidates have refrained from filing their nomination forms. In 2008 assembly elections, only four candidates were in the fray. In this year`s and 2013 polls, six candidates each will contest from this seat. In Chitrakoot, where the number of candidates was 22 in 2013 polls, the number has fallen down to just 10 in this year`s assembly elections. In Jagdalpur seat, where 38 candidates had tried their luck in the previous elections, this time only 26 of them are in the fray. Other constituencies such as Kanker, Kesh Kal, Bastar and Narayanpur will also see less participation of candidates in the upcoming polls. The Antagarh seat is a bright spot in the Naxal-affected Bastar division, where the number of candidates has seen an increase. In the 2008 assembly elections, only six candidates were in the fray and the number increased to eight in 2013. Now, 15 candidates will try their luck in this year`s assembly elections. The second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is slated to be held on November 20. Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.

Know why first phase of Chhattisgarh polls is special

By Renee Coulouris

Despite recent success in Tunisia, which elected the capital’s first female mayor in July, many women around the world continue to experience significant violence around election time. This type of violence is not exclusive to one region of the world, but is experienced by women globally as seen in the recent elections in Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Mexico. Both female voters and politicians have experienced increased harassment, violence and psychological abuse. Electoral violence against women must be addressed and ultimately prevented as it is damaging for states attempting to maintain inclusive governance and democratic societies.

Harassment against women, including acts of domestic violence, tends to increase during electoral periods and is not limited to a single culture or context. In 2016, an Inter-Parliamentary Union report discovered that 44 per cent of surveyed elected female officials experienced threats of rape, death and abductions while in office. Threats of violence and acts of violence dissuade female politicians from continuing to run for political positions and also discourages women from voting. Research has confirmed that hindering female political participation negatively impacts constituencies and undermines the overall political process in countries around the world.

During Zimbabwe’s contentious 2018 general election, female politicians faced multiple barriers when competing for office. In many cases, women received frequent&nbsp;threats from opponents, members of their own party and even from their own family members. During the election period, female politicians experience intense psycho-social violence, particularly with the growing prevalence and importance of social media. Unlike their male counterparts, female politicians are called demeaning names and subjected to gender stereotyping. For example, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) quotes one interviewee noting that “A woman still cannot question an MP in parliament without being [told] her thighs are too big.”

Female voters also experience similar cruelty during electoral periods. Throughout ultra-conservative regions of Pakistan, such as in a village near Khubab, in the Punjab region, many women were only able to vote for the first time since independence in 1947 in the 2018 general election even though they have been legally enfranchised since 1956. Despite this milestone, Pakistani women continue to face violence and restrictions when attempting to exercise their right to vote. They are hindered by discrimination that takes place at polling booths as well as outright declarations from the jirgas, or councils of elders, forbidding women to vote, threatening to be shunned from their communities.

These traditional and religious barriers, plus the lack of segregated voting stations, means Pakistani women tend to stay at home instead of exercising their right to vote due to fear of retribution, backlash and even threats to their personal safety. Globally, Pakistan is ranked last when it comes to female participation in elections.

It is critical to promote peaceful and violence-free elections, which necessitates full gender inclusivity at every step of the electoral process. An example of a positive innovation for women within electoral periods is the creation of IFES’ Women against Violence in Elections Advisory Group in Bangladesh, which is an innovative community forum that empowers community members — both women and men — to discuss ways to mitigate electoral violence against women and how to promote overall peaceful elections. The use of community forums and awareness trainings equips women, and also men, with the tools to respond to violent threats and effectively report them back to the authorities.

Legislation can be utilized to protect women against harassment and violence during elections. However, many countries do not have extensive laws protecting women during electoral periods, such as is the reality in Zimbabwe and Pakistan; and if they do, the laws are often not enforced. A positive example of useful legislation is the case of Bolivia, which passed Law 243 specifically focusing on how to address violence against women surrounding elections. Unfortunately, limited financial resources prevent the law from being fully be implemented.

Impunity is an egregious injustice that allows electoral violence against women to continue. In many cases, women are unable to report acts of violence to authorities without fear of backlash or lack of confidence in the officials to do their jobs. Beyond legislation, governments need to support and work with community forums and local non-governmental organizations to both combat electoral violence as well as empower women during electoral periods, whether in their roles as voters or politicians. For instance, governments can hold community forums with security officials, female and male politicians, and other community members to collectively discuss the violence women face during elections and the obstacles they face in finding justice. Including security officials may build more solid relationships between women and those who are supposed to protect them and uphold their rights during electoral times.

In the atmosphere of fear and violence against women voters and politicians during election periods, a country’s overall ability to represent its citizens is diminished as women’s voices are prevented from being represented within the elected governments. This discrepancy perpetuates a vicious circle wherein women will continue to be underrepresented and often outright harmed by legislation that they had no say in. 
 
(Renee Coulouris is the 2018 gender in foreign policy fellow at Young Professionals in Foreign Policy)

(This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/more/global_change/women-in-politics-election-violence-sexual-harassment-womens-rights-news-17612/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

By Renee Coulouris Despite recent success in Tunisia, which elected the capital’s first female mayor in July, many women around the world continue to experience significant violence around election time.

By Renee Coulouris Despite recent success in Tunisia, which elected the capital’s first female mayor in July, many women around the world continue to experience significant violence around election time. This type of violence is not exclusive to one region of the world, but is experienced by women globally as seen in the recent elections in Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Mexico. Both female voters and politicians have experienced increased harassment, violence and psychological abuse. Electoral violence against women must be addressed and ultimately prevented as it is damaging for states attempting to maintain inclusive governance and democratic societies. Harassment against women, including acts of domestic violence, tends to increase during electoral periods and is not limited to a single culture or context. In 2016, an Inter-Parliamentary Union report discovered that 44 per cent of surveyed elected female officials experienced threats of rape, death and abductions while in office. Threats of violence and acts of violence dissuade female politicians from continuing to run for political positions and also discourages women from voting. Research has confirmed that hindering female political participation negatively impacts constituencies and undermines the overall political process in countries around the world. During Zimbabwe’s contentious 2018 general election, female politicians faced multiple barriers when competing for office. In many cases, women received frequent threats from opponents, members of their own party and even from their own family members. During the election period, female politicians experience intense psycho-social violence, particularly with the growing prevalence and importance of social media. Unlike their male counterparts, female politicians are called demeaning names and subjected to gender stereotyping. For example, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) quotes one interviewee noting that “A woman still cannot question an MP in parliament without being [told] her thighs are too big.” Female voters also experience similar cruelty during electoral periods. Throughout ultra-conservative regions of Pakistan, such as in a village near Khubab, in the Punjab region, many women were only able to vote for the first time since independence in 1947 in the 2018 general election even though they have been legally enfranchised since 1956. Despite this milestone, Pakistani women continue to face violence and restrictions when attempting to exercise their right to vote. They are hindered by discrimination that takes place at polling booths as well as outright declarations from the jirgas, or councils of elders, forbidding women to vote, threatening to be shunned from their communities. These traditional and religious barriers, plus the lack of segregated voting stations, means Pakistani women tend to stay at home instead of exercising their right to vote due to fear of retribution, backlash and even threats to their personal safety. Globally, Pakistan is ranked last when it comes to female participation in elections. It is critical to promote peaceful and violence-free elections, which necessitates full gender inclusivity at every step of the electoral process. An example of a positive innovation for women within electoral periods is the creation of IFES’ Women against Violence in Elections Advisory Group in Bangladesh, which is an innovative community forum that empowers community members — both women and men — to discuss ways to mitigate electoral violence against women and how to promote overall peaceful elections. The use of community forums and awareness trainings equips women, and also men, with the tools to respond to violent threats and effectively report them back to the authorities. Legislation can be utilized to protect women against harassment and violence during elections. However, many countries do not have extensive laws protecting women during electoral periods, such as is the reality in Zimbabwe and Pakistan; and if they do, the laws are often not enforced. A positive example of useful legislation is the case of Bolivia, which passed Law 243 specifically focusing on how to address violence against women surrounding elections. Unfortunately, limited financial resources prevent the law from being fully be implemented. Impunity is an egregious injustice that allows electoral violence against women to continue. In many cases, women are unable to report acts of violence to authorities without fear of backlash or lack of confidence in the officials to do their jobs. Beyond legislation, governments need to support and work with community forums and local non-governmental organizations to both combat electoral violence as well as empower women during electoral periods, whether in their roles as voters or politicians. For instance, governments can hold community forums with security officials, female and male politicians, and other community members to collectively discuss the violence women face during elections and the obstacles they face in finding justice. Including security officials may build more solid relationships between women and those who are supposed to protect them and uphold their rights during electoral times. In the atmosphere of fear and violence against women voters and politicians during election periods, a country’s overall ability to represent its citizens is diminished as women’s voices are prevented from being represented within the elected governments. This discrepancy perpetuates a vicious circle wherein women will continue to be underrepresented and often outright harmed by legislation that they had no say in. (Renee Coulouris is the 2018 gender in foreign policy fellow at Young Professionals in Foreign Policy) (This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Electoral violence against women hinders Democracy worldwide

Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat on Thursday reviewed the ongoing preparations for the Chhattisgarh assembly polls scheduled to be held in two phases on November 12 and 20.

In a series of meetings, the CEC, accompanied by senior officials, also reviewed the law and order situation especially in the Naxal-affected areas that will go to polls on November 12.

"The state election officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance of the Model Code of Conduct and to carry out impartial action against any complaint regarding its violation," Rawat said in a press conference this evening.

The commission is committed to conduct a free, fair and transparent election, he said.

During his visit to the state, meetings were held with representatives of different political parties.

Besides, district-wise preparations were reviewed during meetings with collectors and superintendents of police and officials engaged in electioneering, he said.

State election machinery has been directed to carry out effective steps to address issues raised by political parties.

"The state election machinery was also asked to carry out effective supervision and vigilance so that the apprehensions can be removed from the mind of political parties and a trust develops among the voters that they can participate in election process," he said.

Responding to a question, the CEC said the poll watchdog has taken a serious cognisance of the recent Naxal incidents in Bijapur and Dantewada districts in Bastar.

Discussions were also held with the administrative and police officials in this connection (Naxal attacks) and they have been directed to ensure peace and security of the voters so that they can come out and exercise their franchise without any fear, he said.

Several other points regarding the Left-wing extremism were also discussed and directives were issued accordingly, but these matters cannot be divulged, he added.

Officials have been asked to use Central Armed Police Force for confidence-building measures so that people can fearlessly participate in the process, he added.

Responding to a query on the use of indelible ink on the index finger of voters in Naxal affected areas, he ruled out relaxation of norms.

"A proposal was received in this connection. The commission had very well examined it from every aspects. After holding talks with all the stakeholder, it was found that nothing had happened due to applying indelible ink mark.&nbsp;If we stop applying ink mark that it will lead to chances of other irregularities to take place. In such places where such violent people are there, they can do anything," he added.

He informed that of the total 90 Assembly segments, 51 are general while 10 segments are reserved for Scheduled Caste and 29 for Scheduled Tribes.

As per the final electoral rolls, a total 1,85,59,936 voters including 92,95,301 male, 92,49,459 female and 1059 third gender voters are expected to exercise their franchise.

Also, there are 14,177 service voters in the state. There are 19545 polling centres having 23,678 polling booths with 46 supporting polling booths.

The full bench of the election commission, headed by the chief election commissioner, had reached Raipur Wednesday evening to review poll preparedness.

The polling will be held in the state in two phases on November 12 and November 20.

Eighteen constituencies in 8 Naxal-affected districts will witness polling in the first phase while the rest 72 seats in the second phase.

Counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat on Thursday reviewed the ongoing preparations for the Chhattisgarh assembly polls scheduled to be held in two phases on November 12 and 20.

Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat on Thursday reviewed the ongoing preparations for the Chhattisgarh assembly polls scheduled to be held in two phases on November 12 and 20. In a series of meetings, the CEC, accompanied by senior officials, also reviewed the law and order situation especially in the Naxal-affected areas that will go to polls on November 12. "The state election officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance of the Model Code of Conduct and to carry out impartial action against any complaint regarding its violation," Rawat said in a press conference this evening. The commission is committed to conduct a free, fair and transparent election, he said. During his visit to the state, meetings were held with representatives of different political parties. Besides, district-wise preparations were reviewed during meetings with collectors and superintendents of police and officials engaged in electioneering, he said. State election machinery has been directed to carry out effective steps to address issues raised by political parties. "The state election machinery was also asked to carry out effective supervision and vigilance so that the apprehensions can be removed from the mind of political parties and a trust develops among the voters that they can participate in election process," he said. Responding to a question, the CEC said the poll watchdog has taken a serious cognisance of the recent Naxal incidents in Bijapur and Dantewada districts in Bastar. Discussions were also held with the administrative and police officials in this connection (Naxal attacks) and they have been directed to ensure peace and security of the voters so that they can come out and exercise their franchise without any fear, he said. Several other points regarding the Left-wing extremism were also discussed and directives were issued accordingly, but these matters cannot be divulged, he added. Officials have been asked to use Central Armed Police Force for confidence-building measures so that people can fearlessly participate in the process, he added. Responding to a query on the use of indelible ink on the index finger of voters in Naxal affected areas, he ruled out relaxation of norms. "A proposal was received in this connection. The commission had very well examined it from every aspects. After holding talks with all the stakeholder, it was found that nothing had happened due to applying indelible ink mark. If we stop applying ink mark that it will lead to chances of other irregularities to take place. In such places where such violent people are there, they can do anything," he added. He informed that of the total 90 Assembly segments, 51 are general while 10 segments are reserved for Scheduled Caste and 29 for Scheduled Tribes. As per the final electoral rolls, a total 1,85,59,936 voters including 92,95,301 male, 92,49,459 female and 1059 third gender voters are expected to exercise their franchise. Also, there are 14,177 service voters in the state. There are 19545 polling centres having 23,678 polling booths with 46 supporting polling booths. The full bench of the election commission, headed by the chief election commissioner, had reached Raipur Wednesday evening to review poll preparedness. The polling will be held in the state in two phases on November 12 and November 20. Eighteen constituencies in 8 Naxal-affected districts will witness polling in the first phase while the rest 72 seats in the second phase. Counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.

Chief Election Commissioner Rawat reviews poll preparations in Chhattisgarh

Former BJP leader Hanuman Beniwal on Monday launched &nbsp;Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) here and claimed that the outfit in alliance with other "like-minded" parties will emerge as an alternative to the BJP and the Congress in the December 7 Assembly election in Rajasthan.

Bharat Vahini Party (BVP) president and former BJP leader Ghanshyam Tiwari extended support to the RLP at a rally here to announce the formation of the new party where national vice president of Rashtriya Lokdal (RLD) Jayant Chaudhary and member of national executive of Samajwadi Party Sanjay Lathar were also present.

"We would associate with like-minded people in the state which are unhappy with the Congress and BJP governments. Both the parties have been involved in corruption. Welfare of poor, farmer and, youths were not their focus. It is a fight to change the system and not for any chair," Beniwal, who is an independent legislator from Khinvsar Assembly seat, said while addressing the 'Kisan Hunkar Rally'.&nbsp;

He said that symbol of the RLP is 'bottle' "signifying transparency in its functioning".

He said that the complete farm loan waiver, jobs to youths, unemployment allowance, free electricity, toll-free highways and implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendation for farmer welfare would be the focus of the new party.&nbsp;

Beniwal and&nbsp;Tiwari had been at loggerheads with Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje over a number of issues, including agriculture distress. Beniwal was elected on BJP ticket in 2008 from Khinvsar and later as an independent candidate in 2013. He has had held rallies in Barmer, Sikar, Bikaner and Nagaur in past few months.

Tiwari was education minister in Raje government in 2003-2008 BJP government. However, in 2013 he criticised Raje dispensation inside and outside the Assembly on issues such as "farmers' plight", demand of reservation for the upper caste and corruption. He was issued notice by BJP's national disciplinary committee last year after which he quit the party to form a new political party.

Addressing the rally, Tiwari alleged that BJP led government in the state had worked against the farmers.&nbsp;

"We have come together to establish truth and honesty in politics. The new political formation in the state would end institutionalised corruption in the state. Congress and BJP both have pushed the state in BIMARU category during their rule. We would make efforts that votes of third front are nor divides,"&nbsp; Tiwari said.

Former BJP leader Hanuman Beniwal on Monday launched Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) here and claimed that the outfit in alliance with other "like-minded" parties will emerge as an alternative to the BJP and the Congress in the December 7 Assembly election in Rajasthan.

Former BJP leader Hanuman Beniwal on Monday launched Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) here and claimed that the outfit in alliance with other "like-minded" parties will emerge as an alternative to the BJP and the Congress in the December 7 Assembly election in Rajasthan. Bharat Vahini Party (BVP) president and former BJP leader Ghanshyam Tiwari extended support to the RLP at a rally here to announce the formation of the new party where national vice president of Rashtriya Lokdal (RLD) Jayant Chaudhary and member of national executive of Samajwadi Party Sanjay Lathar were also present. "We would associate with like-minded people in the state which are unhappy with the Congress and BJP governments. Both the parties have been involved in corruption. Welfare of poor, farmer and, youths were not their focus. It is a fight to change the system and not for any chair," Beniwal, who is an independent legislator from Khinvsar Assembly seat, said while addressing the 'Kisan Hunkar Rally'. He said that symbol of the RLP is 'bottle' "signifying transparency in its functioning". He said that the complete farm loan waiver, jobs to youths, unemployment allowance, free electricity, toll-free highways and implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendation for farmer welfare would be the focus of the new party. Beniwal and Tiwari had been at loggerheads with Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje over a number of issues, including agriculture distress. Beniwal was elected on BJP ticket in 2008 from Khinvsar and later as an independent candidate in 2013. He has had held rallies in Barmer, Sikar, Bikaner and Nagaur in past few months. Tiwari was education minister in Raje government in 2003-2008 BJP government. However, in 2013 he criticised Raje dispensation inside and outside the Assembly on issues such as "farmers' plight", demand of reservation for the upper caste and corruption. He was issued notice by BJP's national disciplinary committee last year after which he quit the party to form a new political party. Addressing the rally, Tiwari alleged that BJP led government in the state had worked against the farmers. "We have come together to establish truth and honesty in politics. The new political formation in the state would end institutionalised corruption in the state. Congress and BJP both have pushed the state in BIMARU category during their rule. We would make efforts that votes of third front are nor divides," Tiwari said.

Ahead of Rajasthan polls, former BJP leader launches new party

Afghans risked their lives to vote in legislative elections in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, after the Taliban-claimed killing of a powerful police chief delayed the ballot by a week.

As voting got underway, turbaned men and burqa-clad women stood in long, segregated queues outside polling centres in the deeply conservative Kandahar provincial capital, which was blanketed with heavy security in anticipation of militant attacks.

More than half a million people -- the vast majority of them men -- are registered to vote in Kandahar province where organisers are under pressure to avoid last weekend's debacle that forced the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to extend the nationwide ballot by a day.

Problems with untested biometric verification devices, missing or incomplete voter rolls and absent election workers following Taliban threats to attack the ballot forced Afghans to wait hours outside polling stations, many of which opened late or not at all.

Similar issues were already evident in Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban and a province notorious for ballot stuffing, with many polling sites in the city opening more than an hour late -- despite assurances from IEC deputy spokeswoman Kobra Rezaei on Friday that "we are absolutely ready".

"I have been standing outside the polling centre since 6:00 am, but it still hasn't opened," university student Mohammad, who uses only one name, told AFP.

Streets in the city were quieter than usual at the beginning of the Afghan working week, after authorities restricted the use of cars and motorbikes during voting hours.

Voting in the province bordering Pakistan was postponed following the October 18 death of General Abdul Raziq, an anti-Taliban strongman seen as a bulwark against the insurgency in the south, amid fears of violence flaring up.

Raziq was among three people killed in a brazen insider attack on a high-level security meeting in Kandahar city that was attended by General Scott&nbsp; 
Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan.

Miller escaped unhurt, but US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley was among 13 people wounded in the shooting claimed by the Taliban.

It is hoped that the appointment of Tadeen Khan -- a brother of Raziq and a member of the Afghan security forces -- as acting provincial police chief will help keep a lid on polling day unrest.

On the eve of the ballot, Afghan air strikes killed at least 56 Taliban militants in Kandahar's Shah Wali Kot district, provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani told AFP.

"I have to vote for a better future for my country," shopkeeper Abdul Abbas told AFP outside a polling centre.

"I have defied all the threats of attacks and explosions to vote." - Election death toll -

IEC figures show around four million people voted in last weekend's parliamentary election that was held in 32 out of 34 provinces after months of chaotic preparations.

That compares with nearly nine million on the voter roll, but many suspect a significant number of those were based on fake identification documents that fraudsters planned to use to stuff ballot boxes.

Scores of attacks marred the first day of the election on October 20, with an AFP tally showing nearly 300 civilians and security forces were killed or wounded in poll-related violence.

That was significantly higher than the government's casualty figures, supporting speculation that officials had deliberately downplayed the violence so voters would not be scared off.

The discrepancy also added to concerns about the lack of transparency and credibility in the election, which is more than three years late and the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

More than 2,500 candidates, including mullahs, journalists and sons of warlords, are competing for 249 seats in the lower house.

The election is seen as a dry run for next year's presidential vote and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes".

With vote counting under way, the IEC is scheduled to release preliminary results on November 10.&nbsp;

Afghans risked their lives to vote in legislative elections in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, after the Taliban-claimed killing of a powerful police chief delayed the ballot by a week.

Afghans risked their lives to vote in legislative elections in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, after the Taliban-claimed killing of a powerful police chief delayed the ballot by a week. As voting got underway, turbaned men and burqa-clad women stood in long, segregated queues outside polling centres in the deeply conservative Kandahar provincial capital, which was blanketed with heavy security in anticipation of militant attacks. More than half a million people -- the vast majority of them men -- are registered to vote in Kandahar province where organisers are under pressure to avoid last weekend's debacle that forced the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to extend the nationwide ballot by a day. Problems with untested biometric verification devices, missing or incomplete voter rolls and absent election workers following Taliban threats to attack the ballot forced Afghans to wait hours outside polling stations, many of which opened late or not at all. Similar issues were already evident in Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban and a province notorious for ballot stuffing, with many polling sites in the city opening more than an hour late -- despite assurances from IEC deputy spokeswoman Kobra Rezaei on Friday that "we are absolutely ready". "I have been standing outside the polling centre since 6:00 am, but it still hasn't opened," university student Mohammad, who uses only one name, told AFP. Streets in the city were quieter than usual at the beginning of the Afghan working week, after authorities restricted the use of cars and motorbikes during voting hours. Voting in the province bordering Pakistan was postponed following the October 18 death of General Abdul Raziq, an anti-Taliban strongman seen as a bulwark against the insurgency in the south, amid fears of violence flaring up. Raziq was among three people killed in a brazen insider attack on a high-level security meeting in Kandahar city that was attended by General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan. Miller escaped unhurt, but US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley was among 13 people wounded in the shooting claimed by the Taliban. It is hoped that the appointment of Tadeen Khan -- a brother of Raziq and a member of the Afghan security forces -- as acting provincial police chief will help keep a lid on polling day unrest. On the eve of the ballot, Afghan air strikes killed at least 56 Taliban militants in Kandahar's Shah Wali Kot district, provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani told AFP. "I have to vote for a better future for my country," shopkeeper Abdul Abbas told AFP outside a polling centre. "I have defied all the threats of attacks and explosions to vote." - Election death toll - IEC figures show around four million people voted in last weekend's parliamentary election that was held in 32 out of 34 provinces after months of chaotic preparations. That compares with nearly nine million on the voter roll, but many suspect a significant number of those were based on fake identification documents that fraudsters planned to use to stuff ballot boxes. Scores of attacks marred the first day of the election on October 20, with an AFP tally showing nearly 300 civilians and security forces were killed or wounded in poll-related violence. That was significantly higher than the government's casualty figures, supporting speculation that officials had deliberately downplayed the violence so voters would not be scared off. The discrepancy also added to concerns about the lack of transparency and credibility in the election, which is more than three years late and the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. More than 2,500 candidates, including mullahs, journalists and sons of warlords, are competing for 249 seats in the lower house. The election is seen as a dry run for next year's presidential vote and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes". With vote counting under way, the IEC is scheduled to release preliminary results on November 10.

Afghans risk their lives to vote in delayed Kandahar poll

It is too soon to say if a major attack in Afghanistan that killed a top security commander will hurt voter turnout in Saturday's elections, US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said, but added that the US&nbsp;military's mission was unaltered.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-general-who-escaped-unhurt-condemns-loss-of-afghan-general-taliban-claims-responsibility-of-attack-172213">Thursday's attack</a> underlined how precarious the situation remains in Afghanistan after more than 17 years of war and even after Taliban and US&nbsp;officials have opened preliminary contacts aimed at establishing the basis for future peace talks.

Mattis, who had known General Abdul Razeq, the police commander in southern Kandahar, on Friday described his death as "the loss of a patriot."

But he predicted that the brazen attack would not have a long-term impact on security in Kandahar, one of Afghanistan's most strategically important and contested provinces in America's longest war.

"We need to find who's done this," Mattis told reporters traveling with him in the southeast Asian city-state of Singapore. "But right now, we are going toward the election and we will continue to defend the Afghan people."

General Scott Miller, the top US&nbsp;commander in Afghanistan, had been at a meeting with Razeq only moments before the attack but was not injured, although it wounded two Americans and a coalition contractor.

US&nbsp;officials in Afghanistan say Miller was not the target but have offered no evidence. The Taliban say they were targeting Miller.

Mattis said he had yet spoken to Miller and could not confirm the Taliban's claim of responsibility. Still, Mattis said he believed the attack would not affect Miller's security arrangements or the movement of the US&nbsp;military in Afghanistan.

Security officials in Afghanistan had warned of attacks ahead of the election but Razeq's death triggered deep shock that officials fear may keep voters away, particularly after Taliban warnings not to participate in what the militants consider a foreign-imposed ballot.

Asked how the attack would affect voter turnout in Saturday's parliamentary elections, Mattis was cautious.

"Terrorism can have a short-term effect. I think it's too early to say if it will have any real effect on the election," Mattis said.

"I'm not willing to say that right now. And obviously (insurgents) are not good at ballots. They are good at bombs."

Mattis renewed U.S. hopes of finding a negotiated, Afghan-led political solution to the conflict.

"We remain absolutely committed to an Afghan-led Afghan reconciliation," he said.

It is too soon to say if a major attack in Afghanistan that killed a top security commander will hurt voter turnout in Saturday's elections, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said, but added that the US military's mission was unaltered.

It is too soon to say if a major attack in Afghanistan that killed a top security commander will hurt voter turnout in Saturday's elections, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said, but added that the US military's mission was unaltered. Thursday's attack underlined how precarious the situation remains in Afghanistan after more than 17 years of war and even after Taliban and US officials have opened preliminary contacts aimed at establishing the basis for future peace talks. Mattis, who had known General Abdul Razeq, the police commander in southern Kandahar, on Friday described his death as "the loss of a patriot." But he predicted that the brazen attack would not have a long-term impact on security in Kandahar, one of Afghanistan's most strategically important and contested provinces in America's longest war. "We need to find who's done this," Mattis told reporters traveling with him in the southeast Asian city-state of Singapore. "But right now, we are going toward the election and we will continue to defend the Afghan people." General Scott Miller, the top US commander in Afghanistan, had been at a meeting with Razeq only moments before the attack but was not injured, although it wounded two Americans and a coalition contractor. US officials in Afghanistan say Miller was not the target but have offered no evidence. The Taliban say they were targeting Miller. Mattis said he had yet spoken to Miller and could not confirm the Taliban's claim of responsibility. Still, Mattis said he believed the attack would not affect Miller's security arrangements or the movement of the US military in Afghanistan. Security officials in Afghanistan had warned of attacks ahead of the election but Razeq's death triggered deep shock that officials fear may keep voters away, particularly after Taliban warnings not to participate in what the militants consider a foreign-imposed ballot. Asked how the attack would affect voter turnout in Saturday's parliamentary elections, Mattis was cautious. "Terrorism can have a short-term effect. I think it's too early to say if it will have any real effect on the election," Mattis said. "I'm not willing to say that right now. And obviously (insurgents) are not good at ballots. They are good at bombs." Mattis renewed U.S. hopes of finding a negotiated, Afghan-led political solution to the conflict. "We remain absolutely committed to an Afghan-led Afghan reconciliation," he said.

Mattis says too soon to say if Afghan attack will affect ballot

Allegations of a dirty tricks campaign on WhatsApp dominated Brazil's presidential election race on Thursday, turning attention to social media manipulation following abuses uncovered in the last US election and Britain's Brexit referendum.

Trailing leftist candidate Fernando Haddad accused the far-right frontrunner, Jair Bolsonaro, of "illegal" electoral tactics after a report that companies were poised to unleash a flood of WhatsApp messages attacking him and his Workers Party.

Bolsonaro denied the allegation, tweeting that the Haddad's Workers Party "isn't being hurt by fake news, but by the TRUTH."

The exchange happened 10 days before a run-off election that polls predict Bolsonaro -- a bluff, internet-savvy, pro-gun polemicist often compared to US President Donald Trump -- will likely win comfortably.

Ordinary Brazilians told AFP they got much of their election information through WhatsApp. They said some in their families or entourage swallowed some misinformation, but denied they themselves were being influenced.

"We get a lot of news, even false news, but some true, about politics but I don't think it changes very much in terms of making decisions," said&nbsp;Ana Clara Valle, a 27-year-old engineer in Rio.

She said she was voting for Bolsonaro because of his Catholic, pro-family stance, not because of any "extreme right" sensibility.

Andre de Souza, a 35-year-old lawyer leaning toward voting for Bolsonaro, said he receives around 500 WhatsApp messages a day for and against both candidates.

The rumors and false information "don't make a difference to me," he said, but added: "My mother received a WhatsApp message saying Bolsonaro was doing away with (mandatory) end-of-year&nbsp;salary payments, and she believed it!"

'Slander'&nbsp;

Haddad made his accusation after Brazil's widest circulation newspaper, Folha de Sao Paulo, reported it had discovered contracts worth up to $3.2 million each for companies to send out bulk WhatsApp messages attacking the Workers Party.

"We have identified a campaign of slander and defamation via WhatsApp and, given the mass of messages, we know that there was dirty money behind it, because it wasn't registered with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal," Haddad told a media conference in Sao Paulo.

Bolsonaro's lawyer, Tiago Ayres, told the financial daily Valor there was no evidence of any connection between the companies mentioned by Folha de Sao Paulo and Bolsonaro's campaign.&nbsp;

The row shone a light on an issue&nbsp;that has become a pressing one in democracies: the organized abuse of social media to sway public opinion in countries.

Facebook -- which owns WhatsApp, as well as popular image-based network Instagram -- is the most prominent company that has come under scrutiny, though Twitter has also come in for criticism.

The platforms have made an effort to clean up who uses their services after evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 US election that saw Trump triumph, and accusations Facebook allowed user data to be harvested to bolster the campaign the same year for Britain to leave the European Union.

Facebook has also shut down disinformation pages traced to campaigns believed to have ties to Iran's state-owned media and to Russian military intelligence services.

Seeking a debate&nbsp;

There is no evidence of foreign interference online in Brazil's election.

The director of major polling firm Datafolha, Mauro Paulinho, said on Twitter that his company had detected "some shifts" in public opinion just before the first round of the election on October 7, which Bolsonaro won handily.

"Technical and factual observations" were made, he said, without drawing any conclusions.

There are 120 million WhatsApp user accounts in Brazil, whose population is 210 million. The app works as a popular social network for friends, families and work colleagues.

Both Haddad and Bolsonaro are the subject of memes, cartoons and slogans circulating online in Brazil.

Haddad, a former education minister and ex-mayor of Sao Paulo, has repeatedly tried to draw Bolsonaro into televised debates on policies.

The leftist candidate has an academic background he believes would give him an advantage if the exchanges moved away from the one-line quips and insults that characterize most social media communications.

But Bolsonaro, who skipped early debates because he was recovering from a knife stab wound after being attacked by a lone assailant while campaigning last month, has thus far shown little inclination to go head-to-head with Haddad.

Allegations of a dirty tricks campaign on WhatsApp dominated Brazil's presidential election race on Thursday, turning attention to social media manipulation following abuses uncovered in the last US election and Britain's Brexit referendum.

Allegations of a dirty tricks campaign on WhatsApp dominated Brazil's presidential election race on Thursday, turning attention to social media manipulation following abuses uncovered in the last US election and Britain's Brexit referendum. Trailing leftist candidate Fernando Haddad accused the far-right frontrunner, Jair Bolsonaro, of "illegal" electoral tactics after a report that companies were poised to unleash a flood of WhatsApp messages attacking him and his Workers Party. Bolsonaro denied the allegation, tweeting that the Haddad's Workers Party "isn't being hurt by fake news, but by the TRUTH." The exchange happened 10 days before a run-off election that polls predict Bolsonaro -- a bluff, internet-savvy, pro-gun polemicist often compared to US President Donald Trump -- will likely win comfortably. Ordinary Brazilians told AFP they got much of their election information through WhatsApp. They said some in their families or entourage swallowed some misinformation, but denied they themselves were being influenced. "We get a lot of news, even false news, but some true, about politics but I don't think it changes very much in terms of making decisions," said Ana Clara Valle, a 27-year-old engineer in Rio. She said she was voting for Bolsonaro because of his Catholic, pro-family stance, not because of any "extreme right" sensibility. Andre de Souza, a 35-year-old lawyer leaning toward voting for Bolsonaro, said he receives around 500 WhatsApp messages a day for and against both candidates. The rumors and false information "don't make a difference to me," he said, but added: "My mother received a WhatsApp message saying Bolsonaro was doing away with (mandatory) end-of-year salary payments, and she believed it!" 'Slander' Haddad made his accusation after Brazil's widest circulation newspaper, Folha de Sao Paulo, reported it had discovered contracts worth up to $3.2 million each for companies to send out bulk WhatsApp messages attacking the Workers Party. "We have identified a campaign of slander and defamation via WhatsApp and, given the mass of messages, we know that there was dirty money behind it, because it wasn't registered with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal," Haddad told a media conference in Sao Paulo. Bolsonaro's lawyer, Tiago Ayres, told the financial daily Valor there was no evidence of any connection between the companies mentioned by Folha de Sao Paulo and Bolsonaro's campaign. The row shone a light on an issue that has become a pressing one in democracies: the organized abuse of social media to sway public opinion in countries. Facebook -- which owns WhatsApp, as well as popular image-based network Instagram -- is the most prominent company that has come under scrutiny, though Twitter has also come in for criticism. The platforms have made an effort to clean up who uses their services after evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 US election that saw Trump triumph, and accusations Facebook allowed user data to be harvested to bolster the campaign the same year for Britain to leave the European Union. Facebook has also shut down disinformation pages traced to campaigns believed to have ties to Iran's state-owned media and to Russian military intelligence services. Seeking a debate There is no evidence of foreign interference online in Brazil's election. The director of major polling firm Datafolha, Mauro Paulinho, said on Twitter that his company had detected "some shifts" in public opinion just before the first round of the election on October 7, which Bolsonaro won handily. "Technical and factual observations" were made, he said, without drawing any conclusions. There are 120 million WhatsApp user accounts in Brazil, whose population is 210 million. The app works as a popular social network for friends, families and work colleagues. Both Haddad and Bolsonaro are the subject of memes, cartoons and slogans circulating online in Brazil. Haddad, a former education minister and ex-mayor of Sao Paulo, has repeatedly tried to draw Bolsonaro into televised debates on policies. The leftist candidate has an academic background he believes would give him an advantage if the exchanges moved away from the one-line quips and insults that characterize most social media communications. But Bolsonaro, who skipped early debates because he was recovering from a knife stab wound after being attacked by a lone assailant while campaigning last month, has thus far shown little inclination to go head-to-head with Haddad.

WhatsApp dirty tricks alleged in Brazil presidential race

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address two public meetings in Telangana on Saturday in the run-up to the December 7 assembly elections, party sources said Friday.

According to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee official spokesperson Shravan Dasoju, Rahul Gandhi would address a public meeting at Bhainsa town of Adilabad district and another one in Kamareddy.

"He will be coming to Bhainsa from from Nanded in Maharashtra. After the public meetings, he will be reaching Hyderabad and hoist the Congress flag near Charminar here and address the gathering on the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration day," he said.

Former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh K Rosaiah will be conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration award, the party had earlier announced.

This is the Congress president's first visit after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the Assembly polls in the state.

The Election Commission (EC) had on October 6 announced the election schedule for five states, including Telangana, which will go to the polls on December 7.

The Telangana Assembly was dissolved on September 6.

The Congress party is currently holding discussions with Telugu Desam Party, CPI and Telangana Jana Samithi on seat sharing.

The trio in principle agreed to forge alliance with the Congress to counter the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti.

Seat-sharing issues are expected to be resolved and the list of candidates is expected to be announced after Rahul Gandhi's visit, party sources said.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address two public meetings in Telangana on Saturday in the run-up to the December 7 assembly elections, party sources said Friday.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address two public meetings in Telangana on Saturday in the run-up to the December 7 assembly elections, party sources said Friday. According to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee official spokesperson Shravan Dasoju, Rahul Gandhi would address a public meeting at Bhainsa town of Adilabad district and another one in Kamareddy. "He will be coming to Bhainsa from from Nanded in Maharashtra. After the public meetings, he will be reaching Hyderabad and hoist the Congress flag near Charminar here and address the gathering on the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration day," he said. Former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh K Rosaiah will be conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration award, the party had earlier announced. This is the Congress president's first visit after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the Assembly polls in the state. The Election Commission (EC) had on October 6 announced the election schedule for five states, including Telangana, which will go to the polls on December 7. The Telangana Assembly was dissolved on September 6. The Congress party is currently holding discussions with Telugu Desam Party, CPI and Telangana Jana Samithi on seat sharing. The trio in principle agreed to forge alliance with the Congress to counter the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti. Seat-sharing issues are expected to be resolved and the list of candidates is expected to be announced after Rahul Gandhi's visit, party sources said.

Rahul Gandhi to visit Telangana tomorrow

Parliamentary elections in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, due to be held on Saturday, will be delayed by one week following the assassination of the powerful provincial police commander, officials said on Friday.

Hafizullah Hashimi, spokesman of the Independent Election Commission, said the decision to delay the vote had been taken because the people of Kandahar were "morally not ready to vote" following the death of the commander, General Abdul Razeq, who was killed by a rogue bodyguard of another top official on Thursday.

The top US&nbsp;commander in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller escaped unhurt after a burst of gunfire in the governor's compound in Kandahar province on Thursday but the powerful police chief General Abdul Razeq was killed, officials said.

A senior security official said the governor's bodyguard opened fire and hit Razeq in the back as soon as officials came out of the meeting. The governor and the local head of the NDS intelligence service were wounded.

Resolute Support Commander General Austin Scott Miller, who escaped uninjured in Thursday's attack at the Kandahar Governor's house, tweeted that he "lost a great friend" while referring to Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq.

Taliban has since claimed responsibility for the attack which also killed the head of the provincial National Directorate of Security (NDS) Gen. Abdul Momin Hassankhail and injured Kandahar's Governor Zalmai Wesa, the commander of Maiwand 404 police zone, a coalition force member and two Americans after a high-profile meeting on Thursday.

Taliban further stated that they had targeted both Raziq and Miller, according to Al Jazeera.

TOLOnews reported that the attack was initiated by at least one of the governor's bodyguards.

The attack occurred when officials were on their way to the helipad after the meeting, which included the Resolute Support Commander. Saturday's parliamentary elections were discussed during the meeting held between the officials.

Parliamentary elections in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, due to be held on Saturday, will be delayed by one week following the assassination of the powerful provincial police commander, officials said on Friday.

Parliamentary elections in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, due to be held on Saturday, will be delayed by one week following the assassination of the powerful provincial police commander, officials said on Friday. Hafizullah Hashimi, spokesman of the Independent Election Commission, said the decision to delay the vote had been taken because the people of Kandahar were "morally not ready to vote" following the death of the commander, General Abdul Razeq, who was killed by a rogue bodyguard of another top official on Thursday. The top US commander in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller escaped unhurt after a burst of gunfire in the governor's compound in Kandahar province on Thursday but the powerful police chief General Abdul Razeq was killed, officials said. A senior security official said the governor's bodyguard opened fire and hit Razeq in the back as soon as officials came out of the meeting. The governor and the local head of the NDS intelligence service were wounded. Resolute Support Commander General Austin Scott Miller, who escaped uninjured in Thursday's attack at the Kandahar Governor's house, tweeted that he "lost a great friend" while referring to Kandahar police chief General Abdul Raziq. Taliban has since claimed responsibility for the attack which also killed the head of the provincial National Directorate of Security (NDS) Gen. Abdul Momin Hassankhail and injured Kandahar's Governor Zalmai Wesa, the commander of Maiwand 404 police zone, a coalition force member and two Americans after a high-profile meeting on Thursday. Taliban further stated that they had targeted both Raziq and Miller, according to Al Jazeera. TOLOnews reported that the attack was initiated by at least one of the governor's bodyguards. The attack occurred when officials were on their way to the helipad after the meeting, which included the Resolute Support Commander. Saturday's parliamentary elections were discussed during the meeting held between the officials.

Election in Afghan province of Kandahar to be delayed a week

Afghanistan which has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-election-in-the-shadow-of-terror-171981">reeling under the terror of the Taliban</a> has managed to give its female population a fair representation in its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-importance-of-afghan-elections-possible-withdrawal-of-foreign-troops-172166">democratic process</a>.&nbsp;

The country which is marred by violence, where legislators especially women face severe threats from the Taliban, reserves 68 of the 249 seats in the parliament for women.

Unlike India, Afghanistan passed a law in 2005 guaranteeing over one-fourth of seats in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/understanding-the-afghanistan-parliamentary-elections-171961">parliament</a> and over 30 provincial councils to be reserved for women.

During the last elections that were held in 2010, 69 women were elected to parliament – one more than the minimum.

For this year's election, out of the two thousand candidates running, a historic 417 are women.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-how-long-will-indias-women-for-womens-reservation-bill-35072">Opinion: How long will India's women wait for Women's Reservation Bill?</a>

India has been struggling to pass a bill that ensures one-third reservation for women in parliament.&nbsp;

Women make up for nearly half the population in India, but in a 542-member strong lower house, they make up for a mere 11.6 per cent.&nbsp;

The women's reservation bill was first tabled in the Indian parliament in 1996. The bill which is waiting for consent has been passed along from one house to another.

The women's reservation bill in India was cleared from the Rajya Sabha in March 2010. It has however not received the assent of the lower house i.e Lok Sabha for the last eight years.

 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan which has been reeling under the terror of the Taliban has managed to give its female population a fair representation in its democratic process. The country which is marred by violence, where legislators especially women face severe threats from the Taliban, reserves 68 of the 249 seats in the parliament for women.

Afghanistan which has been reeling under the terror of the Taliban has managed to give its female population a fair representation in its democratic process. The country which is marred by violence, where legislators especially women face severe threats from the Taliban, reserves 68 of the 249 seats in the parliament for women. Unlike India, Afghanistan passed a law in 2005 guaranteeing over one-fourth of seats in the parliament and over 30 provincial councils to be reserved for women. During the last elections that were held in 2010, 69 women were elected to parliament – one more than the minimum. For this year's election, out of the two thousand candidates running, a historic 417 are women. Also read: Opinion: How long will India's women wait for Women's Reservation Bill? India has been struggling to pass a bill that ensures one-third reservation for women in parliament. Women make up for nearly half the population in India, but in a 542-member strong lower house, they make up for a mere 11.6 per cent. The women's reservation bill was first tabled in the Indian parliament in 1996. The bill which is waiting for consent has been passed along from one house to another. The women's reservation bill in India was cleared from the Rajya Sabha in March 2010. It has however not received the assent of the lower house i.e Lok Sabha for the last eight years.

Unlike India, women in Afghanistan enjoy fair representation in democratic process

Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, S Y Quraishi Wednesday said elections in India will become meaningful only if all sections of the society enjoy complete freedom to exercise their right to franchise.&nbsp;

Speaking at the annual Sir Syed Day celebrations, Quraishi said India was a land of minorities and the hallmark of the world's largest democracy was to hold "inclusive" elections.

He said that the largest minority in the country were women as they constitute 49 per cent of the electorate and if they were unable to exercise their right to franchise, either because of fear or any law and order issue, it would question the very foundation of the country's democratic process.

What makes India's elections a very special feature in the world's democratic system, is that there is no country in the world which has such a large diversity of religion, caste and language, he said.

It is therefore imperative that this wide canvas of diversity is preserved and protected through our democratic institutions, he added.

Referring to the role of the founder of the Aligarh Muslim University, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Quraishi said that he was amongst the pioneering figures in nineteenth century India who championed the cause not just of modern education but the critical importance of reconciliation and pluralism.

He was a leading votary of interfaith understanding and communication, he said.

A special feature of this year's annual celebrations was the bestowing of Sir Syed Excellence Award upon Sanjiv Saraf, founder of Rekhta Foundation, which is India's largest social movement for promoting the cause of Urdu and cross-cultural understanding.&nbsp;

Saraf was given a citation and a prize of Rs one lakh for his ongoing efforts in the field.

The second award in the sphere of studies on the contribution of Sir Syed was given to Christian W. Troll for his writings on the AMU founder. Troll is at present the adviser to the Pope.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of AMU, Tariq Mansoor said that the university was making a rapid stride in the field of technology and emerging sciences.&nbsp;

In this connection, several new programmes including M. Voc., M. Arch., MDS (Pedodontics) have been introduced while intake capacity in several courses has been enhanced.&nbsp;

He said that the AMU was ready to play a leading role in the task of nation building and promoting a culture of pluralism and interfaith understanding.

Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, S Y Quraishi Wednesday said elections in India will become meaningful only if all sections of the society enjoy complete freedom to exercise their right to franchise.

Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, S Y Quraishi Wednesday said elections in India will become meaningful only if all sections of the society enjoy complete freedom to exercise their right to franchise. Speaking at the annual Sir Syed Day celebrations, Quraishi said India was a land of minorities and the hallmark of the world's largest democracy was to hold "inclusive" elections. He said that the largest minority in the country were women as they constitute 49 per cent of the electorate and if they were unable to exercise their right to franchise, either because of fear or any law and order issue, it would question the very foundation of the country's democratic process. What makes India's elections a very special feature in the world's democratic system, is that there is no country in the world which has such a large diversity of religion, caste and language, he said. It is therefore imperative that this wide canvas of diversity is preserved and protected through our democratic institutions, he added. Referring to the role of the founder of the Aligarh Muslim University, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Quraishi said that he was amongst the pioneering figures in nineteenth century India who championed the cause not just of modern education but the critical importance of reconciliation and pluralism. He was a leading votary of interfaith understanding and communication, he said. A special feature of this year's annual celebrations was the bestowing of Sir Syed Excellence Award upon Sanjiv Saraf, founder of Rekhta Foundation, which is India's largest social movement for promoting the cause of Urdu and cross-cultural understanding. Saraf was given a citation and a prize of Rs one lakh for his ongoing efforts in the field. The second award in the sphere of studies on the contribution of Sir Syed was given to Christian W. Troll for his writings on the AMU founder. Troll is at present the adviser to the Pope. Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of AMU, Tariq Mansoor said that the university was making a rapid stride in the field of technology and emerging sciences. In this connection, several new programmes including M. Voc., M. Arch., MDS (Pedodontics) have been introduced while intake capacity in several courses has been enhanced. He said that the AMU was ready to play a leading role in the task of nation building and promoting a culture of pluralism and interfaith understanding.

Elections will be meaningful only if all sections of society participate: Former CEC

From a university student to a middle-aged housewife, Afghans planning to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election say they are willing to risk their lives for democracy.

Nearly nine million people have registered to vote, but far fewer are expected to turn out on polling day due to threats of violence and expectations for massive fraud.

Six people across the war-torn country explain why their vote matters.

Omaid, the artist

Out with the old and in with the new is Omaid Sharifi's hope for the legislative election.

The 32-year-old artist, who is voting for the first time, wants to see a new generation of politicians take their seats in the next parliament.

Sharifi, the co-founder of Kabul-based street art collective ArtLords, was inspired to vote by the large cohort of young, educated candidates among the more than 2,500 contesting the ballot.

"I am concerned (about security) but I think this is the price of democracy we have to pay," he said.

Fatima, the housewife

First-time voter Fatima Sadeqi wants to stop criminals, thieves and corrupt people from entering the next parliament.

The 55-year-old housewife and her eight family members plan to support the same candidate in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

"We are tired of poverty and insecurity," she said.

"I hope the new parliament is a better place, full of good people." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Shirin, the potter

Shirin Agha wants his 10 children to grow up in a peaceful Afghanistan -- and he is willing to die to help make that happen.

The 45-year-old potter in the eastern city of Jalalabad is a first-time voter and plans to back "a good Muslim and an honest person".

"I want the new parliament to bring fundamental changes to the economy, education and security so that our children can live in peace," Agha said.

"If my vote can bring these changes I will take any risk. I will either die or vote."

Zahra, the university student

A sense of "duty and responsibility" is pushing English literature student Zahra Faramarz to vote -- but she admits being "anxious" about security.

Faramarz's polling station is located in a heavily Shiite neighbourhood of Kabul where the Islamic State group has carried out devastating attacks in recent months.

But the 21-year-old said it was important to vote to ensure her community has a voice in the lower house.

"If we don't, someone else will select the candidates... that is not good for us," she said.

Ghulam, the public servant

After disappointing results in the previous two elections, Ghulam Farooq Adil hopes it will be third time lucky on October 20.

The 29-year-old public servant from the western city of Herat plans to vote for an "honest" candidate who can help bring peace to Afghanistan.

"I want the new parliament to come up with a solid plan to end the war," Adil said.

"I need to see changes, at least for the future of my son."&nbsp;

Abdul, the retiree

Abdul Karim believes voting is a religious obligation for Muslim men and women.

"They must vote," said the 85-year-old retiree in Kabul, who is voting for only the second time in his life.

But in return, the next parliament should "serve our nation, serve our land and provide" job opportunities for the poor, he said.

"We vote for Afghanistan and we expect our incoming MPs to make solid decisions for our nation's well-being."

From a university student to a middle-aged housewife, Afghans planning to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election say they are willing to risk their lives for democracy.

From a university student to a middle-aged housewife, Afghans planning to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election say they are willing to risk their lives for democracy. Nearly nine million people have registered to vote, but far fewer are expected to turn out on polling day due to threats of violence and expectations for massive fraud. Six people across the war-torn country explain why their vote matters. Omaid, the artist Out with the old and in with the new is Omaid Sharifi's hope for the legislative election. The 32-year-old artist, who is voting for the first time, wants to see a new generation of politicians take their seats in the next parliament. Sharifi, the co-founder of Kabul-based street art collective ArtLords, was inspired to vote by the large cohort of young, educated candidates among the more than 2,500 contesting the ballot. "I am concerned (about security) but I think this is the price of democracy we have to pay," he said. Fatima, the housewife First-time voter Fatima Sadeqi wants to stop criminals, thieves and corrupt people from entering the next parliament. The 55-year-old housewife and her eight family members plan to support the same candidate in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. "We are tired of poverty and insecurity," she said. "I hope the new parliament is a better place, full of good people." Shirin, the potter Shirin Agha wants his 10 children to grow up in a peaceful Afghanistan -- and he is willing to die to help make that happen. The 45-year-old potter in the eastern city of Jalalabad is a first-time voter and plans to back "a good Muslim and an honest person". "I want the new parliament to bring fundamental changes to the economy, education and security so that our children can live in peace," Agha said. "If my vote can bring these changes I will take any risk. I will either die or vote." Zahra, the university student A sense of "duty and responsibility" is pushing English literature student Zahra Faramarz to vote -- but she admits being "anxious" about security. Faramarz's polling station is located in a heavily Shiite neighbourhood of Kabul where the Islamic State group has carried out devastating attacks in recent months. But the 21-year-old said it was important to vote to ensure her community has a voice in the lower house. "If we don't, someone else will select the candidates... that is not good for us," she said. Ghulam, the public servant After disappointing results in the previous two elections, Ghulam Farooq Adil hopes it will be third time lucky on October 20. The 29-year-old public servant from the western city of Herat plans to vote for an "honest" candidate who can help bring peace to Afghanistan. "I want the new parliament to come up with a solid plan to end the war," Adil said. "I need to see changes, at least for the future of my son." Abdul, the retiree Abdul Karim believes voting is a religious obligation for Muslim men and women. "They must vote," said the 85-year-old retiree in Kabul, who is voting for only the second time in his life. But in return, the next parliament should "serve our nation, serve our land and provide" job opportunities for the poor, he said. "We vote for Afghanistan and we expect our incoming MPs to make solid decisions for our nation's well-being."

'Price of democracy': Afghans risking their lives to vote

Dozens of Afghan police were killed or wounded in heavy fighting in northern and central provinces overnight, officials said on Tuesday, just days before parliamentary elections which the insurgents have promised to disrupt.

The latest fighting came despite increasing signs of moves towards possible peace talks and followed a meeting in Qatar last week between Taliban officials and Zalmay Khalilzad, the new U.S. special envoy for peace in Afghanistan.

In the northern province of Samangan, 11 police, including the province’s deputy police chief, were killed and 30 wounded when Taliban fighters attacked security checkpoints in Dara-e Sof Payeen district, said Naqibullah Tataar, a member of the provincial council.

Another 15 police were captured along with a large quantity of weapons, vehicles and equipment. The Taliban also suffered heavy casualties, he said but had no exact details.

Munir Ahmad Rahimi, spokesman for Samangan police, confirmed the attack and the death of deputy provincial police chief Khawani Taheri but said seven members of the security forces had been killed.

In the central province of Daikundi, hundreds of Taliban fighters equipped with heavy weapons attacked checkpoints in Kajran district and fought an hours-long battle in which eight Afghan soldiers and five police were killed, Ali Akbar Nateqi, the provincial governor’s spokesman said.

The Taliban’s main spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed responsibility for both attacks, saying 30 police were killed in Samangan province and 19 killed in Daikundi, with large quantities of weapons and equipment and captured.

Although the latest attacks had no apparent direct link with Saturday’s elections, they underlined the strength of the Taliban who control large areas of the countryside and earlier this year overran the major city of Ghazni.

Security officials see the increased attacks as part of a broad strategy by the insurgents to establish a strong position to impose their demands if formal peace talks begin. The Taliban have also suffered heavy casualties and say they are willing to keep talking about finding a solution to the conflict.

The United States has said it is willing to take part in talks but insists that the process must be led by the internationally recognised Afghan government, which the Taliban regard as an illegitimate regime imposed by foreign powers.

In the meanwhile, thousands of civilians have continued to be killed and wounded in the fighting, with more than 8,000 casualties in the first nine months of the year, according to United Nations figures.

Dozens of Afghan police were killed or wounded in heavy fighting in northern and central provinces overnight, officials said on Tuesday, just days before parliamentary elections which the insurgents have promised to disrupt.

Dozens of Afghan police were killed or wounded in heavy fighting in northern and central provinces overnight, officials said on Tuesday, just days before parliamentary elections which the insurgents have promised to disrupt. The latest fighting came despite increasing signs of moves towards possible peace talks and followed a meeting in Qatar last week between Taliban officials and Zalmay Khalilzad, the new U.S. special envoy for peace in Afghanistan. In the northern province of Samangan, 11 police, including the province’s deputy police chief, were killed and 30 wounded when Taliban fighters attacked security checkpoints in Dara-e Sof Payeen district, said Naqibullah Tataar, a member of the provincial council. Another 15 police were captured along with a large quantity of weapons, vehicles and equipment. The Taliban also suffered heavy casualties, he said but had no exact details. Munir Ahmad Rahimi, spokesman for Samangan police, confirmed the attack and the death of deputy provincial police chief Khawani Taheri but said seven members of the security forces had been killed. In the central province of Daikundi, hundreds of Taliban fighters equipped with heavy weapons attacked checkpoints in Kajran district and fought an hours-long battle in which eight Afghan soldiers and five police were killed, Ali Akbar Nateqi, the provincial governor’s spokesman said. The Taliban’s main spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed responsibility for both attacks, saying 30 police were killed in Samangan province and 19 killed in Daikundi, with large quantities of weapons and equipment and captured. Although the latest attacks had no apparent direct link with Saturday’s elections, they underlined the strength of the Taliban who control large areas of the countryside and earlier this year overran the major city of Ghazni. Security officials see the increased attacks as part of a broad strategy by the insurgents to establish a strong position to impose their demands if formal peace talks begin. The Taliban have also suffered heavy casualties and say they are willing to keep talking about finding a solution to the conflict. The United States has said it is willing to take part in talks but insists that the process must be led by the internationally recognised Afghan government, which the Taliban regard as an illegitimate regime imposed by foreign powers. In the meanwhile, thousands of civilians have continued to be killed and wounded in the fighting, with more than 8,000 casualties in the first nine months of the year, according to United Nations figures.

Dozens of Afghan police killed or wounded as election nears

Ganderbal recorded 7.9 per cent voter turnout in the final phase of Jammu and Kashmir municipal elections on Tuesday till 12pm, news agency ANI reported. Srinagar registered 2.3 per cent voter turnout.

Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm. In the final phase, the electorate will seal the fate of 150 candidates in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts. As many as 260 candidates will be contesting for 132 wards.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Voter turnout recorded in Ganderbal is 7.9% &amp; Srinagar is 2.3% till 12 noon, in the fourth phase of urban local body elections.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052101120343064576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the wake of the polls, security has been beefed up at polling stations, while checkpoints have been set up in Srinagar and Ganderbal, where vehicles and commuters are being searched thoroughly to ensure seamless completion of polls.

Among the three polling phases, maximum voter turnout was recorded in the first phase in Jammu and Kashmir (56.7 per cent), while least voter turnout was registered during the third phase (16.4 per cent).

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Voting underway for the fourth phase of urban local body polls; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from a polling station in Srinagar. <a href="https://t.co/z435VxrAf5">pic.twitter.com/z435VxrAf5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052051658874777601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The fight is between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Jammu and Kashmir's two major parties- National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Alliance (PDP)- have boycotted the elections over lack of clarity in the Centre's stand on Articles 35A.

Counting of votes cast during all four phases will be done on October 20.

Ganderbal recorded 7.9 per cent voter turnout in the final phase of Jammu and Kashmir municipal elections on Tuesday till 12pm, news agency ANI reported. Srinagar registered 2.

Ganderbal recorded 7.9 per cent voter turnout in the final phase of Jammu and Kashmir municipal elections on Tuesday till 12pm, news agency ANI reported. Srinagar registered 2.3 per cent voter turnout. Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm. In the final phase, the electorate will seal the fate of 150 candidates in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts. As many as 260 candidates will be contesting for 132 wards. Jammu & Kashmir: Voter turnout recorded in Ganderbal is 7.9% & Srinagar is 2.3% till 12 noon, in the fourth phase of urban local body elections. — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2018 × In the wake of the polls, security has been beefed up at polling stations, while checkpoints have been set up in Srinagar and Ganderbal, where vehicles and commuters are being searched thoroughly to ensure seamless completion of polls. Among the three polling phases, maximum voter turnout was recorded in the first phase in Jammu and Kashmir (56.7 per cent), while least voter turnout was registered during the third phase (16.4 per cent). #JammuAndKashmir: Voting underway for the fourth phase of urban local body polls; #Visuals from a polling station in Srinagar. pic.twitter.com/z435VxrAf5 — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2018 × The fight is between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Jammu and Kashmir's two major parties- National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Alliance (PDP)- have boycotted the elections over lack of clarity in the Centre's stand on Articles 35A. Counting of votes cast during all four phases will be done on October 20.

J&K local body polls: 7.9% voter turnout in Ganderbal till 12pm, Srinagar registers 2.3%

Attacking the rival Congress, BSP and SP in a rally at Madhya Pradesh on Sunday,&nbsp;BJP chief Amit Shah said that the infiltrators are vote banks for the opposition while it was an issue of national security for them (BJP).

"40 Lakh infiltrators were identified and as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP and BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security", Shah said&nbsp;in Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh.

He further said that it was his party's responsibility to get victory in Madhya Pradesh.

"It is our responsibility to get such a victory in Madhya Pradesh that right after 2019, for the next 50 years, BJP's flag keeps flying high from Panchayat to Parliament, " Shah said.

"It is possible only in this party that someone born in a poor household, a poor tea-seller's son with no political background becomes the Prime Minister of the largest democracy of the world, " he added.

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40 Lakh infiltrators were identified &amp; as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP &amp; BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security: BJP President Amit Shah <a href="https://t.co/3wcCiYLUHz">pic.twitter.com/3wcCiYLUHz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051467832410722306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The state is scheduled to go for assembly polls on November 28 this year.

Attacking the rival Congress, BSP and SP in a rally at Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, BJP chief Amit Shah said that the infiltrators are vote banks for the opposition while it was an issue of national security for them (BJP).

Attacking the rival Congress, BSP and SP in a rally at Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, BJP chief Amit Shah said that the infiltrators are vote banks for the opposition while it was an issue of national security for them (BJP). "40 Lakh infiltrators were identified and as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP and BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security", Shah said in Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh. He further said that it was his party's responsibility to get victory in Madhya Pradesh. "It is our responsibility to get such a victory in Madhya Pradesh that right after 2019, for the next 50 years, BJP's flag keeps flying high from Panchayat to Parliament, " Shah said. "It is possible only in this party that someone born in a poor household, a poor tea-seller's son with no political background becomes the Prime Minister of the largest democracy of the world, " he added. 40 Lakh infiltrators were identified & as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP & BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security: BJP President Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/3wcCiYLUHz — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × The state is scheduled to go for assembly polls on November 28 this year.

Infiltrators are vote banks for opposition: Amit Shah in Madhya Pradesh

Polling began Wednesday for the second phase of the four-phased municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir to seal the fate of 1,029 candidates in fray across the state.

Voting began at 6 am on Wednesday morning amid stringent security arrangements, officials said.

They said the voting would take place at 544 polling stations across the state and would end at 4 pm.

The officials said 1,029 candidates - 881 in Jammu division and 148 in Kashmir division - are in the fray for 263 municipal wards, including 49 in Kashmir and 214 in Jammu.

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Jammu and Kashmir: 84-year-old woman arrives at a polling station in Reasi to cast her vote in the second phase of urban local bodies elections <a href="https://t.co/QKnEKbPpZo">pic.twitter.com/QKnEKbPpZo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049831316617928704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A total of 65 candidates - 61 of them from Kashmir valley - have already won the polls uncontested, while in 56 wards ? all in the valley - no nomination was received, so no polling is taking place in those places, they said.

As many as 270 polling stations have been designated for voting in Kashmir Division and 274 in Jammu Division, they added.

The officials said the total electorate in these wards is 346,980 - 128,104 in Jammu Division belonging to 18 Municipal bodies and 218,876 in Kashmir Division of five Municipal bodies.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: People queue up outside a polling booth in Udhampur to cast their votes for the second phase of local body elections. <a href="https://t.co/15Sy9VXxC7">pic.twitter.com/15Sy9VXxC7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049855401045430272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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They said massive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

The elections, covering 79 municipal bodies with an electorate of about 17 lakh, are being held in four phases.

A total of 3,372 nominations have been filed for 1,145 wards. The next phases will take place on October 13 and 16.

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Voting underway in 13 districts of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> in the second phase of urban local bodies elections; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visuals</a> from a polling station in Reasi <a href="https://t.co/CpRO7ZFFow">pic.twitter.com/CpRO7ZFFow</a>
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The National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the CPI(M) have boycotted the polls to protest the legal challenge to Article 35A of the Constitution in the Supreme Court.

The government has declared a holiday on the day of poll in the municipal areas concerned to enable voters to cast their vote.

Polling began Wednesday for the second phase of the four-phased municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir to seal the fate of 1,029 candidates in fray across the state.

Polling began Wednesday for the second phase of the four-phased municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir to seal the fate of 1,029 candidates in fray across the state. Voting began at 6 am on Wednesday morning amid stringent security arrangements, officials said. They said the voting would take place at 544 polling stations across the state and would end at 4 pm. The officials said 1,029 candidates - 881 in Jammu division and 148 in Kashmir division - are in the fray for 263 municipal wards, including 49 in Kashmir and 214 in Jammu. Jammu and Kashmir: 84-year-old woman arrives at a polling station in Reasi to cast her vote in the second phase of urban local bodies elections pic.twitter.com/QKnEKbPpZo — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × A total of 65 candidates - 61 of them from Kashmir valley - have already won the polls uncontested, while in 56 wards ? all in the valley - no nomination was received, so no polling is taking place in those places, they said. As many as 270 polling stations have been designated for voting in Kashmir Division and 274 in Jammu Division, they added. The officials said the total electorate in these wards is 346,980 - 128,104 in Jammu Division belonging to 18 Municipal bodies and 218,876 in Kashmir Division of five Municipal bodies. #JammuAndKashmir: People queue up outside a polling booth in Udhampur to cast their votes for the second phase of local body elections. pic.twitter.com/15Sy9VXxC7 — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × They said massive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. The elections, covering 79 municipal bodies with an electorate of about 17 lakh, are being held in four phases. A total of 3,372 nominations have been filed for 1,145 wards. The next phases will take place on October 13 and 16. Voting underway in 13 districts of #JammuAndKashmir in the second phase of urban local bodies elections; #visuals from a polling station in Reasi pic.twitter.com/CpRO7ZFFow — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × The National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the CPI(M) have boycotted the polls to protest the legal challenge to Article 35A of the Constitution in the Supreme Court. The government has declared a holiday on the day of poll in the municipal areas concerned to enable voters to cast their vote.

J&K municipal polls: Second phase of elections begin amid tight security

An estimated 57 per cent of over 1.28 lakh electorate Wednesday cast their votes in the first six hours of polling in the second phase of the four-phased urban local bodies elections in the region, officials said.

The voting covering six districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua recorded a turnout of 57 per cent till 12 am, the officials said, quoting information from district elections offices.

"Brisk polling is going on and there was no report of any untoward incidents reported from anywhere," the officials said.

Ramban district is leading the voter turnout chart with 62.9 per cent, out of 5533 electorate, exercising their franchise followed by Reasi (60.8 per cent of 10204 voters), Kathua (59.4 per cent of 54,622 voters), Doda (57.8 per cent of 13396 voters), Kishtwar (55.9 per cent of 8830 voters) and Udhampur (59.4 per cent of 35,519 voters), they said.

The polling will seal the fate of 881 candidates for 214 wards, while four candidates have been elected unopposed in this phase in Jammu region.

Long queues were witnessed outside the polling stations across all the districts since this morning to select their local representatives.

The first phase of the polling was held on October 8 after a gap of 13 years and registered a voter turnout of 56.6 per cent.&nbsp;

The third phase of the polling is scheduled for October 13 followed by fourth and final phase on October 16. The counting of votes will be held on October 20.

An estimated 57 per cent of over 1.28 lakh electorate Wednesday cast their votes in the first six hours of polling in the second phase of the four-phased urban local bodies elections in the region, officials said.

An estimated 57 per cent of over 1.28 lakh electorate Wednesday cast their votes in the first six hours of polling in the second phase of the four-phased urban local bodies elections in the region, officials said. The voting covering six districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua recorded a turnout of 57 per cent till 12 am, the officials said, quoting information from district elections offices. "Brisk polling is going on and there was no report of any untoward incidents reported from anywhere," the officials said. Ramban district is leading the voter turnout chart with 62.9 per cent, out of 5533 electorate, exercising their franchise followed by Reasi (60.8 per cent of 10204 voters), Kathua (59.4 per cent of 54,622 voters), Doda (57.8 per cent of 13396 voters), Kishtwar (55.9 per cent of 8830 voters) and Udhampur (59.4 per cent of 35,519 voters), they said. The polling will seal the fate of 881 candidates for 214 wards, while four candidates have been elected unopposed in this phase in Jammu region. Long queues were witnessed outside the polling stations across all the districts since this morning to select their local representatives. The first phase of the polling was held on October 8 after a gap of 13 years and registered a voter turnout of 56.6 per cent. The third phase of the polling is scheduled for October 13 followed by fourth and final phase on October 16. The counting of votes will be held on October 20.

J&K local polls: Jammu records 57% voting till 12am

Brazil holds presidential and legislative elections on Sunday. A far-right politician promising a hard line on crime and corruption, Jair Bolsonaro, is the frontrunner for the top job.

Here's what you need to know:

How important are the elections?

Brazil is one of the most important emerging economies out there, one of the BRICS and Latin America's biggest democracy.&nbsp;

Whoever ends up as president will be at the helm of the world's 8th-biggest economy, an oil producer and major energy consumer whose chief trading partner is China. &nbsp;

Yet it's only three decades since Brazil shucked off a military dictatorship. And it has just emerged from its worst-ever recession, which wiped away much of a preceding decade of prosperity.

Who is Bolsonaro?

Out of a field of 13 presidential candidates, Bolsonaro is by far the most controversial and polarizing.&nbsp;

Once an army captain, he has been a deputy in Brazil's congress since 1991, during which he became known for offensive remarks against women, gays and Brazil's mostly black poor.&nbsp;

But he also has a healthy polling lead over rivals -- attributed to his tough-guy promises to crack down on crime and graft, and his canny use of Facebook to reach out to voters.&nbsp;

Massive protests by Brazilian women have been held against Bolsonaro.

Although a Catholic, he has the backing of an influential evangelical bloc in congress that would help him govern if he wins the presidency.

A stabbing attack by a lone knifeman last month as he campaigned only increased sympathy for him -- and for his pledge to be ruthless with street criminals.

Is he a shoo-in?

Not yet. Sunday is the first round of the presidential elections. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent, then a second, knockout round will be held on October 28 between the two with the highest scores.

Bolsonaro boasts he will win outright on Sunday and Brazilians can go to the beach instead on October 28. But analysts say that while a first-round victory can't be excluded, the polling numbers available make it unlikely.&nbsp;

In a second round, the outcome would be uncertain. Surveys suggest Bolsonaro would be neck-and-neck with his nearest rival, leftist candidate Fernando Haddad, the Workers' Party's choice to replace popular ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is in jail for bribery.

Against the candidate currently trailing in third place, center-left politician Ciro Gomes, Bolsonaro would likely lose, recent polls show.

What changes does he promise?&nbsp;

If he does enter Planalto, Brazil's equivalent of the White House, Bolsonaro has promised big changes.

He wants looser gun laws for "good" civilians to help counter rife street assaults and murders, and for the army to go after organized crime.

Political corruption will be quashed and the government streamlined, he has said. Brazil would sell off state enterprises to bring down spiraling public debt.

In foreign relations, Brasilia would "cease coddling murderous dictatorships," his manifesto says.

That looks like a reference particularly to neighboring Venezuela, whose implosion under the rule of Socialist President Nicolas Maduro has sent tens of thousands of people fleeing over the border into Brazil.&nbsp;

Instead, it would turn more towards countries such as the United States, Israel and Italy.

"We've got to give Socialism, Communism, a kick up the ass," he told a Brazilian TV station, Record, late Thursday.

Brazil holds presidential and legislative elections on Sunday. A far-right politician promising a hard line on crime and corruption, Jair Bolsonaro, is the frontrunner for the top job.

Brazil holds presidential and legislative elections on Sunday. A far-right politician promising a hard line on crime and corruption, Jair Bolsonaro, is the frontrunner for the top job. Here's what you need to know: How important are the elections? Brazil is one of the most important emerging economies out there, one of the BRICS and Latin America's biggest democracy. Whoever ends up as president will be at the helm of the world's 8th-biggest economy, an oil producer and major energy consumer whose chief trading partner is China. Yet it's only three decades since Brazil shucked off a military dictatorship. And it has just emerged from its worst-ever recession, which wiped away much of a preceding decade of prosperity. Who is Bolsonaro? Out of a field of 13 presidential candidates, Bolsonaro is by far the most controversial and polarizing. Once an army captain, he has been a deputy in Brazil's congress since 1991, during which he became known for offensive remarks against women, gays and Brazil's mostly black poor. But he also has a healthy polling lead over rivals -- attributed to his tough-guy promises to crack down on crime and graft, and his canny use of Facebook to reach out to voters. Massive protests by Brazilian women have been held against Bolsonaro. Although a Catholic, he has the backing of an influential evangelical bloc in congress that would help him govern if he wins the presidency. A stabbing attack by a lone knifeman last month as he campaigned only increased sympathy for him -- and for his pledge to be ruthless with street criminals. Is he a shoo-in? Not yet. Sunday is the first round of the presidential elections. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent, then a second, knockout round will be held on October 28 between the two with the highest scores. Bolsonaro boasts he will win outright on Sunday and Brazilians can go to the beach instead on October 28. But analysts say that while a first-round victory can't be excluded, the polling numbers available make it unlikely. In a second round, the outcome would be uncertain. Surveys suggest Bolsonaro would be neck-and-neck with his nearest rival, leftist candidate Fernando Haddad, the Workers' Party's choice to replace popular ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is in jail for bribery. Against the candidate currently trailing in third place, center-left politician Ciro Gomes, Bolsonaro would likely lose, recent polls show. What changes does he promise? If he does enter Planalto, Brazil's equivalent of the White House, Bolsonaro has promised big changes. He wants looser gun laws for "good" civilians to help counter rife street assaults and murders, and for the army to go after organized crime. Political corruption will be quashed and the government streamlined, he has said. Brazil would sell off state enterprises to bring down spiraling public debt. In foreign relations, Brasilia would "cease coddling murderous dictatorships," his manifesto says. That looks like a reference particularly to neighboring Venezuela, whose implosion under the rule of Socialist President Nicolas Maduro has sent tens of thousands of people fleeing over the border into Brazil. Instead, it would turn more towards countries such as the United States, Israel and Italy. "We've got to give Socialism, Communism, a kick up the ass," he told a Brazilian TV station, Record, late Thursday.

Brazil is choosing a new president; here's what you need to know

A week afterlosing the elctions, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen called for nationwide protests over alleged vote rigging until the Elecion Commission addresses the situation, reports said.

Results from Sunday's election released by the electoral commission showed Yameen on 41.7 per cent of the vote, well behind Solih on 58.3 per cent -- the only other name on ballot papers.&nbsp;

There had been concerns at home and abroad that Yameen might not accept the outcome. He had borrowed hundreds of millions of dollars from China for an infrastructure blitz, to the alarm of the Maldives' traditional backer India.

The result was a major surprise, with Yameen's main political rivals either in prison or in exile, media coverage of the opposition sparse and monitors and the opposition predicting the vote would be rigged.

At two press briefings earlier in the day, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) lawmakers called on the electoral body to address concerns and demanded answers.

But neither the president nor the lawmakers made any specific allegations about electoral fraud or vote rigging.

The president reportedly suggested rings were used.

Meanwhile, an anti-money laundering body in the Maldives has informed police that President Abdulla Yameen received 22.5 million Maldivian rufiyaa ($1.5m) in hard currency days in advance of a contentious presidential election in the Indian Ocean island nation.

As per Al Jazeera the president received the money in two instalments to a private bank account at the Maldives Islamic Bank.

The document from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an agency under the Maldives' central bank, was dated September 13 and was addressed to Acting Commissioner of Police Abdulla Nawaz.

In the letter, the FIU said a third party deposited US $648,508 in hard currency into the president's account on September 5. Another US $810,635 was deposited to the same account on September 10.&nbsp;

A week afterlosing the elctions, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen called for nationwide protests over alleged vote rigging until the Elecion Commission addresses the situation, reports said.

A week afterlosing the elctions, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen called for nationwide protests over alleged vote rigging until the Elecion Commission addresses the situation, reports said. Results from Sunday's election released by the electoral commission showed Yameen on 41.7 per cent of the vote, well behind Solih on 58.3 per cent -- the only other name on ballot papers. There had been concerns at home and abroad that Yameen might not accept the outcome. He had borrowed hundreds of millions of dollars from China for an infrastructure blitz, to the alarm of the Maldives' traditional backer India. The result was a major surprise, with Yameen's main political rivals either in prison or in exile, media coverage of the opposition sparse and monitors and the opposition predicting the vote would be rigged. At two press briefings earlier in the day, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) lawmakers called on the electoral body to address concerns and demanded answers. But neither the president nor the lawmakers made any specific allegations about electoral fraud or vote rigging. The president reportedly suggested rings were used. Meanwhile, an anti-money laundering body in the Maldives has informed police that President Abdulla Yameen received 22.5 million Maldivian rufiyaa ($1.5m) in hard currency days in advance of a contentious presidential election in the Indian Ocean island nation. As per Al Jazeera the president received the money in two instalments to a private bank account at the Maldives Islamic Bank. The document from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an agency under the Maldives' central bank, was dated September 13 and was addressed to Acting Commissioner of Police Abdulla Nawaz. In the letter, the FIU said a third party deposited US $648,508 in hard currency into the president's account on September 5. Another US $810,635 was deposited to the same account on September 10.

Maldives president calls for protests over alleged vote rigging

Polling booths in the Maldives closed Sunday after three hours of extended voting in a controversial election marred by police raids on the opposition and allegations of vote rigging in favour of president Abdulla Yameen.

An election official said voting was extended due to technical glitches involving electronic voter registers, as well as a heavy voter turnout. Those in the queue to vote by 19:00 (1400GMT) would still be allowed to cast their ballots, he added.

More than a quarter of a million people were eligible to vote in around 400 polling booths across the coral islands.

Hundreds of people queued outside polling stations in the capital, Male, early on Sunday. On some islands, people started queuing on Saturday night.

Hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power in the election.

The opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent.

A candidate must secure 50 per cent of the vote to win outright, failing which there would be a runoff three days later, according to election laws, but since there are only two candidates there will be no second round.

Yameen's government has jailed many of his main rivals, including former president and his half-brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, on charges ranging from terrorism to corruption.

The process is being closely watched by regional rivals India and China, who are jostling to influence Indian Ocean nations. The European Union and the United States, meanwhile, have threatened sanctions if the vote is not free and fair.

(With inputs from agencies)

Polling booths in the Maldives closed Sunday after three hours of extended voting in a controversial election marred by police raids on the opposition and allegations of vote rigging in favour of president Abdulla Yameen.

Polling booths in the Maldives closed Sunday after three hours of extended voting in a controversial election marred by police raids on the opposition and allegations of vote rigging in favour of president Abdulla Yameen. An election official said voting was extended due to technical glitches involving electronic voter registers, as well as a heavy voter turnout. Those in the queue to vote by 19:00 (1400GMT) would still be allowed to cast their ballots, he added. More than a quarter of a million people were eligible to vote in around 400 polling booths across the coral islands. Hundreds of people queued outside polling stations in the capital, Male, early on Sunday. On some islands, people started queuing on Saturday night. Hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power in the election. The opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent. A candidate must secure 50 per cent of the vote to win outright, failing which there would be a runoff three days later, according to election laws, but since there are only two candidates there will be no second round. Yameen's government has jailed many of his main rivals, including former president and his half-brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, on charges ranging from terrorism to corruption. The process is being closely watched by regional rivals India and China, who are jostling to influence Indian Ocean nations. The European Union and the United States, meanwhile, have threatened sanctions if the vote is not free and fair. (With inputs from agencies)

Polls close in Maldives after heavy turnout: Official

Back when he was a mild-mannered civil servant, few in the Maldives predicted Abdulla Yameen would one day run the country, let alone with an iron grip, locking up judges, his rivals and even his 80-year-old half-brother.

Now, five years after skillfully manoeuvering his way to the top, the 59-year-old is on the cusp of being elected on Sunday to a second five-year term running the Indian Ocean archipelago beloved of foreign tourists.

All of his main rivals are either behind bars or in exile, local media are scared to be critical -- and even to report on the opposition -- and the electoral system has been rigged, his opponents claim.

Adding to the alarm of the United States, the European Union and regional heavyweight India, Yameen has also cosied up to China, using cheap credit from Beijing for a blitz of infrastructure building.

"When I was first sworn into office, our nation was in disarray. The state institutions were in chaos, and the institutions were... on the brink of collapse," Yameen said in a recent address to the nation.

Now though after five years, he had restored "stability and economic prosperity" to the nation of 340,000 people and more than 1,000 coral islands, he said.

- Family business - 
Until 10 years ago, Yameen was just the half-brother of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, president from 1978 until 2008.

After working as a surveyor, Yameen got his first taste of government under Gayoom, serving in his cabinet as a trade minister and as employment minister.

But Gayoom was defeated at the country's first democratic election in 2008 and his young challenger Mohamed Nasheed became a reformist president.

However, Nasheed stepped down in 2012 after protests that he said were instigated by Gayoom.

Yameen stood in elections the following year, in which Nasheed won the first round, but the Supreme Court annulled the result.

A subsequent vote was then twice delayed, allowing Yameen time to forge alliances that helped him narrowly win a contested run-off.

When he was inaugurated, diplomats in nearby Sri Lanka thought Yameen would end up being a puppet of Gayoom, but the new president soon showed that he was his own man.

Early evidence that he meant business came in September 2015 when after an alleged assassination attempt involving a blast on his yacht, Yameen had his deputy Ahmed Adeeb jailed.

Then in February this year, Yameen showed how ruthless he could be when the Supreme Court moved to overturn convictions of his rivals, setting up a possible impeachment by his opponents in parliament.

Yameen hit back by declaring a state of emergency, suspending the constitution, arresting the Chief Justice and another judge of the Supreme Court and sending troops to take over parliament.

His aged half-brother Gayoom was jailed for allegedly conspiring with the Supreme Court to topple him.

The crackdown was condemned by the US and the EU, and described by the UN human rights chief as "an all-out assault on democracy".

- 'Holding a fish' - 
Undeterred, Yameen had consistently ignored the international pressure.

"It is... important that friends and partners in the international community, including India, refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country," the foreign ministry said in a statement after the state of emergency was imposed.

The man who would have been Yameen's main rival in Sunday's election, former president Nasheed, is living in exile after being sentenced to 13 years in prison for a terrorism conviction which the UN says was politically motivated.

"Yameen is a very clever manipulator and a very intelligent person, but unfortunately he has a criminal mind," said Ahmed Naseem, a former foreign minister and opposition activist.

"He is not a charismatic popular figure. Even when he tries to carry a baby, it looks like he is holding a fish." 
&nbsp;

Back when he was a mild-mannered civil servant, few in the Maldives predicted Abdulla Yameen would one day run the country, let alone with an iron grip, locking up judges, his rivals and even his 80-year-old half-brother.

Back when he was a mild-mannered civil servant, few in the Maldives predicted Abdulla Yameen would one day run the country, let alone with an iron grip, locking up judges, his rivals and even his 80-year-old half-brother. Now, five years after skillfully manoeuvering his way to the top, the 59-year-old is on the cusp of being elected on Sunday to a second five-year term running the Indian Ocean archipelago beloved of foreign tourists. All of his main rivals are either behind bars or in exile, local media are scared to be critical -- and even to report on the opposition -- and the electoral system has been rigged, his opponents claim. Adding to the alarm of the United States, the European Union and regional heavyweight India, Yameen has also cosied up to China, using cheap credit from Beijing for a blitz of infrastructure building. "When I was first sworn into office, our nation was in disarray. The state institutions were in chaos, and the institutions were... on the brink of collapse," Yameen said in a recent address to the nation. Now though after five years, he had restored "stability and economic prosperity" to the nation of 340,000 people and more than 1,000 coral islands, he said. - Family business - Until 10 years ago, Yameen was just the half-brother of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, president from 1978 until 2008. After working as a surveyor, Yameen got his first taste of government under Gayoom, serving in his cabinet as a trade minister and as employment minister. But Gayoom was defeated at the country's first democratic election in 2008 and his young challenger Mohamed Nasheed became a reformist president. However, Nasheed stepped down in 2012 after protests that he said were instigated by Gayoom. Yameen stood in elections the following year, in which Nasheed won the first round, but the Supreme Court annulled the result. A subsequent vote was then twice delayed, allowing Yameen time to forge alliances that helped him narrowly win a contested run-off. When he was inaugurated, diplomats in nearby Sri Lanka thought Yameen would end up being a puppet of Gayoom, but the new president soon showed that he was his own man. Early evidence that he meant business came in September 2015 when after an alleged assassination attempt involving a blast on his yacht, Yameen had his deputy Ahmed Adeeb jailed. Then in February this year, Yameen showed how ruthless he could be when the Supreme Court moved to overturn convictions of his rivals, setting up a possible impeachment by his opponents in parliament. Yameen hit back by declaring a state of emergency, suspending the constitution, arresting the Chief Justice and another judge of the Supreme Court and sending troops to take over parliament. His aged half-brother Gayoom was jailed for allegedly conspiring with the Supreme Court to topple him. The crackdown was condemned by the US and the EU, and described by the UN human rights chief as "an all-out assault on democracy". - 'Holding a fish' - Undeterred, Yameen had consistently ignored the international pressure. "It is... important that friends and partners in the international community, including India, refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country," the foreign ministry said in a statement after the state of emergency was imposed. The man who would have been Yameen's main rival in Sunday's election, former president Nasheed, is living in exile after being sentenced to 13 years in prison for a terrorism conviction which the UN says was politically motivated. "Yameen is a very clever manipulator and a very intelligent person, but unfortunately he has a criminal mind," said Ahmed Naseem, a former foreign minister and opposition activist. "He is not a charismatic popular figure. Even when he tries to carry a baby, it looks like he is holding a fish."

Abdulla Yameen, unlikely Maldives strongman

Maldives strongman Abdulla Yameen seeks a second term as president Sunday in a tourist paradise that has become a battleground for influence between regional giants India and China, and a source of global alarm over political oppression and a muzzling of the media.

With all his main rivals in prison or in exile, the odds appear stacked in the Beijing-friendly incumbent's favour, and warnings of punitive action from the international community have been flowing in even before a single ballot has been cast.

The EU has said it is ready to slap travel bans and asset freezes on individuals "if the situation does not improve", while the US has warned it would "consider appropriate measures" against people undermining democracy and rule of law.

India, long influential in Maldives affairs -- it sent troops and warships in 1988 to stop a coup attempt -- has also expressed misgivings.

But with China bankrolling Yameen's regime to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in loans, his grip on the honeymoon archipelago of nearly 1,200 coral islands appears unlikely to loosen.

Battered by years of violent intimidation, spurious arrests and enforced exile, the opposition has united behind a joint candidate -- the little-known Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

But voters would be hard-pressed to notice, with heavy-handed decrees and reporting restrictions stifling a media already fearful of doing anything to offend the president of the Muslim nation of 340,000 people.

The government has used "vaguely worded laws to silence dissent and to intimidate and imprison critics", some of whom have been assaulted and even murdered, according to Human Rights Watch.

"The election campaign reporting is severely restricted by the defamation law.&nbsp;This is not fair reporting, but we have no choice," one local journalist told AFP, preferring to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions.

"We can't even use social media to talk about opposition politicians," the reporter said.

Even publishing photos of people wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the faces of jailed politicians is off-limits.

Few foreign journalists seeking to cover the election have been granted visas, and in many cases only at the last minute, anecdotal information suggests.

The opposition says that the result will be to reduce "independent scrutiny of the vote and President Yameen's likely attempts to steal it."

Activists told HRW&nbsp;that new rules could also hamper the ability of observers to follow the counting process, raising fears that the election will be rigged, the watchdog said.

The accusations follow a familiar pattern for Yameen, 59, who was accused of grabbing power in controversial circumstances in 2013 when the Supreme Court annulled a vote count he was losing.

A subsequent poll was then delayed twice as Yameen forged new alliances before narrowly winning a contested run-off against ex-president Mohamed Nasheed -- now in exile following a 2015 terrorism conviction.

Meanwhile he has used cheap Chinese credit to invest in infrastructure, like the new "China-Maldives Friendship Bridge" and a major expansion of the main airport that originally India was to undertake.

Flanked by Chinese officials at the $200-million bridge's inauguration in August, Yameen hailed "the dawn of a new era".

But his close ties has raised fears that, like other countries enjoying Beijing's "Belt&nbsp;and&nbsp;Road&nbsp;Initiative" largesse, the Maldives may find itself in a Chinese debt trap.

Last year Sri Lanka, which like the Maldives straddles east-west maritime trade routes, granted China a 99-year lease on a new, $1.4-billion deep-sea port because it couldn't pay its debts.

Since taking office Yameen has also cracked down on dissent, imposing a 45-day state of emergency in February described by the UN human rights chief as "an all-out assault on democracy".

The drastic measures, taken after a court ordered that sacked MPs be restored and dissidents freed from jail, were seen by opponents as a move to head off attempts to impeach him.

Even family members have not been spared, with Yameen's half-brother Maumoon Abdul Gayoom -- who was president from 1978 to 2008 -- subsequently arrested, along with the&nbsp;Maldives' chief justice and Supreme Court judges.

There have been allegations of corruption too, with a report this week claiming Yameen benefited from the lucrative leasing of islands and lagoons to developers. He has denied any involvement.

Maldives strongman Abdulla Yameen seeks a second term as president Sunday in a tourist paradise that has become a battleground for influence between regional giants India and China, and a source of global alarm over political oppression and a muzzling of the media.

Maldives strongman Abdulla Yameen seeks a second term as president Sunday in a tourist paradise that has become a battleground for influence between regional giants India and China, and a source of global alarm over political oppression and a muzzling of the media. With all his main rivals in prison or in exile, the odds appear stacked in the Beijing-friendly incumbent's favour, and warnings of punitive action from the international community have been flowing in even before a single ballot has been cast. The EU has said it is ready to slap travel bans and asset freezes on individuals "if the situation does not improve", while the US has warned it would "consider appropriate measures" against people undermining democracy and rule of law. India, long influential in Maldives affairs -- it sent troops and warships in 1988 to stop a coup attempt -- has also expressed misgivings. But with China bankrolling Yameen's regime to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in loans, his grip on the honeymoon archipelago of nearly 1,200 coral islands appears unlikely to loosen. Battered by years of violent intimidation, spurious arrests and enforced exile, the opposition has united behind a joint candidate -- the little-known Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. But voters would be hard-pressed to notice, with heavy-handed decrees and reporting restrictions stifling a media already fearful of doing anything to offend the president of the Muslim nation of 340,000 people. The government has used "vaguely worded laws to silence dissent and to intimidate and imprison critics", some of whom have been assaulted and even murdered, according to Human Rights Watch. "The election campaign reporting is severely restricted by the defamation law. This is not fair reporting, but we have no choice," one local journalist told AFP, preferring to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions. "We can't even use social media to talk about opposition politicians," the reporter said. Even publishing photos of people wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the faces of jailed politicians is off-limits. Few foreign journalists seeking to cover the election have been granted visas, and in many cases only at the last minute, anecdotal information suggests. The opposition says that the result will be to reduce "independent scrutiny of the vote and President Yameen's likely attempts to steal it." Activists told HRW that new rules could also hamper the ability of observers to follow the counting process, raising fears that the election will be rigged, the watchdog said. The accusations follow a familiar pattern for Yameen, 59, who was accused of grabbing power in controversial circumstances in 2013 when the Supreme Court annulled a vote count he was losing. A subsequent poll was then delayed twice as Yameen forged new alliances before narrowly winning a contested run-off against ex-president Mohamed Nasheed -- now in exile following a 2015 terrorism conviction. Meanwhile he has used cheap Chinese credit to invest in infrastructure, like the new "China-Maldives Friendship Bridge" and a major expansion of the main airport that originally India was to undertake. Flanked by Chinese officials at the $200-million bridge's inauguration in August, Yameen hailed "the dawn of a new era". But his close ties has raised fears that, like other countries enjoying Beijing's "Belt and Road Initiative" largesse, the Maldives may find itself in a Chinese debt trap. Last year Sri Lanka, which like the Maldives straddles east-west maritime trade routes, granted China a 99-year lease on a new, $1.4-billion deep-sea port because it couldn't pay its debts. Since taking office Yameen has also cracked down on dissent, imposing a 45-day state of emergency in February described by the UN human rights chief as "an all-out assault on democracy". The drastic measures, taken after a court ordered that sacked MPs be restored and dissidents freed from jail, were seen by opponents as a move to head off attempts to impeach him. Even family members have not been spared, with Yameen's half-brother Maumoon Abdul Gayoom -- who was president from 1978 to 2008 -- subsequently arrested, along with the Maldives' chief justice and Supreme Court judges. There have been allegations of corruption too, with a report this week claiming Yameen benefited from the lucrative leasing of islands and lagoons to developers. He has denied any involvement.

Maldives leader looks to tighten grip as opposition muzzled

A voter turnout of 51 per cent has been recorded in Bengaluru city's Jayanagar assembly constituency till 5 pm&nbsp;on Monday.

The election was countermanded after the death of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate BN&nbsp;Vijayakumar, who was the sitting MLA from the seat. Currently, the party has fielded his brother BN&nbsp;Prahlad.

Earlier on June 5, the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S) decided to support the Congress after withdrawing its candidate Kalegowda from the Jayanagar assembly constituency.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a>: 51% voter turnout recorded till 5 PM in Bengaluru's Jayanagar assembly constituency. The election was countermanded after the death of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate B.N. Vijayakumar, who was the sitting MLA from the seat.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006144987526909952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The HD&nbsp;Kumaraswamy-led party will now support Congress candidate Sowmya Reddy, the daughter of heavyweight and former state minister R. Ramalinga Reddy.

The party added that it would campaign for the Congress as well.

The counting of votes for the 222 of the 224 assembly seats in the Karnataka state assembly took place on May 15.

The BJP had emerged as the single largest party in the state assembly with 104 seats, while the Congress and JD(S) garnered 78 seats and 37 seats respectively.

However, after days of high-political drama in the state, the Congress and the JD(S) came together and managed to form the government in the state in partnership.

The election was countermanded after the death of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate B.N. Vijayakumar, who was the sitting MLA from the seat

A voter turnout of 51 per cent has been recorded in Bengaluru city's Jayanagar assembly constituency till 5 pm on Monday. The election was countermanded after the death of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate BN Vijayakumar, who was the sitting MLA from the seat. Currently, the party has fielded his brother BN Prahlad. Earlier on June 5, the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S) decided to support the Congress after withdrawing its candidate Kalegowda from the Jayanagar assembly constituency. #Karnataka: 51% voter turnout recorded till 5 PM in Bengaluru's Jayanagar assembly constituency. The election was countermanded after the death of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate B.N. Vijayakumar, who was the sitting MLA from the seat. — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2018 × The HD Kumaraswamy-led party will now support Congress candidate Sowmya Reddy, the daughter of heavyweight and former state minister R. Ramalinga Reddy. The party added that it would campaign for the Congress as well. The counting of votes for the 222 of the 224 assembly seats in the Karnataka state assembly took place on May 15. The BJP had emerged as the single largest party in the state assembly with 104 seats, while the Congress and JD(S) garnered 78 seats and 37 seats respectively. However, after days of high-political drama in the state, the Congress and the JD(S) came together and managed to form the government in the state in partnership.

Jayanagar bypoll: 51% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm

Turkey&nbsp;may&nbsp;lift a&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency, imposed shortly&nbsp;after&nbsp;a failed coup attempt in 2016,&nbsp;after&nbsp;the June 24 elections, President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said on Thursday.

Speaking in an interview with CNN Turk,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said the issue of lifting the&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;rule would be discussed&nbsp;after&nbsp;the snap presidential and parliamentary elections later this month.

The issue of lifting the emergency rule would be discussed after the snap presidential and parliamentary elections

Turkey may lift a state of emergency, imposed shortly after a failed coup attempt in 2016, after the June 24 elections, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday. Speaking in an interview with CNN Turk, Erdogan said the issue of lifting the emergency rule would be discussed after the snap presidential and parliamentary elections later this month.

State of emergency may be lifted after elections: Erdogan

The UN Security Council is expected to give its backing today to the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya in December.

The council has scheduled a meeting to adopt a French-drafted presidential statement that would welcome "the momentum generated" by an international conference on Libya hosted by President Emmanuel Macron on May 29.

Libya plunged into chaos following a 2011 uprising that toppled and later killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Since 2014, the country has been split between rival governments and parliaments based in the western and eastern regions, each backed by different militias and tribes.

The draft presidential statement would put the Security Council on record saying that "the current political and security situation in Libya is not sustainable." And it would note "the resounding call of all Libyans for credible, inclusive and peaceful elections in order to achieve a united and stable Libya." At the Paris conference, rival Libyan leaders agreed on a political roadmap leading to elections on&nbsp;December 10.

The draft presidential statement welcomes their commitment "to work constructively with the UN to organize credible and peaceful parliamentary and presidential elections, and to respect the results." It also welcomes the parties' recognition "of the importance of developing a constitutional basis for elections." The statement further recognizes the key role of UN envoy Ghassan Salame "in consulting with Libyan parties to set the constitutional basis for elections and to adopt the necessary laws."

The draft notes the commitment of parties to the Paris agreement "to organize an inclusive political conference" under UN auspices to follow up on implementation of the roadmap.

It would also express concern at the humanitarian situation in Libya, especially in Derna where clashes have been ongoing since April and would call on all parties "to exercise restraint."

The draft presidential statement would put the Security Council on record saying that "the current political and security situation in Libya is not sustainable."

The UN Security Council is expected to give its backing today to the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya in December. The council has scheduled a meeting to adopt a French-drafted presidential statement that would welcome "the momentum generated" by an international conference on Libya hosted by President Emmanuel Macron on May 29. Libya plunged into chaos following a 2011 uprising that toppled and later killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Since 2014, the country has been split between rival governments and parliaments based in the western and eastern regions, each backed by different militias and tribes. The draft presidential statement would put the Security Council on record saying that "the current political and security situation in Libya is not sustainable." And it would note "the resounding call of all Libyans for credible, inclusive and peaceful elections in order to achieve a united and stable Libya." At the Paris conference, rival Libyan leaders agreed on a political roadmap leading to elections on December 10. The draft presidential statement welcomes their commitment "to work constructively with the UN to organize credible and peaceful parliamentary and presidential elections, and to respect the results." It also welcomes the parties' recognition "of the importance of developing a constitutional basis for elections." The statement further recognizes the key role of UN envoy Ghassan Salame "in consulting with Libyan parties to set the constitutional basis for elections and to adopt the necessary laws." The draft notes the commitment of parties to the Paris agreement "to organize an inclusive political conference" under UN auspices to follow up on implementation of the roadmap. It would also express concern at the humanitarian situation in Libya, especially in Derna where clashes have been ongoing since April and would call on all parties "to exercise restraint."

UN council expected to back elections in Libya in December

A close aide to new Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday rejected any prospect of early elections, despite his Socialist party being well short of a majority in parliament.

Sanchez, whose party holds just 84 of 350 seats, was propelled to head of government on Friday after convincing an unlikely alliance of anti-austerity and nationalist parties to oust the conservatives over a corruption scandal.

"It's clearly unusual to govern with 84 lawmakers but the political situation remains very fragmented and everything suggests a new election wouldn't fix that," Jose Luis Abalos, often described as Sanchez's right-hand man, told COPE radio.

Socialist Pedro Sanchez's arrival to power in Spain has brought a glimmer of hope that icy ties will thaw between Madrid and Catalan separatists, who are wary of the new leader but happy that veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy has gone.

It was Catalan separatist lawmakers -- along with Basque nationalists -- who swung the balance in favour of a no-confidence vote brought Friday against Rajoy due to corruption woes afflicting his party.

As opposition leader, 46-year-old economist Sanchez was deeply critical of Catalonia's secession bid last October.

He backed Rajoy's imposition of direct rule on the region after separatist leaders declared Catalan independence.

But he softened his tone as Catalan separatist lawmakers in the national parliament backed his no-confidence motion. He has said he wants to "build bridges" with the new regional separatist government.

Sanchez, whose party holds just 84 of 350 seats, was propelled to head of government on Friday after convincing an unlikely alliance of anti-austerity and nationalist parties to oust the conservatives over a corruption scandal

A close aide to new Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday rejected any prospect of early elections, despite his Socialist party being well short of a majority in parliament. Sanchez, whose party holds just 84 of 350 seats, was propelled to head of government on Friday after convincing an unlikely alliance of anti-austerity and nationalist parties to oust the conservatives over a corruption scandal. "It's clearly unusual to govern with 84 lawmakers but the political situation remains very fragmented and everything suggests a new election wouldn't fix that," Jose Luis Abalos, often described as Sanchez's right-hand man, told COPE radio. Socialist Pedro Sanchez's arrival to power in Spain has brought a glimmer of hope that icy ties will thaw between Madrid and Catalan separatists, who are wary of the new leader but happy that veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy has gone. It was Catalan separatist lawmakers -- along with Basque nationalists -- who swung the balance in favour of a no-confidence vote brought Friday against Rajoy due to corruption woes afflicting his party. As opposition leader, 46-year-old economist Sanchez was deeply critical of Catalonia's secession bid last October. He backed Rajoy's imposition of direct rule on the region after separatist leaders declared Catalan independence. But he softened his tone as Catalan separatist lawmakers in the national parliament backed his no-confidence motion. He has said he wants to "build bridges" with the new regional separatist government.

No early elections in Spain, aide to new PM says

Pakistan's former chief justice Nasirul Mulk will take over as the country’s caretaker PM on June 1 for less than two months, leading up to the elections on July 25. 
&nbsp; 
Mulk was born on August 17, 1950 in Mingora, Swat, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He worked as lawyer and judge for several years before his appointment as the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan in 2014.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Mulk, 68, served as chief justice of Pakistan's Supreme Court for just over a year in 2014 he holds a reputation for being politically neutral. 
&nbsp; 
Mulk studied law from the United Kingdom and was selected after six weeks of consultations between Prime Minister Shaid Abbasi and Opposition leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah. 
&nbsp; 
Mulk resigned as the head of the country's supirior judiciary after 13 month in 2015. During this time he gave four historical judgments, which was hailed by the media in Pakistan for strengthening democracy in the country. 
&nbsp; 
He was also head of the judicial commission which probed allegations made by Imran Khan’s Pakisan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) party that 2013 elections were rigged. He is also remembered for the way he conducted a contempt case against former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. 
&nbsp; 
The now-retired Mulk practised as an advocate for more than 17 years until his elevation as a judge of the Peshawar High Court. He was later made the chief justice of the court and later his elevated to the Supreme Court. 
&nbsp; 
Justice Mulk is one of the seven judges who signed a restraining order on Nov 3, 2007, when retired Gen Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency and forcibly sent the judges home. 
&nbsp; 
The nomination of Justice Nasirul Mulk has understandably been hailed by all segments of the society throughout the country. He is popular for upholding rule of law and the Constitution. 
&nbsp; 
The role is largely ceremonial with caretaker governments constitutionally given limited decision-making power on major policy issues. 
&nbsp; 
Mulk’s primary responsibility now is to hold elections on time, and to ensure the day-to-day affairs of government continues unhindered.

Mulk was born on August 17, 1950 in Mingora, Swat, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He worked as lawyer and judge for several years before his appointment as the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan in 2014

Pakistan's former chief justice Nasirul Mulk will take over as the country’s caretaker PM on June 1 for less than two months, leading up to the elections on July 25. Mulk was born on August 17, 1950 in Mingora, Swat, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He worked as lawyer and judge for several years before his appointment as the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan in 2014. Mulk, 68, served as chief justice of Pakistan's Supreme Court for just over a year in 2014 he holds a reputation for being politically neutral. Mulk studied law from the United Kingdom and was selected after six weeks of consultations between Prime Minister Shaid Abbasi and Opposition leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah. Mulk resigned as the head of the country's supirior judiciary after 13 month in 2015. During this time he gave four historical judgments, which was hailed by the media in Pakistan for strengthening democracy in the country. He was also head of the judicial commission which probed allegations made by Imran Khan’s Pakisan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) party that 2013 elections were rigged. He is also remembered for the way he conducted a contempt case against former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. The now-retired Mulk practised as an advocate for more than 17 years until his elevation as a judge of the Peshawar High Court. He was later made the chief justice of the court and later his elevated to the Supreme Court. Justice Mulk is one of the seven judges who signed a restraining order on Nov 3, 2007, when retired Gen Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency and forcibly sent the judges home. The nomination of Justice Nasirul Mulk has understandably been hailed by all segments of the society throughout the country. He is popular for upholding rule of law and the Constitution. The role is largely ceremonial with caretaker governments constitutionally given limited decision-making power on major policy issues. Mulk’s primary responsibility now is to hold elections on time, and to ensure the day-to-day affairs of government continues unhindered.

Nasirul Mulk to take over as Pakistan's caretaker PM on June 1

Zimbabwe announced on Wednesday it would choose a new president and parliament on July 30, in the country's first electoral test since the removal of its autocratic former leader Robert Mugabe.

His successor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, unveiled the date in the official Zimbabwe Government Gazette.

"Monday, the 30th day of July, 2018 (is) the day of the election to the office of President, the election of members of the National Assembly and election of councillors," Mnangagwa said in a proclamation.

Once a right-hand man to the 94-year-old Mugabe, Mnangagwa dramatically succeeded the veteran leader in November after nearly four-decades in charge when troops swarmed the streets and briefly seized key sites.

Mnangagwa, 75, will square off against the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party, now led by 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa following the death of Morgan Tsvangirai in February.

If no candidate receives a simple majority in the first round of the presidential election, a run-off will be held on September 8.

Elections under Mugabe were marred by corruption, intimidation and violence, but Mnangagwa has vowed to hold a free and fair vote.

The election will be the first to be monitored by Western observers in many years.

On Monday Harare and the European Union announced that observers from the bloc would monitor polls in the southern African country for the first time in 16 years.

The head of the last EU observer mission, Pierre Schori, was thrown out of Zimbabwe in 2002 on the eve of presidential elections that were condemned as flawed.

Following the high-profile spat, Zimbabwe barred the EU and other Western observers from sending further missions to monitor polls in the country as Mugabe grew more and more defiant of foreign criticism up until his downfall.

And in a further sign of Zimbabwe's growing efforts to mend fences with former foes following Mugabe's resignation, the country has applied to re-join the Commonwealth, the bloc of former British colonies said Monday.

Harare's membership was suspended in 2003 over the violent and graft-ridden elections the previous year.

Zimbabwe left the Commonwealth at the height of violent land seizures, when white farmers were evicted in favour of landless black people -- a policy that wrecked agriculture and triggered economic collapse.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland confirmed that the organisation would also send observers to the elections.

Mugabe sent shockwaves through the ruling ZANU-PF, the party he dominated for decades, when he recently posed with a retired general who will take on the government in this year's election.

Despite a slew of reformist pledges and announcements it is unclear whether Mnangagwa, who was a vital cog in the ZANU-PF party and helped Mugabe to hold onto power for 37 years, has won the support of ordinary Zimbabweans.

His successor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, unveiled the date in the official Zimbabwe Government Gazette

Zimbabwe announced on Wednesday it would choose a new president and parliament on July 30, in the country's first electoral test since the removal of its autocratic former leader Robert Mugabe. His successor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, unveiled the date in the official Zimbabwe Government Gazette. "Monday, the 30th day of July, 2018 (is) the day of the election to the office of President, the election of members of the National Assembly and election of councillors," Mnangagwa said in a proclamation. Once a right-hand man to the 94-year-old Mugabe, Mnangagwa dramatically succeeded the veteran leader in November after nearly four-decades in charge when troops swarmed the streets and briefly seized key sites. Mnangagwa, 75, will square off against the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party, now led by 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa following the death of Morgan Tsvangirai in February. If no candidate receives a simple majority in the first round of the presidential election, a run-off will be held on September 8. Elections under Mugabe were marred by corruption, intimidation and violence, but Mnangagwa has vowed to hold a free and fair vote. The election will be the first to be monitored by Western observers in many years. On Monday Harare and the European Union announced that observers from the bloc would monitor polls in the southern African country for the first time in 16 years. The head of the last EU observer mission, Pierre Schori, was thrown out of Zimbabwe in 2002 on the eve of presidential elections that were condemned as flawed. Following the high-profile spat, Zimbabwe barred the EU and other Western observers from sending further missions to monitor polls in the country as Mugabe grew more and more defiant of foreign criticism up until his downfall. And in a further sign of Zimbabwe's growing efforts to mend fences with former foes following Mugabe's resignation, the country has applied to re-join the Commonwealth, the bloc of former British colonies said Monday. Harare's membership was suspended in 2003 over the violent and graft-ridden elections the previous year. Zimbabwe left the Commonwealth at the height of violent land seizures, when white farmers were evicted in favour of landless black people -- a policy that wrecked agriculture and triggered economic collapse. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland confirmed that the organisation would also send observers to the elections. Mugabe sent shockwaves through the ruling ZANU-PF, the party he dominated for decades, when he recently posed with a retired general who will take on the government in this year's election. Despite a slew of reformist pledges and announcements it is unclear whether Mnangagwa, who was a vital cog in the ZANU-PF party and helped Mugabe to hold onto power for 37 years, has won the support of ordinary Zimbabweans.

Zimbabwe to elect post-Mugabe president on July 30

Italy searched for a last-minute exit from almost three months of political turmoil on Wednesday, with its biggest party looking to make a renewed attempt to form a coalition government with the right-wing League, a source said.

The two anti-establishment parties, the 5-Star Movement and League, had abandoned plans to jointly take power at the weekend after the president blocked their proposed cabinet lineup.

President Sergio Mattarella's veto of 81-year-old eurosceptic Paolo Savona as economy minister appeared to tip the country back towards repeat elections and triggered a dramatic speculative attack on Italian financial markets.

The parties are now trying to find "a point of compromise on another name" for the economy ministry, said the source close to 5-Star, the single-biggest party in the new parliament.

The sense that a resolution of the stalemate might be at hand came from Prime Minister-designate Carlo Cottarelli, who was tasked by the head of state this week to calm the turmoil and plan for repeat elections after the summer.

"New possibilities have emerged for the birth of a political government," Cottarelli was quoted as saying by ANSA news agency, implying that a government headed by politicians rather than technocrats like himself could be in the offing.

"These circumstances, also considering the market tensions, have caused me to wait for further developments."

However, League leader Matteo Salvini, who is surging in opinion polls, appeared to throw cold water on the notion that his party and 5-Star could try again to take power, saying Italy should return to an election as soon as possible.

"The earlier we vote the better because it's the best way to get out of this quagmire and confusion," Salvini told reporters.

He did, however, appear open to an interim administration to govern for a few months, saying an election at the end of July would be "disruptive" for Italian seasonal workers.

He invited Mattarella to make the first move, to "explain to us how we can get out of this situation". A League source said the party would not block any quick political solution that would enable Italy to deal with possible "emergencies".

Currently, Prime Minister-designate Cottarelli has no major parliamentary support for a stopgap government of technocrats.

Despite the softer tone from 5-Star and hopeful remarks from Cottarelli, a top adviser to Salvini said the League was not prepared to abandon Savona, the sole obstacle to the League and 5-Star winning the president's blessing for a coalition.

"If it wasn't possible three days ago, then it's hard to see why it would be now," Giancarlo Giorgetti was quoted as saying to online news site Il Fatto Quotidiano.

A surprise breakthrough between the president and 5-Star/League would ease uncertainty but still usher in a coalition planning to ramp up spending in the heavily indebted nation and push for changes to European Union and euro-zone fiscal rules.

In the event of continued stalemate, Italy will go back to elections, with most major parties calling for the president to dissolve parliament and hold a vote as soon as July 29.

A new opinion poll showed the League, which argues that fiscal rules governing the euro zone are "enslaving" Italians, would boost its share of the vote to a quarter, from around 17 percent on March 4.

The IPSOS poll, in the Corriere della Sera newspaper, showed support for the League's would-be coalition partner, the 5-Star Movement, steady at about 32.6 percent -- implying a much more comfortable majority if the pair were to try again to govern.

That prospect has rocked financial markets, with the euro sinking to multi-month lows on fears that snap elections would lead to a eurosceptic government in Rome.

Italian government bonds, which suffered one of its most dramatic speculative attacks in years on Tuesday, found some support from local investors on Wednesday.

The yield on 10-year bonds edged away from four-year highs and two-year yields, the focus of earlier attacks, also fell.

Shares in Italian banks also recovered a little ground after five straight days of losses.

The two anti-establishment parties, the 5-Star Movement and League, had abandoned plans to jointly take power at the weekend after the president blocked their proposed cabinet lineup

Italy searched for a last-minute exit from almost three months of political turmoil on Wednesday, with its biggest party looking to make a renewed attempt to form a coalition government with the right-wing League, a source said. The two anti-establishment parties, the 5-Star Movement and League, had abandoned plans to jointly take power at the weekend after the president blocked their proposed cabinet lineup. President Sergio Mattarella's veto of 81-year-old eurosceptic Paolo Savona as economy minister appeared to tip the country back towards repeat elections and triggered a dramatic speculative attack on Italian financial markets. The parties are now trying to find "a point of compromise on another name" for the economy ministry, said the source close to 5-Star, the single-biggest party in the new parliament. The sense that a resolution of the stalemate might be at hand came from Prime Minister-designate Carlo Cottarelli, who was tasked by the head of state this week to calm the turmoil and plan for repeat elections after the summer. "New possibilities have emerged for the birth of a political government," Cottarelli was quoted as saying by ANSA news agency, implying that a government headed by politicians rather than technocrats like himself could be in the offing. "These circumstances, also considering the market tensions, have caused me to wait for further developments." However, League leader Matteo Salvini, who is surging in opinion polls, appeared to throw cold water on the notion that his party and 5-Star could try again to take power, saying Italy should return to an election as soon as possible. "The earlier we vote the better because it's the best way to get out of this quagmire and confusion," Salvini told reporters. He did, however, appear open to an interim administration to govern for a few months, saying an election at the end of July would be "disruptive" for Italian seasonal workers. He invited Mattarella to make the first move, to "explain to us how we can get out of this situation". A League source said the party would not block any quick political solution that would enable Italy to deal with possible "emergencies". Currently, Prime Minister-designate Cottarelli has no major parliamentary support for a stopgap government of technocrats. Despite the softer tone from 5-Star and hopeful remarks from Cottarelli, a top adviser to Salvini said the League was not prepared to abandon Savona, the sole obstacle to the League and 5-Star winning the president's blessing for a coalition. "If it wasn't possible three days ago, then it's hard to see why it would be now," Giancarlo Giorgetti was quoted as saying to online news site Il Fatto Quotidiano. A surprise breakthrough between the president and 5-Star/League would ease uncertainty but still usher in a coalition planning to ramp up spending in the heavily indebted nation and push for changes to European Union and euro-zone fiscal rules. In the event of continued stalemate, Italy will go back to elections, with most major parties calling for the president to dissolve parliament and hold a vote as soon as July 29. A new opinion poll showed the League, which argues that fiscal rules governing the euro zone are "enslaving" Italians, would boost its share of the vote to a quarter, from around 17 percent on March 4. The IPSOS poll, in the Corriere della Sera newspaper, showed support for the League's would-be coalition partner, the 5-Star Movement, steady at about 32.6 percent -- implying a much more comfortable majority if the pair were to try again to govern. That prospect has rocked financial markets, with the euro sinking to multi-month lows on fears that snap elections would lead to a eurosceptic government in Rome. Italian government bonds, which suffered one of its most dramatic speculative attacks in years on Tuesday, found some support from local investors on Wednesday. The yield on 10-year bonds edged away from four-year highs and two-year yields, the focus of earlier attacks, also fell. Shares in Italian banks also recovered a little ground after five straight days of losses.

Italy renews attempt to form a government and end turmoil

Rival Libyan factions agreed on Tuesday on a declaration that would create a political framework to pave the way for U.N.-backed elections in December to end the country's seven-year-old conflict.

The oil-producing nation splintered following the 2011 NATO-backed revolt that toppled Muammar Gaddafi, and since 2014 has been divided between competing political and military groups based in Tripoli and the east.

The United Nations is leading an effort to reunify Libya and to organise national elections. France under President Emmanuel Macron has sought to play a bigger role in coaxing the factions to end the turmoil, which has let Islamist militants gain a foothold and migrant smugglers flourish.

The Paris meeting, included eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar, Tripoli Prime Minister Fayez Seraj, and the leaders of rival parliamentary assemblies, aimed to urge them to agree general principles for ending the conflict and moving towards elections.

The four stakeholders said they had agreed on a document to work constructively with the U.N. to realise credible and peaceful elections by Dec. 10 and abide by the results.

"Nobody says it will be a path layered with roses. The challenges exist and will continue to grow," Seraj told a news conference.

"Last month there was a terrorist attack and there are a certain number of enemies to this democratic process."

The declaration was not signed as originally planned because the parties do not all recognise each other's legitimacy and want to consult their home base, but they agreed in principle.

The eight-point document includes a call for the immediate unification of the central bank and the phasing out of parallel government and institutions. It makes a commitment to support the creation of a national army and encourage a dialogue on the issue in Cairo.

The parties committed to set the constitutional basis for elections and to adopt electoral laws by Sept. 16 with a view to holding legislative and presidential elections on Dec. 10.

Libya U.N. envoy Ghassan Salame said he would have his work cut out in the coming weeks, but that he saw a convergence between the will of the Libyan people and the international community.

"This convergence must not be lost," he said.

The declaration also agrees to an inclusive political national conference, without setting a timeframe. Unlike an earlier draft, it no longer directly threatens international sanctions on those who impede the accord or dispute the outcome of elections.

Claudia Gazzini, senior Libya analyst for the non-governmental International Crisis Group, said the statement was more nuanced than earlier drafts, but set an "extremely optimistic" timeframe for elections and left unclear how the powers of a future president would be decided.

Past attempts at peace deals in Libya have often been scuttled by internal divisions among the country's armed groups and by the different countries backing the local actors.

To tackle that, 20 countries and organisations were represented, including Italy, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Libya's neighbours, who all have influence over different groups on the ground.

"By accepting these dates and a protocol, nobody will be able to say they don't agree, because (all the protagonists) were here today," Macron said at the news conference.

The oil-producing nation splintered following the 2011 NATO-backed revolt that toppled Muammar Gaddafi, and since 2014 has been divided between competing political and military groups based in Tripoli and the east

Rival Libyan factions agreed on Tuesday on a declaration that would create a political framework to pave the way for U.N.-backed elections in December to end the country's seven-year-old conflict. The oil-producing nation splintered following the 2011 NATO-backed revolt that toppled Muammar Gaddafi, and since 2014 has been divided between competing political and military groups based in Tripoli and the east. The United Nations is leading an effort to reunify Libya and to organise national elections. France under President Emmanuel Macron has sought to play a bigger role in coaxing the factions to end the turmoil, which has let Islamist militants gain a foothold and migrant smugglers flourish. The Paris meeting, included eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar, Tripoli Prime Minister Fayez Seraj, and the leaders of rival parliamentary assemblies, aimed to urge them to agree general principles for ending the conflict and moving towards elections. The four stakeholders said they had agreed on a document to work constructively with the U.N. to realise credible and peaceful elections by Dec. 10 and abide by the results. "Nobody says it will be a path layered with roses. The challenges exist and will continue to grow," Seraj told a news conference. "Last month there was a terrorist attack and there are a certain number of enemies to this democratic process." The declaration was not signed as originally planned because the parties do not all recognise each other's legitimacy and want to consult their home base, but they agreed in principle. The eight-point document includes a call for the immediate unification of the central bank and the phasing out of parallel government and institutions. It makes a commitment to support the creation of a national army and encourage a dialogue on the issue in Cairo. The parties committed to set the constitutional basis for elections and to adopt electoral laws by Sept. 16 with a view to holding legislative and presidential elections on Dec. 10. Libya U.N. envoy Ghassan Salame said he would have his work cut out in the coming weeks, but that he saw a convergence between the will of the Libyan people and the international community. "This convergence must not be lost," he said. The declaration also agrees to an inclusive political national conference, without setting a timeframe. Unlike an earlier draft, it no longer directly threatens international sanctions on those who impede the accord or dispute the outcome of elections. Claudia Gazzini, senior Libya analyst for the non-governmental International Crisis Group, said the statement was more nuanced than earlier drafts, but set an "extremely optimistic" timeframe for elections and left unclear how the powers of a future president would be decided. Past attempts at peace deals in Libya have often been scuttled by internal divisions among the country's armed groups and by the different countries backing the local actors. To tackle that, 20 countries and organisations were represented, including Italy, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Libya's neighbours, who all have influence over different groups on the ground. "By accepting these dates and a protocol, nobody will be able to say they don't agree, because (all the protagonists) were here today," Macron said at the news conference.

Libyan factions agree to December 10 elections at Paris talks

Italy's new prime minister-designate Carlo Cottarelli said Monday he would hold an election by the start of 2019 at the latest after being given the mandate to form a government by President Sergio Mattarella.

“I’ll present myself to parliament with a programme which - if it wins the backing of parliament - would include the approval of the 2019 budget. Then parliament would be dissolved with elections at the beginning of 2019,” Cottarelli said shortly after being named interim prime minister by Italy’s president.

“In the absence of (parliament’s) confidence, the government would resign immediately and its main function would be the management of ordinary affairs until elections are held after the month of August,” Cottarelli added. (Reporting by Steve Scherer, editing by Giulia Segreti)

But he added that if, as is likely, his government is not approved by parliament, new elections will be held "after August".

The decision to appoint Carlo Cottarelli to form a stopgap administration sets the stage for elections that are likely to be fought over Italy’s role in the European Union and the euro zone, a prospect that is rattling global financial markets.

The euro zone’s third-largest economy has been seeking a new government since inconclusive March elections, with anti-establishment forces abandoning their efforts to form a ruling coalition at the weekend after a standoff with the president.

President Sergio Mattarella had vetoed the parties’ choice of a eurosceptic as economy minister, prompting the Five Star Movement and far-right League party to accuse the president of betraying voters and to drop their plan to take power.

Italy's new prime minister-designate Carlo Cottarelli said he will hold elections after being given the mandate to form a government by President Sergio Mattarella

Italy's new prime minister-designate Carlo Cottarelli said Monday he would hold an election by the start of 2019 at the latest after being given the mandate to form a government by President Sergio Mattarella. “I’ll present myself to parliament with a programme which - if it wins the backing of parliament - would include the approval of the 2019 budget. Then parliament would be dissolved with elections at the beginning of 2019,” Cottarelli said shortly after being named interim prime minister by Italy’s president. “In the absence of (parliament’s) confidence, the government would resign immediately and its main function would be the management of ordinary affairs until elections are held after the month of August,” Cottarelli added. (Reporting by Steve Scherer, editing by Giulia Segreti) But he added that if, as is likely, his government is not approved by parliament, new elections will be held "after August". The decision to appoint Carlo Cottarelli to form a stopgap administration sets the stage for elections that are likely to be fought over Italy’s role in the European Union and the euro zone, a prospect that is rattling global financial markets. The euro zone’s third-largest economy has been seeking a new government since inconclusive March elections, with anti-establishment forces abandoning their efforts to form a ruling coalition at the weekend after a standoff with the president. President Sergio Mattarella had vetoed the parties’ choice of a eurosceptic as economy minister, prompting the Five Star Movement and far-right League party to accuse the president of betraying voters and to drop their plan to take power.

Fresh Italy election by 'start of 2019': New PM-designate

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