The Telangana Assembly Elections is the last of the semi-final series ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. The Telangana Assembly Polls are scheduled to be conducted on 30 November and the results for the polls will be declared on 3 December.

Telangana Assembly Elections 2023: Polling begins for 119 assembly seats

Ecuadoreans will choose their next president on Sunday, weighing pledges to improve the economy and control a spiralling security situation from a businessman who is heir to a banana fortune and a leftist who would be the country's first woman leader.

Voters' top concerns largely centre on the economy - which has struggled since the coronavirus pandemic and motivated many thousands of Ecuadoreans to migrate - and rising crime, including increases in murders, robberies and prison riots.

The violence, which the outgoing government blames on drug gangs, reached a crescendo during the campaign with the murder of anti-corruption candidate Fernando Villavicencio, who was shot dead while leaving a Quito campaign event in August.

Business scion Daniel Noboa, 35, has led recent polling, but at least two surveys put voting intention for him and Luisa Gonzalez, a protégé of former President Rafael Correa, within the margin of error.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-drugs-gang-warfare-and-corruption-transformed-ecuador-625424">Explained: How drugs, gang war, corruption contributed to Ecuador prez contender's murder</a>

Gonzalez, 45, and a former lawmaker, won 34 per cent&nbsp;of the vote in the first round.

She has said she would bring back the popular social spending which characterised Correa's decade in power, pledging free medicine, increased worker protections and direct aid to those in need.

She also has promised to use $2.5 billion from international reserves to shore up the economy.

Noboa, also an ex-lawmaker and who has promised job creation - especially for young people - was a surprise entrance to the run-off, winning 23 per cent&nbsp;in the first round.

He is the son of multimillionaire banana magnate Alvaro Noboa, who himself ran unsuccessfully for president numerous times.

Outgoing President Guillermo Lasso called the election early to avoid impeachment on charges he disregarded warnings of embezzlement related to a contract at a state company. He has denied the charges.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Ecuador presidential elections clouded by violence

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ecuador-presidential-elections-clouded-by-violence-627281/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The winner will govern only between this December and May 2025, when the victor of regularly-scheduled elections will take office.

<h2>TIGHT RACE</h2>

Many voters were still undecided in the final days of the campaign, according to pollsters.

A Noboa victory initially could be perceived as positive by investors, but longer-term market outlook would depend on who he appoints to top jobs, said Zulfi Ali, portfolio manager for PGIM.

"The market is going to look very closely at the policies, the initial statements, and also the composition of the cabinet, especially in Noboa's case," Ali said. "So while the first reaction is positive, because he's a pro-business candidate, pro-business and pro-markets can mean two different things."

Gonzalez has said Correa would be her top economic advisor, while both candidates have said they would balance compliance with the terms of Ecuador's foreign debt with the needs of the population.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-third-political-leader-killed-in-a-week-after-presidential-hopefuls-assassination-625774">Ecuador: Third political leader killed in a week after presidential hopeful's assassination</a>

On security, Gonzalez has pledged to build a new prison outside Guayaquil and take back the country from criminals, while Noboa has said the most dangerous convicts should be held on prison boats and that he will use technology to fight crime.

Both have pledged to beef up security at ports and airports, hot spots for drug smuggling.

Gonzalez enjoys the robust backing of Correa's Citizens' Revolution party, while Noboa formed his own party, National Democratic Action.

Both candidates have tried to woo young people during the campaign's final days. About a quarter of the 13 million Ecuadoreans obliged to vote are between the ages of 18 and 29. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Ecuadoreans will choose their next president on Sunday, weighing pledges to improve the economy and control a spiralling security situation from a businessman who is heir to a banana fortune and a leftist who would be the country's first woman leader.

Ecuadoreans will choose their next president on Sunday, weighing pledges to improve the economy and control a spiralling security situation from a businessman who is heir to a banana fortune and a leftist who would be the country's first woman leader. Voters' top concerns largely centre on the economy - which has struggled since the coronavirus pandemic and motivated many thousands of Ecuadoreans to migrate - and rising crime, including increases in murders, robberies and prison riots. The violence, which the outgoing government blames on drug gangs, reached a crescendo during the campaign with the murder of anti-corruption candidate Fernando Villavicencio, who was shot dead while leaving a Quito campaign event in August. Business scion Daniel Noboa, 35, has led recent polling, but at least two surveys put voting intention for him and Luisa Gonzalez, a protégé of former President Rafael Correa, within the margin of error. ALSO READ | Explained: How drugs, gang war, corruption contributed to Ecuador prez contender's murder Gonzalez, 45, and a former lawmaker, won 34 per cent of the vote in the first round. She has said she would bring back the popular social spending which characterised Correa's decade in power, pledging free medicine, increased worker protections and direct aid to those in need. She also has promised to use $2.5 billion from international reserves to shore up the economy. Noboa, also an ex-lawmaker and who has promised job creation - especially for young people - was a surprise entrance to the run-off, winning 23 per cent in the first round. He is the son of multimillionaire banana magnate Alvaro Noboa, who himself ran unsuccessfully for president numerous times. Outgoing President Guillermo Lasso called the election early to avoid impeachment on charges he disregarded warnings of embezzlement related to a contract at a state company. He has denied the charges. ALSO WATCH | Ecuador presidential elections clouded by violence The winner will govern only between this December and May 2025, when the victor of regularly-scheduled elections will take office. TIGHT RACE Many voters were still undecided in the final days of the campaign, according to pollsters. A Noboa victory initially could be perceived as positive by investors, but longer-term market outlook would depend on who he appoints to top jobs, said Zulfi Ali, portfolio manager for PGIM. "The market is going to look very closely at the policies, the initial statements, and also the composition of the cabinet, especially in Noboa's case," Ali said. "So while the first reaction is positive, because he's a pro-business candidate, pro-business and pro-markets can mean two different things." Gonzalez has said Correa would be her top economic advisor, while both candidates have said they would balance compliance with the terms of Ecuador's foreign debt with the needs of the population. ALSO READ | Ecuador: Third political leader killed in a week after presidential hopeful's assassination On security, Gonzalez has pledged to build a new prison outside Guayaquil and take back the country from criminals, while Noboa has said the most dangerous convicts should be held on prison boats and that he will use technology to fight crime. Both have pledged to beef up security at ports and airports, hot spots for drug smuggling. Gonzalez enjoys the robust backing of Correa's Citizens' Revolution party, while Noboa formed his own party, National Democratic Action. Both candidates have tried to woo young people during the campaign's final days. About a quarter of the 13 million Ecuadoreans obliged to vote are between the ages of 18 and 29. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ecuadoreans weigh economic, security pledges in presidential ballot

Gabon’s government blocked internet access and imposed a nightly curfew across the country, on Saturday (August 26) after the general elections in which&nbsp;President Ali Bongo launched his bid to extend his family’s 56-year grip on power against the newly united opposition. The elections were also marked by major voting delays, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>About the ‘delayed’ elections</h2>

According to Reuters, the voting was due to start at 0700 GMT but at least five polling stations in the capital Libreville saw voters waiting hours for polls to open.&nbsp;

“This election is very tense because I don’t think a vote in our country has ever started so late,” voter Jeff Mbou at a polling station in Libreville’s Martine Oulabou school, where voting started nearly four hours late, told Reuters.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear the extent to which these delays, if at all, affected the voters and their ability to cast their votes on time. Besides choosing the president, Gabon’s 850,000 will also be electing candidates for the legislature and local councils.&nbsp;

There is no fixed deadline for the announcement of results. However, the recent changes to the voting system could further complicate the aftermath, said Remadji Hoinathy, a researcher at the Africa-focused Institute for Security Studies, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

According to Hoinathy, the introduction of a ballot requires voters to pick a presidential candidate and lawmaker from the same party.&nbsp;

Critics have said that the move will favour the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) since the opposition candidate is not backed by any single party. Albert Ondo Ossa (69) has told AFP that if elected he will “dissolve parliament and convene new elections” for the body. &nbsp;

This opposition has also raised concerns about the recent constitutional change to abolish two rounds of voting for the president.

<h2>Internet restrictions and curfew</h2>

The incumbent government on Saturday evening after the polls closed, cut the internet until further notice and imposed a night-time curfew from Sunday “in order to prevent any misbehaviour and to preserve the security of the entire population,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The curfews will begin at 7:00 pm (local time) and go on till 6:00 am (local time), said the government in a statement.&nbsp;

The nationwide internet shutdown was confirmed by Netblocks internet observatory which also noted that the move would “likely to severely limit the public’s ability to communicate during the election period”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Fraud allegations’</h2>

The joint opposition candidate and his alliance, earlier on Saturday also questioned the legitimacy of the outcome while accusing the Bongo government of deliberately creating a disorganised election.

Ondo Ossa’s team, as per AFP, said that he was only able to cast his vote after his polling station opened eight hours behind schedule. Meanwhile, opposition alliance Alternance 2023’s president told the news agency that many others had experienced similar delays and claimed that the ballots listing Ondo Ossa’s name were missing in some polling stations.&nbsp;

In response to these accusations, Bongo’s campaign spokesperson Freddhy Koula, in an online post said, “The vote hasn't even finished yet, and already the opposition is losing its nerve and its composure. This attempt to sow discord, because defeat is near, will not work.”

<h2>Candidates and controversy</h2>

The race is currently between incumbent 64-year-old Bongo who took over Gabon after his father Omar in 2009 and is currently seeking a third term against 18 challengers, six of whom backed a joint nominee in an effort to narrow the race.&nbsp;

Bongo’s main threat is Ondo Ossa, an economics and management professor whose campaign was largely based on the need for change and better economic opportunities.&nbsp;

However, the opposition figure’s campaign is not free of controversy. Ahead of the elections anger erupted over a purported conversation between Ondo Ossa and a fellow opposition figure about various strategies “to create a power struggle” and support from other countries.&nbsp;

The conversation was recorded without their knowledge and posted on social media.&nbsp;

Alternance 2023 has since released a statement strongly denying the “veracity and authenticity of this conversation” and accused the government of “shameful manipulation”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Gabon’s government blocked internet access and imposed a nightly curfew across the country, on Saturday (August 26) after the general elections in which President Ali Bongo launched his bid to extend his family’s 56-year grip on power against the newly united opposition.

Gabon’s government blocked internet access and imposed a nightly curfew across the country, on Saturday (August 26) after the general elections in which President Ali Bongo launched his bid to extend his family’s 56-year grip on power against the newly united opposition. The elections were also marked by major voting delays, reported Reuters. About the ‘delayed’ elections According to Reuters, the voting was due to start at 0700 GMT but at least five polling stations in the capital Libreville saw voters waiting hours for polls to open. “This election is very tense because I don’t think a vote in our country has ever started so late,” voter Jeff Mbou at a polling station in Libreville’s Martine Oulabou school, where voting started nearly four hours late, told Reuters. It was not immediately clear the extent to which these delays, if at all, affected the voters and their ability to cast their votes on time. Besides choosing the president, Gabon’s 850,000 will also be electing candidates for the legislature and local councils. There is no fixed deadline for the announcement of results. However, the recent changes to the voting system could further complicate the aftermath, said Remadji Hoinathy, a researcher at the Africa-focused Institute for Security Studies, as per Reuters. According to Hoinathy, the introduction of a ballot requires voters to pick a presidential candidate and lawmaker from the same party. Critics have said that the move will favour the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) since the opposition candidate is not backed by any single party. Albert Ondo Ossa (69) has told AFP that if elected he will “dissolve parliament and convene new elections” for the body. This opposition has also raised concerns about the recent constitutional change to abolish two rounds of voting for the president. Internet restrictions and curfew The incumbent government on Saturday evening after the polls closed, cut the internet until further notice and imposed a night-time curfew from Sunday “in order to prevent any misbehaviour and to preserve the security of the entire population,” reported Reuters. The curfews will begin at 7:00 pm (local time) and go on till 6:00 am (local time), said the government in a statement. The nationwide internet shutdown was confirmed by Netblocks internet observatory which also noted that the move would “likely to severely limit the public’s ability to communicate during the election period”. ‘Fraud allegations’ The joint opposition candidate and his alliance, earlier on Saturday also questioned the legitimacy of the outcome while accusing the Bongo government of deliberately creating a disorganised election. Ondo Ossa’s team, as per AFP, said that he was only able to cast his vote after his polling station opened eight hours behind schedule. Meanwhile, opposition alliance Alternance 2023’s president told the news agency that many others had experienced similar delays and claimed that the ballots listing Ondo Ossa’s name were missing in some polling stations. In response to these accusations, Bongo’s campaign spokesperson Freddhy Koula, in an online post said, “The vote hasn't even finished yet, and already the opposition is losing its nerve and its composure. This attempt to sow discord, because defeat is near, will not work.” Candidates and controversy The race is currently between incumbent 64-year-old Bongo who took over Gabon after his father Omar in 2009 and is currently seeking a third term against 18 challengers, six of whom backed a joint nominee in an effort to narrow the race. Bongo’s main threat is Ondo Ossa, an economics and management professor whose campaign was largely based on the need for change and better economic opportunities. However, the opposition figure’s campaign is not free of controversy. Ahead of the elections anger erupted over a purported conversation between Ondo Ossa and a fellow opposition figure about various strategies “to create a power struggle” and support from other countries. The conversation was recorded without their knowledge and posted on social media. Alternance 2023 has since released a statement strongly denying the “veracity and authenticity of this conversation” and accused the government of “shameful manipulation”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabon elections: Government cuts internet, imposes curfew amid voting delays

Zimbabwe will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on August 23, the country’s president announced on Wednesday (May 31). The southern African country, which has a history of violent and disputed elections, summoned the United States deputy ambassador over a series of tweets which called for a peaceful election.&nbsp;

<h2>Zimbabwe gears up for national elections</h2>

The announcement of the dates was made by Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa through a government gazette, on Wednesday, which also set the date October 2 as a potential presidential runoff vote. Mnangagwa, who was elected president in 2018, replaced his predecessor Robert Mugabe who led the country for nearly four decades.&nbsp;

Mugabe was ousted in 2017 after a military coup. The 80-year-old incumbent is already facing allegations of violence and intimidation from the opposition, while human rights groups have said that the Zimbabwe president is silencing criticism. Mnangagwa took office in 2018 following the general election a year after the coup.

In addition to the presidential election, the country will also vote for the 300-seat parliament and close to 2,000 local council positions. The southern African nation has only had two leaders since it gained independence in 1980.&nbsp;

Notably, Mnangagwa was a close ally of Mugabe and has attempted to present himself as a reformer. However, he has been accused of being more repressive than his predecessor who he helped remove from power.&nbsp;

In the upcoming election, Mnangagwa will compete with the 45-year-old lawyer and pastor Nelson Chamisa, party leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The announcement of the election also comes amid the ongoing parliamentary debates over electoral reforms.&nbsp;

As per reports, Chamisa narrowly lost to Mnangagwa, in 2018 while his claims of election rigging were dismissed by the country’s Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, political analysts have said that the failure to implement electoral reforms may lead Zimbabwe up for another disputed election, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The southern African nation is also in the midst of an economic crisis which has been attributed to Mugabe’s leadership. The opposition parties have reportedly also blamed the current government for corruption and economic mismanagement while Mnangagwa defending his ZANU-PF-led government blamed Western sanctions for the country’s financial and economic woes.&nbsp;

<h2>US deputy ambassador summoned by Zimbabwe's foreign ministry</h2>

The election announcement came a day after Zimbabwe’s foreign ministry summoned the US Deputy Ambassador Elaine French, for a meeting with the country’s foreign affairs acting permanent secretary Rofina Chikava for “election-related social media posts bordering on activism and meddling in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs,” reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

The US embassy, took to Twitter, on May 26 posted an image and called for Zimbabweans to “Register to vote and make sure your voice is heard.” The foreign ministry said the tweet was against diplomatic protocols. However, US Embassy spokeswoman Meg Riggs said that they stand by their message of calling for peace during the election season and called the process a part of a “functioning democracy.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Zimbabwe will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on August 23, the country’s president announced on Wednesday (May 31). The southern African country, which has a history of violent and disputed elections, summoned the United States deputy ambassador over a series of tweets which called for a peaceful election.

Zimbabwe will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on August 23, the country’s president announced on Wednesday (May 31). The southern African country, which has a history of violent and disputed elections, summoned the United States deputy ambassador over a series of tweets which called for a peaceful election. Zimbabwe gears up for national elections The announcement of the dates was made by Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa through a government gazette, on Wednesday, which also set the date October 2 as a potential presidential runoff vote. Mnangagwa, who was elected president in 2018, replaced his predecessor Robert Mugabe who led the country for nearly four decades. Mugabe was ousted in 2017 after a military coup. The 80-year-old incumbent is already facing allegations of violence and intimidation from the opposition, while human rights groups have said that the Zimbabwe president is silencing criticism. Mnangagwa took office in 2018 following the general election a year after the coup. In addition to the presidential election, the country will also vote for the 300-seat parliament and close to 2,000 local council positions. The southern African nation has only had two leaders since it gained independence in 1980. Notably, Mnangagwa was a close ally of Mugabe and has attempted to present himself as a reformer. However, he has been accused of being more repressive than his predecessor who he helped remove from power. In the upcoming election, Mnangagwa will compete with the 45-year-old lawyer and pastor Nelson Chamisa, party leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The announcement of the election also comes amid the ongoing parliamentary debates over electoral reforms. As per reports, Chamisa narrowly lost to Mnangagwa, in 2018 while his claims of election rigging were dismissed by the country’s Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, political analysts have said that the failure to implement electoral reforms may lead Zimbabwe up for another disputed election, reported Reuters. The southern African nation is also in the midst of an economic crisis which has been attributed to Mugabe’s leadership. The opposition parties have reportedly also blamed the current government for corruption and economic mismanagement while Mnangagwa defending his ZANU-PF-led government blamed Western sanctions for the country’s financial and economic woes. US deputy ambassador summoned by Zimbabwe's foreign ministry The election announcement came a day after Zimbabwe’s foreign ministry summoned the US Deputy Ambassador Elaine French, for a meeting with the country’s foreign affairs acting permanent secretary Rofina Chikava for “election-related social media posts bordering on activism and meddling in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs,” reported the Associated Press. The US embassy, took to Twitter, on May 26 posted an image and called for Zimbabweans to “Register to vote and make sure your voice is heard.” The foreign ministry said the tweet was against diplomatic protocols. However, US Embassy spokeswoman Meg Riggs said that they stand by their message of calling for peace during the election season and called the process a part of a “functioning democracy.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zimbabwe to hold general elections in August; summons US ambassador over ‘meddling’ tweets

Turkey runoff elections have finally come to an end with Erdogan regaining his seat as the President. Erdogan defeated Kilicdaroglu to make a comeback for another five years. The total voter turnout was 84.93%.

Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years

Turkey Elections 2023: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wins runoff polls

Voters will head to polling booths once again in Turkey, as the nation will experience its first-ever runoff election for the president. Voters will decide whether the incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan extends his rule into a third decade or the opposing candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu secures a historic win.

Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan takes leads with over 89% of votes counted

Turkey Elections 2023: Third candidate Sinan Ogan decalred his support for Erdogan

Turkey Elections 2023: Presidential candidates urge voters to turn out in large numbers

The Cambodian election commission, on Monday (May 15) refused to register and disqualified the sole opposition Candlelight Party (CP) from contesting in the upcoming elections in July. This comes after the CP failed to submit certain documents, said the officials, in a statement.

The move would also leave incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) running virtually unopposed. While there are other parties in the country who have registered for the July 23 elections, CP being the main opposition to one of the world’s longest-serving leaders it is seen as the only viable challenger to Hun Sen’s ruling CPP.&nbsp;

Notably, over the years the incumbent PM, who has been in power for nearly four decades now, has garnered criticism as activists and diplomats accuse him of using the legal system to crush the opposition especially prior to elections.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cambodia-ruling-party-claims-huge-victory-in-vote-decried-as-sham-155562">Cambodia ruling party claims 'huge victory' in vote decried as 'sham'</a>

This has also raised fears of undermining the democratic process in the Southeast Asian country. Hun Sen has previously said the CPP will dominate politics for up to 100 years.&nbsp;

As opposed to the newly reincarnated CP from the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) which is just over a year old. The CNRP had been disbanded in 2017 after a ruling by the country’s Supreme Court which led to a landslide victory for the CPP. Hun Sen’s party won every seat after the opposition CNRP had been&nbsp;dissolved ahead of the national elections in 2018.&nbsp;

According to reports, several CRNP members have either been detained or convicted of crimes while many have fled the Southeast Asian country following Hun Sen’s crackdown on critics. However, Candlelight deputy president Son Chhay, as per Reuters, has said that they would appeal this move in the constitutional court.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cambodia-opposition-leader-kem-sokha-gets-27-years-of-house-arrest-568429">Cambodia Opposition leader Kem Sokha gets 27 years of house arrest</a>

A CP spokesperson Kimsour Phirith told AFP the ban was “unreasonable because we already have grassroots support,” adding that “It is difficult for Cambodia to walk the path of plural-party democracy because we cannot compete in the elections.”&nbsp;

Last month, Human Rights Watch, an international organisation, accused the Cambodian government of stepping up attacks on the opposition which led to assaults against members of CP.&nbsp;

Foreign governments need to send a clear message, that “dismantling opposition parties and disqualifying, assaulting, and arresting their members before election day means that there won't be any real election at all,” stated the HRW, in a statement on April 24.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cambodian-opposition-leader-kem-sokha-charged-with-treason-sentenced-to-27-years-in-prison-567990">Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha charged with treason, sentenced to 27 years in detention</a>

A prominent candidate, Rong Chhun, who sought to directly challenge Hun Sen was disqualified last week due to a previous conviction for incitement. Hun Sen has threatened CP leaders with “prison” if they rally supporters and protest the ban, as per AFP. Around 9.7 million Cambodians are set to vote in the upcoming elections for 125 MPs in the National Assembly.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Cambodian election commission, on Monday (May 15) refused to register and disqualified the sole opposition Candlelight Party (CP) from contesting in the upcoming elections in July.

The Cambodian election commission, on Monday (May 15) refused to register and disqualified the sole opposition Candlelight Party (CP) from contesting in the upcoming elections in July. This comes after the CP failed to submit certain documents, said the officials, in a statement. The move would also leave incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) running virtually unopposed. While there are other parties in the country who have registered for the July 23 elections, CP being the main opposition to one of the world’s longest-serving leaders it is seen as the only viable challenger to Hun Sen’s ruling CPP. Notably, over the years the incumbent PM, who has been in power for nearly four decades now, has garnered criticism as activists and diplomats accuse him of using the legal system to crush the opposition especially prior to elections. ALSO READ | Cambodia ruling party claims 'huge victory' in vote decried as 'sham' This has also raised fears of undermining the democratic process in the Southeast Asian country. Hun Sen has previously said the CPP will dominate politics for up to 100 years. As opposed to the newly reincarnated CP from the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) which is just over a year old. The CNRP had been disbanded in 2017 after a ruling by the country’s Supreme Court which led to a landslide victory for the CPP. Hun Sen’s party won every seat after the opposition CNRP had been dissolved ahead of the national elections in 2018. According to reports, several CRNP members have either been detained or convicted of crimes while many have fled the Southeast Asian country following Hun Sen’s crackdown on critics. However, Candlelight deputy president Son Chhay, as per Reuters, has said that they would appeal this move in the constitutional court. ALSO WATCH | Cambodia Opposition leader Kem Sokha gets 27 years of house arrest A CP spokesperson Kimsour Phirith told AFP the ban was “unreasonable because we already have grassroots support,” adding that “It is difficult for Cambodia to walk the path of plural-party democracy because we cannot compete in the elections.” Last month, Human Rights Watch, an international organisation, accused the Cambodian government of stepping up attacks on the opposition which led to assaults against members of CP. Foreign governments need to send a clear message, that “dismantling opposition parties and disqualifying, assaulting, and arresting their members before election day means that there won't be any real election at all,” stated the HRW, in a statement on April 24. ALSO READ | Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha charged with treason, sentenced to 27 years in detention A prominent candidate, Rong Chhun, who sought to directly challenge Hun Sen was disqualified last week due to a previous conviction for incitement. Hun Sen has threatened CP leaders with “prison” if they rally supporters and protest the ban, as per AFP. Around 9.7 million Cambodians are set to vote in the upcoming elections for 125 MPs in the National Assembly. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cambodia’s sole opposition disqualified ahead of July elections

Turkey's all-powerful President Erdogan is in the fight of his life against an opposition that has united against him for Sunday's elections. His main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu appeared before a throng of supporters on Friday, flanked by allies from across the political spectrum who have come together as never before.

Turkey Election 2023: President Erdogan warns of reprisals if oppostion wins

Conceding defeat in the Karnataka assembly election, chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party has not been able to make the mark, while the Congress did it successfully.

Karnataka Election 2023 | BJP: Congress' performance a reflection of local issues | India

Presidential polls in the African nation of Nigeria are almost over. Officials are now in the process of counting votes. Nearly ninety million people were eligible to cast their votes for appointing the successor of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nigeria Presidential Elections 2023: Officials now in the process of counting votes

Nigeria Presidential Elections 2023: Armed men in Lagos city snatch away ballot box

Elections 2023:&nbsp;The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the three northeastern states, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura assembly elections on Wednesday, 18 January. These states will kickstart India's hectic election schedule for the season of 2023.&nbsp;After the conclusion of elections in these three northeastern states in March, the assembly polls will start for Karnataka, Mizoram, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. All these elections and their results will play a crucial role in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Here is a detailed look at the three states before the upcoming elections:

<h2>Tripura Assembly Elections 2023</h2>

Total seats- 60

<ul>
	<li>Current strength&nbsp;- 53</li>
	<li>BJP&nbsp;- 33</li>
	<li>IPFT&nbsp;- 4</li>
	<li>CPI(M)&nbsp;15</li>
	<li>Congress&nbsp;- 1</li>
	<li>Vacant -&nbsp;7</li>
</ul>

Current Chief Minister- Manik Saha&nbsp;

Voting date-&nbsp;16 February&nbsp;

Probable result date- 2&nbsp;March&nbsp;

In the last assembly elections that were held in 2018, BJP won 33 seats, the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) won 4, the CPM won 14 and the Congress won only one seat. The rest six seats went vacant.&nbsp;2018 was a special victory for BJP as they ended the rule of the Leftist government and Biplab Deb became the CM. Though the party had to remove him in May 2022 over performance issues and made Dr Manik Saha the new CM.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the BJP's relationship with its key ally, the tribal outfit Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), is strained. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, recently visited the state to resolve these issues and launched the Jana Vishwas Yatra to rally support for the party. On the other hand, the Left and Congress have joined forces in Tripura to defeat the BJP, as they did unsuccessfully in West Bengal in 2021.

Pradyut Manikya, who previously worked for the Congress, has founded Tipra Motha, relying on tribal seat influence. The party will support whoever supports its call for a separate Tipraland. Hangsha Kumar Tripura of the BJP has also joined the Tipra Motha and his tribal supporters.

<h2>Meghalaya&nbsp;Assembly Elections 2023&nbsp;</h2>

Total seats-&nbsp;60&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Current strength&nbsp;- 42</li>
	<li>NPP&nbsp;- 20</li>
	<li>UDP&nbsp;- 8</li>
	<li>AITC&nbsp;- 8</li>
	<li>PDF&nbsp;- 2</li>
	<li>BJP&nbsp;- 2</li>
	<li>NCP&nbsp;- 1</li>
	<li>Independent&nbsp;- 1</li>
	<li>Vacant&nbsp;- 18</li>
</ul>

Current Chief Minister-&nbsp;Conrad Sangma&nbsp;

Voting date-&nbsp;27 February

Probable result date-&nbsp;&nbsp;2&nbsp;March

The current Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is from the National People's Party (NPP). The NPP has 20 seats, the UDP has 8, the People's Democratic Front (PDF) has 2, the BJP has 2, and two are Independents. The opposition party, TMC&nbsp;has a total of&nbsp;nine seats.&nbsp;The Congress won the most seats in the Meghalaya assembly election in 2018, but its total of 21 fell short of the halfway mark in the 60-member legislature.

The BJP supported the NPP to form the government in the state and Conrad Sangma was appointed chief minister. Recently, schisms emerged between the NPP and the BJP. Sangma had stated on the spur of the moment that his party would contest all of the seats in 2023. Two NPP MLAs recently resigned and joined the saffron party. In 2018, the BJP won only two seats.

This time, the party intends to lead the coalition government as the coalition partners are attempting to mend fences.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, who defected from the grand old party to the BJP in 2015 and is now the convenor of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), can play a critical role in strengthening ties between the allies.

<h2>Nagaland Assembly Elections 2023&nbsp;</h2>

Total seats-&nbsp;60&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Current strength&nbsp;- 59</li>
	<li>NDPP&nbsp;- 41</li>
	<li>BJP&nbsp;- 12</li>
	<li>NPF&nbsp;- 4</li>
	<li>Independents&nbsp;- 2</li>
	<li>Vacant&nbsp;- 1</li>
</ul>

Current Chief Minister-&nbsp;&nbsp;Neiphiu Rio&nbsp;

Voting date-&nbsp;27 Febraury&nbsp;

Probable result date-&nbsp;&nbsp;2&nbsp;March

The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the BJP, and the Naga People's Front (NPF) comprise the ruling coalition United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The Chief Minister is Neiphiu Rio of the NDPP. In Nagaland, the NDPP-BJP alliance, formed ahead of the 2018 elections, is holding strong. In Nagaland, there is no opposition. The NPF lost 21 MLAs to the UDA. The NPF received 26 seats in 2018, the NDPP 18, the BJP 12, the NPP 2, the JDU 1, and one Independent.

In the 2023 elections, the BJP intends to run in 20 seats and support NDPP candidates in 40 others. The BJP believes that a partial repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) will benefit them. It won 12 seats in 2018. However, the Nagaland BJP recently suffered a setback when three of its district presidents defected and joined the Janata Dal (United).

Elections 2023: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the three northeastern states, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura assembly elections on Wednesday, 18 January.

Elections 2023: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the three northeastern states, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura assembly elections on Wednesday, 18 January. These states will kickstart India's hectic election schedule for the season of 2023. After the conclusion of elections in these three northeastern states in March, the assembly polls will start for Karnataka, Mizoram, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. All these elections and their results will play a crucial role in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Here is a detailed look at the three states before the upcoming elections: Tripura Assembly Elections 2023 Total seats- 60 Current strength - 53 BJP - 33 IPFT - 4 CPI(M) 15 Congress - 1 Vacant - 7 Current Chief Minister- Manik Saha Voting date- 16 February Probable result date- 2 March In the last assembly elections that were held in 2018, BJP won 33 seats, the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) won 4, the CPM won 14 and the Congress won only one seat. The rest six seats went vacant. 2018 was a special victory for BJP as they ended the rule of the Leftist government and Biplab Deb became the CM. Though the party had to remove him in May 2022 over performance issues and made Dr Manik Saha the new CM. Furthermore, the BJP's relationship with its key ally, the tribal outfit Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), is strained. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, recently visited the state to resolve these issues and launched the Jana Vishwas Yatra to rally support for the party. On the other hand, the Left and Congress have joined forces in Tripura to defeat the BJP, as they did unsuccessfully in West Bengal in 2021. Pradyut Manikya, who previously worked for the Congress, has founded Tipra Motha, relying on tribal seat influence. The party will support whoever supports its call for a separate Tipraland. Hangsha Kumar Tripura of the BJP has also joined the Tipra Motha and his tribal supporters. Meghalaya Assembly Elections 2023 Total seats- 60 Current strength - 42 NPP - 20 UDP - 8 AITC - 8 PDF - 2 BJP - 2 NCP - 1 Independent - 1 Vacant - 18 Current Chief Minister- Conrad Sangma Voting date- 27 February Probable result date- 2 March The current Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is from the National People's Party (NPP). The NPP has 20 seats, the UDP has 8, the People's Democratic Front (PDF) has 2, the BJP has 2, and two are Independents. The opposition party, TMC has a total of nine seats. The Congress won the most seats in the Meghalaya assembly election in 2018, but its total of 21 fell short of the halfway mark in the 60-member legislature. The BJP supported the NPP to form the government in the state and Conrad Sangma was appointed chief minister. Recently, schisms emerged between the NPP and the BJP. Sangma had stated on the spur of the moment that his party would contest all of the seats in 2023. Two NPP MLAs recently resigned and joined the saffron party. In 2018, the BJP won only two seats. This time, the party intends to lead the coalition government as the coalition partners are attempting to mend fences. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who defected from the grand old party to the BJP in 2015 and is now the convenor of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), can play a critical role in strengthening ties between the allies. Nagaland Assembly Elections 2023 Total seats- 60 Current strength - 59 NDPP - 41 BJP - 12 NPF - 4 Independents - 2 Vacant - 1 Current Chief Minister- Neiphiu Rio Voting date- 27 Febraury Probable result date- 2 March The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the BJP, and the Naga People's Front (NPF) comprise the ruling coalition United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The Chief Minister is Neiphiu Rio of the NDPP. In Nagaland, the NDPP-BJP alliance, formed ahead of the 2018 elections, is holding strong. In Nagaland, there is no opposition. The NPF lost 21 MLAs to the UDA. The NPF received 26 seats in 2018, the NDPP 18, the BJP 12, the NPP 2, the JDU 1, and one Independent. In the 2023 elections, the BJP intends to run in 20 seats and support NDPP candidates in 40 others. The BJP believes that a partial repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) will benefit them. It won 12 seats in 2018. However, the Nagaland BJP recently suffered a setback when three of its district presidents defected and joined the Janata Dal (United).

Assembly Election 2023 Date Out: Check Nagaland, Tripura & Meghalaya Voting, Result Date & candidates details

The &nbsp;2023 calendar is packed chock-a-bloc with general elections across the world. Here is a list to help you keep track of all of them as we wade through them all.

Myanmar 
The country, that witnessed &nbsp;a military coup d'état in 2021, is expected to hold elections sometime in 2023 between February and August. &nbsp;Representatives will be elected to both the Amyotha Hluttaw and the Pyithu Hluttaw of the Assembly of the Union. The military is currently ruling the country under a state of emergency, set by Acting President Myint Swe for the maximum constitutional duration of two years. As per the constitution, elections need be held no later than six months from the end of the state of emergency. &nbsp;In the elections, the military is expected to seek legitimacy for its extended rule. However, questions are arising about how fair the elections are likely to be.

Finland 
Finland parliamentary elections are set to be held on April 2, 2023. However, in case the parliament is dissolved before the scheduled date, the elections might happened earlier. Members of parliament will be chosen for the 2023–2027 convocation. Sanna Marin is the current Prime Minister who took office on December 10, 2019.

Paraguay 
One round of voting by plurality is the method used to choose the president in Paraguay.&nbsp;The&nbsp;National Republican Association – Colorado Party candidate Santiago Peña is up against Efraín Alegre of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party. The elections are due for April 30.

Thailand 
Scheduled for May 7, 2023, the Thai elections will see the country’s long-serving leader&nbsp;Prayuth&nbsp;Chan-ocha contest for the position of prime minister once again. He vowed earlier this month to continue running the country as part of a new political party.

"The reason I'm standing here today is because I respect Thai democracy. I came here today not because I want power but because Thailand has to keep going. Isn't that right?"&nbsp;Prayuth&nbsp;told his supporters at the launch of the new United Thai Nation Party. 
The 68-year-old retired general, who has been in power since leading a coup in 2014, can technically only remain in the position for two more years. 
Prayuth&nbsp;is currently trailing in opinion polls behind the 36-year-old niece of Yingluck Shinawatra, whose government he ousted in 2014. According to the constitution, an election must be held by May this year.

Turkey&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Another big one, the&nbsp;2023 Turkish general election&nbsp;will be held on June 18, 2023. &nbsp;The president of the country is chosen using a &nbsp;two-round system. At the same time, parliamentary elections&nbsp;are held to elect 600&nbsp;Members of Parliament&nbsp;to the&nbsp;Grand National Assembly of Turkey. &nbsp;The last elections were held in 2018, and moved the country from a&nbsp;parliamentary system&nbsp;to a&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;system following a referendum in 2017. Incumbent president&nbsp;Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who had held the position since 2014, emerged victorious. &nbsp;Erdogan has already declared his candidacy.

 
Guatemala&nbsp; 
Scheduled for June 25, the elections will be held to choose the country’s president and vice-president. The constitution prohibits incumbent president&nbsp;Alejandro Giammattei&nbsp;from running for a second four-year term.

Cambodia 
Cambodia will hold general elections on July 23 to elect members of the&nbsp;National Assembly.&nbsp;Democratic election were restored in the county in 1993 and this will be the seventh quinquennial election in the country. All the seats in the parliament are currently held by the&nbsp;Cambodian People's Party&nbsp;(CPP) and Prime minister&nbsp;Hun Sen&nbsp;will be seeking another term in office.

Luxembourg 
General elections&nbsp;are scheduled to be held in&nbsp;Luxembourg&nbsp;on October 8 this year to renew all 60 seats of the&nbsp;Chamber of Deputies. The &nbsp;current government is a coalition of the&nbsp;Democratic Party&nbsp;(DP), the&nbsp;Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party&nbsp;(LSAP) and&nbsp;The Greens.

Pakistan 
The Pakistan&nbsp;National Assembly is currently set to dissolve on August 13, 2023, and elections are due to be held within 60 days of the dissolution. However, as per the constitution, an earlier dissolution will increase the time to 90 days, but not later than October 12. The political scene in the country last year was full of turmoil. After being elected prime minister in 2018, Imran Khan was ousted in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote. Shehbaz Sharif took over as the new prime minister and Imran Khan has been constantly launching attacks on the current government. Notably, Imran Khan escaped an assassination attempt in November last year and accused the Sharif government of trying to kill him.

Poland 
Parliamentary elections will be held in autumn 2023 to elect members of the Sejm and Senate. However, the schedule can be pushed ahead in case a snap election is called. The 2019 election led to the formation of the Law and Justice government.&nbsp;

Spain 
The 2023 general election to elect the 15th Cortes Generales of the Kingdom of Spain cannot be held later than December 10, 2023. All 350 seats in the Congress of Deputies will be up for election, as well as 208 of 265 seats in the Senate. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly said that the legislature will be terminated when it is due in 2023. So, contrary to rumours, an earlier election does not look like a possibility.

 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The 2023 calendar is packed chock-a-bloc with general elections across the world. Here is a list to help you keep track of all of them as we wade through them all.

The 2023 calendar is packed chock-a-bloc with general elections across the world. Here is a list to help you keep track of all of them as we wade through them all. Myanmar The country, that witnessed a military coup d'état in 2021, is expected to hold elections sometime in 2023 between February and August. Representatives will be elected to both the Amyotha Hluttaw and the Pyithu Hluttaw of the Assembly of the Union. The military is currently ruling the country under a state of emergency, set by Acting President Myint Swe for the maximum constitutional duration of two years. As per the constitution, elections need be held no later than six months from the end of the state of emergency. In the elections, the military is expected to seek legitimacy for its extended rule. However, questions are arising about how fair the elections are likely to be. Finland Finland parliamentary elections are set to be held on April 2, 2023. However, in case the parliament is dissolved before the scheduled date, the elections might happened earlier. Members of parliament will be chosen for the 2023–2027 convocation. Sanna Marin is the current Prime Minister who took office on December 10, 2019. Paraguay One round of voting by plurality is the method used to choose the president in Paraguay. The National Republican Association – Colorado Party candidate Santiago Peña is up against Efraín Alegre of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party. The elections are due for April 30. Thailand Scheduled for May 7, 2023, the Thai elections will see the country’s long-serving leader Prayuth Chan-ocha contest for the position of prime minister once again. He vowed earlier this month to continue running the country as part of a new political party. "The reason I'm standing here today is because I respect Thai democracy. I came here today not because I want power but because Thailand has to keep going. Isn't that right?" Prayuth told his supporters at the launch of the new United Thai Nation Party. The 68-year-old retired general, who has been in power since leading a coup in 2014, can technically only remain in the position for two more years. Prayuth is currently trailing in opinion polls behind the 36-year-old niece of Yingluck Shinawatra, whose government he ousted in 2014. According to the constitution, an election must be held by May this year. Turkey Another big one, the 2023 Turkish general election will be held on June 18, 2023. The president of the country is chosen using a two-round system. At the same time, parliamentary elections are held to elect 600 Members of Parliament to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. The last elections were held in 2018, and moved the country from a parliamentary system to a presidential system following a referendum in 2017. Incumbent president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who had held the position since 2014, emerged victorious. Erdogan has already declared his candidacy. Guatemala Scheduled for June 25, the elections will be held to choose the country’s president and vice-president. The constitution prohibits incumbent president Alejandro Giammattei from running for a second four-year term. Cambodia Cambodia will hold general elections on July 23 to elect members of the National Assembly. Democratic election were restored in the county in 1993 and this will be the seventh quinquennial election in the country. All the seats in the parliament are currently held by the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and Prime minister Hun Sen will be seeking another term in office. Luxembourg General elections are scheduled to be held in Luxembourg on October 8 this year to renew all 60 seats of the Chamber of Deputies. The current government is a coalition of the Democratic Party (DP), the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) and The Greens. Pakistan The Pakistan National Assembly is currently set to dissolve on August 13, 2023, and elections are due to be held within 60 days of the dissolution. However, as per the constitution, an earlier dissolution will increase the time to 90 days, but not later than October 12. The political scene in the country last year was full of turmoil. After being elected prime minister in 2018, Imran Khan was ousted in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote. Shehbaz Sharif took over as the new prime minister and Imran Khan has been constantly launching attacks on the current government. Notably, Imran Khan escaped an assassination attempt in November last year and accused the Sharif government of trying to kill him. Poland Parliamentary elections will be held in autumn 2023 to elect members of the Sejm and Senate. However, the schedule can be pushed ahead in case a snap election is called. The 2019 election led to the formation of the Law and Justice government. Spain The 2023 general election to elect the 15th Cortes Generales of the Kingdom of Spain cannot be held later than December 10, 2023. All 350 seats in the Congress of Deputies will be up for election, as well as 208 of 265 seats in the Senate. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly said that the legislature will be terminated when it is due in 2023. So, contrary to rumours, an earlier election does not look like a possibility. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Here are all the general elections lined up for 2023

elections-2023

Elections 2023, News on Elections 2023, stories on Elections 2023, articles on Elections 2023, Elections 2023 stories at Wion, Elections 2023 news, Elections 2023 latest news

elections 2023