Nigeria, a country that returned to democracy in 1999 is all set to witness general elections in a few weeks time but a large number of citizens are yet to collect their permanent voter cards.

Nigeria: Residents not collecting their permanent voter cards

Peru lawmakers have voted to move up the general elections from 2026 to April 2024 amidst deadly protests sparked by the ouster and arrest of former president Pedro Castillo.

On Tuesday, the proposal got a thumping majority of 93 votes against 30 in the Congress, with one abstention.

The proposal further stipulated that the incumbent President Dina Boluarte hand power to the winner of those elections in July 2024.

Now, the proposal must be ratified in the next annual legislative session for it to take effect.

For weeks, the protesters have been calling for the dissolution of the new government under recently elected president Dina Boluarte and early elections, following the removal of Castillo.

The ex-leader was removed from office and detained earlier this month after trying to dissolve Congress to rule by decree. The move did not sit well with his supporters who took to the streets against the present government.

At least 21 people have died and more than 650 were injured in the unrest even as armed forces have been deployed to quell the protests. Despite a state of emergency declared, the agitation has been continuing.

A delegation from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights arrived in Lima on Tuesday to meet with authorities as part of a fact-finding mission on the volatile political situation.

<h2>Peru orders Mexican envoy to leave</h2>

Meanwhile, the Peru government declared Mexico’s ambassador “persona non grata” and asked him to leave the country within 72 hours after the country’s government offered asylum to Castillo’s family members.

The ministry made the decision on Tuesday after Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador made comments about Peru’s political situation, which was found to be “unacceptable interference in internal affairs, in clear violation to the principle of non-intervention,” a statement read, reports CNN.

The decision comes after Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he had offered asylum to Castillo’s family, who were already in the Mexican embassy in the capital Lima.

(With inputs from agencies)

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>

Peru lawmakers have voted to move up the general elections from 2026 to April 2024 amidst deadly protests sparked by the ouster and arrest of former president Pedro Castillo.

Peru lawmakers have voted to move up the general elections from 2026 to April 2024 amidst deadly protests sparked by the ouster and arrest of former president Pedro Castillo. On Tuesday, the proposal got a thumping majority of 93 votes against 30 in the Congress, with one abstention. The proposal further stipulated that the incumbent President Dina Boluarte hand power to the winner of those elections in July 2024. Now, the proposal must be ratified in the next annual legislative session for it to take effect. For weeks, the protesters have been calling for the dissolution of the new government under recently elected president Dina Boluarte and early elections, following the removal of Castillo. The ex-leader was removed from office and detained earlier this month after trying to dissolve Congress to rule by decree. The move did not sit well with his supporters who took to the streets against the present government. At least 21 people have died and more than 650 were injured in the unrest even as armed forces have been deployed to quell the protests. Despite a state of emergency declared, the agitation has been continuing. A delegation from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights arrived in Lima on Tuesday to meet with authorities as part of a fact-finding mission on the volatile political situation. Peru orders Mexican envoy to leave Meanwhile, the Peru government declared Mexico’s ambassador “persona non grata” and asked him to leave the country within 72 hours after the country’s government offered asylum to Castillo’s family members. The ministry made the decision on Tuesday after Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador made comments about Peru’s political situation, which was found to be “unacceptable interference in internal affairs, in clear violation to the principle of non-intervention,” a statement read, reports CNN. The decision comes after Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he had offered asylum to Castillo’s family, who were already in the Mexican embassy in the capital Lima. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Peru lawmakers move up general elections to April 2024 amidst bloody unrest

In the wake of escalating tensions and protests in Peru after ouster of former president Pedro Castillo, President Dina Boluarte on Monday said she will propose a bill to Congress to push forward general elections to April 2024.&nbsp;

While addressing the nation, Boluarte said, "I have decided to present a bill to reach an agreement with Congress to bring forward the general elections to April 2024.”

The president's statement of presenting the bill in the days ahead comes after two teenagers died and four others were injured on Sunday as protests calling for conducting general elections escalated in Peru.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/perus-new-president-boluarte-announces-cabinet-as-protests-intensify-541945">Peru's President Boluarte names cabinet, makes ministers take pledge against corruption</a>

Last week, Boluarte was sworn in as the president of Peru after Congress sacked Castillo and arrested him for making efforts to dissolve the legislature so that the impeachment vote against him can be prevented.

Protesters, which include supporters of Castillo, have been demanding fresh elections for days, instead of allowing Boluarte to serve as the president till the term of Castillo ends in 2026.&nbsp;

Some protesters also demanded that Congress should be shuttered.

While speaking to local radio station RPP, the Head of Peru's ombudsman's office Eliana Revollar said that an 18-year-old and a 15-year-old were killed during protesters' clashes with police Andahuaylas, the city located in Apurimac's Andean region "possibly as a result of gunshot wounds."

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-president-castillo-dissolves-congress-just-ahead-of-impeachment-debate-541052">Peru gets its first female president in Dina Boluarte after Pedro Castillo is impeached and arrested</a>

Apurimac region's governor Baltazar Lantaron said that "four injuries are reported, treated at the health centre, three of them (with wounds) to the scalp, with multiple injuries".

The Peruvian Corporation of Airports and Commercial Aviation, which is managing the airports of the country, reported Andahuaylas airport's closure after acts of vandalism and attacks were carried out last Saturday.

It stated that the transmitter room was set on fire by protesters which is important for providing navigation services,

On Saturday, the ombudsman's office informed that protesters had held two police officers for hours in Andahuaylas, however, they were later released. On Saturday, the clashes with protesters injured 16 civilians and four policemen, it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In the wake of escalating tensions and protests in Peru after ouster of former president Pedro Castillo, President Dina Boluarte on Monday said she will propose a bill to Congress to push forward general elections to April 2024.

In the wake of escalating tensions and protests in Peru after ouster of former president Pedro Castillo, President Dina Boluarte on Monday said she will propose a bill to Congress to push forward general elections to April 2024. While addressing the nation, Boluarte said, "I have decided to present a bill to reach an agreement with Congress to bring forward the general elections to April 2024.” The president's statement of presenting the bill in the days ahead comes after two teenagers died and four others were injured on Sunday as protests calling for conducting general elections escalated in Peru. ALSO READ| Peru's President Boluarte names cabinet, makes ministers take pledge against corruption Last week, Boluarte was sworn in as the president of Peru after Congress sacked Castillo and arrested him for making efforts to dissolve the legislature so that the impeachment vote against him can be prevented. Protesters, which include supporters of Castillo, have been demanding fresh elections for days, instead of allowing Boluarte to serve as the president till the term of Castillo ends in 2026. Some protesters also demanded that Congress should be shuttered. While speaking to local radio station RPP, the Head of Peru's ombudsman's office Eliana Revollar said that an 18-year-old and a 15-year-old were killed during protesters' clashes with police Andahuaylas, the city located in Apurimac's Andean region "possibly as a result of gunshot wounds." ALSO READ| Peru gets its first female president in Dina Boluarte after Pedro Castillo is impeached and arrested Apurimac region's governor Baltazar Lantaron said that "four injuries are reported, treated at the health centre, three of them (with wounds) to the scalp, with multiple injuries". The Peruvian Corporation of Airports and Commercial Aviation, which is managing the airports of the country, reported Andahuaylas airport's closure after acts of vandalism and attacks were carried out last Saturday. It stated that the transmitter room was set on fire by protesters which is important for providing navigation services, On Saturday, the ombudsman's office informed that protesters had held two police officers for hours in Andahuaylas, however, they were later released. On Saturday, the clashes with protesters injured 16 civilians and four policemen, it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Under pressure, new Peru Prez Boluarte moving up general elections to Apr  2024

Malaysia is in a bit of a political turmoil. This comes after a totally contested general election throughout a hung Parliament for the first time in Malaysian history. Now in the latest, the government has told the political parties to submit their preferred Coalition partners by Monday.

Malaysia Elections 2022: Government asks parties to form new coalition

Malaysia is in a bit of a political turmoil. This comes after a totally contested general election that has resulted in a hung Parliament for the first time in Malaysian history.

Malaysia Elections 2022: Deadline to stake claim to form government extended by 24 hours

Malaysia finds itself in fresh political turmoil after tightly contested general elections delivered a hung parliament for the first time

Malaysia faces political turmoil as poll delivers hung parliament

Malaysia finds itself in fresh political turmoil after tightly contested general elections led to a hung parliament for the first time in its history.

Malaysia faces hung Parliament for first time in history after tight election race

Polling has begun in Malaysia's general elections for what is being touted as a very tight race between the candidates. Despite the range course of Malaysians queued up outside several polling stations in the country. It is a very close fight between the coalitions led by the Prime Minister, long time Opposition leader and former premier.

Malaysia's 15th General Elections: Citizens want politicians 'who can do the work'

Malaysia's 15th General Elections: Citizens vote for hope & stability in hotly-contested polls

Nepal is ready to hold crucial elections for the House of Representatives on November 20. More than 17.9 million people are eligible to vote in seven provinces across the country.

WION Dispatch: Nepal all set to conduct general elections on November 20

Portugal's centre-left Socialists won an outright parliamentary majority in Sunday's snap general election, securing a strong new mandate for Prime Minister Antonio Costa, a champion of balanced public accounts.

Portugal's centre-left Socialists win surprise victory in general election

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stepped down ahead of country's early general election. Pashinyan had been under pressure to resign since ethnic Armenians lost territory in fighting in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave within Azerbaijan.

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan resigns to clear way for early general elections

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

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

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

Sibling rivalry to play out in the upcoming Singapore general elections

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Friday won the Lok Sabha bye-election in Vellore in Tamil Nadu.

DMK candidate Kathir Anand defeated AIADMK nominee AC Shanmugham in the bypoll, which was rescinded before the General Elections in May after unaccounted cash was allegedly recovered from an office said to be that of a close associate of Anand.

With this win, the DMK has bagged 38 of 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, while one is with the AIADMK.&nbsp;

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Friday won the Lok Sabha bye-election in Vellore in Tamil Nadu. DMK candidate Kathir Anand defeated AIADMK nominee AC Shanmugham in the bypoll, which was rescinded before the General Elections in May after unaccounted cash was allegedly recovered from an office said to be that of a close associate of Anand.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Friday won the Lok Sabha bye-election in Vellore in Tamil Nadu. DMK candidate Kathir Anand defeated AIADMK nominee AC Shanmugham in the bypoll, which was rescinded before the General Elections in May after unaccounted cash was allegedly recovered from an office said to be that of a close associate of Anand. With this win, the DMK has bagged 38 of 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, while one is with the AIADMK.

DMK wins Vellore Lok Sabha bypoll in Tamil Nadu

A public Democratic debate watch party at The Denver Press Club in Denver, Colorado, on Tuesday night drew a mixture of Democrats and independent voters.

No clear candidate yet for Denver debate watchers

Congress workers in Kanpur are set to go on a hunger strike on Saturday to urge party president Rahul Gandhi to not resign from the post.

"The local Congress unit will undertake 'sadbhavan anshan' on June 29 at 11 am to press upon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/resignations-pour-in-in-support-of-rahul-gandhi-pressure-on-senior-congress-leaders-to-resign-231254">Rahul Gandhi to take back his decision</a> to resign from the post of Congress chief," a press note by Congress committee in Kanpur said.

Meanwhile, a flurry of resignations has emerged within the Congress after Gandhi said he will not reconsider resigning from his post after facing a humiliating defeat in the general elections.

As many as 145 office bearers tendered a mass resignation earlier in the day during a meeting conducted in the Congress office and set an example for the senior members of the party to follow the suit of taking the moral responsibility behind dismal performance in the 17th Lok Sabha elections.

Gandhi, who became the party president in 2017, offered to step down from his post at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for Congress' dismal performance in the 17th general elections.

However, his offer of resignation offer was unanimously rejected by the CWC.

So far, several top leaders have met Gandhi and urged him to continue to lead the party.

Despite senior members making serious attempts to convince the 49-year-old party chief to rethink his decision, he remains unfazed.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.

&nbsp;

Congress workers in Kanpur are set to go on a hunger strike on Saturday to urge party president Rahul Gandhi to not resign from the post. "The local Congress unit will undertake 'sadbhavan anshan' on June 29 at 11 am to press upon Rahul Gandhi to take back his decision to resign from the post of Congress chief," a press note by Congress committee in Kanpur said.

Congress workers in Kanpur are set to go on a hunger strike on Saturday to urge party president Rahul Gandhi to not resign from the post. "The local Congress unit will undertake 'sadbhavan anshan' on June 29 at 11 am to press upon Rahul Gandhi to take back his decision to resign from the post of Congress chief," a press note by Congress committee in Kanpur said. Meanwhile, a flurry of resignations has emerged within the Congress after Gandhi said he will not reconsider resigning from his post after facing a humiliating defeat in the general elections. As many as 145 office bearers tendered a mass resignation earlier in the day during a meeting conducted in the Congress office and set an example for the senior members of the party to follow the suit of taking the moral responsibility behind dismal performance in the 17th Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi, who became the party president in 2017, offered to step down from his post at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for Congress' dismal performance in the 17th general elections. However, his offer of resignation offer was unanimously rejected by the CWC. So far, several top leaders have met Gandhi and urged him to continue to lead the party. Despite senior members making serious attempts to convince the 49-year-old party chief to rethink his decision, he remains unfazed. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.

Kanpur Congress workers to go on hunger strike urging Rahul Gandhi to not resign as party chief

Soon after the exit polls results came out, many media channels voiced their reservations about the return of Modi, the print media was also not far behind started bashing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile Britain's acclaimed newspaper The Guardian perhaps has a meanest take on India and PM Modi. The Guardian piece has a title, "Five more years of Narendra Modi will take India to a dark place."

India Election Watch: The Inherent bias of the western media

In a big blow to the opposition parties, the Election Commission has rejected their demand regarding VVPAT slips saying that the counting will take place as planned. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Election commission rejects VVPAT demand

According to CSDS Post Poll Survey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal has increased among Non-BJP voters over time. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Decoding the "Pro-incumbency wave"

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be chairing a meeting of Opposition leaders in New Delhi on May 23, the day election results will be announced. UPA ally DMK has confirmed the meeting, saying that party chief M K Stalin has received an invite from Gandhi. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: UPA reaches out to regional parties

About 500 masked men carrying guns and machetes attacked election officials in Arunachal Pradesh and made off with computerised voting machines, officials said on Wednesday.

Country's mammoth election staggered over nearly six weeks ended on Sunday and were largely peaceful.

Opposition&nbsp;parties have alleged tampering of voting machines and intimidation of election officials in isolated areas.

On Sunday, a team of officials was travelling through dense jungle to a polling station in Arunachal Pradesh when it was ambushed, district magistrate Rido Tarek said.

Some of the attackers opened fire but there were no casualties, police said.&nbsp;

"About 500 miscreants attacked our polling team and also resorted to firing although no one was injured," Sunil Garg, the state police inspector general told Reuters by telephone.

The team was on its way to Koloriang constituency for a repoll set for Tuesday following allegations of malpractices during the voting in April.

The election was held on Tuesday after a new team was sent with machines, Garg said.

The Election Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But it said it had received some complaints about attempts to tamper with voting machines in strongrooms from other parts of the country but they were not true.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-counting-of-votes-to-take-place-on-thursday-fates-of-over-8000-candidates-to-be-decided-220612">Votes are to be counted on Thursday</a>.

About 500 masked men carrying guns and machetes attacked election officials in Arunachal Pradesh and made off with computerised voting machines, officials said on Wednesday.

About 500 masked men carrying guns and machetes attacked election officials in Arunachal Pradesh and made off with computerised voting machines, officials said on Wednesday. Country's mammoth election staggered over nearly six weeks ended on Sunday and were largely peaceful. Opposition parties have alleged tampering of voting machines and intimidation of election officials in isolated areas. On Sunday, a team of officials was travelling through dense jungle to a polling station in Arunachal Pradesh when it was ambushed, district magistrate Rido Tarek said. Some of the attackers opened fire but there were no casualties, police said. "About 500 miscreants attacked our polling team and also resorted to firing although no one was injured," Sunil Garg, the state police inspector general told Reuters by telephone. The team was on its way to Koloriang constituency for a repoll set for Tuesday following allegations of malpractices during the voting in April. The election was held on Tuesday after a new team was sent with machines, Garg said. The Election Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But it said it had received some complaints about attempts to tamper with voting machines in strongrooms from other parts of the country but they were not true. Votes are to be counted on Thursday.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Masked attackers snatch voting machines in Arunachal Pradesh

The elections are almost over. After exhaustive campaigning of more than seven weeks, the D-Day is approaching fast for all the political parties. So how did this election pan out? What's at stake? And which issues dominated the campaign? Here are the big takeaways from the seven-phase-long marathon election exercise:

Unabashed Hindutva

Unlike 2014, when the punch line was 'Gujarat model' and 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. 2019 election was untamed and unabashed Hindutva. The ruling party crossed certain lines which were not to be seen post-Babri Masjid demolition.&nbsp;

Most politicians, accused in the demolition row, went on to enjoy successful careers but none of them was charged under terror laws. The Ayodhya agitation remained a matter of faith and criminal cases revolved around the issue of law and order. Meanwhile, Pragya Singh was charged under terror laws and even then BJP gave her the ticket. The idea was to send a clear message that &nbsp;BJP’s first commitment remains the idea of undivided Hindu vote. It is for this reason, BJP by giving a ticket to Pragya Singh Thakur crossed the Rubicon where the idea of Hindu victimhood was enshrined on Pragya's living body.

This a big change from Vajpayee’s politics which looked for moderation once BJP acquired power. Throughout elections, BJP ensured that core voter remains mobilised on Hindutva even if a section of the middle class feels alienated. The question is whether mobilisation on the line of hard Hindutva ends up creating a stronger counter mobilisation or not? If the former stays strong then, BJP will be unaffected in Uttar Pradesh and if latter is the truth then BJP’s number, overall, will come down substantially in Lok Sabha.

For Modi or Against Modi but Only Modi

This is the first election which, in a small way, mimics 1989 election when Congress projected Rajiv Gandhi as the tallest leader and every other Opposition leader as an opportunist who by coming together wanted to defeat Congress party.&nbsp;

Well, Congress lost the election and rest remains history. The fact is that this election has only revolved around Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Even the major Opposition party, Congress, has not once said that Rahul Gandhi is the Prime Ministerial candidate. In almost all the interview, he has given, Rahul Gandhi has only spoken about ways to stop Modi but not once, he or his party has claimed that they have the capacity to cross 200 plus seats. The best bet for the Congress is to break into triple digits and ensure that Modi does not become the Prime Minister. The bottom line of the political discourse through the month has been that you can love Modi or hate Modi, but you cannot ignore Modi. So, people will either vote for Modi or against Modi, but he remains the cornerstone of the discourse.

Harvest Areas

Many political pundits ignore this aspect of politics. Generally, the focus remains on constituencies which a party can win. BJP, like Congress in past, has focused on constituencies it has not won before and has drawn a list of 150 such seats. Not only BJP has focused on the non-traditional seats, but it has also doubled its efforts in non-traditional areas like Kerala, West Bengal and Odisha, this time around. In case, BJP gets a simple majority on its own, the performance in these areas would require closer examination.&nbsp;

Congress surge in 2009 also took place on similar lines. Congress was able to win seats which they had not won in the past 20 years in both Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Mandsaur Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh and constituencies like Ballia and Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh are examples in case.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi too made an attempt to repeat the same in 2012 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh by identifying tough seats but failed for the lack of clear leadership in the state. Congress has failed to reinvent its self in states which it has lost to regional parties. The latest example is that of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. BJP, on the other hand, has organisationally expanded into unchartered waters like North East and swept states like Tripura and Assam

Priyanka’s Launch

She was the surprise package and help for much occupied Rahul Gandhi. It is difficult to say as to how much impact she has had on the electorate, but she definitely chewed into the media space of BJP. My personal opinion is that her campaign had no impact in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh, but she did provide much-required publicity to the Congress Party. She was able to enthuse party workers in Uttar Pradesh and create a positive during her campaign. In fact, she generated more publicity than Rahul Gandhi during her tours in Uttar Pradesh.

Agriculture is Back

After two long decades, agriculture as an electoral issue is back on the drawing table. From 1991 onwards, agriculture faded away from active public discourse with the emerging middle class and economic liberalisation. Even the tag lines reflected the new mood which ranged from Shining India to 'Congress ka Hath Aam Aadmi Ke Saath' to 'Singh is King' to 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. After shocking defeat in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, BJP had to go back to the drawing room and ended up announcing massive subsidies to counter Congress whose campaign was only around waiver of farmers debt. It led to a large number of editorials being written on the farming community and new policy, required to end the agricultural crisis.

Regional Parties: Restoration of Balance?

For the first time after 1996, regional parties can play a big role in making of the new government. In likely hood, NDA++ is expected to form the government but regional players will have a strong say. DMK, TMC, YSRCP, TRS, BJD and SP-BSP alliance will play an important role in the formation of the government in New Delhi. SP-BSP can be a deal breaker and YSRCP and TRS may end up providing oxygen to NDA, if it falls short of majority though, as of now, TRS is campaigning for a Federal Front. 
 
This list can grow if&nbsp;BJD also decides to support BJP but the fact remains that regional parties will have a lot say in this election.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The elections are almost over. After exhaustive campaigning of more than seven weeks, the D-Day is approaching fast for all the political parties. So how did this election pan out?

The elections are almost over. After exhaustive campaigning of more than seven weeks, the D-Day is approaching fast for all the political parties. So how did this election pan out? What's at stake? And which issues dominated the campaign? Here are the big takeaways from the seven-phase-long marathon election exercise: Unabashed Hindutva Unlike 2014, when the punch line was 'Gujarat model' and 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. 2019 election was untamed and unabashed Hindutva. The ruling party crossed certain lines which were not to be seen post-Babri Masjid demolition. Most politicians, accused in the demolition row, went on to enjoy successful careers but none of them was charged under terror laws. The Ayodhya agitation remained a matter of faith and criminal cases revolved around the issue of law and order. Meanwhile, Pragya Singh was charged under terror laws and even then BJP gave her the ticket. The idea was to send a clear message that BJP’s first commitment remains the idea of undivided Hindu vote. It is for this reason, BJP by giving a ticket to Pragya Singh Thakur crossed the Rubicon where the idea of Hindu victimhood was enshrined on Pragya's living body. This a big change from Vajpayee’s politics which looked for moderation once BJP acquired power. Throughout elections, BJP ensured that core voter remains mobilised on Hindutva even if a section of the middle class feels alienated. The question is whether mobilisation on the line of hard Hindutva ends up creating a stronger counter mobilisation or not? If the former stays strong then, BJP will be unaffected in Uttar Pradesh and if latter is the truth then BJP’s number, overall, will come down substantially in Lok Sabha. For Modi or Against Modi but Only Modi This is the first election which, in a small way, mimics 1989 election when Congress projected Rajiv Gandhi as the tallest leader and every other Opposition leader as an opportunist who by coming together wanted to defeat Congress party. Well, Congress lost the election and rest remains history. The fact is that this election has only revolved around Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Even the major Opposition party, Congress, has not once said that Rahul Gandhi is the Prime Ministerial candidate. In almost all the interview, he has given, Rahul Gandhi has only spoken about ways to stop Modi but not once, he or his party has claimed that they have the capacity to cross 200 plus seats. The best bet for the Congress is to break into triple digits and ensure that Modi does not become the Prime Minister. The bottom line of the political discourse through the month has been that you can love Modi or hate Modi, but you cannot ignore Modi. So, people will either vote for Modi or against Modi, but he remains the cornerstone of the discourse. Harvest Areas Many political pundits ignore this aspect of politics. Generally, the focus remains on constituencies which a party can win. BJP, like Congress in past, has focused on constituencies it has not won before and has drawn a list of 150 such seats. Not only BJP has focused on the non-traditional seats, but it has also doubled its efforts in non-traditional areas like Kerala, West Bengal and Odisha, this time around. In case, BJP gets a simple majority on its own, the performance in these areas would require closer examination. Congress surge in 2009 also took place on similar lines. Congress was able to win seats which they had not won in the past 20 years in both Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Mandsaur Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh and constituencies like Ballia and Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh are examples in case. Congress president Rahul Gandhi too made an attempt to repeat the same in 2012 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh by identifying tough seats but failed for the lack of clear leadership in the state. Congress has failed to reinvent its self in states which it has lost to regional parties. The latest example is that of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. BJP, on the other hand, has organisationally expanded into unchartered waters like North East and swept states like Tripura and Assam Priyanka’s Launch She was the surprise package and help for much occupied Rahul Gandhi. It is difficult to say as to how much impact she has had on the electorate, but she definitely chewed into the media space of BJP. My personal opinion is that her campaign had no impact in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh, but she did provide much-required publicity to the Congress Party. She was able to enthuse party workers in Uttar Pradesh and create a positive during her campaign. In fact, she generated more publicity than Rahul Gandhi during her tours in Uttar Pradesh. Agriculture is Back After two long decades, agriculture as an electoral issue is back on the drawing table. From 1991 onwards, agriculture faded away from active public discourse with the emerging middle class and economic liberalisation. Even the tag lines reflected the new mood which ranged from Shining India to 'Congress ka Hath Aam Aadmi Ke Saath' to 'Singh is King' to 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. After shocking defeat in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, BJP had to go back to the drawing room and ended up announcing massive subsidies to counter Congress whose campaign was only around waiver of farmers debt. It led to a large number of editorials being written on the farming community and new policy, required to end the agricultural crisis. Regional Parties: Restoration of Balance? For the first time after 1996, regional parties can play a big role in making of the new government. In likely hood, NDA++ is expected to form the government but regional players will have a strong say. DMK, TMC, YSRCP, TRS, BJD and SP-BSP alliance will play an important role in the formation of the government in New Delhi. SP-BSP can be a deal breaker and YSRCP and TRS may end up providing oxygen to NDA, if it falls short of majority though, as of now, TRS is campaigning for a Federal Front. This list can grow if BJD also decides to support BJP but the fact remains that regional parties will have a lot say in this election. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Five key takeaways

A day after the arrest of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) youth wing convenor Priyanka Sharma, her mother alleged she was arrested at TMC's behest because she used to work for BJP.

"My daughter was arrested because she used to work for the BJP. This is all part of a big plot. This is the first time she is far away from us. Had she been a TMC worker nothing bad would have happened to her, this is all done by TMC. The fact that she is in jail has increased our worries," Priyanka's mother told ANI.

Priyanka was accused of sharing a morphed photo of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on social media. She was arrested on Friday and sent to jail for 14 days.

Her brother said, at first, he was not allowed to meet her. However, when he put pressure, the authorities let him in. He also alleged that his sister's security was at risk as her entry in jail was not recorded within 24 hours of her arrest.

He also said BJP leader Poonam Mahajan called him to Delhi.

"I will take the matter to Supreme Court to save my sister", he said.

Om Prakash Singh, district president of BJYM, said there was nothing wrong with what Priyanka did, but her arrest was wrong.

"Social media is a place where everybody wants the freedom to express. It is shameful that Mamata Banerjee is curbing freedom on that platform. Priyanka just shared an edited photo which was already viral on the platform. There is nothing vulgar or shameful in the photo. We have ideological differences with TMC, but we have never disrespected her."

"The police have not put a non-bailable warrant against her. She is not being allowed to meet her family or anyone. We will take the legal course of action and also carry out protests against this action taken by the police. We will not stay silent when TMC is trying to end the freedom of speech in West Bengal," Singh told reporters.

This is not the first time that Banerjee took action against someone who took a dig at her. In 2012, Professor Ambikesh Mahapatra of the Jadavpur University was arrested for forwarding a cartoon of the chief minister. In the same year, she had also termed a student "Maoist" for questioning her government`s policies.&nbsp;

A day after the arrest of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) youth wing convenor Priyanka Sharma, her mother alleged she was arrested at TMC's behest because she used to work for BJP.

A day after the arrest of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) youth wing convenor Priyanka Sharma, her mother alleged she was arrested at TMC's behest because she used to work for BJP. "My daughter was arrested because she used to work for the BJP. This is all part of a big plot. This is the first time she is far away from us. Had she been a TMC worker nothing bad would have happened to her, this is all done by TMC. The fact that she is in jail has increased our worries," Priyanka's mother told ANI. Priyanka was accused of sharing a morphed photo of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on social media. She was arrested on Friday and sent to jail for 14 days. Her brother said, at first, he was not allowed to meet her. However, when he put pressure, the authorities let him in. He also alleged that his sister's security was at risk as her entry in jail was not recorded within 24 hours of her arrest. He also said BJP leader Poonam Mahajan called him to Delhi. "I will take the matter to Supreme Court to save my sister", he said. Om Prakash Singh, district president of BJYM, said there was nothing wrong with what Priyanka did, but her arrest was wrong. "Social media is a place where everybody wants the freedom to express. It is shameful that Mamata Banerjee is curbing freedom on that platform. Priyanka just shared an edited photo which was already viral on the platform. There is nothing vulgar or shameful in the photo. We have ideological differences with TMC, but we have never disrespected her." "The police have not put a non-bailable warrant against her. She is not being allowed to meet her family or anyone. We will take the legal course of action and also carry out protests against this action taken by the police. We will not stay silent when TMC is trying to end the freedom of speech in West Bengal," Singh told reporters. This is not the first time that Banerjee took action against someone who took a dig at her. In 2012, Professor Ambikesh Mahapatra of the Jadavpur University was arrested for forwarding a cartoon of the chief minister. In the same year, she had also termed a student "Maoist" for questioning her government`s policies.

My daughter got arrested at Trinamool Congress' behest: BJP youth wing convenor's mother

More than 60,000 security personnel, including the Home Guards and paramilitary forces, have been deployed across the city a day before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/really-hope-the-best-candidate-wins-lok-sabha-polls-gautam-gambhir-217718">Lok Sabha elections in the capital city on Sunday</a>.

Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik told PTI that elaborate arrangements, according to the instructions of the Election Commission of India, are in place to ensure no anti-social element causes any menace.

Security personnel have been deployed at polling booths and special reserve parties and policemen are patrolling vulnerable areas, the police said.

The Police Control Room Unit will also stay alert to calls of any complaints being made, especially relating to the election process, they added.

"The model code of conduct is being strictly enforced. There is a special watch on border areas to foil any attempt to infiltrate by anti-social elements to cause disruption. There will be a strict vigil to ensure malpractices like liquor peddling and movement of anti-social elements with a purpose to influence voters do not happen," Patnaik said.

Anti-terror measures are also in place and special arrangements have been made to check sabotage of polling booths, including election rigging, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) and the spokesperson of the force, Madhur Verma, said.

The officer added that extra picket teams have been deployed in border areas too. "Briefings were held with the polling staff on the dispersal of EVMs and the routes to be taken to ensure no rigging of EVMs happens on the way. Night patrolling has been intensified to check the use of muscle power and money to lure voters," Verma said.

Adequate security forces have been deployed at identified polling stations with Quick Reaction Teams placed at congested areas across the district in case of an emergency, another official added.

The police have registered 1,378 FIRs and arrested 1,381 people under the Excise Act. They have also seized 691 unlicensed arms and weapons, and 3,007 cartridges and explosives, a statement said.

It said 1,14,482 people have been booked till date under various sections of the CrPC and the Delhi Police Act.

A police official said there are three facets to the security apparatus,&nbsp;at places where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are kept, border checking, and law and order arrangements for polling and counting days.

The officer said police will be involved in enforcing a dry day, which came into effect from 5 pm on Friday.

Another official said 39,000 police personnel and 13,000 Home Guards will be involved in ensuring the security of polling booths.

They will be supplemented by police personnel from the Police Control Room and the traffic unit, along with 47 companies of paramilitary personnel, another official added.

Each company comprises 100 personnel.&nbsp;

All seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will head for polling on Sunday.&nbsp;

More than 60,000 security personnel, including the Home Guards and paramilitary forces, have been deployed across the city a day before the Lok Sabha elections in the capital city on Sunday.

More than 60,000 security personnel, including the Home Guards and paramilitary forces, have been deployed across the city a day before the Lok Sabha elections in the capital city on Sunday. Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik told PTI that elaborate arrangements, according to the instructions of the Election Commission of India, are in place to ensure no anti-social element causes any menace. Security personnel have been deployed at polling booths and special reserve parties and policemen are patrolling vulnerable areas, the police said. The Police Control Room Unit will also stay alert to calls of any complaints being made, especially relating to the election process, they added. "The model code of conduct is being strictly enforced. There is a special watch on border areas to foil any attempt to infiltrate by anti-social elements to cause disruption. There will be a strict vigil to ensure malpractices like liquor peddling and movement of anti-social elements with a purpose to influence voters do not happen," Patnaik said. Anti-terror measures are also in place and special arrangements have been made to check sabotage of polling booths, including election rigging, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) and the spokesperson of the force, Madhur Verma, said. The officer added that extra picket teams have been deployed in border areas too. "Briefings were held with the polling staff on the dispersal of EVMs and the routes to be taken to ensure no rigging of EVMs happens on the way. Night patrolling has been intensified to check the use of muscle power and money to lure voters," Verma said. Adequate security forces have been deployed at identified polling stations with Quick Reaction Teams placed at congested areas across the district in case of an emergency, another official added. The police have registered 1,378 FIRs and arrested 1,381 people under the Excise Act. They have also seized 691 unlicensed arms and weapons, and 3,007 cartridges and explosives, a statement said. It said 1,14,482 people have been booked till date under various sections of the CrPC and the Delhi Police Act. A police official said there are three facets to the security apparatus, at places where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are kept, border checking, and law and order arrangements for polling and counting days. The officer said police will be involved in enforcing a dry day, which came into effect from 5 pm on Friday. Another official said 39,000 police personnel and 13,000 Home Guards will be involved in ensuring the security of polling booths. They will be supplemented by police personnel from the Police Control Room and the traffic unit, along with 47 companies of paramilitary personnel, another official added. Each company comprises 100 personnel. All seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will head for polling on Sunday.

60,000 personnel to be on toes on polling day in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani.&nbsp;

"I tried getting in touch with Didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch," PM Modi said during a rally in West Bengal.

"Didi is so frustrated these days that she doesn't even want to talk or hear about God. The situation is such that Didi is arresting and jailing those who are chanting 'Jai Sri Ram'," said the PM while addressing a rally in Tamluk, West Bengal.

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PM Modi in Tamluk,West Bengal: Speedbreaker didi has tried to play politics even on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cycloneFani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cycloneFani</a>. I tried to get in touch with Mamata didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch <a href="https://t.co/g0FudSKqIo">pic.twitter.com/g0FudSKqIo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1125302184327778304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-reviews-situation-in-cyclone-hit-odisha-lauds-state-government-says-another-rs-1000-crore-to-be-released-216313">PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of cyclone-ravaged areas in Odisha</a> and took part in a review meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials.&nbsp;

Later in the day, it was reported that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-refuses-to-hold-review-meeting-for-fani-with-pm-modi-216323">the Banerjee administration refused a review meeting with PM Modi over cyclone Fani</a> citing officials' unavailability due to ongoing elections.&nbsp;

On Sunday, reports surfaced that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-could-not-talk-to-mamata-over-cyclone-as-his-calls-were-not-returned-official-216063">prime minister's calls went unanswered by Banerjee</a>.&nbsp;

"Two attempts were made by the prime minister's staff to connect Modi with Banerjee over the phone. On both the occasions they were told that the call would be returned. On one occasion they were told that the CM is on tour," an official said on Sunday.

Trinamool Congress had hit out at PM Modi for not talking to Banerjee about the ground situation in the state in wake of the cyclone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls. The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls. The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani. "I tried getting in touch with Didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch," PM Modi said during a rally in West Bengal. "Didi is so frustrated these days that she doesn't even want to talk or hear about God. The situation is such that Didi is arresting and jailing those who are chanting 'Jai Sri Ram'," said the PM while addressing a rally in Tamluk, West Bengal. PM Modi in Tamluk,West Bengal: Speedbreaker didi has tried to play politics even on #cycloneFani. I tried to get in touch with Mamata didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch pic.twitter.com/g0FudSKqIo — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2019 × Earlier in the day, PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of cyclone-ravaged areas in Odisha and took part in a review meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials. Later in the day, it was reported that the Banerjee administration refused a review meeting with PM Modi over cyclone Fani citing officials' unavailability due to ongoing elections. On Sunday, reports surfaced that the prime minister's calls went unanswered by Banerjee. "Two attempts were made by the prime minister's staff to connect Modi with Banerjee over the phone. On both the occasions they were told that the call would be returned. On one occasion they were told that the CM is on tour," an official said on Sunday. Trinamool Congress had hit out at PM Modi for not talking to Banerjee about the ground situation in the state in wake of the cyclone.

Didi is playing politics over cyclone Fani, she refuses to take my calls: PM Modi in West Bengal 

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