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The Londoners are all set to elect a new Mayor and Members for the assembly. But before they do, businessman Tarun Ghulati has surfaced as a contender against the incumbent Sadiq Khan for the election.

UK: Can Sadiq Khan secure his third term as mayor of London?

The Supreme Court&nbsp;on Monday (Feb 5) gave an earful to the returning officer over his conduct during the recent mayoral polls in&nbsp;the northern Indian union territory of Chandigarh. The apex court said what happened during the election was a "mockery of democracy".&nbsp;

Led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, the three-judge bench made the remark while hearing a petition filed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress. The alliance's candidate Kuldeep Kumar&nbsp;lost the mayoral race to Bhartiya Janta Party's (BJP) Manoj Sonkar after&nbsp;the returning officer declared eight votes invalid.&nbsp;

“What is he doing? It’s obvious that he has defaced the ballot…This man has to be prosecuted," said CJI Chandrachud, referring to&nbsp;returning officer Anil Masih after watching a CCTV footage.&nbsp;

“This is a mockery of democracy. It’s murdering democracy. Is this the way he conducts an election? We are appalled by what has happened. We are simply appalled by what has happened,” he added.

Notably, the alliance candidate had 20 votes which meant he could have become the new mayor. However, after Masih declared eight votes invalid,&nbsp;Kumar's effective vote count came down to&nbsp;12 against Sonkar's 16.

The court ordered that "entire records pertaining to the election" be kept in custody of&nbsp;the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.&nbsp;

“We direct that the entire records pertaining to the election of the mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation shall be sequestered under the custody of the registrar general of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This shall include the ballot papers, videography of the entire electoral process and all other material in the custody of the returning officer.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandigarh-mayor-elections-bjps-manoj-sonkar-wins-oppn-demands-action-against-presiding-officer-685169">Also read |&nbsp;Chandigarh Mayor elections: BJP’s Manoj Sonkar wins, oppn demands action against presiding officer</a>

<h2>AAP released new video</h2>

Hours after the court's statement, AAP released a new video of Masih allegedly tampering with the ballot papers before declaring them invalid.&nbsp;

"Now accept it, BJP. What can be a greater proof than this? See how the Presiding Officer of BJP openly destroyed the flag of democracy by cancelling the votes himself. This is living proof of BJP's dictatorship," AAP said.

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ਹੁਣ ਤਾਂ ਮੰਨ ਜਾਓ <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> ਵਾਲਿਓ! 
 
ਇਸਤੋਂ ਵੱਡਾ ਸਬੂਤ ਹੋਰ ਕੀ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੈ। ਦੇਖੋ ਕਿਵੇਂ BJP ਦੇ Presiding Officer ਨੇ ਸ਼ਰੇਆਮ ਖ਼ੁਦ ਹੀ ਵੋਟਾਂ ਕੈਂਸਲ ਕਰਕੇ ਉਡਾਈਆਂ ਲੋਕਤੰਤਰ ਦੀਆਂ ਧੱਜੀਆਂ। 
 
ਇਹ ਭਾਜਪਾ ਦੀ ਤਾਨਾਸ਼ਾਹੀ ਦਾ ਜਿਉਂਦਾ ਜਾਗਦਾ ਸਬੂਤ ਹੈ।<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChandigarhMayor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChandigarhMayor</a> <a href="https://t.co/BIxIhrwRv6">pic.twitter.com/BIxIhrwRv6</a>
— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAPPunjab/status/1754548714507841943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attacked BJP saying the "world's biggest party was caught red-handed, stealing votes in Chandigarh election".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 5) gave an earful to the returning officer over his conduct during the recent mayoral polls in the northern Indian union territory of Chandigarh.

The Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 5) gave an earful to the returning officer over his conduct during the recent mayoral polls in the northern Indian union territory of Chandigarh. The apex court said what happened during the election was a "mockery of democracy". Led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, the three-judge bench made the remark while hearing a petition filed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress. The alliance's candidate Kuldeep Kumar lost the mayoral race to Bhartiya Janta Party's (BJP) Manoj Sonkar after the returning officer declared eight votes invalid. “What is he doing? It’s obvious that he has defaced the ballot…This man has to be prosecuted," said CJI Chandrachud, referring to returning officer Anil Masih after watching a CCTV footage. “This is a mockery of democracy. It’s murdering democracy. Is this the way he conducts an election? We are appalled by what has happened. We are simply appalled by what has happened,” he added. Notably, the alliance candidate had 20 votes which meant he could have become the new mayor. However, after Masih declared eight votes invalid, Kumar's effective vote count came down to 12 against Sonkar's 16. The court ordered that "entire records pertaining to the election" be kept in custody of the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. “We direct that the entire records pertaining to the election of the mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation shall be sequestered under the custody of the registrar general of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This shall include the ballot papers, videography of the entire electoral process and all other material in the custody of the returning officer.” Also read | Chandigarh Mayor elections: BJP’s Manoj Sonkar wins, oppn demands action against presiding officer AAP released new video Hours after the court's statement, AAP released a new video of Masih allegedly tampering with the ballot papers before declaring them invalid. "Now accept it, BJP. What can be a greater proof than this? See how the Presiding Officer of BJP openly destroyed the flag of democracy by cancelling the votes himself. This is living proof of BJP's dictatorship," AAP said. ਹੁਣ ਤਾਂ ਮੰਨ ਜਾਓ @BJP4India ਵਾਲਿਓ! ਇਸਤੋਂ ਵੱਡਾ ਸਬੂਤ ਹੋਰ ਕੀ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੈ। ਦੇਖੋ ਕਿਵੇਂ BJP ਦੇ Presiding Officer ਨੇ ਸ਼ਰੇਆਮ ਖ਼ੁਦ ਹੀ ਵੋਟਾਂ ਕੈਂਸਲ ਕਰਕੇ ਉਡਾਈਆਂ ਲੋਕਤੰਤਰ ਦੀਆਂ ਧੱਜੀਆਂ। ਇਹ ਭਾਜਪਾ ਦੀ ਤਾਨਾਸ਼ਾਹੀ ਦਾ ਜਿਉਂਦਾ ਜਾਗਦਾ ਸਬੂਤ ਹੈ।#ChandigarhMayor pic.twitter.com/BIxIhrwRv6 — AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) February 5, 2024 × AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attacked BJP saying the "world's biggest party was caught red-handed, stealing votes in Chandigarh election". (With inputs from agencies)

Chandigarh mayor polls: SC calls election 'mockery of democracy' after presiding officer fudges ballots

In a closely contested mayoral election in the Indian city of Chandigarh, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Manoj Sonkar secured victory with 16 votes. He managed to defeat the Congress-AAP alliance candidate Kuldeep Tita, who managed 12 votes. The 39-year-old Sonkar holds education till seventh standard and reportedly runs a liquor business.

However, the Opposition raised allegations of foul play as eight votes were declared invalid.

The illness of the presiding officer for the mayoral election Anil Masih, who reportedly holds allegiance with the BJP, led to the delay in polls which were earlier scheduled for January 18.

AAP has expressed apprehensions regarding the integrity of the election process, citing footage that allegedly depicted Masih making marks on certain ballots. The validity of the ballots may be contested on various grounds. It could include the presence of identifying marks that could potentially unveil the voters' identities, jeopardising the confidentiality of the ballot.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-satnam-singh-sandhu-founder-chancellor-of-chandigarh-university-nominated-as-rajya-sabha-mp-685125">Who is Satnam Singh Sandhu? Founder, chancellor of Chandigarh University nominated as Rajya Sabha MP</a>

The opposition on Tuesday (Jan 30) held protests against Masih and marshals were called in to restore order. The newly elected mayor will now oversee the elections for the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor.

Ahead of the upcoming general elections where INDIA alliance is vying to throw the ruling BJP out of power, the polls were an important test for the Opposition bloc. It was also the first-ever alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress.&nbsp;

<h2>Allegations of rigged polls&nbsp;</h2>

Congress leader Pawan Bansal accused the rejection of eight ballot papers as "premeditated", stating, "Congress and AAP agents were not given access to the ballot paper."

Basal alleged, "The presiding officer, who I would say is a shallow person, had been given one clear specification that he has to come out only after declaring the BJP candidate as the winner.”

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shilpa-shetty-vivek-oberoi-on-indian-police-force-and-more-685164">Shilpa Shetty, Vivek Oberoi on Indian Police Force and more</a>

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“We were watching the live (feed). If you notice, the presiding officer immediately vacated the chair and the BJP’s candidate was standing beside him immediately. The BJP members rushed in, took and tore the ballot papers before anyone could even go there and see,” Bansal added.

Chandigarh Congress chief H S Lucky accused the BJP of intentionally choosing a biased presiding officer, stating, "While signing, he marked on eight votes to declare them invalid. This is injustice… Death of democracy. How can they manipulate the elections?"

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In a closely contested mayoral election in the Indian city of Chandigarh, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Manoj Sonkar secured victory with 16 votes. He managed to defeat the Congress-AAP alliance candidate Kuldeep Tita, who managed 12 votes.

In a closely contested mayoral election in the Indian city of Chandigarh, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Manoj Sonkar secured victory with 16 votes. He managed to defeat the Congress-AAP alliance candidate Kuldeep Tita, who managed 12 votes. The 39-year-old Sonkar holds education till seventh standard and reportedly runs a liquor business. However, the Opposition raised allegations of foul play as eight votes were declared invalid. The illness of the presiding officer for the mayoral election Anil Masih, who reportedly holds allegiance with the BJP, led to the delay in polls which were earlier scheduled for January 18. AAP has expressed apprehensions regarding the integrity of the election process, citing footage that allegedly depicted Masih making marks on certain ballots. The validity of the ballots may be contested on various grounds. It could include the presence of identifying marks that could potentially unveil the voters' identities, jeopardising the confidentiality of the ballot. Also Read | Who is Satnam Singh Sandhu? Founder, chancellor of Chandigarh University nominated as Rajya Sabha MP The opposition on Tuesday (Jan 30) held protests against Masih and marshals were called in to restore order. The newly elected mayor will now oversee the elections for the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. Ahead of the upcoming general elections where INDIA alliance is vying to throw the ruling BJP out of power, the polls were an important test for the Opposition bloc. It was also the first-ever alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress. Allegations of rigged polls Congress leader Pawan Bansal accused the rejection of eight ballot papers as "premeditated", stating, "Congress and AAP agents were not given access to the ballot paper." Basal alleged, "The presiding officer, who I would say is a shallow person, had been given one clear specification that he has to come out only after declaring the BJP candidate as the winner.” Watch | Shilpa Shetty, Vivek Oberoi on Indian Police Force and more × “We were watching the live (feed). If you notice, the presiding officer immediately vacated the chair and the BJP’s candidate was standing beside him immediately. The BJP members rushed in, took and tore the ballot papers before anyone could even go there and see,” Bansal added. Chandigarh Congress chief H S Lucky accused the BJP of intentionally choosing a biased presiding officer, stating, "While signing, he marked on eight votes to declare them invalid. This is injustice… Death of democracy. How can they manipulate the elections?" (With inputs from agencies)

Chandigarh Mayor elections: BJP’s Manoj Sonkar wins, oppn demands action against presiding officer

For the first time, Toronto elected a 'non-white' Chinese-Canadian mayor.&nbsp; Olivia Chow pledged to support renters and social causes and reduce the sweeping powers of her office. Chow will also be the first woman to serve as mayor of the Canadian city since Barbara Hall in 1997.&nbsp;

As per the preliminary results, the 66-year-old secured&nbsp;some 37.3 per cent votes, defeating her rival Ana Bailao, former deputy mayor, who won 32.5 per cent vote share. &nbsp;

Here's everything you need to know about Toronto's new mayor:

<h2>Olivia Chow: Early life and political career</h2>

Born in Hong Kong, Chow shifted to Canada when she was just 13. She is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

In 1988, Chow was married to Jack Layton until his death in August 2011. A year later, Chow unveiled a statue dedicated to her late husband on 20 August 2012, with tributes to him written in English, Chinese and French. The statue is located in Harbour Square Park at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.

After completing her studies, she became active in politics, working to win the riding office of NDP P Dan Heap in the 1980s. Later in 1997, she ran as an NDP candidate for the House of Commons in Trinity-Spadina. In 2004, she won the Trinity-Spadina again.

Years later, in 2014, she entered the Toronto mayoral elections, in an attempt to defeat Rob Frod after most polls taken over the previous year suggested that she was best placed to win a head-to-head contest against Ford or a multi-candidate contest. Unfortunately, Chow finished the election race third.

As a prominent and progressive voice in Canada's capital politics, Chow again in April announced her campaign for mayor of Toronto in the 2023 by-election.&nbsp;

<h2>As the next council meeting is scheduled for July 19, here's what Chow promised to do during her election campaign:</h2>

Transit and Housing:

One of the first promises that Chow made was to build a dedicated busway to replace the decommissioned Scarborough RT to the tune of about $60 million. One of the differences between Chow's and her rival's pledge was to raise Toronoto's vacant home tax from one per cent to three per cent.&nbsp;

She promised to build 25,000 homes on city-owned land in the next eight years.

Taxes:

The municipal land taxes will be increased on homes sold for over $3 million. The money collected from the tax increase will be used to support the homeless. Though Chow didn't mention any specific number, she said that the increase will not be near 25 per cent as proposed by her rival candidates. She said that the tax increase will support city's improvements including reduced waiting time on emergency calls.&nbsp;

Strong Mayor Powers:

One of the most prominent promises, Chow made was that she will not use the strong mayor powers handed to municipal leaders by the Ontario government. These powers allow the mayor to overrule a council decision based on provincial priorities such as housing infrastructure, budget or hiring a certain staff.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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For the first time, Toronto elected a 'non-white' Chinese-Canadian mayor. Olivia Chow pledged to support renters and social causes and reduce the sweeping powers of her office.

For the first time, Toronto elected a 'non-white' Chinese-Canadian mayor. Olivia Chow pledged to support renters and social causes and reduce the sweeping powers of her office. Chow will also be the first woman to serve as mayor of the Canadian city since Barbara Hall in 1997. As per the preliminary results, the 66-year-old secured some 37.3 per cent votes, defeating her rival Ana Bailao, former deputy mayor, who won 32.5 per cent vote share. Here's everything you need to know about Toronto's new mayor: Olivia Chow: Early life and political career Born in Hong Kong, Chow shifted to Canada when she was just 13. She is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. In 1988, Chow was married to Jack Layton until his death in August 2011. A year later, Chow unveiled a statue dedicated to her late husband on 20 August 2012, with tributes to him written in English, Chinese and French. The statue is located in Harbour Square Park at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. After completing her studies, she became active in politics, working to win the riding office of NDP P Dan Heap in the 1980s. Later in 1997, she ran as an NDP candidate for the House of Commons in Trinity-Spadina. In 2004, she won the Trinity-Spadina again. Years later, in 2014, she entered the Toronto mayoral elections, in an attempt to defeat Rob Frod after most polls taken over the previous year suggested that she was best placed to win a head-to-head contest against Ford or a multi-candidate contest. Unfortunately, Chow finished the election race third. As a prominent and progressive voice in Canada's capital politics, Chow again in April announced her campaign for mayor of Toronto in the 2023 by-election. As the next council meeting is scheduled for July 19, here's what Chow promised to do during her election campaign: Transit and Housing: One of the first promises that Chow made was to build a dedicated busway to replace the decommissioned Scarborough RT to the tune of about $60 million. One of the differences between Chow's and her rival's pledge was to raise Toronoto's vacant home tax from one per cent to three per cent. She promised to build 25,000 homes on city-owned land in the next eight years. Taxes: The municipal land taxes will be increased on homes sold for over $3 million. The money collected from the tax increase will be used to support the homeless. Though Chow didn't mention any specific number, she said that the increase will not be near 25 per cent as proposed by her rival candidates. She said that the tax increase will support city's improvements including reduced waiting time on emergency calls. Strong Mayor Powers: One of the most prominent promises, Chow made was that she will not use the strong mayor powers handed to municipal leaders by the Ontario government. These powers allow the mayor to overrule a council decision based on provincial priorities such as housing infrastructure, budget or hiring a certain staff. (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.

Who is Olivia Chow, Toronto's first Chinese-Canadian mayor? Here's all you need to know

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UK: Big losses for Tories in local polls | Turkiye inflation in April at 69.8%

UK: Can Sadiq Khan secure his third term as mayor of London?

Chandigarh mayor polls: SC calls election 'mockery of democracy' after presiding officer fudges ballots

Chandigarh Mayor elections: BJP’s Manoj Sonkar wins, oppn demands action against presiding officer

Who is Olivia Chow, Toronto's first Chinese-Canadian mayor? Here's all you need to know