<p>Ahead of the February general elections, the chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that his party won’t accept the results if any external interference is observed.</p>

<p>He claimed while speaking at a workers’ convention that parties with a two-thirds majority in the current parliament have agreed on the future setup. However, he stopped short of naming the parties he was referring to.</p>

<p>Notably, Bilawal’s party had backed the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) in the previous coalition government with Shehbaz Sharif being the prime minister.</p>

<h2><strong>Bhutto urges CJP and CEC to ensure fair elections</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, he also urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to ensure a level playing field for all parties and fair elections.</p>

<p>“State institutions should play their role within the constitutional framework to ensure free, fair and impartial elections to steer the country out of the existing economic crisis,” he was quoted by Dawn as saying.</p>

<p>“We will accept only the decision of people’s vote and will not accept anyone else’s decision at all, because the existing problems can be solved only by a government elected by the people,” he said.</p>

<p>He also expressed doubts about how those who had run away from local elections were suddenly claiming that they would get a two-thirds majority, taking a jab at the Pakistan Muslim League party.</p>

<h2><strong>PTI expresses similar concerns</strong></h2>

<p>Along with Bhutto, former prime minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has also levelled allegations of election interference.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Who is killing terrorists in Pakistan?</strong></p>

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<p>Both parties allege the caretaker government was giving "preferential treatment" to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and that attempts were being made to pave the way for PML-N's return to power.</p>

<h2><strong>Caretaker PM hits back</strong></h2>

<p>Responding to the allegations, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said Sunday (Nov 19) that the “victim card” could be a “narrative” of any political party.</p>

<p>In an interview with Pakistan’s Geo News, Kakar said holding the elections at the earliest was his utmost priority. “We want to hand over the responsibilities to the [upcoming] elected government,” he was quoted as saying.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-acquits-ex-pm-shehbaz-ten-others-in-major-housing-corruption-case-660318"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan court acquits ex-PM Shehbaz Sharif, 10 others in major housing corruption case</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, the general elections are scheduled for February 8, 2024, as announced by the ECP.</p>

<p>The notice stated that the general elections would be held on February 8, 2024, in accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of the February general elections, the chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that his party won’t accept the results if any external interference is observed.

Ahead of the February general elections, the chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that his party won’t accept the results if any external interference is observed. He claimed while speaking at a workers’ convention that parties with a two-thirds majority in the current parliament have agreed on the future setup. However, he stopped short of naming the parties he was referring to. Notably, Bilawal’s party had backed the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) in the previous coalition government with Shehbaz Sharif being the prime minister. Bhutto urges CJP and CEC to ensure fair elections Earlier, he also urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to ensure a level playing field for all parties and fair elections. “State institutions should play their role within the constitutional framework to ensure free, fair and impartial elections to steer the country out of the existing economic crisis,” he was quoted by Dawn as saying. “We will accept only the decision of people’s vote and will not accept anyone else’s decision at all, because the existing problems can be solved only by a government elected by the people,” he said. He also expressed doubts about how those who had run away from local elections were suddenly claiming that they would get a two-thirds majority, taking a jab at the Pakistan Muslim League party. PTI expresses similar concerns Along with Bhutto, former prime minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has also levelled allegations of election interference. Watch: Gravitas: Who is killing terrorists in Pakistan? × Both parties allege the caretaker government was giving "preferential treatment" to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and that attempts were being made to pave the way for PML-N's return to power. Caretaker PM hits back Responding to the allegations, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said Sunday (Nov 19) that the “victim card” could be a “narrative” of any political party. In an interview with Pakistan’s Geo News, Kakar said holding the elections at the earliest was his utmost priority. “We want to hand over the responsibilities to the [upcoming] elected government,” he was quoted as saying. Also read: Pakistan court acquits ex-PM Shehbaz Sharif, 10 others in major housing corruption case Notably, the general elections are scheduled for February 8, 2024, as announced by the ECP. The notice stated that the general elections would be held on February 8, 2024, in accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Won’t accept poll results if meddling takes place, PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto warns

<p>A Canadian official appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to look into accusations of Chinese meddling in Canada's last two elections resigned on Friday. The elder statesman put down papers after backlash from the opposition party over his appointment.</p>

<p>Former governor general David Johnston recently released an interim report concluding that Beijing had attempted to interfere in Canada's 2019 and 2021 elections but failed to change outcome of the votes. He was going to begin hearing in the next month with testimony from targetted diaspora communities as well as experts in national security and international relations. He was to submit a final report in October.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Canada wildfires: US President Joe Biden assured help as toxic smoke lingers into US</strong></p>

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<p>However, opposition parties accused that he was too close to Trudeau. They demanded an independent public inquiry instead.</p>

<p>"When I undertook the task of independent special rapporteur on foreign interference, my objective was to help build trust in our democratic institutions," Johnston said in his resignation letter.</p>

<p>"I have concluded that given the highly partisan atmosphere around my appointment and work, my leadership has had the opposite effect."</p>

<h2><strong>The alleged Chinese interference</strong></h2>

<p>The minority government led by Trudeau had faced pressure to explain the alleged Chinese interference in Canada's elections. The claims were first reported by the local media. These reports cited leaked intellilgence documents and unnamed sources who said that China sought to influence or subvert the elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reported accusations included secret campaign donations and Chinese operatives working for Canadian candidates or lawmakers in an attempt to influence policy.</p>

<p>Following Johnston's appointment, three opposition legislators said Canada's spy agency told them they had been the target of Chinese interference.</p>

<p>Recently, it had emerged that China had sought to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker and his relatives in Hong Kong because of his criticism of China.</p>

<p>Last month, Ottawa expelled a Chinese diplomat implicated in the scheme.</p>

<h2><strong>China denies</strong></h2>

<p>China had called the accusations 'groundless' and had reacted by expelling a Canadian diplomat. It had warned Canada that aligning with USA's policy on China risked its relation with its second-largest trading partner.</p>

<p>In his preliminary findings, Johnston noted common foreign interference techniques included cyberattacks, online influence campaigns, disinformation and "the exploitation of human relationships."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-wildfires-spark-ecoterrorist-conspiracy-theory-602560">Canada wildfires spark 'ecoterrorist' conspiracy theory</a></strong></p>

<p>He also identified shortcomings in how intelligence is shared within government.</p>

<p>But he rejected calls for a public inquiry, an advice Trudeau accepted, citing "the sensitivity of the intelligence" at play.</p>

<p>Johnston said his resignation would be effective no later than the end of June.</p>

<p>China-Canada relations turned icy in late 2018 when Canadian police detained a Chinese telecommunications executive. Shortly afterwards, Beijing arrested two Canadians on spying charges.</p>

<p>All three were freed in 2021.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>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"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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A Canadian official appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to look into accusations of Chinese meddling in Canada's last two elections resigned on Friday. The elder statesman put down papers after backlash from the opposition party over his appointment.

A Canadian official appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to look into accusations of Chinese meddling in Canada's last two elections resigned on Friday. The elder statesman put down papers after backlash from the opposition party over his appointment. Former governor general David Johnston recently released an interim report concluding that Beijing had attempted to interfere in Canada's 2019 and 2021 elections but failed to change outcome of the votes. He was going to begin hearing in the next month with testimony from targetted diaspora communities as well as experts in national security and international relations. He was to submit a final report in October. Watch | Canada wildfires: US President Joe Biden assured help as toxic smoke lingers into US × However, opposition parties accused that he was too close to Trudeau. They demanded an independent public inquiry instead. "When I undertook the task of independent special rapporteur on foreign interference, my objective was to help build trust in our democratic institutions," Johnston said in his resignation letter. "I have concluded that given the highly partisan atmosphere around my appointment and work, my leadership has had the opposite effect." The alleged Chinese interference The minority government led by Trudeau had faced pressure to explain the alleged Chinese interference in Canada's elections. The claims were first reported by the local media. These reports cited leaked intellilgence documents and unnamed sources who said that China sought to influence or subvert the elections. The reported accusations included secret campaign donations and Chinese operatives working for Canadian candidates or lawmakers in an attempt to influence policy. Following Johnston's appointment, three opposition legislators said Canada's spy agency told them they had been the target of Chinese interference. Recently, it had emerged that China had sought to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker and his relatives in Hong Kong because of his criticism of China. Last month, Ottawa expelled a Chinese diplomat implicated in the scheme. China denies China had called the accusations 'groundless' and had reacted by expelling a Canadian diplomat. It had warned Canada that aligning with USA's policy on China risked its relation with its second-largest trading partner. In his preliminary findings, Johnston noted common foreign interference techniques included cyberattacks, online influence campaigns, disinformation and "the exploitation of human relationships." Also Read | Canada wildfires spark 'ecoterrorist' conspiracy theory He also identified shortcomings in how intelligence is shared within government. But he rejected calls for a public inquiry, an advice Trudeau accepted, citing "the sensitivity of the intelligence" at play. Johnston said his resignation would be effective no later than the end of June. China-Canada relations turned icy in late 2018 when Canadian police detained a Chinese telecommunications executive. Shortly afterwards, Beijing arrested two Canadians on spying charges. All three were freed in 2021. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Canada: Official probing Chinese meddling in elections quits

<p>Ahead of Sunday's vote that decides if he will stay in power, Turkish incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will lead the Saturday prayers at Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia mosque. According to the news agency AFP, the leader will emulate a historical ritual that the Ottoman Sultans performed before they led their men off to war. The ritual will take place just a day before the contentious leader braces for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential ballot opposite an "energised or united opposition".</p>

<h2><strong>The importance of Hagia Sophia</strong></h2>

<p>Once the world's largest Byzantine cathedral, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans but became a museum after the establishment of a secular Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1923.</p>

<p>In 2020, Erdogan's decision to convert the museum back into a mosque helped solidify his status as a hero among his religious supporters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strongly-denies-accusations-of-spreading-deep-fakes-meddling-in-turkey-elections-591776">Russia ‘strongly’ denies accusations of spreading deep fakes, meddling in Turkey elections</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the decision also contributed to growing concerns from the Western world about his leadership.</p>

<p>During a rally in Istanbul on Saturday, Erdogan boasted, "The entire West got mad - but I did it."&nbsp;</p>

<p>His statement highlights his focus on religious themes and cultural conflicts, which he has previously used to galvanise his conservative and nationalist base.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, the 69-year as per AFP has never "faced a more energised or united opposition".</p>

<h2><strong>Erdogan's opposition</strong></h2>

<p>Leading the opposition against the Turkish leader is retired civil servant Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who has set up an alliance of six parties. Putting aside their political and cultural differences, these six parties have reportedly joined forces for the "lone task" of pushing Erdogan out.</p>

<p>They also have the official backing of Turkey's primary pro-Kurdish party, which represents around10 per cent of the total votes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/turkey-election-2023-the-candidates-for-president-and-other-key-figures-591692">Turkey elections 2023: These are top candidates for president, other key players you should know</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Will Erdogan win?</strong></h2>

<p>In the past, Erdogan has proven his might. Over the course of 21 years, the Turkish leader has demonstrated exceptional skill in dividing his opponents and forming unlikely alliances, a skill which, as per AFP, has helped him win numerous national elections.</p>

<p>However, this time the math is not in his favour. Recent polls show that the secular opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu is edging ahead of Erdogan in Sunday's presidential ballot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They reportedly show challenger Kilicdaroglu possessing a slight advantage and close to breaking the 50-per cent threshold needed to avoid a runoff on May 28.</p>

<p>Speaking at a rally in Ankara, the opposition leader said: "Are you ready to bring democracy to this country? To bring peace to this country? I promise, I am ready too."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ahead of Sunday's vote that decides if he will stay in power, Turkish incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will lead the Saturday prayers at Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia mosque.

Ahead of Sunday's vote that decides if he will stay in power, Turkish incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will lead the Saturday prayers at Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia mosque. According to the news agency AFP, the leader will emulate a historical ritual that the Ottoman Sultans performed before they led their men off to war. The ritual will take place just a day before the contentious leader braces for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential ballot opposite an "energised or united opposition". The importance of Hagia Sophia Once the world's largest Byzantine cathedral, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans but became a museum after the establishment of a secular Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1923. In 2020, Erdogan's decision to convert the museum back into a mosque helped solidify his status as a hero among his religious supporters. Also read | Russia ‘strongly’ denies accusations of spreading deep fakes, meddling in Turkey elections However, the decision also contributed to growing concerns from the Western world about his leadership. During a rally in Istanbul on Saturday, Erdogan boasted, "The entire West got mad - but I did it." His statement highlights his focus on religious themes and cultural conflicts, which he has previously used to galvanise his conservative and nationalist base. Nevertheless, the 69-year as per AFP has never "faced a more energised or united opposition". Erdogan's opposition Leading the opposition against the Turkish leader is retired civil servant Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who has set up an alliance of six parties. Putting aside their political and cultural differences, these six parties have reportedly joined forces for the "lone task" of pushing Erdogan out. They also have the official backing of Turkey's primary pro-Kurdish party, which represents around10 per cent of the total votes. Also read | Turkey elections 2023: These are top candidates for president, other key players you should know Will Erdogan win? In the past, Erdogan has proven his might. Over the course of 21 years, the Turkish leader has demonstrated exceptional skill in dividing his opponents and forming unlikely alliances, a skill which, as per AFP, has helped him win numerous national elections. However, this time the math is not in his favour. Recent polls show that the secular opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu is edging ahead of Erdogan in Sunday's presidential ballot. They reportedly show challenger Kilicdaroglu possessing a slight advantage and close to breaking the 50-per cent threshold needed to avoid a runoff on May 28. Speaking at a rally in Ankara, the opposition leader said: "Are you ready to bring democracy to this country? To bring peace to this country? I promise, I am ready too."

On poll eve, Erdogan to emulate historical ritual of Ottoman Sultans: lead prayers at Hagia Sophia

<p>The Kremlin has denied allegations that it was meddling in Turkey's upcoming presidential election campaign. Recently Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu accused Moscow of spreading "deep fakes" targeting him.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, opposition politician Kilicdaroglu claimed that ahead of the crucial Sunday elections, Russia was targeting him with an online smear campaign.</p>

<p>Replying to the allegations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "We strongly reject such statements".</p>

<p>"We officially declare: there can be no talk of any interference."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/turkey-election-2023-the-candidates-for-president-and-other-key-figures-591692">Turkey elections 2023: These are top candidates for president, other key players you should know</a></strong></p>

<p>"If someone provided Mr. Kilicdaroglu with such information, they are liars," he added, as reported by the AFP.</p>

<p>Kilicdaroglu's allegations came hours after Third-party candidate Muharrem Ince dropped out from the presidential elections. Withdrawing his candidacy just days before the elections, on Thursday, Ince said: "I am doing this for my country."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, Kilicdaroglu addressed "Russian friends" and said, "You are behind the montages, conspiracies, deep fakes and tapes that were exposed in this country yesterday." He did not provide any details.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/third-party-candidate-ince-drops-out-of-turkeys-presidential-race-591356">Turkey's presidential candidate Ince drops out after release of 'sex tape'</a></strong></p>

<p>He further threatened Russia and said:&nbsp;"If you want our friendship after May 15, get your hands off the Turkish state. We are still in favour of cooperation and friendship."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="tr">Sevgili Rus Dostlarımız,<br />
Dün bu ülkede ortaya saçılan montajlar, kumpaslar, Deep Fake içerikler, kasetlerin arkasında siz varsınız. Eğer 15 Mayıs sonrası dostluğumuzun devamını istiyorsanız, elinizi Türk’ün devletinden çekin. Biz hala işbirlikten ve dostluktan yanayız.</p>
— Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu (@kilicdarogluk) <a href="https://twitter.com/kilicdarogluk/status/1656705796208574468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per the news agency AFP, recent polls show the secular opposition leader edging ahead of Erdogan in Sunday's presidential ballot. They reportedly show&nbsp;challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu possessing a slight advantage and close to breaking the 50-per cent threshold needed to avoid a runoff on May 28.</p>

<p>However, as per Kremlin spokesman Peskov, Russia is doing nothing of that sort, and that Moscow "highly values" its bilateral relations with Turkey.</p>

<p>"Turkey has a very responsible, sovereign and thought-through position on a whole range of regional and global problems that we face," he said.</p>

<p>In recent months, even as Russia faces criticism from various nations, Moscow and Ankara have maintained close ties. Erdogan has also, at times, played the role of a mediator, talking to both Russia and Ukraine.</p>

<p>In recent days, disinformation has added a dark note to the pivotal elections that on Sunday will decide if Erdogan — who has been Turkey's President since 2014 — will remain in power.</p>

<p>Recently, at a huge rally, Recep Tayyip Erdogan played a 14-second clip which allegedly was proof that his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu has formed a union with "terrorists"&nbsp;and outlawed Kurdish militants. The clip was played at the rally and beamed live on TV, following which challenger Kilicdaroglu had fumed: "How can a person sitting in the president's chair stoop this low."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The Kremlin has denied allegations that it was meddling in Turkey's upcoming presidential election campaign. Recently Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu accused Moscow of spreading "deep fakes" targeting him.

The Kremlin has denied allegations that it was meddling in Turkey's upcoming presidential election campaign. Recently Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu accused Moscow of spreading "deep fakes" targeting him. Earlier this week, opposition politician Kilicdaroglu claimed that ahead of the crucial Sunday elections, Russia was targeting him with an online smear campaign. Replying to the allegations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "We strongly reject such statements". "We officially declare: there can be no talk of any interference." Also read | Turkey elections 2023: These are top candidates for president, other key players you should know "If someone provided Mr. Kilicdaroglu with such information, they are liars," he added, as reported by the AFP. Kilicdaroglu's allegations came hours after Third-party candidate Muharrem Ince dropped out from the presidential elections. Withdrawing his candidacy just days before the elections, on Thursday, Ince said: "I am doing this for my country." Taking to Twitter, Kilicdaroglu addressed "Russian friends" and said, "You are behind the montages, conspiracies, deep fakes and tapes that were exposed in this country yesterday." He did not provide any details. Also read | Turkey's presidential candidate Ince drops out after release of 'sex tape' He further threatened Russia and said: "If you want our friendship after May 15, get your hands off the Turkish state. We are still in favour of cooperation and friendship." Sevgili Rus Dostlarımız, Dün bu ülkede ortaya saçılan montajlar, kumpaslar, Deep Fake içerikler, kasetlerin arkasında siz varsınız. Eğer 15 Mayıs sonrası dostluğumuzun devamını istiyorsanız, elinizi Türk’ün devletinden çekin. Biz hala işbirlikten ve dostluktan yanayız. — Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu (@kilicdarogluk) May 11, 2023 × As per the news agency AFP, recent polls show the secular opposition leader edging ahead of Erdogan in Sunday's presidential ballot. They reportedly show challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu possessing a slight advantage and close to breaking the 50-per cent threshold needed to avoid a runoff on May 28. However, as per Kremlin spokesman Peskov, Russia is doing nothing of that sort, and that Moscow "highly values" its bilateral relations with Turkey. "Turkey has a very responsible, sovereign and thought-through position on a whole range of regional and global problems that we face," he said. In recent months, even as Russia faces criticism from various nations, Moscow and Ankara have maintained close ties. Erdogan has also, at times, played the role of a mediator, talking to both Russia and Ukraine. In recent days, disinformation has added a dark note to the pivotal elections that on Sunday will decide if Erdogan — who has been Turkey's President since 2014 — will remain in power. Recently, at a huge rally, Recep Tayyip Erdogan played a 14-second clip which allegedly was proof that his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu has formed a union with "terrorists" and outlawed Kurdish militants. The clip was played at the rally and beamed live on TV, following which challenger Kilicdaroglu had fumed: "How can a person sitting in the president's chair stoop this low." (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.

Russia ‘strongly’ denies accusations of spreading deep fakes, meddling in Turkey elections