Polling in RR Nagar in Bengaluru has been deferred to may 28.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, 9,746 voter IDs were recovered from a flat in the area.&nbsp;

Both the Congress and the BJP accused each other of being responsible for the ID cards.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a campaign rally that the Congress was making fake voter IDs in order to avoid defeat.&nbsp;

The Congress meanwhile said both the owner and tenant of the flat from where the voter IDs were recovered were BJP leaders.&nbsp;

The counting of votes at RR Nagar will take place on May 31.&nbsp;

Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12. The results will be out on May 15.&nbsp;

The counting of votes at RR Nagar will take place on May 31. Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12

Polling in RR Nagar in Bengaluru has been deferred to may 28. Earlier this week, 9,746 voter IDs were recovered from a flat in the area. Both the Congress and the BJP accused each other of being responsible for the ID cards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a campaign rally that the Congress was making fake voter IDs in order to avoid defeat. The Congress meanwhile said both the owner and tenant of the flat from where the voter IDs were recovered were BJP leaders. The counting of votes at RR Nagar will take place on May 31. Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12. The results will be out on May 15.

Polling in Bengaluru's RR Nagar, where fake voter IDs were found, deferred to May 28

A social workers'&nbsp;group, Democratic Ambassador for All India Rural Integrity (DAARI) has appealed to Election Commission (EC) to enrol beggars and homeless people across Karnataka on the voters'&nbsp;list and until then stop all election process.

DAARI convenor Ravi Bangera has also requested Deputy Commissioner of Mangalore Shashikant Senthil to enrol all beggars who are in the city.

Senthil said, "We are verifying details of beggars, once that is done we will enrol their names in the list.

"He further said that they are verifying details of beggars in many places including beggars rehabilitation centres and other places".

Reportedly, five per cent of Karnataka's populations are into begging and a majority of them have not been enrolled as voters.

The appeal comes ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections to be held on May 12.&nbsp;

The social workers' group Democratic Ambassador for All India Rural Integrity had appealed to the Election Commission to enrol all beggars across Karnataka on the voters' list

A social workers' group, Democratic Ambassador for All India Rural Integrity (DAARI) has appealed to Election Commission (EC) to enrol beggars and homeless people across Karnataka on the voters' list and until then stop all election process. DAARI convenor Ravi Bangera has also requested Deputy Commissioner of Mangalore Shashikant Senthil to enrol all beggars who are in the city. Senthil said, "We are verifying details of beggars, once that is done we will enrol their names in the list. "He further said that they are verifying details of beggars in many places including beggars rehabilitation centres and other places". Reportedly, five per cent of Karnataka's populations are into begging and a majority of them have not been enrolled as voters. The appeal comes ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections to be held on May 12.

Karnataka elections: Mangalore verifying beggars' details, will enrol them on voters' list

Polling booths opened in Lebanon on Sunday for the country's first parliamentary election in nine years, a period marked by stretches of political paralysis and war in neighbouring Syria.

Voting is scheduled to last from 7 am&nbsp(0400 GMT) until 7 pm&nbsp(1600 GMT), with unofficial results expected to start coming in overnight and a formal tally announced in the coming days.

Whatever the result, a new coalition government including most of the major parties is likely to be formed after the election, analysts have said.

Getting a new government in place quickly would reassure investors of Lebanon's economic stability after donors pledged $11 billion in soft loans for a capital investment programme last month, in return for fiscal and other reforms.

Lebanese are closely watching the performance of Sunni Muslim Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri's Future Movement party and that of the Iran-backed, Shi'ite Hezbollah group and its allies.

Despite some acts of violence and intimidation connected to the election in recent weeks, no major incidents were reported in the immediate run-up to voting.

Lebanese are closely watching the performance of Sunni Muslim Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri's Future Movement party

Polling booths opened in Lebanon on Sunday for the country's first parliamentary election in nine years, a period marked by stretches of political paralysis and war in neighbouring Syria. Voting is scheduled to last from 7 am (0400 GMT) until 7 pm (1600 GMT), with unofficial results expected to start coming in overnight and a formal tally announced in the coming days. Whatever the result, a new coalition government including most of the major parties is likely to be formed after the election, analysts have said. Getting a new government in place quickly would reassure investors of Lebanon's economic stability after donors pledged $11 billion in soft loans for a capital investment programme last month, in return for fiscal and other reforms. Lebanese are closely watching the performance of Sunni Muslim Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri's Future Movement party and that of the Iran-backed, Shi'ite Hezbollah group and its allies. Despite some acts of violence and intimidation connected to the election in recent weeks, no major incidents were reported in the immediate run-up to voting.

Polls open in Lebanon's first general election in nine years

About 2655 candidates, including 219 women, are contesting elections in the upcoming Karnataka polls, which is heading for elections on May 12.

The results of the state with 224&nbsp;will be declared on May 15.

The BJP will contest on 224 seats while the Congress will hold elections on 222 seats. The HD Devegowda-led Janata Dal-Secular will contest 201 seats.

The highest number of 39 candidates will be fielded in Mulbagal constituency in Kolar district. Whereas Challakere in Chitradurga will field four candidates, the least number of candidates in any constituency.

A recent data released, shows that in 2013, 3693 candidates filed their nominations for contesting the polls. while this year 3509 have filed their nominations.&nbsp;

In 2013, 744 candidates' nominations were withdrawn or rejected, while in 2018, 854 nominations have been withdrawn or rejected.&nbsp;

In 2018, 2436 males will contest the elections as compared to 2788 in 2013.While 219 women will contest the elections as opposed to 170 in 2013.

About 832 candidates registered from unrecognised political parties in the polls in 2013 while this year 800 candidates registered.&nbsp;

1155 independent candidates will contest the polls as compared to 1223 in 2013.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The BJP will contest on 224 seats while the Congress will hold elections on 222 seats. The HD Devegowda-led Janata Dal-Secular will contest 201 seats

About 2655 candidates, including 219 women, are contesting elections in the upcoming Karnataka polls, which is heading for elections on May 12. The results of the state with 224 will be declared on May 15. The BJP will contest on 224 seats while the Congress will hold elections on 222 seats. The HD Devegowda-led Janata Dal-Secular will contest 201 seats. The highest number of 39 candidates will be fielded in Mulbagal constituency in Kolar district. Whereas Challakere in Chitradurga will field four candidates, the least number of candidates in any constituency. A recent data released, shows that in 2013, 3693 candidates filed their nominations for contesting the polls. while this year 3509 have filed their nominations. In 2013, 744 candidates' nominations were withdrawn or rejected, while in 2018, 854 nominations have been withdrawn or rejected. In 2018, 2436 males will contest the elections as compared to 2788 in 2013.While 219 women will contest the elections as opposed to 170 in 2013. About 832 candidates registered from unrecognised political parties in the polls in 2013 while this year 800 candidates registered. 1155 independent candidates will contest the polls as compared to 1223 in 2013. (With inputs from ANI)

2655 candidates to contest in Karnataka elections

Villagers in Afghanistan say the Taliban have been telling them not to vote in elections planned later this year, threatening to burn down the house of anyone who does, in a bid to derail a vote seen as a major test of government credibility.

Parliament and district council elections scheduled for October represent an enormous challenge for a government which is under heavy pressure from its international backers to ensure a fair and credible vote.

But the Taliban, who launched their annual spring offensive this week, have already made it clear that they will not allow the process, seen as a dry run for next year's presidential election, to go ahead unhindered.

"They gathered us in the mosque and warned us that if we went to the registration centres and voted, they would burn down the village," said Kamal Uddin, a resident of Rahmat Abad village in the northern province of Balkh, after a visit to his area by Taliban fighters last week.

The complex process of registering voters at more than 7,000 centres around Afghanistan began this month in 34 provincial capitals, with district centres and villages due to begin next month.

With no room for hitches if some 14 million voters are to be registered by October, officials acknowledge that the process began slowly, with some 568,000 people signed up by Thursday, although they are hopeful it will gather pace.

There was a bloody reminder of the threats facing the process when a suicide attack claimed by the Islamic State group killed 60 people at a voter centre in Kabul this week. However, it is in the provinces that the difficulties may be greatest.

According to U.S. estimates, the government has firm control over no more than around 56 percent of the country and vulnerability will increase as the process continues into district centres and rural areas.

A small punishment

Balkh, one of Afghanistan's more stable provinces with valuable trade crossings into Central Asia, is a long way from the Taliban heartlands in the south and is considered far more secure than neighbouring Kunduz province, where the Taliban dominate many areas. But even here, the militants appear determined to lay down a marker.

Shams, a resident of Dowlat Abad district in the north of the province, said the most recent visit by Taliban tax collectors levying ushr (land tax) and zakat (an Islamic tax) included an explicit warning to stay away from the elections.

"They came with a great show of force because the elections are coming up and they wanted the people to see," he said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied the movement was issuing warnings about burning houses but said they were telling people to stay away from the election. However, other Taliban officials were more open.

"Burning a house is a small punishment if they are caught in supporting this U.S. operation to prolong their stay in Afghanistan," said one Taliban commander, who asked not to be identified.

Afghan security forces have launched operations to drive the Taliban back and promise people will be able to vote in safety.

"We will not allow anyone to stop elections taking place in this province," said Balkh's provincial governor, Mohammad Isaaq Rahgozar. "If the Taliban has issued warnings, that's one of their techniques to intimidate people, but we are trying to make sure that nobody suffers any harm through this."

However, many Afghans in the area, who over the years have seen repeated military clearance operations followed by the return of the Taliban, are sceptical.

"The Taliban have had a presence in this area for a very long time," said Fazel Ahmad, a resident of Chemtal district in Balkh. "The government and the security forces don't have the capacity to provide security. If we vote, we'll be killed."

Afghan security forces have launched operations to drive the Taliban back and promise people will be able to vote in safety

Villagers in Afghanistan say the Taliban have been telling them not to vote in elections planned later this year, threatening to burn down the house of anyone who does, in a bid to derail a vote seen as a major test of government credibility. Parliament and district council elections scheduled for October represent an enormous challenge for a government which is under heavy pressure from its international backers to ensure a fair and credible vote. But the Taliban, who launched their annual spring offensive this week, have already made it clear that they will not allow the process, seen as a dry run for next year's presidential election, to go ahead unhindered. "They gathered us in the mosque and warned us that if we went to the registration centres and voted, they would burn down the village," said Kamal Uddin, a resident of Rahmat Abad village in the northern province of Balkh, after a visit to his area by Taliban fighters last week. The complex process of registering voters at more than 7,000 centres around Afghanistan began this month in 34 provincial capitals, with district centres and villages due to begin next month. With no room for hitches if some 14 million voters are to be registered by October, officials acknowledge that the process began slowly, with some 568,000 people signed up by Thursday, although they are hopeful it will gather pace. There was a bloody reminder of the threats facing the process when a suicide attack claimed by the Islamic State group killed 60 people at a voter centre in Kabul this week. However, it is in the provinces that the difficulties may be greatest. According to U.S. estimates, the government has firm control over no more than around 56 percent of the country and vulnerability will increase as the process continues into district centres and rural areas. A small punishment Balkh, one of Afghanistan's more stable provinces with valuable trade crossings into Central Asia, is a long way from the Taliban heartlands in the south and is considered far more secure than neighbouring Kunduz province, where the Taliban dominate many areas. But even here, the militants appear determined to lay down a marker. Shams, a resident of Dowlat Abad district in the north of the province, said the most recent visit by Taliban tax collectors levying ushr (land tax) and zakat (an Islamic tax) included an explicit warning to stay away from the elections. "They came with a great show of force because the elections are coming up and they wanted the people to see," he said. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied the movement was issuing warnings about burning houses but said they were telling people to stay away from the election. However, other Taliban officials were more open. "Burning a house is a small punishment if they are caught in supporting this U.S. operation to prolong their stay in Afghanistan," said one Taliban commander, who asked not to be identified. Afghan security forces have launched operations to drive the Taliban back and promise people will be able to vote in safety. "We will not allow anyone to stop elections taking place in this province," said Balkh's provincial governor, Mohammad Isaaq Rahgozar. "If the Taliban has issued warnings, that's one of their techniques to intimidate people, but we are trying to make sure that nobody suffers any harm through this." However, many Afghans in the area, who over the years have seen repeated military clearance operations followed by the return of the Taliban, are sceptical. "The Taliban have had a presence in this area for a very long time," said Fazel Ahmad, a resident of Chemtal district in Balkh. "The government and the security forces don't have the capacity to provide security. If we vote, we'll be killed."

'If we vote, we'll be killed': Afghan villages face election threat

BJP today released its&nbsp;fourth list of candidates for the Karnataka elections due to be held next month.

The list comprised of seven candidates. On Friday, the party had released its third list of 59 candidates which included the mining barons - Reddy brothers -&nbsp;and an actor.

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The list also included sons of two BJP leaders, Gopal Karjol and Arun Somanna.

 
The BJP has so far announced names of 220 candidates in four lists for the 224-member state assembly.

 
Karnataka will go to the polls on 12th May and the results will be declared three days later on 15th May.

The BJP has so far announced names of 220 candidates in four lists for the 224-member state assembly.

BJP today released its fourth list of candidates for the Karnataka elections due to be held next month. The list comprised of seven candidates. On Friday, the party had released its third list of 59 candidates which included the mining barons - Reddy brothers - and an actor. BJP releases fourth list of 7 candidates for #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/awjRV68sVG — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2018 × The list also included sons of two BJP leaders, Gopal Karjol and Arun Somanna. The BJP has so far announced names of 220 candidates in four lists for the 224-member state assembly. Karnataka will go to the polls on 12th May and the results will be declared three days later on 15th May.

Karnataka elections: BJP releases fourth list

Paraguay will pick a new president in Sunday's election with the ruling Colorado Party expected to keep power but lose seats in Congress, which could complicate its pro-business agenda and raise the risk of higher taxes on the country's key farm sector.

Mario Abdo, a 46-year-old former senator who campaigned for the Colorado Party on an anti-corruption platform, supports current low-tax policies aimed at stimulating foreign investment and agricultural production in Paraguay, the world's No. 4 soybean exporter and a major supplier of beef.

Abdo has promised to fight pressure to raise taxes despite calls from the opposition for a levy on soybean exports. Polls show him 18 to 20 points ahead of candidate Efrain Alegre, a lawyer from the center-left GANAR coalition.

Outgoing president Horacio Cartes, who tried but failed to change the constitution to allow him to seek a second consecutive term, is running for a Senate seat on Sunday.

Abdo is the son of the private secretary of dictator Alfredo Stroessner, who ruled Paraguay with an iron hand for 35 years. Abdo, who was 16 when his father's regime ended in 1989, vows to respect human rights and democratic institutions if elected.

"My leadership style is not to impose my ideas," he recently said on television.

Grains-dependent Paraguay produced more than 10 million tonnes of soy last year and is trying to attract investment needed to reach its goal of 20 million tonnes by 2028.

Polls say Abdo's party is likely to lose some of the 20 seats it has in Paraguay's 45-member Senate, which last year debated a bill to slap a 10 percent tax on soybean exports.

"The push for an export tax will intensify after the election, which is likely to see the empowering of the Frente Guasu, a major proponent of the initiative, and a party which is expected to substantially increase its presence in Congress," said Thomaz Favaro, an analyst for consultancy Control Risks

Abdo may be forced to support the export tax in order to safeguard other parts of his investment-friendly agenda.

"Uncertainty over the level of taxation for the agriculture industry will thus likely persist in the short-to-medium term," Favaro said.

About 4.2 million Paraguayans are eligible to vote in the election. The new president will take office on August 15.

Paraguay will pick a new president in Sunday's election with the ruling Colorado Party expected to keep power

Paraguay will pick a new president in Sunday's election with the ruling Colorado Party expected to keep power but lose seats in Congress, which could complicate its pro-business agenda and raise the risk of higher taxes on the country's key farm sector. Mario Abdo, a 46-year-old former senator who campaigned for the Colorado Party on an anti-corruption platform, supports current low-tax policies aimed at stimulating foreign investment and agricultural production in Paraguay, the world's No. 4 soybean exporter and a major supplier of beef. Abdo has promised to fight pressure to raise taxes despite calls from the opposition for a levy on soybean exports. Polls show him 18 to 20 points ahead of candidate Efrain Alegre, a lawyer from the center-left GANAR coalition. Outgoing president Horacio Cartes, who tried but failed to change the constitution to allow him to seek a second consecutive term, is running for a Senate seat on Sunday. Abdo is the son of the private secretary of dictator Alfredo Stroessner, who ruled Paraguay with an iron hand for 35 years. Abdo, who was 16 when his father's regime ended in 1989, vows to respect human rights and democratic institutions if elected. "My leadership style is not to impose my ideas," he recently said on television. Grains-dependent Paraguay produced more than 10 million tonnes of soy last year and is trying to attract investment needed to reach its goal of 20 million tonnes by 2028. Polls say Abdo's party is likely to lose some of the 20 seats it has in Paraguay's 45-member Senate, which last year debated a bill to slap a 10 percent tax on soybean exports. "The push for an export tax will intensify after the election, which is likely to see the empowering of the Frente Guasu, a major proponent of the initiative, and a party which is expected to substantially increase its presence in Congress," said Thomaz Favaro, an analyst for consultancy Control Risks Abdo may be forced to support the export tax in order to safeguard other parts of his investment-friendly agenda. "Uncertainty over the level of taxation for the agriculture industry will thus likely persist in the short-to-medium term," Favaro said. About 4.2 million Paraguayans are eligible to vote in the election. The new president will take office on August 15.

Conservatives seen keeping power as Paraguay goes to the polls

Actor Prakash Raj on Saturday continued his stand on Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and urged people to not vote for the "communal party" adding that such a party is dangerous for the country.&nbsp;

Raj claimed that "BJP is like cancer and Congress and JD(S) are like cold and cough." However, he said that his remarks over the part were with an exception to A B Vajapayee, reports said.&nbsp;

Raj also refuted rumours about entering politics, saying that he had to clarify some problems with the JD(S) members - about their support to BJP after elections - but had no plans to enter politics adding that the #JustAsking Foundation will remain a non-political citizen-centric platform that will help citizens ask questions.

“My campaign is only against the BJP let the people decide whom to vote, based on their track record," Raj said. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

However, he said that his remarks over the part were with an exception to A B Vajapayee, reports said

Actor Prakash Raj on Saturday continued his stand on Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and urged people to not vote for the "communal party" adding that such a party is dangerous for the country. Raj claimed that "BJP is like cancer and Congress and JD(S) are like cold and cough." However, he said that his remarks over the part were with an exception to A B Vajapayee, reports said. Raj also refuted rumours about entering politics, saying that he had to clarify some problems with the JD(S) members - about their support to BJP after elections - but had no plans to enter politics adding that the #JustAsking Foundation will remain a non-political citizen-centric platform that will help citizens ask questions. “My campaign is only against the BJP let the people decide whom to vote, based on their track record," Raj said.

Actor Prakash Raj urges people to not vote for BJP, says it's like cancer

With the Karnataka elections just around the corner, chief minister Siddaramaiah is locked in a tight triangular contest with the BJP and the JD-S.

Siddaramaiah says the Congress will come to power in Karnataka, paving the way for his party’s revival in the rest of the country.

He spoke to WION on a plethora of issue ranging from the Lingayats to a separate state flag for Karnataka to Bengaluru's dying lakes. Siddaramaiah's entire interview to WION follows:&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Q: What makes you so confident that Congress can buck the trend of Karnataka not giving a repeat term to any government?

A: We have given good governance. Law and order is much better than previous governments. Lot of investments have come to Karnataka which is far better than other states. So, we have done well on many fronts.

Q: How have schemes like Indira Canteen and Anna Bhagya done?

A: Four crore people of Karnataka have benefitted from Anna Bhagya scheme. Seven kg of rice per head is being given free of cost. We are the only government distributing rice free of cost. We are also giving five rupees subsidy per litre to milk farmers. We are giving loans to farmers without interest up to three lakh. Certain categories of loans have been waived. We are giving milk to 1.2 crore schoolgoing children. We have taken up a number of welfare schemes to help poor. Similar support is also being extended in the education sector. We have also provided laptops. This budget, I announced that girl students will be given free education and also free bus pass to students coming to schools.

Q: What have you done in the agriculture sector and secondly, there was a lot of acrimony between you and the Centre over the issue of fund allocation?

A: Centre provided us money under norms. We were facing unprecedented drought but still they gave us funds according to the norms. Centre did not provide us additional funds. I even requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked him to waive the loans but prime minister did not agree.

Q: Are you saying that Karnataka was discriminated against?

A: &nbsp;As per the NDRF funds are concerned, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu got more funds than us. Karnataka is getting less funds. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-mos-to-wion-ruling-party-not-facing-anti-incumbency-for-first-time-in-30-years-130659">It is discrimination</a>. I requested the Prime Minister to set aside the injustice being done to Karnataka.

Q: You had strong issues pertaining to the 15th Finance Commission?

A: Population cannot be a criteria for fund. UP and Bihar have not implemented family programme and they are getting more money. We have implemented it and we are ending up getting less money. It is not fair.

Q: Why did you shift your seat?

A: Two years back, my son was looking after the constituency and I had announced that I’m not going to fight the elections. My son passed away last year and my second son started looking after the constituency. Now people want him to contest. Chamundeshwari was my old constituency. I have successfully contested elections from the seat. I have been in touch with the people. It is a neighbouring constituency.

Q: The BJP and JD-S are happy as they feel they can tie the chief minister down to a single seat?

A: They are living in an illusion. They cannot tie me down to a seat. They are trying to defeat me. BJP and JD-S were together in a coalition. I contested as an independent when Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister and Yeddyurappa was the deputy CM. Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy sat there for days. Even then, I got elected.

Q: Are you worried about the infighting which has erupted post ticket distribution in the Congress?

A: Only <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-struggles-to-contain-dissent-in-karnataka-congress-after-ticket-distribution-130902">four or five constituencies are affected</a>. But we are trying to tackle the issue.

Q: Do you feel that the southern perspective of a strong cultural identity of a state does not match with the northern experience of a Union?

A: The states were recognised on the basis of languages and it should remain supreme in each state. We are in federal structure and we want our language to be respected. Regional languages should reign supreme. Likewise, Lingayat religious issue was not created by us.

It was established by Basvanna in 12th century. The community wants a separate tag. All the representatives of the community met me two years ago. They said that Veerashaivas and Lingayats are separate. I referred the matter to the state Minority Commission. &nbsp;The Minority Commission, in turn, constituted an expert committee under a high court judge whose recommendation was accepted by us and which we forwarded to the Centre.

Q: The BJP says this is divide and rule...

A: This proposal also existed during BJP’s regime. We did not initiate it. In this context, they had met both Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi.

Q: What about the flag?

A: Is there a provision that states should not have own flag? In the United States, every state has its own flag so why not Karnataka. The national flag is flying above the state flag. We can have a state flag.

Q: Has Siddaramaiah become a symbol of regional pride?

A: I’m proud to say that I’m a Kannadiga and am proud to be a symbol of Kannadiga pride.

Q: Congress is organisationally weak and Modi, on the other hand, has the capacity to turn around an election? Can Modi do a Gujarat in Karnataka?&nbsp;

A: Karnataka cannot be compared with Gujarat. BJP was in power in Gujarat. Our party structure was not strong in Gujarat. Compared to previous elections, our performance was good in Gujarat. BJP cannot play a communal card in the state. People like secularism here and they will not tolerate communal card.

Q: Is Karnataka going to be an antidote to the BJP’s cultural nationalism?

A: Karnataka is being looked at by the entire country. Congress will come to power and will prove to be a stepping stone for the national politics. Modi’s government has failed. They have not fulfilled a single promise to the people of Karnataka. Look what Andhra Pradesh CM Chandra Babu Nadu is saying. Modi could not even keep the promise to the people of Andhra Pradesh.

Q: Is the Third Front a good idea for the Congress?

A: Congress and all like-minded parties should come together and fight communal elements and Congress must take a leading role.

Q: Is this election about Siddaramaiah vs Modi or Siddaramaiah vs Yeddyurappa?

A: This election is about me and Yeddyurappa. This election is about the people of Karnataka. People have to choose between me and Yeddyurappa and not Modi.

Q: I think you forgot about the JD-S. Surveys have shown strong Vokaligga consolidation for the JD-S?

A: JD-S is a regional party confined to six to seven districts in southern Karnataka. Their presence is meagre in the northern part of the state. They cannot win more than 20 to 25 seats.

Q: There was a time when Kumaraswamy went on to become the chief minister?

A: Kumaraswamy is an illusion. He is thinking of a hung assembly where he thinks that he will get to play the role of a kingmaker. This situation will not arise at all. Congress party is going to form the government in Karnataka.

Q: Don’t you think that the JD-S has been able to use the Cauvery issue?

A: How will it help JD-S? There was a tribunal order and the Karnataka government went in for appeal against it to the Supreme Court. The judgement of the tribunal was modified. 14.75 TMC of water was additionally allotted to us. JD-S cannot take advantage of this issue. People of Karnataka were happy with the Cauvery judgement.

Q: So the JD-S is not a player in the state?

A: They are not our main rival. In the&nbsp;north, we fight BJP and in south Karnataka, JD-S.

Q: What has your administration done to curb the violence rocking coastal Karnataka?

A: BJP is trying to mislead people. Law and Order situation is good in the coastal areas. They claim that 24 BJP workers have been killed by SDPI. It is not correct. Yes, 12 BJP workers have died and rest belong to other groups. It is claimed that all of them are BJP workers which is not true. Some of them were not even communal clashes.

Q: Rationalists have been targeted in your state? What have you done to protect them?

A: It is not only in Karnataka. People were also targeted in Maharashtra. The investigation is going on. They are organised criminals. In Gauri Lankesh’s case, there is considerable progress. Kalburgi’s case has already been referred to the CBI.

Q: The dying lakes of Bengaluru get a lot of global attention. What have you done to save them and what do you intend to do?

A: We have to provide world-class infrastructure to Bengaluru. All the lakes have to be developed and beautified. We need to tackle the garbage problem including congestion. These are the urgent urban issues which we intend to solve if we come to power again. 
&nbsp; 
Q: What should the Congress do to revive itself nationally? What is your advice to Rahul Gandhi?

A: Electoral victory in Karnataka will revive the Congress Party nationally. We will capture power in the Centre. Modi’s popularity is declining quickly. They will not win 2019 elections. BJP will not make it to the Centre again. Like-minded parties must come together to defeat BJP for Lok Sabha elections.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah added that like-minded parties must come together to defeat the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections

With the Karnataka elections just around the corner, chief minister Siddaramaiah is locked in a tight triangular contest with the BJP and the JD-S. Siddaramaiah says the Congress will come to power in Karnataka, paving the way for his party’s revival in the rest of the country. He spoke to WION on a plethora of issue ranging from the Lingayats to a separate state flag for Karnataka to Bengaluru's dying lakes. Siddaramaiah's entire interview to WION follows: Q: What makes you so confident that Congress can buck the trend of Karnataka not giving a repeat term to any government? A: We have given good governance. Law and order is much better than previous governments. Lot of investments have come to Karnataka which is far better than other states. So, we have done well on many fronts. Q: How have schemes like Indira Canteen and Anna Bhagya done? A: Four crore people of Karnataka have benefitted from Anna Bhagya scheme. Seven kg of rice per head is being given free of cost. We are the only government distributing rice free of cost. We are also giving five rupees subsidy per litre to milk farmers. We are giving loans to farmers without interest up to three lakh. Certain categories of loans have been waived. We are giving milk to 1.2 crore schoolgoing children. We have taken up a number of welfare schemes to help poor. Similar support is also being extended in the education sector. We have also provided laptops. This budget, I announced that girl students will be given free education and also free bus pass to students coming to schools. Q: What have you done in the agriculture sector and secondly, there was a lot of acrimony between you and the Centre over the issue of fund allocation? A: Centre provided us money under norms. We were facing unprecedented drought but still they gave us funds according to the norms. Centre did not provide us additional funds. I even requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked him to waive the loans but prime minister did not agree. Q: Are you saying that Karnataka was discriminated against? A: As per the NDRF funds are concerned, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu got more funds than us. Karnataka is getting less funds. It is discrimination. I requested the Prime Minister to set aside the injustice being done to Karnataka. Q: You had strong issues pertaining to the 15th Finance Commission? A: Population cannot be a criteria for fund. UP and Bihar have not implemented family programme and they are getting more money. We have implemented it and we are ending up getting less money. It is not fair. Q: Why did you shift your seat? A: Two years back, my son was looking after the constituency and I had announced that I’m not going to fight the elections. My son passed away last year and my second son started looking after the constituency. Now people want him to contest. Chamundeshwari was my old constituency. I have successfully contested elections from the seat. I have been in touch with the people. It is a neighbouring constituency. Q: The BJP and JD-S are happy as they feel they can tie the chief minister down to a single seat? A: They are living in an illusion. They cannot tie me down to a seat. They are trying to defeat me. BJP and JD-S were together in a coalition. I contested as an independent when Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister and Yeddyurappa was the deputy CM. Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy sat there for days. Even then, I got elected. Q: Are you worried about the infighting which has erupted post ticket distribution in the Congress? A: Only four or five constituencies are affected. But we are trying to tackle the issue. Q: Do you feel that the southern perspective of a strong cultural identity of a state does not match with the northern experience of a Union? A: The states were recognised on the basis of languages and it should remain supreme in each state. We are in federal structure and we want our language to be respected. Regional languages should reign supreme. Likewise, Lingayat religious issue was not created by us. It was established by Basvanna in 12th century. The community wants a separate tag. All the representatives of the community met me two years ago. They said that Veerashaivas and Lingayats are separate. I referred the matter to the state Minority Commission. The Minority Commission, in turn, constituted an expert committee under a high court judge whose recommendation was accepted by us and which we forwarded to the Centre. Q: The BJP says this is divide and rule... A: This proposal also existed during BJP’s regime. We did not initiate it. In this context, they had met both Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. Q: What about the flag? A: Is there a provision that states should not have own flag? In the United States, every state has its own flag so why not Karnataka. The national flag is flying above the state flag. We can have a state flag. Q: Has Siddaramaiah become a symbol of regional pride? A: I’m proud to say that I’m a Kannadiga and am proud to be a symbol of Kannadiga pride. Q: Congress is organisationally weak and Modi, on the other hand, has the capacity to turn around an election? Can Modi do a Gujarat in Karnataka? A: Karnataka cannot be compared with Gujarat. BJP was in power in Gujarat. Our party structure was not strong in Gujarat. Compared to previous elections, our performance was good in Gujarat. BJP cannot play a communal card in the state. People like secularism here and they will not tolerate communal card. Q: Is Karnataka going to be an antidote to the BJP’s cultural nationalism? A: Karnataka is being looked at by the entire country. Congress will come to power and will prove to be a stepping stone for the national politics. Modi’s government has failed. They have not fulfilled a single promise to the people of Karnataka. Look what Andhra Pradesh CM Chandra Babu Nadu is saying. Modi could not even keep the promise to the people of Andhra Pradesh. Q: Is the Third Front a good idea for the Congress? A: Congress and all like-minded parties should come together and fight communal elements and Congress must take a leading role. Q: Is this election about Siddaramaiah vs Modi or Siddaramaiah vs Yeddyurappa? A: This election is about me and Yeddyurappa. This election is about the people of Karnataka. People have to choose between me and Yeddyurappa and not Modi. Q: I think you forgot about the JD-S. Surveys have shown strong Vokaligga consolidation for the JD-S? A: JD-S is a regional party confined to six to seven districts in southern Karnataka. Their presence is meagre in the northern part of the state. They cannot win more than 20 to 25 seats. Q: There was a time when Kumaraswamy went on to become the chief minister? A: Kumaraswamy is an illusion. He is thinking of a hung assembly where he thinks that he will get to play the role of a kingmaker. This situation will not arise at all. Congress party is going to form the government in Karnataka. Q: Don’t you think that the JD-S has been able to use the Cauvery issue? A: How will it help JD-S? There was a tribunal order and the Karnataka government went in for appeal against it to the Supreme Court. The judgement of the tribunal was modified. 14.75 TMC of water was additionally allotted to us. JD-S cannot take advantage of this issue. People of Karnataka were happy with the Cauvery judgement. Q: So the JD-S is not a player in the state? A: They are not our main rival. In the north, we fight BJP and in south Karnataka, JD-S. Q: What has your administration done to curb the violence rocking coastal Karnataka? A: BJP is trying to mislead people. Law and Order situation is good in the coastal areas. They claim that 24 BJP workers have been killed by SDPI. It is not correct. Yes, 12 BJP workers have died and rest belong to other groups. It is claimed that all of them are BJP workers which is not true. Some of them were not even communal clashes. Q: Rationalists have been targeted in your state? What have you done to protect them? A: It is not only in Karnataka. People were also targeted in Maharashtra. The investigation is going on. They are organised criminals. In Gauri Lankesh’s case, there is considerable progress. Kalburgi’s case has already been referred to the CBI. Q: The dying lakes of Bengaluru get a lot of global attention. What have you done to save them and what do you intend to do? A: We have to provide world-class infrastructure to Bengaluru. All the lakes have to be developed and beautified. We need to tackle the garbage problem including congestion. These are the urgent urban issues which we intend to solve if we come to power again. Q: What should the Congress do to revive itself nationally? What is your advice to Rahul Gandhi? A: Electoral victory in Karnataka will revive the Congress Party nationally. We will capture power in the Centre. Modi’s popularity is declining quickly. They will not win 2019 elections. BJP will not make it to the Centre again. Like-minded parties must come together to defeat BJP for Lok Sabha elections.

Lingayat religious issue not created by us: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to WION

Social networking giant Facebook is introducing a third-party fact-checking programme in India to combat the spread of "false news" on its platform, starting with a pilot in Karnataka, which goes to polls next month.

Facebook said it has partnered with BOOM, an independent digital journalism initiative certified through the International Fact-Checking Network, for a pilot in Karnataka.

Assembly elections in Karnataka will be held on May 12.

In a blogpost today, the US social networking giant said the programme in India aims "to fight the spread of false news on our platform".

BOOM will review English language news stories flagged on Facebook, check facts, and rate their accuracy, it said.

Facebook is running similar initiatives in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines and the US.

Over the last few weeks, Facebook has drawn intense criticism from users and governments globally over a number of issues, ranging from false news on the platform to information of over 80 million users being mined by data analytics and political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica.

The Indian government had also questioned both the companies on the impact of the data breach. Facebook had admitted that nearly 5.62 lakh people in India were "potentially affected" by the incident. 
Testifying before the US Congress, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had said his organisation was committed to ensure integrity of elections across the world, including India.

In its blogpost, the company said it believes that "once a story is rated as false, we have been able to reduce its distribution by 80 per cent, and thereby, improve accuracy of information on Facebook and reduce misinformation".

Facebook has already stated that it will use reports from community along with other signals to send stories to fact-checking organisations.

"We are beginning small and know it is important to learn from this test and listen to our community as we continue to update ways for people to understand what might be false news in their News Feed," it said.

Detailing out the process, Facebook said after a story is rated as false by the fact-checker, it will figure lower in News Feed, "significantly reducing its distribution".

"This in turn stops the hoax from spreading and reduces the number of people who see it. Pages and domains that repeatedly share false news will also see their distribution reduced and their ability to monetise and advertise removed," it said.

This, Facebook said, will help curb the spread of "financially motivated false news".

"We also want to empower people to decide for themselves what to read, trust, and share by providing the community with more information and control... If third-party fact-checkers write articles debunking a false news story, we'll show it in Related Articles immediately below the story in News Feed," Facebook said.

Facebook will also send people and Page administrators notifications if they try to share a story or have shared one in the past that has been determined to be false.

"While third party fact checking is part of our ongoing efforts to combat spread of false news, we are working hard to improve the accuracy of information on Facebook in various ways," it added.&nbsp

Karnataka goes to the polls on May 12. The fact-checking services will be provided by a third party

Social networking giant Facebook is introducing a third-party fact-checking programme in India to combat the spread of "false news" on its platform, starting with a pilot in Karnataka, which goes to polls next month. Facebook said it has partnered with BOOM, an independent digital journalism initiative certified through the International Fact-Checking Network, for a pilot in Karnataka. Assembly elections in Karnataka will be held on May 12. In a blogpost today, the US social networking giant said the programme in India aims "to fight the spread of false news on our platform". BOOM will review English language news stories flagged on Facebook, check facts, and rate their accuracy, it said. Facebook is running similar initiatives in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines and the US. Over the last few weeks, Facebook has drawn intense criticism from users and governments globally over a number of issues, ranging from false news on the platform to information of over 80 million users being mined by data analytics and political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica. The Indian government had also questioned both the companies on the impact of the data breach. Facebook had admitted that nearly 5.62 lakh people in India were "potentially affected" by the incident. Testifying before the US Congress, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had said his organisation was committed to ensure integrity of elections across the world, including India. In its blogpost, the company said it believes that "once a story is rated as false, we have been able to reduce its distribution by 80 per cent, and thereby, improve accuracy of information on Facebook and reduce misinformation". Facebook has already stated that it will use reports from community along with other signals to send stories to fact-checking organisations. "We are beginning small and know it is important to learn from this test and listen to our community as we continue to update ways for people to understand what might be false news in their News Feed," it said. Detailing out the process, Facebook said after a story is rated as false by the fact-checker, it will figure lower in News Feed, "significantly reducing its distribution". "This in turn stops the hoax from spreading and reduces the number of people who see it. Pages and domains that repeatedly share false news will also see their distribution reduced and their ability to monetise and advertise removed," it said. This, Facebook said, will help curb the spread of "financially motivated false news". "We also want to empower people to decide for themselves what to read, trust, and share by providing the community with more information and control... If third-party fact-checkers write articles debunking a false news story, we'll show it in Related Articles immediately below the story in News Feed," Facebook said. Facebook will also send people and Page administrators notifications if they try to share a story or have shared one in the past that has been determined to be false. "While third party fact checking is part of our ongoing efforts to combat spread of false news, we are working hard to improve the accuracy of information on Facebook in various ways," it added.

Facebook introduces fact-checking programme to fight fake news; starts pilot in Karnataka

Congress leader Ahmed Patel told the Gujarat High Court on Wednesday that there was no merit in a plea challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha as MLAs are supposed to vote for their party candidates according to a Supreme Court judgement.&nbsp;

After the EC invalidated the votes of Congress rebels Raghavjee Patel and Bholabhai Gohel for showing their ballot papers to the BJP’s polling agent in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah, Patel was declared the winner along with Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani in the Rajya Sabha polls held in August last year.

BJP leader Balwantsinh Rajput, who lost to Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections, had filed an election petition, challenging the decision of the Election Commission to invalidate two votes as demanded by the Congress.

According to him, if these two votes had been counted, he would have defeated Patel. He had argued that a whip issued by the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly asking all Congress MLAs to vote for Patel was “threatening” and amounted to exercise of “undue influence” on voters. “As per the SC’s 2006 judgement… All party members are obliged to vote for the party (in Rajya Sabha election)… So, there is no question of undue influence on MLAs,” Kapil Sibal argued before Justice Bela Trivedi, appearing for Patel.

Rajput’s lawyer Advocate Nirupam Nanavati told the court that there was no need to dismiss the petition — as demanded by Patel — only because the copy served on the respondent was not attested. This can be corrected easily, Rajput’s lawyer said, accusing Patel of adopting a “dilatory tactic”. Sibal had said the petition served on the respondent (Ahmed Patel) was not the way it should be under the law, as it was not attested as a “true copy”. Rajput’s petition also alleges that Patel offered “bribe” to MLAs after taking them to resorts in Bengaluru.

BJP leader Balwantsinh Rajput, who lost to Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections, had filed an election petition, challenging the decision of the Election Commission to invalidate two votes as demanded by the Congress.

Congress leader Ahmed Patel told the Gujarat High Court on Wednesday that there was no merit in a plea challenging his election to the Rajya Sabha as MLAs are supposed to vote for their party candidates according to a Supreme Court judgement. After the EC invalidated the votes of Congress rebels Raghavjee Patel and Bholabhai Gohel for showing their ballot papers to the BJP’s polling agent in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah, Patel was declared the winner along with Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani in the Rajya Sabha polls held in August last year. BJP leader Balwantsinh Rajput, who lost to Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections, had filed an election petition, challenging the decision of the Election Commission to invalidate two votes as demanded by the Congress. According to him, if these two votes had been counted, he would have defeated Patel. He had argued that a whip issued by the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly asking all Congress MLAs to vote for Patel was “threatening” and amounted to exercise of “undue influence” on voters. “As per the SC’s 2006 judgement… All party members are obliged to vote for the party (in Rajya Sabha election)… So, there is no question of undue influence on MLAs,” Kapil Sibal argued before Justice Bela Trivedi, appearing for Patel. Rajput’s lawyer Advocate Nirupam Nanavati told the court that there was no need to dismiss the petition — as demanded by Patel — only because the copy served on the respondent was not attested. This can be corrected easily, Rajput’s lawyer said, accusing Patel of adopting a “dilatory tactic”. Sibal had said the petition served on the respondent (Ahmed Patel) was not the way it should be under the law, as it was not attested as a “true copy”. Rajput’s petition also alleges that Patel offered “bribe” to MLAs after taking them to resorts in Bengaluru.

Rajya Sabha polls: MLAs obliged to vote for party, Ahmed Patel tells Gujarat HC

Despite a fraud conviction and sex scandal, Italy&#39;s 81-year-old former leader Silvio Berlusconi has one last political victory in his sights in general elections less than two weeks away.

Temporarily banned from returning to public office himself, the billionaire media mogul still hopes to influence the country&#39;s political direction by leading a right-wing coalition in the March 4 polls.

&quot;I&#39;m pretty confident of the result of the election and going to form a government with our centre-right allies,&quot; he told a rally of youth activists from his Forza Italia party in Rome on Wednesday, in a typically outspoken address.

&quot;I can tell you how to stay young,&quot; he added. &quot;I&#39;ll tell you the brand of my suppositories.&quot;

Berlusconi &quot;wants to win one last time before retiring,&quot; his biographer Alan Friedman was quoted as saying by the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

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<h5>I can tell you how to stay young,&#39; Berlusconi added. &#39;I&#39;ll tell you the brand of my suppositories&#39;</h5>
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The three-time former prime minister heads a coalition made up of Forza Italia and two far-right forces: the League and Brothers of Italy.

Recent opinion polls indicate the coalition has about 38 percent support overall -- the highest score out of Italy&#39;s three major electoral groupings.

But it falls short of a majority and surveys suggest millions of voters remain undecided.

Tax, sex scandals 
Berlusconi is banned from public office due to a 2013 tax fraud conviction.

He also faces charges that he bribed witnesses to lie at his earlier trial for paying for sex with a minor.

In spite of it all, he remains the leading figure of the Italian right almost a quarter of a century after first taking power.

His own party has surged by eight points to 18 percent support in the opinion polls in the past year.

Forza Italia&#39;s edge in the polls would give Berlusconi the upper hand in naming the coalition&#39;s pick for prime minister.

He and his coalition partners would field wildly different candidates, as they have little in common apart from a desire to win.

Berlusconi and the League&#39;s leader Matteo Salvini &quot;can&#39;t stand each other,&quot; says Roberto D&#39;Alimonte, director of the political science department at Luiss University in Rome.&nbsp;

First the coalition would need to win a working majority.

This year&#39;s election is the first under a complex electoral law introduced last year.

A mix of proportional representation and first-past-the-post, it enables a party or coalition to obtain a majority with around 40 to 45 percent of the vote -- which may be just out of the right-wing coalition&#39;s reach.

Economic promises 
The coalition spans the range of Italian right-wing politics, from the pro-European conservative moderates within Forza Italia to former northern secessionists the League and Brothers of Italy, which has roots in post-war neo-fascism.

Together they form a broad church that is ahead of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the centre-left coalition led by the ruling centre-left Democratic Party (PD), who are respectively polling at around 28 and 27 percent.

In the tight three-way fight, candidates have made economic promises that have observers scratching their heads given Italy&#39;s huge public debt, which at 132 percent of GDP is one of the highest in Europe.

The leading parties are promising everything from the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants to higher pensions and lower taxes.

One of the M5S&#39;s flagship proposals is a monthly universal basic income of 780 euros for those living in poverty.

La Stampa newspaper calculated that Italy would need to spend &quot;the stratospheric sum&quot; of over one trillion euros to make them all a reality.

None of these big promises will be fulfilled if no group wins a majority under the new system.

In that case, the PD under current Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni could remain in power, at least for the next few months.

Pro-European forces within the PD and Forza Italia could create a German-style grand coalition. Or euro-sceptics from the League and the Five Star Movement could team up.

Temporarily banned from returning to public office himself, the billionaire media mogul still hopes to influence the country's political direction by leading a right-wing coalition in the March 4 polls

Despite a fraud conviction and sex scandal, Italy's 81-year-old former leader Silvio Berlusconi has one last political victory in his sights in general elections less than two weeks away. Temporarily banned from returning to public office himself, the billionaire media mogul still hopes to influence the country's political direction by leading a right-wing coalition in the March 4 polls. "I'm pretty confident of the result of the election and going to form a government with our centre-right allies," he told a rally of youth activists from his Forza Italia party in Rome on Wednesday, in a typically outspoken address. "I can tell you how to stay young," he added. "I'll tell you the brand of my suppositories." Berlusconi "wants to win one last time before retiring," his biographer Alan Friedman was quoted as saying by the Corriere della Sera newspaper. I can tell you how to stay young,' Berlusconi added. 'I'll tell you the brand of my suppositories' × The three-time former prime minister heads a coalition made up of Forza Italia and two far-right forces: the League and Brothers of Italy. Recent opinion polls indicate the coalition has about 38 percent support overall -- the highest score out of Italy's three major electoral groupings. But it falls short of a majority and surveys suggest millions of voters remain undecided. Tax, sex scandals Berlusconi is banned from public office due to a 2013 tax fraud conviction. He also faces charges that he bribed witnesses to lie at his earlier trial for paying for sex with a minor. In spite of it all, he remains the leading figure of the Italian right almost a quarter of a century after first taking power. His own party has surged by eight points to 18 percent support in the opinion polls in the past year. Forza Italia's edge in the polls would give Berlusconi the upper hand in naming the coalition's pick for prime minister. He and his coalition partners would field wildly different candidates, as they have little in common apart from a desire to win. Berlusconi and the League's leader Matteo Salvini "can't stand each other," says Roberto D'Alimonte, director of the political science department at Luiss University in Rome. First the coalition would need to win a working majority. This year's election is the first under a complex electoral law introduced last year. A mix of proportional representation and first-past-the-post, it enables a party or coalition to obtain a majority with around 40 to 45 percent of the vote -- which may be just out of the right-wing coalition's reach. Economic promises The coalition spans the range of Italian right-wing politics, from the pro-European conservative moderates within Forza Italia to former northern secessionists the League and Brothers of Italy, which has roots in post-war neo-fascism. Together they form a broad church that is ahead of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the centre-left coalition led by the ruling centre-left Democratic Party (PD), who are respectively polling at around 28 and 27 percent. In the tight three-way fight, candidates have made economic promises that have observers scratching their heads given Italy's huge public debt, which at 132 percent of GDP is one of the highest in Europe. The leading parties are promising everything from the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants to higher pensions and lower taxes. One of the M5S's flagship proposals is a monthly universal basic income of 780 euros for those living in poverty. La Stampa newspaper calculated that Italy would need to spend "the stratospheric sum" of over one trillion euros to make them all a reality. None of these big promises will be fulfilled if no group wins a majority under the new system. In that case, the PD under current Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni could remain in power, at least for the next few months. Pro-European forces within the PD and Forza Italia could create a German-style grand coalition. Or euro-sceptics from the League and the Five Star Movement could team up.

Despite fraud conviction, sex scandal, Berlusconi seeks one last win in Italy vote

Vadgam MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani said on Monday that he will be campaigning against the BJP in the upcoming Karnataka state assembly polls.&nbsp;

Speaking at an event to mark the 56th birth anniversary of slain journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, Jignesh Mevani said, &quot;An alliance of all mainstream political parties and concrete people&#39;s alliance should come together to defeat &#39;chaddidharis&#39; in the state.&quot;

Mevani said he would tell the Dalits in the state not to vote for the BJP.

&quot;I am coming to Karnataka in April to campaign for three weeks to make sure that the 20% of Dalits votes won&#39;t go to the BJP&quot;, Mewani said during his speech at Gauri Day programme at the Town Hall&nbsp;on Monday.

He further stated&nbsp;that some &quot;ideological compromises&quot; must be made in order to defeat BJP, he said while stating how 15 parties had campaigned for him in the recent elections in Gujarat.&nbsp;

He also talked about how Modi government failed to give youth any employment, after a number of promises. He also suggested that Modi should retire and said that he plans to come up with ideas to generate employment in the nation.&nbsp;

Mevani recently made headlines after being denied permission to hold a Yuva Hunkar rally in New Delhi.&nbsp;

He further said that some 'ideological compromises' must be made in order to defeat BJP, he said while stating how 15 parties had campaigned for him in the recent elections in Gujarat

Vadgam MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani said on Monday that he will be campaigning against the BJP in the upcoming Karnataka state assembly polls. Speaking at an event to mark the 56th birth anniversary of slain journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, Jignesh Mevani said, "An alliance of all mainstream political parties and concrete people's alliance should come together to defeat 'chaddidharis' in the state." Mevani said he would tell the Dalits in the state not to vote for the BJP. "I am coming to Karnataka in April to campaign for three weeks to make sure that the 20% of Dalits votes won't go to the BJP", Mewani said during his speech at Gauri Day programme at the Town Hall on Monday. He further stated that some "ideological compromises" must be made in order to defeat BJP, he said while stating how 15 parties had campaigned for him in the recent elections in Gujarat. He also talked about how Modi government failed to give youth any employment, after a number of promises. He also suggested that Modi should retire and said that he plans to come up with ideas to generate employment in the nation. Mevani recently made headlines after being denied permission to hold a Yuva Hunkar rally in New Delhi.

Will make sure 20% Dalits votes don't go to BJP in Karnataka election: Mewani

The ruling Congress in Meghalaya has suffered another jolt with state party president and four-time chief minister DD Lapang deciding to opt out of assembly poll race, due early next year.&nbsp;

His announcement came a month after two senior leaders holding cabinet berths -- deputy chief minister Roytre C Laloo and Roshan Warjri -- expressed similar intentions.&nbsp;

The 85-year-old veteran leader met All India Congress&nbsp;Committee president Sonia Gandhi in Delhi yesterday to inform her of his decision.&nbsp;

&quot;She wished me well and said I should continue to keep the party united and share my experience and advisories with the workers and leaders,&quot; Lapang said in a statement.&nbsp;

The former CM also exchanged greetings with Meghalaya party in-charge C P Joshi during a meeting called to discuss the elevation of Rahul Gandhi as Congress president.&nbsp;

He had informed Chief Minister Mukul Sangma about his decision prior to his meeting with Sonia Gandhi yesterday.&nbsp;

Lapang had won the Nongpoh seat in the 1972 assembly elections as an Independent candidate. He later joined the Congress and was elected chief minister in 1992, 2003, 2007 and 2009.&nbsp;

However, he never completed his tenure as the chief minister.

Lapang's announcement came a month after two senior leaders holding cabinet berths -- Deputy Chief Minister Roytre C Laloo and Roshan Warjri -- expressed similar intentions

The ruling Congress in Meghalaya has suffered another jolt with state party president and four-time chief minister DD Lapang deciding to opt out of assembly poll race, due early next year. His announcement came a month after two senior leaders holding cabinet berths -- deputy chief minister Roytre C Laloo and Roshan Warjri -- expressed similar intentions. The 85-year-old veteran leader met All India Congress Committee president Sonia Gandhi in Delhi yesterday to inform her of his decision. "She wished me well and said I should continue to keep the party united and share my experience and advisories with the workers and leaders," Lapang said in a statement. The former CM also exchanged greetings with Meghalaya party in-charge C P Joshi during a meeting called to discuss the elevation of Rahul Gandhi as Congress president. He had informed Chief Minister Mukul Sangma about his decision prior to his meeting with Sonia Gandhi yesterday. Lapang had won the Nongpoh seat in the 1972 assembly elections as an Independent candidate. He later joined the Congress and was elected chief minister in 1992, 2003, 2007 and 2009. However, he never completed his tenure as the chief minister.

Meghalaya Congress President DD Lapang opts out of Assembly poll race

With the Gujarat Assembly election drawing ever nearer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached out to BJP&#39;s Mahila Morcha through the Narendra Modi app.

As part of a special campaign outreach, the Prime Minister held a live interaction in Gujarati with the women workers of the party this evening, and talked about the developmental works undertaken by the party.

The election campaign for the polls reached a notch higher as Prime Minister Modi kick-started his campaign on November 28, to attend at least 20 public meetings and rallies in the next 15 days.

The outreach to the women wing of the party is aimed at expanding the campaign to the women voters in the state, who constitute almost half the voters in the polls.

Interestingly, the BJP has fielded only 11 women candidates for the 182-member assembly, marginally ahead of Congress, which has fielded only 10 women candidates.Gujarat will go to polls in two phases; the first phase will be held on December 9, while the second phase is scheduled for December 14.&nbsp;

As part of a special campaign outreach, the Prime Minister held a live interaction in Gujarati with the women workers of the party this evening and talked about the developmental works undertaken by the party

With the Gujarat Assembly election drawing ever nearer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached out to BJP's Mahila Morcha through the Narendra Modi app. As part of a special campaign outreach, the Prime Minister held a live interaction in Gujarati with the women workers of the party this evening, and talked about the developmental works undertaken by the party. The election campaign for the polls reached a notch higher as Prime Minister Modi kick-started his campaign on November 28, to attend at least 20 public meetings and rallies in the next 15 days. The outreach to the women wing of the party is aimed at expanding the campaign to the women voters in the state, who constitute almost half the voters in the polls. Interestingly, the BJP has fielded only 11 women candidates for the 182-member assembly, marginally ahead of Congress, which has fielded only 10 women candidates.Gujarat will go to polls in two phases; the first phase will be held on December 9, while the second phase is scheduled for December 14.

PM Modi interacts with BJP's Mahila Morcha via NM app

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice to the archbishop of Gandhinagar for asking Christians to pray to save the country from &quot;nationalist forces&quot; in the run-up to the Gujarat Assembly polls.

Issuing a letter addressed to the Christians, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar, Thomas Macwan, had last week urged the members of the community to save the country from &quot;nationalist forces&quot; as its &quot;democratic fabric&quot; was at stake, amidst a growing &quot;sense of insecurity&quot; among the minorities.

In Gujarat&#39;s political circles, the appeal was seen as an indirect call to vote against the ruling BJP.

Also Read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-save-country-from-nationalist-forces-says-gandhinagar-archbishop-24971"> Gujarat elections: Save country from nationalist forces, says Gandhinagar Archbishop</a>

Gandhinagar Collector and District Election Officer Satish Patel told PTI that the EC issued the notice after taking cognisance of media reports and asked the archbishop to clarify his intention behind issuing such a letter.

&quot;We have issued a notice to the archbishop, seeking clarity over his intention behind the letter, which was widely publicised in the media. We have given him a few days&#39; time to respond. We will decide on the future course of action on the basis of his reply,&quot; Patel said today.

He added that the letter seemed to be aimed at &quot;confusing&quot; the voters of the minority communities and misguiding them when the poll code was in force in the state.

&quot;We understand that the letter was an attempt to misguide the voters and confuse the minority community voters at a time when the model code of conduct is in force. Such a language should not be used,&quot; Patel said.

In an official communique dated November 21, Macwan had appealed to the Christians to organise prayer services at parishes and convents, &quot;so that we may have such people elected to the Gujarat

Assembly, who would remain faithful to the Indian Constitution and respect every human being without any sort of discrimination&quot;.

&quot;The democratic fabric of the country is at stake amidst a growing sense of insecurity among the minorities, other backward classes (OBC), backward classes, poor etc.,&quot; he had said.

&quot;The results of this election are significant and will have repercussions and reverberations throughout our beloved nation. It will influence the future course of our country.

&quot;We are aware that the secular and democratic fabric of our country is at stake. Human rights are being violated. The constitutional rights are being trampled. Not a single day goes without an attack on our churches, church personnel, faithful or institutions,&quot; he said.

&quot;The recitation of the Holy Rosary at individual, community, family and parish levels will be of great help. Encourage your faithful to pray the Rosary,&quot; he said.

In the letter, the archbishop had also cited examples of how such prayers saved Europe during the victory at Lepanto, referring to the battle of 1571, in which the Holy League of Venetian and Spanish empires had defeated the Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras, and how the &quot;protecting hand of our beloved Mother Mary defeated communist governments and dictators in a number of countries&quot;.

The 182-member Gujarat Assembly will go to the polls in two phases -- on December 9 and 14. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 18.

The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar, Thomas Macwan, had last week urged the members of the Christians community to save the country from 'nationalist forces' as its 'democratic fabric' was at stake, amidst a growing 'sense of insecurity' among the minorities

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice to the archbishop of Gandhinagar for asking Christians to pray to save the country from "nationalist forces" in the run-up to the Gujarat Assembly polls. Issuing a letter addressed to the Christians, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar, Thomas Macwan, had last week urged the members of the community to save the country from "nationalist forces" as its "democratic fabric" was at stake, amidst a growing "sense of insecurity" among the minorities. In Gujarat's political circles, the appeal was seen as an indirect call to vote against the ruling BJP. Also Read: Gujarat elections: Save country from nationalist forces, says Gandhinagar Archbishop Gandhinagar Collector and District Election Officer Satish Patel told PTI that the EC issued the notice after taking cognisance of media reports and asked the archbishop to clarify his intention behind issuing such a letter. "We have issued a notice to the archbishop, seeking clarity over his intention behind the letter, which was widely publicised in the media. We have given him a few days' time to respond. We will decide on the future course of action on the basis of his reply," Patel said today. He added that the letter seemed to be aimed at "confusing" the voters of the minority communities and misguiding them when the poll code was in force in the state. "We understand that the letter was an attempt to misguide the voters and confuse the minority community voters at a time when the model code of conduct is in force. Such a language should not be used," Patel said. In an official communique dated November 21, Macwan had appealed to the Christians to organise prayer services at parishes and convents, "so that we may have such people elected to the Gujarat Assembly, who would remain faithful to the Indian Constitution and respect every human being without any sort of discrimination". "The democratic fabric of the country is at stake amidst a growing sense of insecurity among the minorities, other backward classes (OBC), backward classes, poor etc.," he had said. "The results of this election are significant and will have repercussions and reverberations throughout our beloved nation. It will influence the future course of our country. "We are aware that the secular and democratic fabric of our country is at stake. Human rights are being violated. The constitutional rights are being trampled. Not a single day goes without an attack on our churches, church personnel, faithful or institutions," he said. "The recitation of the Holy Rosary at individual, community, family and parish levels will be of great help. Encourage your faithful to pray the Rosary," he said. In the letter, the archbishop had also cited examples of how such prayers saved Europe during the victory at Lepanto, referring to the battle of 1571, in which the Holy League of Venetian and Spanish empires had defeated the Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras, and how the "protecting hand of our beloved Mother Mary defeated communist governments and dictators in a number of countries". The 182-member Gujarat Assembly will go to the polls in two phases -- on December 9 and 14. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 18.

Gujarat polls: Gandhinagar archbishop gets Election Commission notice for prayer appeal

Nepalis across the country&#39;s mountainous north voted Sunday in elections that could herald change after 20 ruinous years marked by a bloody Maoist insurgency, a devastating earthquake, and crippling political instability.

The historic vote marks the final step of a drawn-out peace process, which began in 2006 with the end of the civil war between the Maoists and the state.

More than two million people - around 65 per cent of eligible voters - cast their ballot for representatives in new national and provincial parliaments.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-begins-historic-vote-army-says-rogue-maoists-behind-blasts-25144" target="_blank">Also read: Nepal begins historic vote, army says &#39;rogue&#39; Maoists behind blasts</a>

The two-phase elections will establish the country&#39;s first provincial assemblies as laid out in a post-war constitution that aims to devolve power from the top-heavy central governments to seven newly created provinces.

Nepal&#39;s tumultuous transition from monarchy to democracy has been marred by the crippling instability that has seen 10 leaders hold power in 11 years - some of them more than once - hampering development and recovery from the earthquake that struck in 2015.

The areas that were worst hit by the quake, which killed 9,000 and destroyed half a million homes, voted on Sunday, with many expressing hope that sluggish reconstruction would be kickstarted by the political change.

&quot;I hope to see more development and better services in our district,&quot; said first-time voter Shanta Bhujel, 18, who cast his ballot in Chautara, a town east of the capital Kathmandu.

Polling station officials in Balephi, a small town in northern Sindhupalchowk district, sealed the plastic ballot boxes as the polls closed at 5 pm (1115 GMT) and loaded them into a truck to be transported to the district capital for storage.&nbsp;

Counting will only begin after the second phase of elections is held in the populous south on December 7, with results expected a few days later.

Elections were suspended and will be held again at two polling stations in the western district of Rukum after acid was sprinkled on ballot boxes and damaged the papers inside, said local official Bansi Kumar Acharya.

Meanwhile, voting was temporarily halted in another polling centre in the northeast after an explosive device was found. No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

Sporadic violence injured dozens in the lead-up to the polls, mostly blamed on a splinter faction of the Maoist Party. The faction pledged to disrupt the election.Many in the impoverished Himalayan nation walked for hours to reach their nearest polling station, while in the remote west voters also braved sub-zero temperatures and snow.

But nothing stopped a 114-year-old woman from casting her ballot in the western district of Baitadi.

The new constitution finally approved in 2015, mandates a sweeping overhaul of the political system, which should limit the impact of the horse-trading in Kathmandu on much-needed development in the rest of the country.

Rules under the new charter allocate a proportion of seats in the federal and provincial assemblies to women and people from indigenous communities and the lowest Dalit caste.

The rules will also weed out some fringe parties from the parliaments and raise the bar for ousting a prime minister, leading to hopes that the next government could be the first to last a full five-year term.

&quot;Our vote this time is in the hope that next time vote the country is in a better condition,&quot; said hotel owner Bhakta Lal Shrestha after casting his ballot in Balephi just before polling closed. 
However, analysts warn that the impact of the changes could be limited, with the three parties that have dominated the political stage since the end of the conflict expected to take the lion&#39;s share of seats.

The Maoist Party of the former rebels has formed an electoral alliance with the communist CNP-UML, fielding candidates jointly in key races.

The powerful bloc has left the ruling party, the centrist Nepali Congress, on the back foot and forced to look to smaller parties in a bid to remain in power.

&quot;Since there is no real ideological difference between the two alliances anymore, what we need for stable politics is a majority government with a strong opposition to keep it in check,&quot; the English-language Nepali Times wrote in an editorial Sunday. &quot;At this moment, that is the best we can hope for.&quot;

The historic vote marks the final step of a drawn-out peace process, which began in 2006 with the end of the civil war between the Maoists and the state

Nepalis across the country's mountainous north voted Sunday in elections that could herald change after 20 ruinous years marked by a bloody Maoist insurgency, a devastating earthquake, and crippling political instability. The historic vote marks the final step of a drawn-out peace process, which began in 2006 with the end of the civil war between the Maoists and the state. More than two million people - around 65 per cent of eligible voters - cast their ballot for representatives in new national and provincial parliaments. Also read: Nepal begins historic vote, army says 'rogue' Maoists behind blasts The two-phase elections will establish the country's first provincial assemblies as laid out in a post-war constitution that aims to devolve power from the top-heavy central governments to seven newly created provinces. Nepal's tumultuous transition from monarchy to democracy has been marred by the crippling instability that has seen 10 leaders hold power in 11 years - some of them more than once - hampering development and recovery from the earthquake that struck in 2015. The areas that were worst hit by the quake, which killed 9,000 and destroyed half a million homes, voted on Sunday, with many expressing hope that sluggish reconstruction would be kickstarted by the political change. "I hope to see more development and better services in our district," said first-time voter Shanta Bhujel, 18, who cast his ballot in Chautara, a town east of the capital Kathmandu. Polling station officials in Balephi, a small town in northern Sindhupalchowk district, sealed the plastic ballot boxes as the polls closed at 5 pm (1115 GMT) and loaded them into a truck to be transported to the district capital for storage. Counting will only begin after the second phase of elections is held in the populous south on December 7, with results expected a few days later. Elections were suspended and will be held again at two polling stations in the western district of Rukum after acid was sprinkled on ballot boxes and damaged the papers inside, said local official Bansi Kumar Acharya. Meanwhile, voting was temporarily halted in another polling centre in the northeast after an explosive device was found. No injuries were reported. Sporadic violence injured dozens in the lead-up to the polls, mostly blamed on a splinter faction of the Maoist Party. The faction pledged to disrupt the election.Many in the impoverished Himalayan nation walked for hours to reach their nearest polling station, while in the remote west voters also braved sub-zero temperatures and snow. But nothing stopped a 114-year-old woman from casting her ballot in the western district of Baitadi. The new constitution finally approved in 2015, mandates a sweeping overhaul of the political system, which should limit the impact of the horse-trading in Kathmandu on much-needed development in the rest of the country. Rules under the new charter allocate a proportion of seats in the federal and provincial assemblies to women and people from indigenous communities and the lowest Dalit caste. The rules will also weed out some fringe parties from the parliaments and raise the bar for ousting a prime minister, leading to hopes that the next government could be the first to last a full five-year term. "Our vote this time is in the hope that next time vote the country is in a better condition," said hotel owner Bhakta Lal Shrestha after casting his ballot in Balephi just before polling closed. However, analysts warn that the impact of the changes could be limited, with the three parties that have dominated the political stage since the end of the conflict expected to take the lion's share of seats. The Maoist Party of the former rebels has formed an electoral alliance with the communist CNP-UML, fielding candidates jointly in key races. The powerful bloc has left the ruling party, the centrist Nepali Congress, on the back foot and forced to look to smaller parties in a bid to remain in power. "Since there is no real ideological difference between the two alliances anymore, what we need for stable politics is a majority government with a strong opposition to keep it in check," the English-language Nepali Times wrote in an editorial Sunday. "At this moment, that is the best we can hope for."

Nepalese vote for stability in historic polls

Voting began on&nbsp;Sunday in the first round of Chile&#39;s presidential election, with former president Sebastian Pinera likely to cement his frontrunner status to succeed Socialist leader Michelle Bachelet.

But it was unclear whether Pinera, a 67-year-old billionaire who was president from 2010-2014, would gain enough support to avoid a runoff against the runner-up -- likely to be Alejandro Guillier, an independent supported by Bachelet&#39;s Socialists.

It was unclear whether Pinera, who was president from 2010-2014, would gain enough support to avoid a runoff against the runner-up -- likely to be Alejandro Guillier, an independent supported by Bachelet's Socialists

Voting began on Sunday in the first round of Chile's presidential election, with former president Sebastian Pinera likely to cement his frontrunner status to succeed Socialist leader Michelle Bachelet. But it was unclear whether Pinera, a 67-year-old billionaire who was president from 2010-2014, would gain enough support to avoid a runoff against the runner-up -- likely to be Alejandro Guillier, an independent supported by Bachelet's Socialists.

Polls open for first round of Presidential elections in Chile

Angolans headed to the polls on Wednesday in a parliamentary election expected to usher in the ruling party&#39;s defence minister as the first new leader of Africa&#39;s second-biggest oil producer for 38 years.

Joao Lourenco, who has pledged to boost growth and fight corruption, would inherit an economy mired in recession as gaping inequality, soaring inflation and high unemployment squeeze poor Angolans who have benefited little from a decades-long oil boom.

The People&#39;s Movement for the Liberation of&nbsp;Angola&nbsp;(MPLA) is expected to remain in power but with a reduced majority. Its support has waned due to widespread political cronyism, though many Angolans remain loyal to the party that emerged victorious from 27 years of civil war in 2002.

&quot;I&#39;ve been following the party (MPLA) all my life. I grew up with it,&quot; 33-year-old bakery owner Telma Francisco told Reuters outside a polling station in the capital.

&quot;The other parties don&#39;t have the capacity to govern.&quot;

Voters like Francisco waited in orderly queues on a cloudy morning in the capital Luanda when polling stations opened at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) as police and military manned street corners.

Questions have been raised as to how much power Lourenco will have if he wins, given veteran leader Jose Eduardo dos Santos, 74, will continue as head of the MPLA and have potentially a sweeping say over decision-making.

His daughter, Isabel, heads national oil producer Sonangol and his son Jos&eacute; Filomeno is in charge of the state investment fund.

Lourenco on Tuesday dismissed suggestions he would be a puppet president, saying he would focus on leading an &quot;economic miracle&quot;, possibly with the help of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and prosecute corrupt politicians.

Dos Santos, Africa&#39;s longest-ruling president behind Equatorial Guinea&#39;s Teodoro Obiang Nguema, will step down after guiding the OPEC-member from Marxism to capitalism while embracing Chinese oil-for-infrastructure investment.

The MPLA&#39;s main opponent will be its former civil war foe, the National Union for the Total Independence of&nbsp;Angola&nbsp;(UNITA), while young voters have been lured by CASA-CE, which was formed in 2012 on a promise to disrupt 50 years of two-party politics.

More than two-thirds of&nbsp;Angolans are below 25 so many people will be voting for the first time.

&quot;We&#39;re voting for change,&quot; said 19-year old Joao Costa, who like most people who oppose the authoritative MPLA declined to say who he voted for.

Others were sticking by the ruling party.

&quot;The opposition is a joke,&quot; said out-of-work decorator Francisco, 32, declining to give his surname. &quot;The MPLA is the only party that can change things and with a new candidate for president I think he can do a better job&quot;

An unofficial result is expected by Friday. But there may be no formal announcement for two weeks as ballot boxes wend their way along pot-holed roads and dirt tracks in a country of 28 million spread across an area twice the size of France.

There are concerns about how fair the vote will be after the government cracked down on recently planned public demonstrations. UNITA has said it will lead protests if it believes the MPLA has manipulated results.

The former Portuguese colony has been largely peaceful since the end of a Cold War-era conflict between the MPLA, backed by the Soviet Union, and UNITA, supported by the United States and South Africa.

The People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) is expected to remain in power but with a reduced majority

Angolans headed to the polls on Wednesday in a parliamentary election expected to usher in the ruling party's defence minister as the first new leader of Africa's second-biggest oil producer for 38 years. Joao Lourenco, who has pledged to boost growth and fight corruption, would inherit an economy mired in recession as gaping inequality, soaring inflation and high unemployment squeeze poor Angolans who have benefited little from a decades-long oil boom. The People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) is expected to remain in power but with a reduced majority. Its support has waned due to widespread political cronyism, though many Angolans remain loyal to the party that emerged victorious from 27 years of civil war in 2002. "I've been following the party (MPLA) all my life. I grew up with it," 33-year-old bakery owner Telma Francisco told Reuters outside a polling station in the capital. "The other parties don't have the capacity to govern." Voters like Francisco waited in orderly queues on a cloudy morning in the capital Luanda when polling stations opened at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) as police and military manned street corners. Questions have been raised as to how much power Lourenco will have if he wins, given veteran leader Jose Eduardo dos Santos, 74, will continue as head of the MPLA and have potentially a sweeping say over decision-making. His daughter, Isabel, heads national oil producer Sonangol and his son José Filomeno is in charge of the state investment fund. Lourenco on Tuesday dismissed suggestions he would be a puppet president, saying he would focus on leading an "economic miracle", possibly with the help of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and prosecute corrupt politicians. Dos Santos, Africa's longest-ruling president behind Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang Nguema, will step down after guiding the OPEC-member from Marxism to capitalism while embracing Chinese oil-for-infrastructure investment. The MPLA's main opponent will be its former civil war foe, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), while young voters have been lured by CASA-CE, which was formed in 2012 on a promise to disrupt 50 years of two-party politics. More than two-thirds of Angolans are below 25 so many people will be voting for the first time. "We're voting for change," said 19-year old Joao Costa, who like most people who oppose the authoritative MPLA declined to say who he voted for. Others were sticking by the ruling party. "The opposition is a joke," said out-of-work decorator Francisco, 32, declining to give his surname. "The MPLA is the only party that can change things and with a new candidate for president I think he can do a better job" An unofficial result is expected by Friday. But there may be no formal announcement for two weeks as ballot boxes wend their way along pot-holed roads and dirt tracks in a country of 28 million spread across an area twice the size of France. There are concerns about how fair the vote will be after the government cracked down on recently planned public demonstrations. UNITA has said it will lead protests if it believes the MPLA has manipulated results. The former Portuguese colony has been largely peaceful since the end of a Cold War-era conflict between the MPLA, backed by the Soviet Union, and UNITA, supported by the United States and South Africa.

Angola votes for first new leader

Iranians head to the polls Friday for a vote that has become a referendum on President Hassan Rouhani&#39;s policy of opening up to the world and efforts to rebuild the stagnant economy.

He faces stiff competition from hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi, 56, who has positioned himself as a defender of the poor and called for a much tougher line with the West.

Rouhani, a 68-year-old moderate cleric, has sought to frame the election as a choice between greater civil liberties and &quot;extremism&quot;.

He has pushed the boundaries over the past fortnight, criticising the continued arrest of reformist leaders and activists, and calling on security agencies not to interfere in the vote.

Raisi says he will stick by the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, that saw curbs to Iran&#39;s atomic programme in exchange for sanctions relief, but he points to the continued economic slump as proof that Rouhani&#39;s diplomatic efforts have failed.

&quot;Instead of using the capable hands of our youths to resolve problems, they are putting our economy in the hands of foreigners,&quot; Raisi said at a final rally in the holy city of Mashhad on Wednesday.

Rouhani responded by calling on voters to keep hardliners away from Iran&#39;s delicate diplomatic levers.&nbsp;

&quot;One wrong decision by the president can mean war and a correct decision can mean peace,&quot; he said at his own Mashhad rally.

The election comes at a tense moment in US-Iran relations.&nbsp;

Rouhani gained a reprieve on Wednesday when the administration of US President Donald Trump agreed to continue waiving nuclear-related sanctions, keeping the deal on track for now.

But Trump has launched a 90-day review of the accord that could see it abandoned, and is visiting Iran&#39;s bitter regional rival Saudi Arabia this weekend.

Economic slump 
Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said a massive turnout was needed to show the continued popularity of the Islamic regime.

&quot;Faced with the enemy, the people should show their determination and calm,&quot; he said this week.&nbsp;

Despite the global implications, it is the economy that has dominated the campaign.

Rouhani has brought inflation down from around 40 percent when he took over in 2013, but prices are still rising by nine percent a year.

Oil sales have rebounded since the nuclear deal took effect in January 2016, but growth in the rest of the economy has been limited, leaving unemployment at 12.5 percent overall, and almost 30 percent for young people.&nbsp;

Rouhani has vowed to work towards the removal of remaining US sanctions that are stifling trade and investment deals with Europe and Asia, but he is unlikely to receive much assistance from Trump.

Raisi has instead promised to triple cash hand-outs to the poor, hoping to pick up voters that once supported hardline populist Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.&nbsp;

Having proved too independent for the conservative establishment, Ahmadinejad was dramatically barred from standing by the Guardian Council last month as it disqualified all but six of the 1,636 people who signed up for the election.

The presidential race has since narrowed to a two-horse race as the other candidates either pulled out or called on their supporters to back Rouhani or Raisi.

Iranians will also be voting Friday for their local councils, with reformists particularly hoping to undo the conservatives&#39; narrow majority in Tehran.&nbsp;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The choice is between current President Hassan Rouhani and his policy of opening up to the world and the hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi who has called for a much tougher line with the West

Iranians head to the polls Friday for a vote that has become a referendum on President Hassan Rouhani's policy of opening up to the world and efforts to rebuild the stagnant economy. He faces stiff competition from hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi, 56, who has positioned himself as a defender of the poor and called for a much tougher line with the West. Rouhani, a 68-year-old moderate cleric, has sought to frame the election as a choice between greater civil liberties and "extremism". He has pushed the boundaries over the past fortnight, criticising the continued arrest of reformist leaders and activists, and calling on security agencies not to interfere in the vote. Raisi says he will stick by the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, that saw curbs to Iran's atomic programme in exchange for sanctions relief, but he points to the continued economic slump as proof that Rouhani's diplomatic efforts have failed. "Instead of using the capable hands of our youths to resolve problems, they are putting our economy in the hands of foreigners," Raisi said at a final rally in the holy city of Mashhad on Wednesday. Rouhani responded by calling on voters to keep hardliners away from Iran's delicate diplomatic levers. "One wrong decision by the president can mean war and a correct decision can mean peace," he said at his own Mashhad rally. The election comes at a tense moment in US-Iran relations. Rouhani gained a reprieve on Wednesday when the administration of US President Donald Trump agreed to continue waiving nuclear-related sanctions, keeping the deal on track for now. But Trump has launched a 90-day review of the accord that could see it abandoned, and is visiting Iran's bitter regional rival Saudi Arabia this weekend. Economic slump Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said a massive turnout was needed to show the continued popularity of the Islamic regime. "Faced with the enemy, the people should show their determination and calm," he said this week. Despite the global implications, it is the economy that has dominated the campaign. Rouhani has brought inflation down from around 40 percent when he took over in 2013, but prices are still rising by nine percent a year. Oil sales have rebounded since the nuclear deal took effect in January 2016, but growth in the rest of the economy has been limited, leaving unemployment at 12.5 percent overall, and almost 30 percent for young people. Rouhani has vowed to work towards the removal of remaining US sanctions that are stifling trade and investment deals with Europe and Asia, but he is unlikely to receive much assistance from Trump. Raisi has instead promised to triple cash hand-outs to the poor, hoping to pick up voters that once supported hardline populist Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Having proved too independent for the conservative establishment, Ahmadinejad was dramatically barred from standing by the Guardian Council last month as it disqualified all but six of the 1,636 people who signed up for the election. The presidential race has since narrowed to a two-horse race as the other candidates either pulled out or called on their supporters to back Rouhani or Raisi. Iranians will also be voting Friday for their local councils, with reformists particularly hoping to undo the conservatives' narrow majority in Tehran. (AFP)

Iran votes today

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Sources: <a href="http://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national-exit-poll-assembly-elections-five-states-india-tv-371824">IndiaTV &ndash; Cvoter</a> ; <a href="http://indiatoday.intoday.in/live-blogs/exit-poll-2017-assembly-elections-result-up-results-/199.html">India Today - Axis My India</a> ; <a href="http://www.newsx.com/national/58142-live-newsx-mrc-exit-polls-the-most-accurate-break-up-of-numbers?pfrom=tags">NewsX - MRC</a> ; <a href="http://www.timesnow.tv/india/article/exit-polls-bjp-win-projected-in-4-states/57316">Times Now- VMR</a> ; ABP &ndash; Lokniti <a href="http://www.abplive.in/india-news/bjp-set-to-sweep-uttarakhand-may-get-34-42-seats-abp-news-exit-poll-503210">1</a>, <a href="http://www.abplive.in/india-news/punjab-exit-poll-live-updates-congress-aap-or-bjp-sad-503122">2</a>, <a href="http://www.abplive.in/india-news/abp-news-exit-poll-live-updates-wholl-be-victorious-in-up-uttarakhand-punjab-goa-502918">3</a>, <a href="http://abpnews.abplive.in/india-news/assembly-elections-exit-polls-2017-know-which-party-is-going-to-win-the-election-574390">4</a> ; <a href="http://www.todayschanakya.com/">News24 - Today&#39;s Chanakya</a> &nbsp;

Party abbreviations: INC: Indian National Congress, AAP: Aam Aadmi Party, SAD: Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP: Bharatiya Janta Party, BSP: Bahujan Samaj Party, SP: Samajwadi Party.&nbsp;

Note: Only the seat totals given by various agencies were compared, not the predictions for individual constituencies. Also, if an agency had given out a seat range as opposed to a specific seat total for any party/alliance, the mid-point of the range was used for comparison.&nbsp;

Update: Images were modified to accurately reflect the exit poll results.

Which polling agencies got the Indian state election results right? And which got it badly wrong? Check the graphics below to find out.

Sources: IndiaTV – Cvoter ; India Today - Axis My India ; NewsX - MRC ; Times Now- VMR ; ABP – Lokniti 1, 2, 3, 4 ; News24 - Today's Chanakya Party abbreviations: INC: Indian National Congress, AAP: Aam Aadmi Party, SAD: Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP: Bharatiya Janta Party, BSP: Bahujan Samaj Party, SP: Samajwadi Party. Note: Only the seat totals given by various agencies were compared, not the predictions for individual constituencies. Also, if an agency had given out a seat range as opposed to a specific seat total for any party/alliance, the mid-point of the range was used for comparison. Update: Images were modified to accurately reflect the exit poll results.

Indian Assembly elections: Did anyone get their predictions right?

The first phase poll in Manipur, held on March 4, 2017, sealed the fate of candidates in 38 Assembly segments. And now all eyes are on March 8&nbsp;i.e today when the remaining 22 Assembly constituencies are witnessing the exercise in the second and final phase. By March 11, the voters will know the newly elected 60 members of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly. Whether Congress returns to power for the fourth consecutive term or BJP forms another government after Assam and Arunachal in Northeast India&nbsp;will be known on or before March 18.

Major Issues

Perhaps Manipur is the only state in northeast India, where different communities are not united on any single issue--before, during and after elections. Vital issues such as corruption, good governance, infrastructure, human rights&nbsp;violation, employment, water supply&nbsp;and communications, etc. are generally pushed to the backburner and is overshadowed by emotive issues. As expected, the issues of framework agreement, territorial integrity, economic blockade and creation of new districts have emerged as the central issues of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly election. However, even on these emotive issues, the views and strategies of parties and communities&nbsp;differ.

Manipur&rsquo;s territorial integrity is sacrosanct to the Meiteis. To them, nothing is more important than protecting the territorial integrity of the state. The majority Meiteis in the valley, who almost deserted&nbsp;Okram&nbsp;Ibobi Singh and the Congress party at one point of time, are now changing their minds because of the non-disclosure of contents of the Framework Agreement by the BJP and the economic blockade imposed by the Nagas&nbsp;since the midnight of October 31, 2015. The economic blockade affects people from the valley more than the people in the hills.

For the Nagas, their ancestral land issue is non-negotiable and thus opposes the newly created districts. The United Nagaland Council (UNC) and NSCN (IM), which can influence about 10 Assembly segments in the hills are openly supporting the Nagaland-based Naga People&rsquo;s Front (NPF). The last 2012 election saw&nbsp;four NPF MLAs getting elected.

Two vital issues for the Kukis are the newly created districts and the ongoing political dialogue with the Centre on Kuki political issues. While the United People&#39;s Front (UPF) is closer to BJP&nbsp;so as to continue the political dialogue, Kuki National Organisation (KNO) is supportive of Congress for creating new districts in Kuki areas. Both KNO and UPF control about 10 Assembly segments in the hills.

The two main contenders, Congress and BJP, also have different approaches&nbsp;although both parties have pledged to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur. While BJP assures that the Framework Agreement will not affect Manipur&rsquo;s integrity, the Congress Party questions as to why BJP should continue to keep it a closely guarded secret&nbsp;if it does not contain anything inimical to the interests of Manipur. While BJP focuses on the 15 years of rampant corruption and bad governance under&nbsp;Congress rule, the Congress&nbsp;harps on the dangers that the BJP poses to the territorial integrity and existence of Manipur. Many civil society groups&nbsp;in Manipur have been campaigning to elicit the contents and other details of the agreement.&nbsp;They are not satisfied with verbal assurance from&nbsp;the Prime Minister.

The violent protests against the introduction of three Bills in the state Assembly&nbsp;- resulting in the death of 9 persons&nbsp;- is still fresh in the minds of the voters of Churachandpur. Public anger against the Congress is so deep that some Congress MLAs were compelled to join the BJP just few months before the election. Had it not been for the creation of new districts, fate of the Congress candidates in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts would have been sealed much before the elections.

Comparison with previous elections

Unlike the previous elections, particularly the 2012 Assembly elections, when the opposition parties were in disarray&nbsp;and BJP did not win even a single seat, this time around, the fight is mainly between the Congress and BJP. Today, BJP&rsquo;s strength has increased in Manipur. From a zero entity it has become a serious contender. However, lack of good leadership, mismanagement in the distribution of tickets and the &ldquo;supposedly close and secret relations and understanding with the NPF&rdquo;&nbsp;are likely to have negative consequences for the party in the valley and some hill Assembly segments.

The 2017 election will go down in the electoral history of Manipur as the most polarised election as the three major communities - Kukis, Meiteis and Nagas -&nbsp;do not see eye to eye on most issues confronting the state. Though it is difficult to predict the outcome of the elections, it is expected to be along ethnic lines.

What is conspicuous by its absence, is the infamous Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 in BJP&rsquo;s manifesto, although the Congress mentions it in its manifesto. Surprisingly, AFSPA seems to be of no concern to the voters. Another significant departure from the past is that for the first time in Manipur, 16 polling booths (10 in Imphal West and six in Bishnupur) were exclusively manned by women polling personnel.

Expectations

Will there be a positive change after a new government comes in?&nbsp;

Possibly not.&nbsp;One thing is for certain, that nothing much is likely to change. Immediate concern and expectation of the common people, both from the hills and valley from the new government&nbsp;would be putting an end to the ongoing economic blockade. The common fear of&nbsp;post-poll violence, like it has happened before,&nbsp;may have a dampening effect. As usual, voters will perhaps have to console themselves by swallowing the hard truth&nbsp;that political parties seldom fulfill their electoral promises&nbsp;.&nbsp;

Election is often called the biggest festival of democracy. One wonders if it actually is so. 
&nbsp;

AFSPA is no more a concern as major communities don't see eye to eye on common issues confronting the state

The first phase poll in Manipur, held on March 4, 2017, sealed the fate of candidates in 38 Assembly segments. And now all eyes are on March 8 i.e today when the remaining 22 Assembly constituencies are witnessing the exercise in the second and final phase. By March 11, the voters will know the newly elected 60 members of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly. Whether Congress returns to power for the fourth consecutive term or BJP forms another government after Assam and Arunachal in Northeast India will be known on or before March 18. Major Issues Perhaps Manipur is the only state in northeast India, where different communities are not united on any single issue--before, during and after elections. Vital issues such as corruption, good governance, infrastructure, human rights violation, employment, water supply and communications, etc. are generally pushed to the backburner and is overshadowed by emotive issues. As expected, the issues of framework agreement, territorial integrity, economic blockade and creation of new districts have emerged as the central issues of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly election. However, even on these emotive issues, the views and strategies of parties and communities differ. Manipur’s territorial integrity is sacrosanct to the Meiteis. To them, nothing is more important than protecting the territorial integrity of the state. The majority Meiteis in the valley, who almost deserted Okram Ibobi Singh and the Congress party at one point of time, are now changing their minds because of the non-disclosure of contents of the Framework Agreement by the BJP and the economic blockade imposed by the Nagas since the midnight of October 31, 2015. The economic blockade affects people from the valley more than the people in the hills. For the Nagas, their ancestral land issue is non-negotiable and thus opposes the newly created districts. The United Nagaland Council (UNC) and NSCN (IM), which can influence about 10 Assembly segments in the hills are openly supporting the Nagaland-based Naga People’s Front (NPF). The last 2012 election saw four NPF MLAs getting elected. Two vital issues for the Kukis are the newly created districts and the ongoing political dialogue with the Centre on Kuki political issues. While the United People's Front (UPF) is closer to BJP so as to continue the political dialogue, Kuki National Organisation (KNO) is supportive of Congress for creating new districts in Kuki areas. Both KNO and UPF control about 10 Assembly segments in the hills. The two main contenders, Congress and BJP, also have different approaches although both parties have pledged to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur. While BJP assures that the Framework Agreement will not affect Manipur’s integrity, the Congress Party questions as to why BJP should continue to keep it a closely guarded secret if it does not contain anything inimical to the interests of Manipur. While BJP focuses on the 15 years of rampant corruption and bad governance under Congress rule, the Congress harps on the dangers that the BJP poses to the territorial integrity and existence of Manipur. Many civil society groups in Manipur have been campaigning to elicit the contents and other details of the agreement. They are not satisfied with verbal assurance from the Prime Minister. The violent protests against the introduction of three Bills in the state Assembly - resulting in the death of 9 persons - is still fresh in the minds of the voters of Churachandpur. Public anger against the Congress is so deep that some Congress MLAs were compelled to join the BJP just few months before the election. Had it not been for the creation of new districts, fate of the Congress candidates in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts would have been sealed much before the elections. Comparison with previous elections Unlike the previous elections, particularly the 2012 Assembly elections, when the opposition parties were in disarray and BJP did not win even a single seat, this time around, the fight is mainly between the Congress and BJP. Today, BJP’s strength has increased in Manipur. From a zero entity it has become a serious contender. However, lack of good leadership, mismanagement in the distribution of tickets and the “supposedly close and secret relations and understanding with the NPF” are likely to have negative consequences for the party in the valley and some hill Assembly segments. The 2017 election will go down in the electoral history of Manipur as the most polarised election as the three major communities - Kukis, Meiteis and Nagas - do not see eye to eye on most issues confronting the state. Though it is difficult to predict the outcome of the elections, it is expected to be along ethnic lines. What is conspicuous by its absence, is the infamous Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 in BJP’s manifesto, although the Congress mentions it in its manifesto. Surprisingly, AFSPA seems to be of no concern to the voters. Another significant departure from the past is that for the first time in Manipur, 16 polling booths (10 in Imphal West and six in Bishnupur) were exclusively manned by women polling personnel. Expectations Will there be a positive change after a new government comes in? Possibly not. One thing is for certain, that nothing much is likely to change. Immediate concern and expectation of the common people, both from the hills and valley from the new government would be putting an end to the ongoing economic blockade. The common fear of post-poll violence, like it has happened before, may have a dampening effect. As usual, voters will perhaps have to console themselves by swallowing the hard truth that political parties seldom fulfill their electoral promises . Election is often called the biggest festival of democracy. One wonders if it actually is so.

2017 will witness the most polarised election in Manipur

Here's an interactive look at the Indian states going to the polls over the next few weeks

Making sense of India's state elections

Spain may be forced to hold a third round of elections, acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned on Tuesday after his Socialist rival refused to back his efforts to form a government. 
 
Spain has been without a fully functioning government for more than seven months following two inconclusive polls, leaving it in political limbo in a sensitive economic and political period. But even as parties reiterate the crucial need for a stable government after repeat elections in June, none appear ready as yet to overcome their differences and seal a coalition deal, including Socialist party chief Pedro Sanchez. 
 
&quot;If Mr Sanchez continues to say no, we will go to repeat elections,&quot; Rajoy, whose conservative Popular Party (PP) came first in June polls and who has therefore been tasked by the king to form a coalition or minority government, told reporters. &quot;A country that holds three elections in a year, or one in which its political leaders are incapable of agreeing, will not see its reputation improve,&quot; he said, adding it would be an &quot;absurdity&quot;. 
 
Spain is currently ruled by a caretaker conservative government with limited room for manoeuvre just as it needs to take urgent steps to reduce its deficit, establish a budget for the coming year and address a growing separatist movement in the Catalonia region. 
 
The country&#39;s political paralysis started after elections on December 20 failed to give any party an absolute parliamentary majority, as upstart groupings Ciudadanos and Podemos shook up Spain&#39;s long-established two-party system. 
 
Fed up with years of crisis-sparked austerity and repeated corruption scandals, millions of Spaniards tasked the two upstarts to revitalise the country. But efforts to forge a coalition were unsuccessful as rival parties were unable to overcome their differences, prompting repeat elections in June with a similar result. 
 
Rajoy&#39;s PP, in power since 2011, won the June 26 vote but fell short of an absolute majority, winning 137 seats out of 350. He has since been tasked by the king to form a coalition or minority government, which he will have to push through a parliamentary vote of confidence. 
 
In order to do so, Rajoy will need an absolute majority in the vote. If he fails, a second vote will be held in which he would only need a simple majority. 
 
But Sanchez, whose Socialist party came second in June elections and whose 85 seats would give any Rajoy-led government proposal a significant boost in a parliamentary vote refuses to back him. &quot;We are not going to back something we want to change... the left will not back the right,&quot; Sanchez told reporters after meeting the acting prime minister. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
However, he appeared to leave the door open for the possibility that the Socialists would abstain in a vote of confidence, saying that the party&#39;s leadership committee would have the ultimate say in whether the grouping changes its posture or not. 
 
Several high-ranking members of the Socialist party, including former prime minister Felipe Gonzalez, have pushed for an abstention to let a minority government led by Rajoy through, and thus end the political paralysis. And a high-ranking Socialist party source, who refuses to be named, has said an abstention in the second parliamentary vote is the most likely scenario. 
 
Rajoy is also due to meet Albert Rivera, the chief of centre-right upstart Ciudadanos, on Wednesday as his search for support continues.&nbsp;Rivera has said his party would be willing to abstain in the vote of confidence, but with just 32 seats, that would not be enough to push Rajoy&#39;s government proposal through. 
 
(AFP)

The country has been without a fully functional government for more than seven months following two inconclusive polls

Spain may be forced to hold a third round of elections, acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned on Tuesday after his Socialist rival refused to back his efforts to form a government. Spain has been without a fully functioning government for more than seven months following two inconclusive polls, leaving it in political limbo in a sensitive economic and political period. But even as parties reiterate the crucial need for a stable government after repeat elections in June, none appear ready as yet to overcome their differences and seal a coalition deal, including Socialist party chief Pedro Sanchez. "If Mr Sanchez continues to say no, we will go to repeat elections," Rajoy, whose conservative Popular Party (PP) came first in June polls and who has therefore been tasked by the king to form a coalition or minority government, told reporters. "A country that holds three elections in a year, or one in which its political leaders are incapable of agreeing, will not see its reputation improve," he said, adding it would be an "absurdity". Spain is currently ruled by a caretaker conservative government with limited room for manoeuvre just as it needs to take urgent steps to reduce its deficit, establish a budget for the coming year and address a growing separatist movement in the Catalonia region. The country's political paralysis started after elections on December 20 failed to give any party an absolute parliamentary majority, as upstart groupings Ciudadanos and Podemos shook up Spain's long-established two-party system. Fed up with years of crisis-sparked austerity and repeated corruption scandals, millions of Spaniards tasked the two upstarts to revitalise the country. But efforts to forge a coalition were unsuccessful as rival parties were unable to overcome their differences, prompting repeat elections in June with a similar result. Rajoy's PP, in power since 2011, won the June 26 vote but fell short of an absolute majority, winning 137 seats out of 350. He has since been tasked by the king to form a coalition or minority government, which he will have to push through a parliamentary vote of confidence. In order to do so, Rajoy will need an absolute majority in the vote. If he fails, a second vote will be held in which he would only need a simple majority. But Sanchez, whose Socialist party came second in June elections and whose 85 seats would give any Rajoy-led government proposal a significant boost in a parliamentary vote refuses to back him. "We are not going to back something we want to change... the left will not back the right," Sanchez told reporters after meeting the acting prime minister. However, he appeared to leave the door open for the possibility that the Socialists would abstain in a vote of confidence, saying that the party's leadership committee would have the ultimate say in whether the grouping changes its posture or not. Several high-ranking members of the Socialist party, including former prime minister Felipe Gonzalez, have pushed for an abstention to let a minority government led by Rajoy through, and thus end the political paralysis. And a high-ranking Socialist party source, who refuses to be named, has said an abstention in the second parliamentary vote is the most likely scenario. Rajoy is also due to meet Albert Rivera, the chief of centre-right upstart Ciudadanos, on Wednesday as his search for support continues. Rivera has said his party would be willing to abstain in the vote of confidence, but with just 32 seats, that would not be enough to push Rajoy's government proposal through. (AFP)

Spain PM warns third round of elections possible as deadlock continues

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