Russia recently marked the 75th anniversary of the Victory Day, which was previously delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has infected 600,000 people in the country.

The Victory Day is celebrated to mark the defeat of Hitler, and his Nazi army in the Second World War, at the hands of the Soviet Union.

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Dubbed as the “grand finale of Putin’s own victory year”, the ceremony had many foreign leaders in attendance.&nbsp;Russia put up a grand display of its military capabilities with tanks and missiles parading through the famous Red Square.

The country also showed off its latest military hardware, including a flyover of its most advanced fighter jets. This included 14,000 troops, 75 aircraft, and participation from 13 countries. In the audience sat 64,000 people, with the celebrations spread across 28 cities.

Earlier, the parade was scheduled on May 9, 2020. But it was delayed due to the outbreak. On May 8, 1945, Germany signed the instrument of surrender, signifying the end of the Second World War for Russia.

Over 40,000 Red Army soldiers and more than 1,800 military vehicles took part in the first ever Victory Parade. Troops returning from the frontline were greeted by joyous crowds showering flowers on them.

Monopolising the parade?

The Kremlin has used the auspicious day to push for Putin’s legitimacy as the Russian leader, many critics believe.

Many believe that the event was pushed back not because of the virus, but owing to the referendum on the&nbsp;Russian constitution. As part of this, over 200 provisions will be amended. However, the most controversial amendment would allow Putin to clench on to his presidency indefinitely.

Currently, the Russian president is limited by terms. During his first stint as president, Putin had two terms, for four years each, from 2000 to 2008.&nbsp;After this, he made way for his trusted deputy and became the prime minister.&nbsp;In 2012 he took office again, and this time his terms lasted for six years each, with his current term slated to end in 2024.

What many critics are calling a “constitutional coup” will enable him to stay in power at least until 2036, which would make him Russia’s longest-serving leader.&nbsp;Stalin currently holds the record, with a 29-year term.

The world’s longest serving leaders include Fidel Castro in Cuba with 49 years, followed by Chiang Kai Shek in Taiwan for 47 years, and Kim Il Sung of North Korea who held power for 46 years.

Will the Russian people agree?

Many analysts have pointed out fears of the referendum being democratic only on paper. They believe this “symbolic referendum” is strategically designed to eliminate threats.

Putin had earlier claimed to have “full confidence” in winning this referendum, which would provide legitimacy to his leadership and constitutional changes therein.

Many international contingents including India, China, and Mongolia were in attendance at this parade.

On the stands&nbsp;at the Red Square were the defence ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and India. The presidents of Belarus and Serbia also attended the event. The world legitimised this event while US president Donald Trump was recently denied from conducting a G7 meeting.

Coronavirus danger, or not?

Russia is the third worst hit country by the coronavirus, but has begun to open gyms, restaurants, cafes and salons.

Putin made a series of public appearances ahead of the parade, including opening a vast military cathedral, laying a wreath on the tomb of an unknown soldier, following an interaction with veterans.

At the parade he sat next to Galina Beltsova. The 95-year-old is the last surviving member of a Soviet female air force regiment.&nbsp;However, no social distancing protocols were followed, and no masks were spotted.

Turns out, everybody who met Putin at the parade were forced to undergo a two-week-long quarantine, with extensive measures in place for his safety.

Putin also has a special disinfectant tunnel at home, which sprays fine mist on visitors to kill the virus.&nbsp;At 67, Putin has completed 20 years in power, but has also hit his lowest approval ratings of 59.

Russia recently marked the 75th anniversary of the Victory Day, which was previously delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has infected 600,000 people in the country.

Russia recently marked the 75th anniversary of the Victory Day, which was previously delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has infected 600,000 people in the country. The Victory Day is celebrated to mark the defeat of Hitler, and his Nazi army in the Second World War, at the hands of the Soviet Union. × Dubbed as the “grand finale of Putin’s own victory year”, the ceremony had many foreign leaders in attendance. Russia put up a grand display of its military capabilities with tanks and missiles parading through the famous Red Square. The country also showed off its latest military hardware, including a flyover of its most advanced fighter jets. This included 14,000 troops, 75 aircraft, and participation from 13 countries. In the audience sat 64,000 people, with the celebrations spread across 28 cities. Earlier, the parade was scheduled on May 9, 2020. But it was delayed due to the outbreak. On May 8, 1945, Germany signed the instrument of surrender, signifying the end of the Second World War for Russia. Over 40,000 Red Army soldiers and more than 1,800 military vehicles took part in the first ever Victory Parade. Troops returning from the frontline were greeted by joyous crowds showering flowers on them. Monopolising the parade? The Kremlin has used the auspicious day to push for Putin’s legitimacy as the Russian leader, many critics believe. Many believe that the event was pushed back not because of the virus, but owing to the referendum on the Russian constitution. As part of this, over 200 provisions will be amended. However, the most controversial amendment would allow Putin to clench on to his presidency indefinitely. Currently, the Russian president is limited by terms. During his first stint as president, Putin had two terms, for four years each, from 2000 to 2008. After this, he made way for his trusted deputy and became the prime minister. In 2012 he took office again, and this time his terms lasted for six years each, with his current term slated to end in 2024. What many critics are calling a “constitutional coup” will enable him to stay in power at least until 2036, which would make him Russia’s longest-serving leader. Stalin currently holds the record, with a 29-year term. The world’s longest serving leaders include Fidel Castro in Cuba with 49 years, followed by Chiang Kai Shek in Taiwan for 47 years, and Kim Il Sung of North Korea who held power for 46 years. Will the Russian people agree? Many analysts have pointed out fears of the referendum being democratic only on paper. They believe this “symbolic referendum” is strategically designed to eliminate threats. Putin had earlier claimed to have “full confidence” in winning this referendum, which would provide legitimacy to his leadership and constitutional changes therein. Many international contingents including India, China, and Mongolia were in attendance at this parade. On the stands at the Red Square were the defence ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and India. The presidents of Belarus and Serbia also attended the event. The world legitimised this event while US president Donald Trump was recently denied from conducting a G7 meeting. Coronavirus danger, or not? Russia is the third worst hit country by the coronavirus, but has begun to open gyms, restaurants, cafes and salons. Putin made a series of public appearances ahead of the parade, including opening a vast military cathedral, laying a wreath on the tomb of an unknown soldier, following an interaction with veterans. At the parade he sat next to Galina Beltsova. The 95-year-old is the last surviving member of a Soviet female air force regiment. However, no social distancing protocols were followed, and no masks were spotted. Turns out, everybody who met Putin at the parade were forced to undergo a two-week-long quarantine, with extensive measures in place for his safety. Putin also has a special disinfectant tunnel at home, which sprays fine mist on visitors to kill the virus. At 67, Putin has completed 20 years in power, but has also hit his lowest approval ratings of 59.

Victory Day celebrations in Russia: Kremlin's weapon to legitimise Putin's indefinite presidency

The social networking giant Twitter Inc permanently suspended the account of an online right-wing figure for violation of copyright policy.

The person in question had tweeted out a fake video last week which was then re-shared by US President Donald Trump.

The doctored video showed two toddlers -&nbsp;Black and White “running away” from each other, and referred to a baby as “racist”.

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<a href="https://t.co/vnRpk0zl5y">pic.twitter.com/vnRpk0zl5y</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1273770669214490626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The clip, originally played on CNN, was a joyful tale of two best friends of different races. To ensure its veracity, Twitter flagged Trump’s repost as “manipulated media”.

Twitter has been openly taking action against Trump’s tweet over the last month. In just the last 24 hours, this was the second action against US President. A tweet in which Trump threatened protesters in Washington DC with “serious force” was also taken down for violating its policy on threatening violence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-protesters-at-phoenix-rally-visits-border-wall-in-arizona-308132" hreflang="en">Trump slams protesters at Phoenix rally, visits border wall in Arizona</a>

In May, when protests against racial discrimination soared across the US, Trump referred to demonstrators and “thugs”, which was also flagged by Twitter.

Following this, Trump announced plans to bring in an executive order to limit the powers of social media.

The doctored video in question was initially posted by Carpe Donktum, a Trump-supporter account. Responding to the clip, Twitter said that it had suspended the account permanently for “repeated violations” on posting copyrighted material.

"I received a DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown order this morning for that video, and a few hours later a suspension letter", Donktum posted on Locals, a similar platform.

Usually, Twitter provides way for one to redeem their account after violations, which includes a temporary ban and/or limits on interaction. However, none of these were provided to Donktum, to which he responded with "So I assume they intend this to be final and permanent”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-hides-trumps-tweet-targeting-protestors-in-washington-dc-labels-it-as-abusive-content-308136" hreflang="en">Twitter hides Trump's tweet targeting protestors in Washington DC; labels it as 'abusive content'</a>

Earlier in July, Donktum’s account was banned temporary for posting a doctored video of Trump as a cowboy attacking CNN journalist Jim Acosta.

Trump has been in the centre of another controversy owing to the book released by his ex-aide. The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps.

Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected.&nbsp;Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally.

The social networking giant Twitter Inc permanently suspended the account of an online right-wing figure for violation of copyright policy. The person in question had tweeted out a fake video last week which was then re-shared by US President Donald Trump.

The social networking giant Twitter Inc permanently suspended the account of an online right-wing figure for violation of copyright policy. The person in question had tweeted out a fake video last week which was then re-shared by US President Donald Trump. The doctored video showed two toddlers - Black and White “running away” from each other, and referred to a baby as “racist”. pic.twitter.com/vnRpk0zl5y — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2020 × The clip, originally played on CNN, was a joyful tale of two best friends of different races. To ensure its veracity, Twitter flagged Trump’s repost as “manipulated media”. Twitter has been openly taking action against Trump’s tweet over the last month. In just the last 24 hours, this was the second action against US President. A tweet in which Trump threatened protesters in Washington DC with “serious force” was also taken down for violating its policy on threatening violence. Also read: Trump slams protesters at Phoenix rally, visits border wall in Arizona In May, when protests against racial discrimination soared across the US, Trump referred to demonstrators and “thugs”, which was also flagged by Twitter. Following this, Trump announced plans to bring in an executive order to limit the powers of social media. The doctored video in question was initially posted by Carpe Donktum, a Trump-supporter account. Responding to the clip, Twitter said that it had suspended the account permanently for “repeated violations” on posting copyrighted material. "I received a DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown order this morning for that video, and a few hours later a suspension letter", Donktum posted on Locals, a similar platform. Usually, Twitter provides way for one to redeem their account after violations, which includes a temporary ban and/or limits on interaction. However, none of these were provided to Donktum, to which he responded with "So I assume they intend this to be final and permanent”. Also read: Twitter hides Trump's tweet targeting protestors in Washington DC; labels it as 'abusive content' Earlier in July, Donktum’s account was banned temporary for posting a doctored video of Trump as a cowboy attacking CNN journalist Jim Acosta. Trump has been in the centre of another controversy owing to the book released by his ex-aide. The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps. Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected. Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally.

After flagging Trump's tweet as 'manipulated media', Twitter suspends account of content creator

President Donald Trump, who delights in confounding health experts with his junk food cravings and disinclination to exercise, is "in very good health," his doctor declared Friday following an annual medical checkup.

"I am happy to announce the president of the United States is in very good health and I anticipate he will remain so for the duration of his presidency, and beyond," chief physician Sean Conley said in a memorandum released by the White House.

The Marine One helicopter returned the 72-year-old head of state to the White House from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the Washington suburb of Bethesda after a full four hours of prodding, poking and testing.

Dressed in a long dark overcoat, Trump gave a thumb's up but did not respond to reporters' questions about how he was feeling.

It remained unclear how many of the test results would eventually be made public.

Last year, everything from the president's cholesterol levels (high) to weight (too high at 239 pounds, or 108 kilograms) was released.

Trump's then chief physician, Ronny Jackson — who has since run into trouble over alleged ethical misconduct — also held an unusually detailed press conference in which he declared Trump to be in "excellent health."&nbsp;

On the plus side, Trump doesn't smoke and is a noted teetotaler. He says he's never even had a beer.

Less good: the former real estate tycoon and reality TV performer unashamedly embraces the couch potato life.

'Incredibly good genes'&nbsp;

Not for Trump the basketball sessions that Barack Obama sweated through in the White House, or the bike rides of George W Bush.

Trump loves the more sedate game of golf, but rides a cart between holes and has said that anything more strenuous is actually bad for your health.

"All my friends who work out all the time, they're going for knee replacements, hip replacements — they're a disaster," Trump told The New York Times in 2015.

Trump has described his chief exercise as walking around the White House compound and standing up at public events.

The 45th president's diet, reportedly involving legendary amounts of Coke and red meat, also seems to defy most doctors' orders.

In January, Trump hosted the strapping athletes of America's champion college football team, the Clemson Tigers, with a mountain of hamburgers and pizzas.

According to Jackson last year, Trump's secret is genes.

"Incredibly good genes," he said. "It's just the way God made him."

President Donald Trump, who delights in confounding health experts with his junk food cravings and disinclination to exercise, is "in very good health," his doctor declared Friday following an annual medical checkup.

President Donald Trump, who delights in confounding health experts with his junk food cravings and disinclination to exercise, is "in very good health," his doctor declared Friday following an annual medical checkup. "I am happy to announce the president of the United States is in very good health and I anticipate he will remain so for the duration of his presidency, and beyond," chief physician Sean Conley said in a memorandum released by the White House. The Marine One helicopter returned the 72-year-old head of state to the White House from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the Washington suburb of Bethesda after a full four hours of prodding, poking and testing. Dressed in a long dark overcoat, Trump gave a thumb's up but did not respond to reporters' questions about how he was feeling. It remained unclear how many of the test results would eventually be made public. Last year, everything from the president's cholesterol levels (high) to weight (too high at 239 pounds, or 108 kilograms) was released. Trump's then chief physician, Ronny Jackson — who has since run into trouble over alleged ethical misconduct — also held an unusually detailed press conference in which he declared Trump to be in "excellent health." On the plus side, Trump doesn't smoke and is a noted teetotaler. He says he's never even had a beer. Less good: the former real estate tycoon and reality TV performer unashamedly embraces the couch potato life. 'Incredibly good genes' Not for Trump the basketball sessions that Barack Obama sweated through in the White House, or the bike rides of George W Bush. Trump loves the more sedate game of golf, but rides a cart between holes and has said that anything more strenuous is actually bad for your health. "All my friends who work out all the time, they're going for knee replacements, hip replacements — they're a disaster," Trump told The New York Times in 2015. Trump has described his chief exercise as walking around the White House compound and standing up at public events. The 45th president's diet, reportedly involving legendary amounts of Coke and red meat, also seems to defy most doctors' orders. In January, Trump hosted the strapping athletes of America's champion college football team, the Clemson Tigers, with a mountain of hamburgers and pizzas. According to Jackson last year, Trump's secret is genes. "Incredibly good genes," he said. "It's just the way God made him."

Fast-food fan Trump in 'very good health': Chief physician

Far-right lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro won Brazil's presidential election on Sunday, promising to clean up politics, shrink the state and crack down on crime, in a dramatic swing away from the left in the world's fourth-largest democracy.

The former army captain has alarmed many with vows to sweep political opponents off the map and comments denigrating women, gays and racial minorities.

He will be the first president with a background in the armed forces since the end of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, which he has publicly praised. He has tapped retired generals to serve as his vice president and run key ministries.

In his first public comments after his landslide victory, he pledged to respect democratic principles, but said he wanted to change the country's direction.

"We cannot continue flirting with socialism, communism, populism and leftist extremism ... We are going to change the destiny of Brazil," Bolsonaro said in an acceptance address, promising to root out graft and stem a tide of violent crime.

An outspoken admirer of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, Bolsonaro also pledged to realign Brazil with more advanced economies rather than regional allies, overhauling diplomatic priorities after nearly a decade and a half of leftist rule.

Trump called Bolsonaro to wish him good luck soon after his electoral victory, auguring closer political ties between the two largest nations in the Americas — both now led by conservative populists promising to overturn the political establishment.

Bolsonaro won 55.2 per cent of votes in the run-off election against left-wing hopeful Fernando Haddad of the Workers Party (PT)'s 44.8 per cent, according to electoral authority TSE.

The 63-year-old congressman's rise has been propelled by rejection of the leftist PT that ran Brazil for 13 of the last 15 years. The party was ousted from power in 2016 in the midst of a deep recession and political graft scandal.

Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters cheered and set off fireworks outside his home in Rio de Janeiro's luxurious beachfront Barra de Tijuca neighborhood as his victory was announced. In Brazil's commercial capital of Sao Paulo, Bolsonaro's win was greeted with fireworks and the honking of car horns.

Investors have also cheered Bolsonaro's ascent, relieved that he could keep the PT out of power and hopeful that he would carry out fiscal reforms proposed by his orthodox economic guru.

Tokyo-listed Brazilian stock exchange traded funds (ETFs) jumped more than 12 per cent when Japanese markets opened following Bolsonaro's win.

"I don't idolize Bolsonaro and I don't know if he will govern well, but we are hopeful. People want the PT out, they can't take any more corruption," said Tatiana Cunha, a 39-year-old systems analyst in the midst of the noisy celebrations in Rio.

MILITARY BACKGROUND

Many Brazilians are concerned that Bolsonaro, an admirer of the dictatorship and a defender of its use of torture on leftist opponents, will trample on human rights, curtail civil liberties and muzzle freedom of speech.

Human Rights Watch called on Brazilian judges, prosecutors, media and civil society to stand up against any attempt by Bolsonaro to "erode the democratic rights and institutions Brazil has painstakingly built in the last three decades."

In his acceptance speech, Bolsonaro promised to govern according to the Bible and the country's constitution.

The live broadcast of Bolsonaro's words was preceded by a prayer led by lawmaker, pastor and gospel singer Magno Malta, underscoring Bolsonaro's ties to evangelical churches that backed him for supporting their conservative social agenda.

Brazil's rapidly expanding evangelical congregations have created a conservative political force, which Bolsonaro tapped into by decrying sex education in schools and pushing back against gay rights.

He has vowed to crack down on crime in Brazil's cities and farm belt by granting police more autonomy to shoot suspected criminals. He also wants to let more Brazilians buy weapons to fight crime.

He himself was stabbed at a rally last month and will need to undergo surgery in mid-December to remove a colostomy bag, the head of his right-wing Social Liberal Party Gustavo Bebianno told reporters.

INVESTORS DELIGHTED

Bolsonaro said he would "unite Brazil" by cutting bureaucracy and red tape for businesses. He said he was committed to fiscal discipline and called for the early elimination of the federal government's budget deficit.

"We are going to think in terms of more Brazil and less Brasilia," he said, referring to the nation's capital where he will take office on January&nbsp;1.

Financial markets are expected to rally on Monday on Bolsonaro's victory.

The real currency has gained about 10 per cent against the dollar in the last month as Bolsonaro's prospects of winning increased. Sao Paulo's benchmark Bovespa stock index has risen 13.5 per cent since mid-September.

Investors are particularly heartened by his choice of Paulo Guedes, a Chicago University-trained economist and investment banker, as his economic guru and future economy minister.

Guedes said the new government will try to erase Brazil's unsustainable budget within a year, simplify and reduce taxes, and create 10 million jobs by cutting payroll taxes. New rules will boost investment in infrastructure, he told reporters.

Guedes is keen to privatize an array of state enterprises, including units of oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) and power utility Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA (Eletrobras).

However, his free-market ideas have clashed with the views of the retired army generals who are helping Bolsonaro flesh out his government program.

On Sunday, Guedes said Brazil would seek to improve trade relations outside the restrictions of the Mercosur bloc founded with neighboring Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Bolsonaro's rise follows conservative electoral victories in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, and Peru, pushing the continent to the right and undermining support for the authoritarian socialist regime in Venezuela.

Several hundred PT demonstrators protested Bolsonaro's victory on Sao Paulo's main Paulista Avenue before police dispersed them using tear gas.

But voting was calm and orderly across the country, said Laura Chinchilla, the former president of Costa Rica who is head of the Organization of American States' Electoral Observation Mission. Brazil has suffered a spate of partisan violence during the polarized campaign.

Far-right lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro won Brazil's presidential election on Sunday, promising to clean up politics, shrink the state and crack down on crime, in a dramatic swing away from the left in the world's fourth-largest democracy.

Far-right lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro won Brazil's presidential election on Sunday, promising to clean up politics, shrink the state and crack down on crime, in a dramatic swing away from the left in the world's fourth-largest democracy. The former army captain has alarmed many with vows to sweep political opponents off the map and comments denigrating women, gays and racial minorities. He will be the first president with a background in the armed forces since the end of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, which he has publicly praised. He has tapped retired generals to serve as his vice president and run key ministries. In his first public comments after his landslide victory, he pledged to respect democratic principles, but said he wanted to change the country's direction. "We cannot continue flirting with socialism, communism, populism and leftist extremism ... We are going to change the destiny of Brazil," Bolsonaro said in an acceptance address, promising to root out graft and stem a tide of violent crime. An outspoken admirer of US President Donald Trump, Bolsonaro also pledged to realign Brazil with more advanced economies rather than regional allies, overhauling diplomatic priorities after nearly a decade and a half of leftist rule. Trump called Bolsonaro to wish him good luck soon after his electoral victory, auguring closer political ties between the two largest nations in the Americas — both now led by conservative populists promising to overturn the political establishment. Bolsonaro won 55.2 per cent of votes in the run-off election against left-wing hopeful Fernando Haddad of the Workers Party (PT)'s 44.8 per cent, according to electoral authority TSE. The 63-year-old congressman's rise has been propelled by rejection of the leftist PT that ran Brazil for 13 of the last 15 years. The party was ousted from power in 2016 in the midst of a deep recession and political graft scandal. Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters cheered and set off fireworks outside his home in Rio de Janeiro's luxurious beachfront Barra de Tijuca neighborhood as his victory was announced. In Brazil's commercial capital of Sao Paulo, Bolsonaro's win was greeted with fireworks and the honking of car horns. Investors have also cheered Bolsonaro's ascent, relieved that he could keep the PT out of power and hopeful that he would carry out fiscal reforms proposed by his orthodox economic guru. Tokyo-listed Brazilian stock exchange traded funds (ETFs) jumped more than 12 per cent when Japanese markets opened following Bolsonaro's win. "I don't idolize Bolsonaro and I don't know if he will govern well, but we are hopeful. People want the PT out, they can't take any more corruption," said Tatiana Cunha, a 39-year-old systems analyst in the midst of the noisy celebrations in Rio. MILITARY BACKGROUND Many Brazilians are concerned that Bolsonaro, an admirer of the dictatorship and a defender of its use of torture on leftist opponents, will trample on human rights, curtail civil liberties and muzzle freedom of speech. Human Rights Watch called on Brazilian judges, prosecutors, media and civil society to stand up against any attempt by Bolsonaro to "erode the democratic rights and institutions Brazil has painstakingly built in the last three decades." In his acceptance speech, Bolsonaro promised to govern according to the Bible and the country's constitution. The live broadcast of Bolsonaro's words was preceded by a prayer led by lawmaker, pastor and gospel singer Magno Malta, underscoring Bolsonaro's ties to evangelical churches that backed him for supporting their conservative social agenda. Brazil's rapidly expanding evangelical congregations have created a conservative political force, which Bolsonaro tapped into by decrying sex education in schools and pushing back against gay rights. He has vowed to crack down on crime in Brazil's cities and farm belt by granting police more autonomy to shoot suspected criminals. He also wants to let more Brazilians buy weapons to fight crime. He himself was stabbed at a rally last month and will need to undergo surgery in mid-December to remove a colostomy bag, the head of his right-wing Social Liberal Party Gustavo Bebianno told reporters. INVESTORS DELIGHTED Bolsonaro said he would "unite Brazil" by cutting bureaucracy and red tape for businesses. He said he was committed to fiscal discipline and called for the early elimination of the federal government's budget deficit. "We are going to think in terms of more Brazil and less Brasilia," he said, referring to the nation's capital where he will take office on January 1. Financial markets are expected to rally on Monday on Bolsonaro's victory. The real currency has gained about 10 per cent against the dollar in the last month as Bolsonaro's prospects of winning increased. Sao Paulo's benchmark Bovespa stock index has risen 13.5 per cent since mid-September. Investors are particularly heartened by his choice of Paulo Guedes, a Chicago University-trained economist and investment banker, as his economic guru and future economy minister. Guedes said the new government will try to erase Brazil's unsustainable budget within a year, simplify and reduce taxes, and create 10 million jobs by cutting payroll taxes. New rules will boost investment in infrastructure, he told reporters. Guedes is keen to privatize an array of state enterprises, including units of oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) and power utility Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA (Eletrobras). However, his free-market ideas have clashed with the views of the retired army generals who are helping Bolsonaro flesh out his government program. On Sunday, Guedes said Brazil would seek to improve trade relations outside the restrictions of the Mercosur bloc founded with neighboring Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Bolsonaro's rise follows conservative electoral victories in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, and Peru, pushing the continent to the right and undermining support for the authoritarian socialist regime in Venezuela. Several hundred PT demonstrators protested Bolsonaro's victory on Sao Paulo's main Paulista Avenue before police dispersed them using tear gas. But voting was calm and orderly across the country, said Laura Chinchilla, the former president of Costa Rica who is head of the Organization of American States' Electoral Observation Mission. Brazil has suffered a spate of partisan violence during the polarized campaign.

Far-right Bolsonaro rides anti-corruption rage to Brazil presidency

Allegations of a dirty tricks campaign on WhatsApp dominated Brazil's presidential election race on Thursday, turning attention to social media manipulation following abuses uncovered in the last US election and Britain's Brexit referendum.

Trailing leftist candidate Fernando Haddad accused the far-right frontrunner, Jair Bolsonaro, of "illegal" electoral tactics after a report that companies were poised to unleash a flood of WhatsApp messages attacking him and his Workers Party.

Bolsonaro denied the allegation, tweeting that the Haddad's Workers Party "isn't being hurt by fake news, but by the TRUTH."

The exchange happened 10 days before a run-off election that polls predict Bolsonaro -- a bluff, internet-savvy, pro-gun polemicist often compared to US President Donald Trump -- will likely win comfortably.

Ordinary Brazilians told AFP they got much of their election information through WhatsApp. They said some in their families or entourage swallowed some misinformation, but denied they themselves were being influenced.

"We get a lot of news, even false news, but some true, about politics but I don't think it changes very much in terms of making decisions," said&nbsp;Ana Clara Valle, a 27-year-old engineer in Rio.

She said she was voting for Bolsonaro because of his Catholic, pro-family stance, not because of any "extreme right" sensibility.

Andre de Souza, a 35-year-old lawyer leaning toward voting for Bolsonaro, said he receives around 500 WhatsApp messages a day for and against both candidates.

The rumors and false information "don't make a difference to me," he said, but added: "My mother received a WhatsApp message saying Bolsonaro was doing away with (mandatory) end-of-year&nbsp;salary payments, and she believed it!"

'Slander'&nbsp;

Haddad made his accusation after Brazil's widest circulation newspaper, Folha de Sao Paulo, reported it had discovered contracts worth up to $3.2 million each for companies to send out bulk WhatsApp messages attacking the Workers Party.

"We have identified a campaign of slander and defamation via WhatsApp and, given the mass of messages, we know that there was dirty money behind it, because it wasn't registered with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal," Haddad told a media conference in Sao Paulo.

Bolsonaro's lawyer, Tiago Ayres, told the financial daily Valor there was no evidence of any connection between the companies mentioned by Folha de Sao Paulo and Bolsonaro's campaign.&nbsp;

The row shone a light on an issue&nbsp;that has become a pressing one in democracies: the organized abuse of social media to sway public opinion in countries.

Facebook -- which owns WhatsApp, as well as popular image-based network Instagram -- is the most prominent company that has come under scrutiny, though Twitter has also come in for criticism.

The platforms have made an effort to clean up who uses their services after evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 US election that saw Trump triumph, and accusations Facebook allowed user data to be harvested to bolster the campaign the same year for Britain to leave the European Union.

Facebook has also shut down disinformation pages traced to campaigns believed to have ties to Iran's state-owned media and to Russian military intelligence services.

Seeking a debate&nbsp;

There is no evidence of foreign interference online in Brazil's election.

The director of major polling firm Datafolha, Mauro Paulinho, said on Twitter that his company had detected "some shifts" in public opinion just before the first round of the election on October 7, which Bolsonaro won handily.

"Technical and factual observations" were made, he said, without drawing any conclusions.

There are 120 million WhatsApp user accounts in Brazil, whose population is 210 million. The app works as a popular social network for friends, families and work colleagues.

Both Haddad and Bolsonaro are the subject of memes, cartoons and slogans circulating online in Brazil.

Haddad, a former education minister and ex-mayor of Sao Paulo, has repeatedly tried to draw Bolsonaro into televised debates on policies.

The leftist candidate has an academic background he believes would give him an advantage if the exchanges moved away from the one-line quips and insults that characterize most social media communications.

But Bolsonaro, who skipped early debates because he was recovering from a knife stab wound after being attacked by a lone assailant while campaigning last month, has thus far shown little inclination to go head-to-head with Haddad.

Allegations of a dirty tricks campaign on WhatsApp dominated Brazil's presidential election race on Thursday, turning attention to social media manipulation following abuses uncovered in the last US election and Britain's Brexit referendum.

Allegations of a dirty tricks campaign on WhatsApp dominated Brazil's presidential election race on Thursday, turning attention to social media manipulation following abuses uncovered in the last US election and Britain's Brexit referendum. Trailing leftist candidate Fernando Haddad accused the far-right frontrunner, Jair Bolsonaro, of "illegal" electoral tactics after a report that companies were poised to unleash a flood of WhatsApp messages attacking him and his Workers Party. Bolsonaro denied the allegation, tweeting that the Haddad's Workers Party "isn't being hurt by fake news, but by the TRUTH." The exchange happened 10 days before a run-off election that polls predict Bolsonaro -- a bluff, internet-savvy, pro-gun polemicist often compared to US President Donald Trump -- will likely win comfortably. Ordinary Brazilians told AFP they got much of their election information through WhatsApp. They said some in their families or entourage swallowed some misinformation, but denied they themselves were being influenced. "We get a lot of news, even false news, but some true, about politics but I don't think it changes very much in terms of making decisions," said Ana Clara Valle, a 27-year-old engineer in Rio. She said she was voting for Bolsonaro because of his Catholic, pro-family stance, not because of any "extreme right" sensibility. Andre de Souza, a 35-year-old lawyer leaning toward voting for Bolsonaro, said he receives around 500 WhatsApp messages a day for and against both candidates. The rumors and false information "don't make a difference to me," he said, but added: "My mother received a WhatsApp message saying Bolsonaro was doing away with (mandatory) end-of-year salary payments, and she believed it!" 'Slander' Haddad made his accusation after Brazil's widest circulation newspaper, Folha de Sao Paulo, reported it had discovered contracts worth up to $3.2 million each for companies to send out bulk WhatsApp messages attacking the Workers Party. "We have identified a campaign of slander and defamation via WhatsApp and, given the mass of messages, we know that there was dirty money behind it, because it wasn't registered with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal," Haddad told a media conference in Sao Paulo. Bolsonaro's lawyer, Tiago Ayres, told the financial daily Valor there was no evidence of any connection between the companies mentioned by Folha de Sao Paulo and Bolsonaro's campaign. The row shone a light on an issue that has become a pressing one in democracies: the organized abuse of social media to sway public opinion in countries. Facebook -- which owns WhatsApp, as well as popular image-based network Instagram -- is the most prominent company that has come under scrutiny, though Twitter has also come in for criticism. The platforms have made an effort to clean up who uses their services after evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 US election that saw Trump triumph, and accusations Facebook allowed user data to be harvested to bolster the campaign the same year for Britain to leave the European Union. Facebook has also shut down disinformation pages traced to campaigns believed to have ties to Iran's state-owned media and to Russian military intelligence services. Seeking a debate There is no evidence of foreign interference online in Brazil's election. The director of major polling firm Datafolha, Mauro Paulinho, said on Twitter that his company had detected "some shifts" in public opinion just before the first round of the election on October 7, which Bolsonaro won handily. "Technical and factual observations" were made, he said, without drawing any conclusions. There are 120 million WhatsApp user accounts in Brazil, whose population is 210 million. The app works as a popular social network for friends, families and work colleagues. Both Haddad and Bolsonaro are the subject of memes, cartoons and slogans circulating online in Brazil. Haddad, a former education minister and ex-mayor of Sao Paulo, has repeatedly tried to draw Bolsonaro into televised debates on policies. The leftist candidate has an academic background he believes would give him an advantage if the exchanges moved away from the one-line quips and insults that characterize most social media communications. But Bolsonaro, who skipped early debates because he was recovering from a knife stab wound after being attacked by a lone assailant while campaigning last month, has thus far shown little inclination to go head-to-head with Haddad.

WhatsApp dirty tricks alleged in Brazil presidential race

President Emmanuel Macron gathered his new government for its first post-reshuffle meeting on Wednesday and struck a contrite tone, looking to reboot his presidency after months of criticism and slumping polls.

"People expect us to show steadfastness and coherence," he told the 35-member cabinet, a day after shaking up the administration and appointing close ally Christophe Castaner as interior minister, responsible for police and internal security.

"For me, the object of this government is simple: to build a power for the 21st century. Every day we need to explain the reforms being made, respond to concerns, but know that any single response doesn't hold unless we have a stronger nation."

In a pre-recorded, televised address to the nation on Tuesday night, hours after carrying out the long-awaited reshuffle, Macron acknowledged making mistakes in his first 17 months in office, including off-the-cuff remarks that have led people to accuse him of arrogance and self-importance.

"My determination and my plain-speaking may have upset or shocked some of you, and I hear the criticism," he said, adding that he understood citizens were eager to see results from his reform agenda.

"I know there is impatience, I share it," the 40-year-old former investment banker said. "Gradually, I'm sure, your daily life will get better because the government is on the right track and, above all, getting to the root of the problems."

Macron enjoyed a bullish first few months in office, with business and consumer confidence improving and unemployment falling, but his fortunes have turned in recent months.

GDP growth forecasts for this year have been scaled back from 2.0 per cent to 1.7 per cent, the fall in unemployment has stalled and there is general consternation around Macron's reform agenda.

But it is more the style of his presidency that has rankled. His remarks berating striking workers for "kicking up a bloody mess" or dismissing critics of his labour reforms as "slackers" have turned off many voters.

A scandal involving an Elysee Palace bodyguard caught on camera beating up May Day protesters further tarnished his reputation.

Polls once showed more than 60 percent approval for Macron's leadership, but now hover around 30 percent.

Even former members of his inner circle are critical. When former interior minister Gerard Collomb quit this month, he spoke of a lack of humility in Macron's team and the risk of hubris - excessive pride that leads to a downfall.

The next presidential election is not due until 2022, and the political opposition is largely in disarray. But Macron's reform programme is so ambitious that he must stick to a tight schedule to carry it out.

Already there have been delays - planned changes to the number of parliamentarians and the introduction of some proportional representation have been postponed. But Macron was clear on Wednesday that plans to overhaul the pensions and unemployment benefits systems would not be knocked off course.

"We have a nation to transform," he told the ministers. "The workload before us is immense ... the goal remains the same."

President Emmanuel Macron gathered his new government for its first post-reshuffle meeting on Wednesday and struck a contrite tone, looking to reboot his presidency after months of criticism and slumping polls.

President Emmanuel Macron gathered his new government for its first post-reshuffle meeting on Wednesday and struck a contrite tone, looking to reboot his presidency after months of criticism and slumping polls. "People expect us to show steadfastness and coherence," he told the 35-member cabinet, a day after shaking up the administration and appointing close ally Christophe Castaner as interior minister, responsible for police and internal security. "For me, the object of this government is simple: to build a power for the 21st century. Every day we need to explain the reforms being made, respond to concerns, but know that any single response doesn't hold unless we have a stronger nation." In a pre-recorded, televised address to the nation on Tuesday night, hours after carrying out the long-awaited reshuffle, Macron acknowledged making mistakes in his first 17 months in office, including off-the-cuff remarks that have led people to accuse him of arrogance and self-importance. "My determination and my plain-speaking may have upset or shocked some of you, and I hear the criticism," he said, adding that he understood citizens were eager to see results from his reform agenda. "I know there is impatience, I share it," the 40-year-old former investment banker said. "Gradually, I'm sure, your daily life will get better because the government is on the right track and, above all, getting to the root of the problems." Macron enjoyed a bullish first few months in office, with business and consumer confidence improving and unemployment falling, but his fortunes have turned in recent months. GDP growth forecasts for this year have been scaled back from 2.0 per cent to 1.7 per cent, the fall in unemployment has stalled and there is general consternation around Macron's reform agenda. But it is more the style of his presidency that has rankled. His remarks berating striking workers for "kicking up a bloody mess" or dismissing critics of his labour reforms as "slackers" have turned off many voters. A scandal involving an Elysee Palace bodyguard caught on camera beating up May Day protesters further tarnished his reputation. Polls once showed more than 60 percent approval for Macron's leadership, but now hover around 30 percent. Even former members of his inner circle are critical. When former interior minister Gerard Collomb quit this month, he spoke of a lack of humility in Macron's team and the risk of hubris - excessive pride that leads to a downfall. The next presidential election is not due until 2022, and the political opposition is largely in disarray. But Macron's reform programme is so ambitious that he must stick to a tight schedule to carry it out. Already there have been delays - planned changes to the number of parliamentarians and the introduction of some proportional representation have been postponed. But Macron was clear on Wednesday that plans to overhaul the pensions and unemployment benefits systems would not be knocked off course. "We have a nation to transform," he told the ministers. "The workload before us is immense ... the goal remains the same."

Fighting slump, Macron seeks presidency reboot with cabinet 2.0

Leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador leads by 13.6 percentage points in the run-up to Mexico&#39;s July 1 presidential election and has an even bigger advantage over the ruling party candidate, a voter survey by polling firm Ipsos showed on Thursday.

The opinion poll seen by Reuters showed two-time runner-up Lopez Obrador, a former mayor of Mexico City, garnering 36.3 per cent support in the election.

Running second on 22.7 per cent was Ricardo Anaya, a onetime leader of the centre-right National Action Party (PAN), who fronts the challenge of a right-left coalition.

Back in third, on 15.1 per cent, was former finance minister Jose Antonio Meade, the candidate of president Enrique Pena Nieto&#39;s Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI.

The Ipsos survey is the latest of several opinion polls to show Lopez Obrador in a strong position ahead of the start of formal campaigning on March 30. He finished second in 2006 and 2012.

The 64-year-old founder of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party has capitalized on disaffection with the PRI over a slew of political corruption scandals, increasing gang violence and sluggish economic growth.

Meade, who is not formally affiliated to any party, has so far struggled to gain traction in a race being run in the shadow of strained relations between his government and US President Donald Trump, who has frequently criticized Mexico.

The poll was the first conducted by Ipsos since the three main contenders were formally chosen as candidates last month.

It had a margin of error of 2.53 percentage points and consisted of 1,500 face-to-face interviews carried out nationwide between February 24 and March 3, Ipsos said.

The poll also suggested that many voters may still be up for grabs, with more than 32 per cent of the respondents surveyed either rejecting all contenders or giving no answer.

In addition, independent hopeful and former first lady Margarita Zavala had around 2.8 per cent support, with two other independents polling a combined 1.5 per cent between them.

Trump has riled Mexicans by insisting the country will pay for a border wall he wants built to keep out illegal immigrants, and by threatening to dump the North American Free Trade Agreement, a cornerstone of Mexico&#39;s business model.

A separate survey by polling firm Parametria published on Wednesday showed Lopez Obrador widening his lead over Anaya to 14 points, with Meade also losing ground.

The poll was the first conducted by Ipsos

Leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador leads by 13.6 percentage points in the run-up to Mexico's July 1 presidential election and has an even bigger advantage over the ruling party candidate, a voter survey by polling firm Ipsos showed on Thursday. The opinion poll seen by Reuters showed two-time runner-up Lopez Obrador, a former mayor of Mexico City, garnering 36.3 per cent support in the election. Running second on 22.7 per cent was Ricardo Anaya, a onetime leader of the centre-right National Action Party (PAN), who fronts the challenge of a right-left coalition. Back in third, on 15.1 per cent, was former finance minister Jose Antonio Meade, the candidate of president Enrique Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI. The Ipsos survey is the latest of several opinion polls to show Lopez Obrador in a strong position ahead of the start of formal campaigning on March 30. He finished second in 2006 and 2012. The 64-year-old founder of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party has capitalized on disaffection with the PRI over a slew of political corruption scandals, increasing gang violence and sluggish economic growth. Meade, who is not formally affiliated to any party, has so far struggled to gain traction in a race being run in the shadow of strained relations between his government and US President Donald Trump, who has frequently criticized Mexico. The poll was the first conducted by Ipsos since the three main contenders were formally chosen as candidates last month. It had a margin of error of 2.53 percentage points and consisted of 1,500 face-to-face interviews carried out nationwide between February 24 and March 3, Ipsos said. The poll also suggested that many voters may still be up for grabs, with more than 32 per cent of the respondents surveyed either rejecting all contenders or giving no answer. In addition, independent hopeful and former first lady Margarita Zavala had around 2.8 per cent support, with two other independents polling a combined 1.5 per cent between them. Trump has riled Mexicans by insisting the country will pay for a border wall he wants built to keep out illegal immigrants, and by threatening to dump the North American Free Trade Agreement, a cornerstone of Mexico's business model. A separate survey by polling firm Parametria published on Wednesday showed Lopez Obrador widening his lead over Anaya to 14 points, with Meade also losing ground.

Mexican leftist leads by 13.6 point in presidency race - opinion poll

More than two dozen people have signed up to run for Haiti&#39;s presidency, authorities said on Wednesday, including the four leading candidates from an earlier election aborted after a commission found widespread fraud. 
 
Unless registrations rise significantly before a midnight (0400 GMT) deadline, the number of presidential candidates will be about half those who contested the last ballot in Haiti, the hemisphere&#39;s poorest country. 
 
Fewer candidates could make the election due on October 9 easier to organise, with several politicians who ran last time pledging support for Jude Celestin, who came second in the previous ballot. 
 
&quot;This joint effort is a choice for stability and democracy, against corruption and fraudulent election,&quot; Celestin told reporters. 
 
Jovenel Moise, who came first last time, again registered to run, as did Jean-Charles Moise and Maryse Narcisse who came third and fourth last time. 
 
The registration of Moise removes uncertainty over whether his PHTK party would take part in the new election. The party&#39;s position had been that irregularities in the first round were not large enough to alter the outcome and that it would be better to hold a run-off vote between Celestin and Moise, a position supported by Washington and other donors. 
 
&quot;There is no question of abandoning the election process because we believe in democracy, and the only way to access power in a democracy is through election,&quot; &nbsp; said&nbsp;Rudy Heriveaux, a spokesman for Moise&#39;s PHTK party,. 
 
Haiti&#39;s last elected president left office without an elected successor, paving the way for an interim government led by President Jocelerme Privert. He failed to organise elections by May in a timeline set in a multi-party deal, but may end up staying on to organise the next vote. 
 
&quot;We continue to believe that Jocelerme Privert should leave power because his term is over, and he is manipulating the election process in favor of his political family,&quot; Heriveaux said. 
 
&quot;If the election is free, fair and democratic, there is no doubt that Jovenel Moise will win,&quot; he said. 
 
Former presidential candidate, Sauveur Pierre Etienne, who is now supporting Celestin, said he made that choice because he believes Celestin is the best man to lead the country. 
 
&quot;I support Jude Celestin because he showed that he is a man of character,&quot; he said. 
 
(Reuters)

Several politicians who ran last time pledge support for Jude Celestin, who came second in the previous ballot

More than two dozen people have signed up to run for Haiti's presidency, authorities said on Wednesday, including the four leading candidates from an earlier election aborted after a commission found widespread fraud. Unless registrations rise significantly before a midnight (0400 GMT) deadline, the number of presidential candidates will be about half those who contested the last ballot in Haiti, the hemisphere's poorest country. Fewer candidates could make the election due on October 9 easier to organise, with several politicians who ran last time pledging support for Jude Celestin, who came second in the previous ballot. "This joint effort is a choice for stability and democracy, against corruption and fraudulent election," Celestin told reporters. Jovenel Moise, who came first last time, again registered to run, as did Jean-Charles Moise and Maryse Narcisse who came third and fourth last time. The registration of Moise removes uncertainty over whether his PHTK party would take part in the new election. The party's position had been that irregularities in the first round were not large enough to alter the outcome and that it would be better to hold a run-off vote between Celestin and Moise, a position supported by Washington and other donors. "There is no question of abandoning the election process because we believe in democracy, and the only way to access power in a democracy is through election," said Rudy Heriveaux, a spokesman for Moise's PHTK party,. Haiti's last elected president left office without an elected successor, paving the way for an interim government led by President Jocelerme Privert. He failed to organise elections by May in a timeline set in a multi-party deal, but may end up staying on to organise the next vote. "We continue to believe that Jocelerme Privert should leave power because his term is over, and he is manipulating the election process in favor of his political family," Heriveaux said. "If the election is free, fair and democratic, there is no doubt that Jovenel Moise will win," he said. Former presidential candidate, Sauveur Pierre Etienne, who is now supporting Celestin, said he made that choice because he believes Celestin is the best man to lead the country. "I support Jude Celestin because he showed that he is a man of character," he said. (Reuters)

More than two dozen register to run for Haiti presidency

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