The race for the next Brazilian president is heating up. The presidential polls are more than a month away but the incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro has alleged fraud in past elections. Da Silva has promised crackdown on corruption if elected.

Brazil braces up for presidential elections; Bolsonaro alleges fraud in past elections

Kenyan's are waiting eagerly as the counting for the Presidential elections is underway. Preliminary results show tight race between Raila Odinga and William Ruto. WION in an interview with Leon Ssenyahge, correspondant from Kampala, Uganda.

Counting underway in Kenya elections

Deputy President William Ruto took an early lead in the race to become Kenya’s next president, as the authorities continue counting ballots after Tuesday’s election.

Vote counting underway in Kenya after peaceful Presidential polls

Kenyans are voting Tuesday in crucial elections as outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta prepares to hand over power to a new leader. The frontrunners for president are ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga and current Deputy President William Ruto.

WION Dispatch: Who will Kenya choose as its next President?

Thousands of Kenyan have been taking to the streets calling for a boycott of the elections because of the high cost of living. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics the country's year-on-year inflation rate has hit 7.9%.

Kenya: Protesters call for boycott of Presidential elections on August 9

Voting to elect India's 15th president is currently underway, the contest is between two candidates that is ruling alliance candidate Droupadi Murmu and opposition's choice Yashwant Sinha with the tenure of India's current President Ram Nath Kovind coming to an end.

Droupadi Murmu vs Yashwant Sinha: India’s 15th President set to be elected today

<p>Former US president Donald Trump has said that he has made up his mind about running for president again in 2024 US Presidential Election. In an interview given to New York Magazine, he said that only question in his mind was when to announce his decision.</p>

<p>“I would say my big decision will be whether I go before or after,” he said, in an apparent reference to midterm elections due towards the end of this year. He was quoted by New York Magazine.</p>

<p>Trump's four years at the helm of world's only superpower was tumultuous to say the least. From discussing policy decisions on Twitter to taking America out of some of the most important international accords, he constantly made news.</p>

<p>Trump was impeached twice. He has been at the focus of investigation after deadly US Capitol Hill riots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, his hold on the Republican Party appears intact.</p>

<p>Current US President Joe Biden, whose victory over Trump in 2020 was almost perceived as USA coming back on track, has lost face and attracted heavy criticism especially after America's hasty exit from Afghanistan and return of the Taliban. Political experts have been quoted in media as saying that this and other issues surrounding gaffe-prone Biden have created a certain perceived power vacuum that Trump may seek to exploit when he gets chance.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former US president Donald Trump has said that he has made up his mind about running for president again in 2024 US Presidential Election. In an interview given to New York Magazine, he said that only question in his mind was when to announce his decision.

Former US president Donald Trump has said that he has made up his mind about running for president again in 2024 US Presidential Election. In an interview given to New York Magazine, he said that only question in his mind was when to announce his decision. “I would say my big decision will be whether I go before or after,” he said, in an apparent reference to midterm elections due towards the end of this year. He was quoted by New York Magazine. Trump's four years at the helm of world's only superpower was tumultuous to say the least. From discussing policy decisions on Twitter to taking America out of some of the most important international accords, he constantly made news. Trump was impeached twice. He has been at the focus of investigation after deadly US Capitol Hill riots. However, his hold on the Republican Party appears intact. Current US President Joe Biden, whose victory over Trump in 2020 was almost perceived as USA coming back on track, has lost face and attracted heavy criticism especially after America's hasty exit from Afghanistan and return of the Taliban. Political experts have been quoted in media as saying that this and other issues surrounding gaffe-prone Biden have created a certain perceived power vacuum that Trump may seek to exploit when he gets chance. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

I've made up my mind, says Donald Trump on 2024 presidential run

In India, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has picked its Presidential candidate for the upcoming elections scheduled for next month. The former Governor of Jharkhand Draupadi Murmu is BJP's choice for the President's office and if elected, the 64 year old will be the first tribal woman to become the President of India

India's Bharatiya Janata Party names Draupadi Murmu for President's post

<p>A former member of the M-19 guerrilla movement, leftist Gustavo Petro, has won the presidential elections in Colombia on Sunday. He had vowed to bring social and economic change. In the history of the country, Petro is the first progressive to achieve the feat. With a wide margin of 719,975 votes, 62-year-old Petro, who is a former mayor of capital Bogota, won against construction magnate Rodolfo Hernandez. In the polling carried out ahead of the vote, the two were technically tied. Petro got 50.5% votes while Hernandez bagged 47.3%. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a short video on social media, Hernandez accepted his defeat and said, "As I said during the campaign, I accept the results of this election." &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1%3C/div"></iframe></p>

<p>Petro, who is currently a senator, has vowed to fight inequality with pension reforms, free university education and high taxes on unproductive land. He also looks to come up with a ban on new oil projects. Petro seems to have been tortured by the military when he was detained for involvement with the guerrillas. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The running mate of Petro, Francia Marquez, will become the first Afro-Colombian woman vice-president. She is a single mother and former housekeeper. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A former member of the M-19 guerrilla movement, leftist Gustavo Petro, has won the presidential elections in Colombia on Sunday. He had vowed to bring social and economic change.

A former member of the M-19 guerrilla movement, leftist Gustavo Petro, has won the presidential elections in Colombia on Sunday. He had vowed to bring social and economic change. In the history of the country, Petro is the first progressive to achieve the feat. With a wide margin of 719,975 votes, 62-year-old Petro, who is a former mayor of capital Bogota, won against construction magnate Rodolfo Hernandez. In the polling carried out ahead of the vote, the two were technically tied. Petro got 50.5% votes while Hernandez bagged 47.3%. In a short video on social media, Hernandez accepted his defeat and said, "As I said during the campaign, I accept the results of this election." Watch WION's live TV here: Petro, who is currently a senator, has vowed to fight inequality with pension reforms, free university education and high taxes on unproductive land. He also looks to come up with a ban on new oil projects. Petro seems to have been tortured by the military when he was detained for involvement with the guerrillas. The running mate of Petro, Francia Marquez, will become the first Afro-Colombian woman vice-president. She is a single mother and former housekeeper. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Former guerrilla Gustavo Petro wins presidential elections in Colombia

<p>As projections showed French President Emmanuel Macron is winning comfortably by 57.0-58.5 per cent of the vote, the total turnout for the presidential run-off was 63.2 per cent at 5 pm (1500 GMT) on Sunday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It was down by over two percentage points in comparison to the same time in the second round of the presidential elections in 2017, the interior ministry said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>President Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen are fighting for the top post. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidential-election-2022-eu-chiefs-italy-pm-congratulate-macron-on-re-election-after-projections-473520" hreflang="en">French Election 2022: EU chiefs, Italy PM congratulate Macron on re-election</a></strong></p>

<p>The percentage of voting participation was also below by two percentage points from what it was at 5 pm in the first round of voting, which was held on April 10. &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the official figures, the abstention rate may go up to 28 per cent as per an estimate of the polling organisations. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>If it gets confirmed, it may become the highest in any presidential poll second-round run-off since 1969.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | France: Attacker stabs priest multiple times in Nice&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-attacker-stabs-priest-multiple-times-in-nice-473497/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The low turnout may swing the final result in either direction, cautioned analysts. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, far-right leader Le Pen seems to be getting 41.5-43.0 per cent votes, as per projections by polling firms. These polls have been carried out for television channels. The&nbsp;results have been based on a sample of the vote count. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The outcome of the elections will, however, be confirmed by official results overnight. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


As projections showed French President Emmanuel Macron is winning comfortably by 57.0-58.5 per cent of the vote, the total turnout for the presidential run-off was 63.

As projections showed French President Emmanuel Macron is winning comfortably by 57.0-58.5 per cent of the vote, the total turnout for the presidential run-off was 63.2 per cent at 5 pm (1500 GMT) on Sunday. It was down by over two percentage points in comparison to the same time in the second round of the presidential elections in 2017, the interior ministry said. President Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen are fighting for the top post. Also Read | French Election 2022: EU chiefs, Italy PM congratulate Macron on re-election The percentage of voting participation was also below by two percentage points from what it was at 5 pm in the first round of voting, which was held on April 10. According to the official figures, the abstention rate may go up to 28 per cent as per an estimate of the polling organisations. If it gets confirmed, it may become the highest in any presidential poll second-round run-off since 1969. Watch | France: Attacker stabs priest multiple times in Nice × The low turnout may swing the final result in either direction, cautioned analysts. Meanwhile, far-right leader Le Pen seems to be getting 41.5-43.0 per cent votes, as per projections by polling firms. These polls have been carried out for television channels. The results have been based on a sample of the vote count. The outcome of the elections will, however, be confirmed by official results overnight. (With inputs from agencies)

In French presidential elections 2022, voter turnout reaches 63.2%   

<p>The people have spoken. French President Emmanuel Macron defeated his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in the tense run-off election on Sunday.</p>

<p>His win makes Macron the first French President to win a second term in two decades, however, the far-right was closer than ever. The margin between the two candidates, while enough to secure a comfortable win, is narrower than in the 2017 polls.</p>

<p>As per France’s Ministry of Interior website, Macron received 58.5 per cent, with 18.8 million votes, while Le Pen stood at 41.5 per cent with 13.3 million votes. In the 2017 polls, the two candidates stood at 66.1 per cent with 20.7 million votes and 33.9 per cent with 10.6 million votes.</p>

<p><img alt="Votes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76c79451-53b9-4713-b8c7-6cd122be0ea9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%288%29_5.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidential-election-2022-eu-chiefs-italy-pm-congratulate-macron-on-re-election-after-projections-473520">French Presidential Election 2022: EU chiefs, Italy PM congratulate Macron on re-election after projections</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, 6.35 per cent of voters cast blank ballots in the election, voting for neither candidate.</p>

<p><strong>Social divisions out in open</strong><br />
<br />
Needless to say, the fresh election results point to a divided France. Even as Macron successfully prevented a political earthquake had his rival won, the results speak of dissatisfaction among people.</p>

<p>Acknowledging this, the French president said he would seek to make amends.</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, he said, “To those who voted for me, not to support my ideas but to block those of the extreme right, your vote obliges me. This evening, I am no longer the candidate of one camp, but the President of all.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">À celles et ceux qui ont voté pour moi, non pour soutenir mes idées mais pour faire barrage à celles de l’extrême droite, votre vote m’oblige. Ce soir, je ne suis plus le candidat d’un camp, mais le Président de toutes et tous.</p>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1518335324023365632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>As for Le Pen, this is her third defeat in the country’s presidential race, having previously contested in 2012 and 2017. Undoubtedly this would be a bitter pill to swallow, with all her attempts to soften her image, distancing herself and the party from the legacy of the party founder, her father Jean-Marie Le Pen.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;What factors lead to a low voter turnout in France?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-factors-lead-to-a-low-voter-turnout-in-france-473528/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, Le Pen hailed her score as a “brilliant victory” and promised to “carry on” her political career, vowing that she would never abandon the French.</p>

<p>"The ideas we represent have reached new heights... this result itself represents a brilliant victory," she told a crowd of supporters.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Allocution de Marine Le Pen <a href="https://t.co/K6zT7FFfiw">https://t.co/K6zT7FFfiw</a></p>
— Marine Le Pen (@MLP_officiel) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLP_officiel/status/1518291497103233026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Joining other challengers that faced defeat in the first phase of elections, she called for a new effort to hinder Macron's second term at the June Parliamentary polls.</p>

<p>"This evening, we launch the great battle for the legislative elections," Le Pen declared, expressing "hope" and encouraging opponents of the president to join her National Rally (RN) party.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-emmanuel-macron-his-life-and-political-career-in-pictures-473486">Who is Emmanuel Macron? His life and political career in pictures</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As per the Interior Ministry website the election saw a turnout of just 71.9 per cent, which as per an AFP report is the lowest in any presidential election second-round run-off since 1969.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results brought a sigh of relief to Europe, which had feared that a Le Pen presidency would leave the region adrift after Brexit and German Chancellor Angela Merkel's resignation from politics.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="it"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Francia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Francia</a> Presidente Draghi: “La vittoria da parte di <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> nelle elezioni presidenziali francesi è una splendida notizia per tutta l’Europa”<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/presidentielles2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#presidentielles2022</a></p>
— Palazzo_Chigi (@Palazzo_Chigi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Palazzo_Chigi/status/1518300545940873219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="de">Félicitations, herzliche Glückwünsche, lieber Präsident <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>. Deine Wählerinnen und Wähler haben heute auch ein starkes Bekenntnis zu Europa gesendet.<br />
Ich freue mich, dass wir unsere gute Zusammenarbeit fortsetzen! <a href="https://t.co/ZJQSc6OAz9">pic.twitter.com/ZJQSc6OAz9</a></p>
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler/status/1518303883625480192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Chaleureux bravo cher <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a><br />
<br />
En cette période tourmentée, nous avons besoin d’une Europe solide et d’une France totalement engagée pour une Union européenne plus souveraine et plus stratégique.<br />
<br />
Nous pouvons compter sur la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a> #5 ans de plus. <a href="https://t.co/JEPf6Pqght">pic.twitter.com/JEPf6Pqght</a></p>
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesMichel/status/1518289840881680385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Cher <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>, toutes mes félicitations pour votre réélection à la présidence de la République.<br />
<br />
Je me réjouis de pouvoir continuer notre excellente coopération.<br />
<br />
Ensemble, nous ferons avancer la France et l’Europe.</p>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1518292235632132101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The people have spoken. French President Emmanuel Macron defeated his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in the tense run-off election on Sunday. His win makes Macron the first French President to win a second term in two decades, however, the far-right was closer than ever.

The people have spoken. French President Emmanuel Macron defeated his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in the tense run-off election on Sunday. His win makes Macron the first French President to win a second term in two decades, however, the far-right was closer than ever. The margin between the two candidates, while enough to secure a comfortable win, is narrower than in the 2017 polls. As per France’s Ministry of Interior website, Macron received 58.5 per cent, with 18.8 million votes, while Le Pen stood at 41.5 per cent with 13.3 million votes. In the 2017 polls, the two candidates stood at 66.1 per cent with 20.7 million votes and 33.9 per cent with 10.6 million votes. Also read | French Presidential Election 2022: EU chiefs, Italy PM congratulate Macron on re-election after projections Meanwhile, 6.35 per cent of voters cast blank ballots in the election, voting for neither candidate. Social divisions out in open Needless to say, the fresh election results point to a divided France. Even as Macron successfully prevented a political earthquake had his rival won, the results speak of dissatisfaction among people. Acknowledging this, the French president said he would seek to make amends. Taking to Twitter, he said, “To those who voted for me, not to support my ideas but to block those of the extreme right, your vote obliges me. This evening, I am no longer the candidate of one camp, but the President of all.” À celles et ceux qui ont voté pour moi, non pour soutenir mes idées mais pour faire barrage à celles de l’extrême droite, votre vote m’oblige. Ce soir, je ne suis plus le candidat d’un camp, mais le Président de toutes et tous. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 24, 2022 × As for Le Pen, this is her third defeat in the country’s presidential race, having previously contested in 2012 and 2017. Undoubtedly this would be a bitter pill to swallow, with all her attempts to soften her image, distancing herself and the party from the legacy of the party founder, her father Jean-Marie Le Pen. Watch | What factors lead to a low voter turnout in France? However, Le Pen hailed her score as a “brilliant victory” and promised to “carry on” her political career, vowing that she would never abandon the French. "The ideas we represent have reached new heights... this result itself represents a brilliant victory," she told a crowd of supporters. Allocution de Marine Le Pen https://t.co/K6zT7FFfiw — Marine Le Pen (@MLP_officiel) April 24, 2022 × Joining other challengers that faced defeat in the first phase of elections, she called for a new effort to hinder Macron's second term at the June Parliamentary polls. "This evening, we launch the great battle for the legislative elections," Le Pen declared, expressing "hope" and encouraging opponents of the president to join her National Rally (RN) party. Also read | Who is Emmanuel Macron? His life and political career in pictures As per the Interior Ministry website the election saw a turnout of just 71.9 per cent, which as per an AFP report is the lowest in any presidential election second-round run-off since 1969. The results brought a sigh of relief to Europe, which had feared that a Le Pen presidency would leave the region adrift after Brexit and German Chancellor Angela Merkel's resignation from politics. #Francia Presidente Draghi: “La vittoria da parte di @EmmanuelMacron nelle elezioni presidenziali francesi è una splendida notizia per tutta l’Europa”#presidentielles2022 — Palazzo_Chigi (@Palazzo_Chigi) April 24, 2022 × Félicitations, herzliche Glückwünsche, lieber Präsident @EmmanuelMacron. Deine Wählerinnen und Wähler haben heute auch ein starkes Bekenntnis zu Europa gesendet. Ich freue mich, dass wir unsere gute Zusammenarbeit fortsetzen! pic.twitter.com/ZJQSc6OAz9 — Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) April 24, 2022 × Chaleureux bravo cher @EmmanuelMacron En cette période tourmentée, nous avons besoin d’une Europe solide et d’une France totalement engagée pour une Union européenne plus souveraine et plus stratégique. Nous pouvons compter sur la #France #5 ans de plus. pic.twitter.com/JEPf6Pqght — Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) April 24, 2022 × Cher @EmmanuelMacron, toutes mes félicitations pour votre réélection à la présidence de la République. Je me réjouis de pouvoir continuer notre excellente coopération. Ensemble, nous ferons avancer la France et l’Europe. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 24, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

French Presidential Election 2022: Macron wins second term by a smaller margin amid lower turnout

<p>World leaders hurried to congratulate France's centrist President Emmanuel Macron on his re-election and victory over far-right leader Marine Le Pen in Sunday's elections.</p>

<p>Macron's win makes him the first French President to win re-election in two decades.</p>

<p>According to the website of the French Ministry of&nbsp;Interior, Macron received 58.5 per cent of the vote, or 18.8 million votes, while Le Pen received 41.5 per cent of the vote or 13.3 million votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Let's check out the wishes:</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated French President Emmanuel Macron on his re-election and defeat of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, said the Kremlin, as tensions remain over the Ukraine conflict.</p>

<p>"I sincerely wish you success in your state activities, as well as good health and well-being," Putin said in a telegram to Macron, according to a statement from the Kremlin.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> on his re-election. France is our oldest ally and a key partner in addressing global challenges. I look forward to our continued close cooperation — including on supporting Ukraine, defending democracy, and countering climate change.</p>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1518361861661544448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations President <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> on your historic re-election. When I was in Paris, we discussed our long-standing alliance and our shared interests all around the world. The U.S. looks forward to continuing to deepen this valuable relationship with France.</p>
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1518400243397799936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> on being re-elected as the President of France! I look forward to continue working together to deepen the India-France Strategic Partnership.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1518418251323420673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>. Looking forward to continuing our work together on the issues that matter most to people in Canada and France – from defending democracy, to fighting climate change, to creating good jobs and economic growth for the middle class. <a href="https://t.co/RHTBH4dn19">pic.twitter.com/RHTBH4dn19</a></p>
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1518310515583463424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>. We look forward to continuing close cooperation with France on global challenges, underpinning our long and enduring Alliance and friendship. <a href="https://t.co/sdy2qVN97N">https://t.co/sdy2qVN97N</a></p>
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1518364745400733698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="it"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Francia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Francia</a> Presidente Draghi: “La vittoria da parte di <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> nelle elezioni presidenziali francesi è una splendida notizia per tutta l’Europa”<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/presidentielles2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#presidentielles2022</a></p>
— Palazzo_Chigi (@Palazzo_Chigi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Palazzo_Chigi/status/1518300545940873219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="de">Félicitations, herzliche Glückwünsche, lieber Präsident <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>. Deine Wählerinnen und Wähler haben heute auch ein starkes Bekenntnis zu Europa gesendet.<br />
Ich freue mich, dass wir unsere gute Zusammenarbeit fortsetzen! <a href="https://t.co/ZJQSc6OAz9">pic.twitter.com/ZJQSc6OAz9</a></p>
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler/status/1518303883625480192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Chaleureux bravo cher <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a><br />
<br />
En cette période tourmentée, nous avons besoin d’une Europe solide et d’une France totalement engagée pour une Union européenne plus souveraine et plus stratégique.<br />
<br />
Nous pouvons compter sur la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a> #5 ans de plus. <a href="https://t.co/JEPf6Pqght">pic.twitter.com/JEPf6Pqght</a></p>
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesMichel/status/1518289840881680385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Cher <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>, toutes mes félicitations pour votre réélection à la présidence de la République.<br />
<br />
Je me réjouis de pouvoir continuer notre excellente coopération.<br />
<br />
Ensemble, nous ferons avancer la France et l’Europe.</p>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1518292235632132101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> on your re-election as President of France. France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world.<br />
<br />
🇬🇧🇫🇷</p>
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1518298495773519873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Félicitations à <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>, un vrai ami de l’Ukraine, pour sa réélection! Je lui souhaite de nouveaux succès pour le bien du peuple 🇫🇷. J'apprécie son soutien et je suis convaincu que nous avançons ensemble vers de nouvelles victoires communes. Vers une Europe forte et unie!</p>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1518346676582367236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations Emmanuel Macron on your re-election as President. Another great expression of liberal democracy in action in uncertain times. We wish you &amp; France every success, in particular your leadership in Europe and as an important partner to Australia in the Indo-Pacific.</p>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1518387617007833088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Los ciudadanos han elegido una Francia comprometida con una UE libre, fuerte y justa.<br />
<br />
Gana la democracia. Gana Europa.<br />
<br />
Enhorabuena <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Presidentielles2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Presidentielles2022</a></p>
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanchezcastejon/status/1518302675879739395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="nl">De Fransen hebben vandaag een belangrijke keuze gemaakt. Ze kozen voor zekerheid en voor de waarden van de Verlichting.<br />
<br />
Ik feliciteer <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> van harte met zijn herverkiezing. Laat ons samen werk maken van een sterk en verenigd Europa. <a href="https://t.co/ILtOcbfBat">pic.twitter.com/ILtOcbfBat</a></p>
— Alexander De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexanderdecroo/status/1518289685658882052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Vives félicitations à <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> réélu Président de la République française 🇫🇷.<br />
<br />
Nous continuerons à compter sur son soutien — en France, en Europe et dans le monde — alors que les défis humanitaires et les crises des réfugiés deviennent chaque jour plus graves et complexes.</p>
— Filippo Grandi (@FilippoGrandi) <a href="https://twitter.com/FilippoGrandi/status/1518302032934936576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Félicitations, mon ami <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>, à l'occasion de votre réélection à la présidence de la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a>. J'ai hâte de poursuivre l'important partenariat entre 🇫🇷 et <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> pour un monde plus sain, plus sûr et plus juste. <a href="https://t.co/8vYLErniKF">pic.twitter.com/8vYLErniKF</a></p>
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1518315735554170880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> on your re-election as President of France.<br />
<br />
Your principled and dynamic leadership is important not only for France, but for Europe.<br />
<br />
I look forward to us continuing to work together on the challenges ahead. <a href="https://t.co/krXJx0Z8zK">pic.twitter.com/krXJx0Z8zK</a></p>
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichealMartinTD/status/1518302240624234497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Toutes mes félicitations à <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> pour sa réélection à la Présidence de la République française 🇫🇷 Nos pays sont étroitement liés – notamment par la plus grande communauté de Suisses et de Français de l'étranger. Je me réjouis de poursuivre notre bonne collaboration 🤝</p>
— Ignazio Cassis (@ignaziocassis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ignaziocassis/status/1518303722509680642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Warmest congratulations to President <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> on tonight’s election results! Let’s continue our close cooperation – bilaterally and for a competitive, green and resilient European Union.</p>
— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/SwedishPM/status/1518296050318159876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Toute mes félicitations à <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> pour la réélection à la présidence de la République 🇫🇷. Je me réjouis de continuer et approfondir notre coopération en Europe, pour le climat, pour le progrès et pour la paix.</p>
— Jonas Gahr Støre (@jonasgahrstore) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonasgahrstore/status/1518307497689464836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Félicitations à <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> pour sa brillante réélection.<br />
Ensemble, nous continuerons à travailler au raffermissement des relations entre le <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gabon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gabon</a> et la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a>.<br />
Plus qu'un passé en commun, nos deux pays ont un <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/avenir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#avenir</a> à construire.</p>
— Ali Bongo Ondimba (@PresidentABO) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresidentABO/status/1518298658067861511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


World leaders hurried to congratulate France's centrist President Emmanuel Macron on his re-election and victory over far-right leader Marine Le Pen in Sunday's elections.

World leaders hurried to congratulate France's centrist President Emmanuel Macron on his re-election and victory over far-right leader Marine Le Pen in Sunday's elections. Macron's win makes him the first French President to win re-election in two decades. According to the website of the French Ministry of Interior, Macron received 58.5 per cent of the vote, or 18.8 million votes, while Le Pen received 41.5 per cent of the vote or 13.3 million votes. Let's check out the wishes: Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated French President Emmanuel Macron on his re-election and defeat of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, said the Kremlin, as tensions remain over the Ukraine conflict. "I sincerely wish you success in your state activities, as well as good health and well-being," Putin said in a telegram to Macron, according to a statement from the Kremlin. Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron on his re-election. France is our oldest ally and a key partner in addressing global challenges. I look forward to our continued close cooperation — including on supporting Ukraine, defending democracy, and countering climate change. — President Biden (@POTUS) April 24, 2022 × Congratulations President @EmmanuelMacron on your historic re-election. When I was in Paris, we discussed our long-standing alliance and our shared interests all around the world. The U.S. looks forward to continuing to deepen this valuable relationship with France. — Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 25, 2022 × Congratulations to my friend @EmmanuelMacron on being re-elected as the President of France! I look forward to continue working together to deepen the India-France Strategic Partnership. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2022 × Congratulations, @EmmanuelMacron. Looking forward to continuing our work together on the issues that matter most to people in Canada and France – from defending democracy, to fighting climate change, to creating good jobs and economic growth for the middle class. pic.twitter.com/RHTBH4dn19 — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 24, 2022 × Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron. We look forward to continuing close cooperation with France on global challenges, underpinning our long and enduring Alliance and friendship. https://t.co/sdy2qVN97N — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 24, 2022 × #Francia Presidente Draghi: “La vittoria da parte di @EmmanuelMacron nelle elezioni presidenziali francesi è una splendida notizia per tutta l’Europa”#presidentielles2022 — Palazzo_Chigi (@Palazzo_Chigi) April 24, 2022 × Félicitations, herzliche Glückwünsche, lieber Präsident @EmmanuelMacron. Deine Wählerinnen und Wähler haben heute auch ein starkes Bekenntnis zu Europa gesendet. Ich freue mich, dass wir unsere gute Zusammenarbeit fortsetzen! pic.twitter.com/ZJQSc6OAz9 — Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) April 24, 2022 × Chaleureux bravo cher @EmmanuelMacron En cette période tourmentée, nous avons besoin d’une Europe solide et d’une France totalement engagée pour une Union européenne plus souveraine et plus stratégique. Nous pouvons compter sur la #France #5 ans de plus. pic.twitter.com/JEPf6Pqght — Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) April 24, 2022 × Cher @EmmanuelMacron, toutes mes félicitations pour votre réélection à la présidence de la République. Je me réjouis de pouvoir continuer notre excellente coopération. Ensemble, nous ferons avancer la France et l’Europe. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 24, 2022 × Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron on your re-election as President of France. France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world. 🇬🇧🇫🇷 — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 24, 2022 × Félicitations à @EmmanuelMacron, un vrai ami de l’Ukraine, pour sa réélection! Je lui souhaite de nouveaux succès pour le bien du peuple 🇫🇷. J'apprécie son soutien et je suis convaincu que nous avançons ensemble vers de nouvelles victoires communes. Vers une Europe forte et unie! — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 24, 2022 × Congratulations Emmanuel Macron on your re-election as President. Another great expression of liberal democracy in action in uncertain times. We wish you & France every success, in particular your leadership in Europe and as an important partner to Australia in the Indo-Pacific. — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) April 25, 2022 × Los ciudadanos han elegido una Francia comprometida con una UE libre, fuerte y justa. Gana la democracia. Gana Europa. Enhorabuena @EmmanuelMacron. #Presidentielles2022 — Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 24, 2022 × De Fransen hebben vandaag een belangrijke keuze gemaakt. Ze kozen voor zekerheid en voor de waarden van de Verlichting. Ik feliciteer @EmmanuelMacron van harte met zijn herverkiezing. Laat ons samen werk maken van een sterk en verenigd Europa. pic.twitter.com/ILtOcbfBat — Alexander De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) April 24, 2022 × Vives félicitations à @EmmanuelMacron réélu Président de la République française 🇫🇷. Nous continuerons à compter sur son soutien — en France, en Europe et dans le monde — alors que les défis humanitaires et les crises des réfugiés deviennent chaque jour plus graves et complexes. — Filippo Grandi (@FilippoGrandi) April 24, 2022 × Félicitations, mon ami @EmmanuelMacron, à l'occasion de votre réélection à la présidence de la #France. J'ai hâte de poursuivre l'important partenariat entre 🇫🇷 et @WHO pour un monde plus sain, plus sûr et plus juste. pic.twitter.com/8vYLErniKF — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) April 24, 2022 × Congratulations @EmmanuelMacron on your re-election as President of France. Your principled and dynamic leadership is important not only for France, but for Europe. I look forward to us continuing to work together on the challenges ahead. pic.twitter.com/krXJx0Z8zK — Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) April 24, 2022 × Toutes mes félicitations à @EmmanuelMacron pour sa réélection à la Présidence de la République française 🇫🇷 Nos pays sont étroitement liés – notamment par la plus grande communauté de Suisses et de Français de l'étranger. Je me réjouis de poursuivre notre bonne collaboration 🤝 — Ignazio Cassis (@ignaziocassis) April 24, 2022 × Warmest congratulations to President @EmmanuelMacron on tonight’s election results! Let’s continue our close cooperation – bilaterally and for a competitive, green and resilient European Union. — SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) April 24, 2022 × Toute mes félicitations à @EmmanuelMacron pour la réélection à la présidence de la République 🇫🇷. Je me réjouis de continuer et approfondir notre coopération en Europe, pour le climat, pour le progrès et pour la paix. — Jonas Gahr Støre (@jonasgahrstore) April 24, 2022 × Félicitations à @EmmanuelMacron pour sa brillante réélection. Ensemble, nous continuerons à travailler au raffermissement des relations entre le #Gabon et la #France. Plus qu'un passé en commun, nos deux pays ont un #avenir à construire. — Ali Bongo Ondimba (@PresidentABO) April 24, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

World leaders send their 'warmest congratulations' to Emmanuel Macron. Check out the wishes!

<p>People across&nbsp;East&nbsp;Timor&nbsp;went to the polls on Tuesday to choose either a Nobel laureate or a former guerrilla fighter -- the incumbent&nbsp;president&nbsp;-- as their&nbsp;next&nbsp;leader.</p>

<p>Frontrunner Jose Ramos-Horta has pledged to break a longstanding deadlock between the two main political parties in Southeast Asia's youngest country should he win the run-off election against&nbsp;President&nbsp;Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres.</p>

<p>"If I win ... I will hold a dialogue with political parties, including (Guterres') Fretilin, so they can work together to maintain stability and peace in&nbsp;Timor-Leste," the Nobel peace prize winner told journalists Tuesday, holding aloft a finger stained purple after casting his vote.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stung-by-the-poison-pill-elon-musk-takes-a-dig-at-twitter-boards-salaries-472114">Stung by the 'poison' pill, Elon Musk takes a dig at Twitter board's salaries</a></strong></p>

<p>Former guerilla leader Guterres, meanwhile, promised "to ensure national stability, and to adhere to the mission as&nbsp;president&nbsp;of the republic, which is inseparable from the constitution", at a polling station in the capital Dili.</p>

<p>Both candidates have pledged to respect the election results regardless of the outcome.</p>

<p>The poll is a rematch of a 2007 election won handily by Ramos-Horta, a former revolutionary hero.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly 860,000 of&nbsp;East&nbsp;Timor's 1.3 million citizens are eligible to vote, and ballot counting could take several days.</p>

<p>Ramos-Horta was dominant in the election's first round on March 19, winning 46 percent of&nbsp;votes&nbsp;versus&nbsp;President&nbsp;Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres' 22 percent, but failed to secure the needed majority.</p>

<p>Participation across the nation reached 77 percent as voters chose between 16 candidates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The winner will take office for five years from May 20 -- the 20th anniversary of&nbsp;East&nbsp;Timor's independence from Indonesia, which occupied the former Portuguese colony for 24 years.</p>

<p>The election is seen as a chance to reset a political deadlock between the National Congress of the Reconstruction of&nbsp;Timor-Leste&nbsp;(CNRT) and Guterres' Revolutionary Front for an Independent&nbsp;East&nbsp;Timor&nbsp;(Fretilin).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Egypt approves India as wheat supplier</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-headlines-egypt-approves-india-as-wheat-supplier-471328/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Guterres, 67, was elected as the country's leader in 2017 with the support of former rebel Xanana Gusmao, the country's first&nbsp;president&nbsp;and current CNRT leader.</p>

<p>But Gusmao has this time thrown his party's weight behind Ramos-Horta, who won the Nobel peace prize in 1996 for his efforts towards ending the conflict in&nbsp;East&nbsp;Timor&nbsp;and was the main spokesperson of the independence movement.</p>

<p>The 72-year-old, who survived an assassination attempt in 2008, served as the country's first prime minister before his presidential term from 2007 to 2012. He came out of retirement to challenge Guterres after accusing him of violating the constitution.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;president&nbsp;has refused to endorse CNRT ministers since 2018, plunging the country into political paralysis.</p>

<p>Ramos-Horta indicated he could dissolve the parliament if elected to end the deadlock.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/one-of-the-most-mysterious-buildings-in-us-to-open-for-public-after-almost-half-a-century-472112">One of the most mysterious buildings in US to open for public after almost half a century</a></strong></p>

<p>In the 2007 presidential election, Ramos-Horta won by 69 percent while Guterres gained 31 percent of the&nbsp;votes.</p>

<p>The tiny nation is still grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic's impact on its economy.</p>

<p>Speaking to AFP outside a polling station, university student Lizia Bahkita de Araujo, 27, said she hoped whoever won would focus on education.</p>

<p>"During the Covid-19 pandemic, students faced a difficult situation because their classes were moved online, and it did not go well because of the bad internet," de Araujo said, adding jobs for the country's young were also a pressing concern.</p>

<p>According to the World Bank, 42 percent of the population lives in poverty.</p>


People across East Timor went to the polls on Tuesday to choose either a Nobel laureate or a former guerrilla fighter -- the incumbent president -- as their next leader.

People across East Timor went to the polls on Tuesday to choose either a Nobel laureate or a former guerrilla fighter -- the incumbent president -- as their next leader. Frontrunner Jose Ramos-Horta has pledged to break a longstanding deadlock between the two main political parties in Southeast Asia's youngest country should he win the run-off election against President Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres. "If I win ... I will hold a dialogue with political parties, including (Guterres') Fretilin, so they can work together to maintain stability and peace in Timor-Leste," the Nobel peace prize winner told journalists Tuesday, holding aloft a finger stained purple after casting his vote. Also read | Stung by the 'poison' pill, Elon Musk takes a dig at Twitter board's salaries Former guerilla leader Guterres, meanwhile, promised "to ensure national stability, and to adhere to the mission as president of the republic, which is inseparable from the constitution", at a polling station in the capital Dili. Both candidates have pledged to respect the election results regardless of the outcome. The poll is a rematch of a 2007 election won handily by Ramos-Horta, a former revolutionary hero. Nearly 860,000 of East Timor's 1.3 million citizens are eligible to vote, and ballot counting could take several days. Ramos-Horta was dominant in the election's first round on March 19, winning 46 percent of votes versus President Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres' 22 percent, but failed to secure the needed majority. Participation across the nation reached 77 percent as voters chose between 16 candidates. The winner will take office for five years from May 20 -- the 20th anniversary of East Timor's independence from Indonesia, which occupied the former Portuguese colony for 24 years. The election is seen as a chance to reset a political deadlock between the National Congress of the Reconstruction of Timor-Leste (CNRT) and Guterres' Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin). Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Egypt approves India as wheat supplier Guterres, 67, was elected as the country's leader in 2017 with the support of former rebel Xanana Gusmao, the country's first president and current CNRT leader. But Gusmao has this time thrown his party's weight behind Ramos-Horta, who won the Nobel peace prize in 1996 for his efforts towards ending the conflict in East Timor and was the main spokesperson of the independence movement. The 72-year-old, who survived an assassination attempt in 2008, served as the country's first prime minister before his presidential term from 2007 to 2012. He came out of retirement to challenge Guterres after accusing him of violating the constitution. The president has refused to endorse CNRT ministers since 2018, plunging the country into political paralysis. Ramos-Horta indicated he could dissolve the parliament if elected to end the deadlock. Also read | One of the most mysterious buildings in US to open for public after almost half a century In the 2007 presidential election, Ramos-Horta won by 69 percent while Guterres gained 31 percent of the votes. The tiny nation is still grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic's impact on its economy. Speaking to AFP outside a polling station, university student Lizia Bahkita de Araujo, 27, said she hoped whoever won would focus on education. "During the Covid-19 pandemic, students faced a difficult situation because their classes were moved online, and it did not go well because of the bad internet," de Araujo said, adding jobs for the country's young were also a pressing concern. According to the World Bank, 42 percent of the population lives in poverty.

East Timor votes to pick next president

<p>Costa Ricans began voting on Sunday to elect one of two scandal-tainted presidential candidates in a country grappling with sky-high poverty and unemployment.</p>

<p>Former president Jose Maria Figueres was once investigated for corruption while ex-finance minister Rodrigo Chaves was previously demoted for sexual harassment.</p>

<p>But with 23 percent of the population living in poverty and unemployment soaring to 14 percent alongside a series of corruption scandals, Costa Ricans seem more focused on the economy as they elect a successor to Carlos Alvarado.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/costa-rica-issues-covid-19-vaccine-requirement-for-children-427338">Costa Rica issues COVID-19 vaccine requirement for children</a></strong></p>

<p>Polls opened at 6.00 am (1200 GMT) and will close at 6.00 pm (0000 GMT). "Go to your center and vote," the electoral tribunal said on Twitter as voting began.</p>

<p>Costa Rica has been described as the "happiest" country in Latin America and praised for its environmental policies and eco-tourism, but the vital tourism industry was hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>Alongside Peru, it suffered the largest fall in employment figures in the region between 2019 and 2020.</p>

<p><strong>We're very poor</strong></p>

<p>"The next president has to change everything because we're very poor. There is no work here, there is nothing," said Ana Briceno, 64, a travel agent in the capital San Jose.</p>

<p>"In the last years with Carlos Alvarado the situation has been very difficult ... so I think the future president must focus on the economy," said Cristina Aguilar, 32.</p>

<p>Given their previous troubles, the two candidates have sought to keep the debate swirling around the economy.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Costa Rica: Hydroelectric power plant gets new lease of life from crypto mining</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/costa-rica-hydroelectric-power-plant-gets-new-lease-of-life-from-crypto-mining-444237/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"The urgent themes to address are the ones causing discomfort and suffering to the people," said Chaves, 60, a surprise qualifier for Sunday's run-off, having polled fourth ahead of February's first round.</p>

<p>"The first is the lack of jobs. Secondly, the cost of living."</p>

<p>Chaves, from the newly formed right-wing Social Democratic Progress Party, led the most recent opinion polls, with more than 41 percent support, compared to 38 percent for Figueres.</p>

<p>Figueres, 67, who was president from 1994 to 1998, is equally focused on the economy.</p>

<p>"In the economic agenda, unemployment is the most important, the creation of employment opportunities is the priority," he said.</p>

<p>Figueres, whose father Jose abolished the army in 1948 when he was president, topped the first round of voting among a crowded field of 25 contenders with 27.3 percent, ahead of Chaves who had 16.8 percent.</p>

<p>But they were a long way from the 40 percent needed to win outright.</p>

<p><strong>&nbsp;'Misinterpreted' jokes&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Both men have reached this final stage of the election despite the specter of past scandals.</p>

<p>Chaves, who spent six months as finance minister in the outgoing government, was investigated over sexual harassment&nbsp;complaints brought by multiple women while he was a senior official at the World Bank, where he worked for 30 years.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/costa-rican-police-seize-4-tonnes-of-colombian-cocaine-399028">Costa Rican police seize 4 tonnes of Colombian cocaine</a></strong></p>

<p>He was demoted, though not fired, and has dismissed his behavior as jokes that were "misinterpreted due to cultural differences."</p>

<p>Figueres, who represents the centrist National Liberation Party (PLN), was investigated for allegedly taking $900,000 from French engineering firm Alcatel, which has admitted to bribing officials.</p>

<p>The ex-president, who worked abroad at the time as executive director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), refused to give evidence in the case in 2004 and returned to Costa Rica only in 2011 when the investigation expired.</p>

<p>"Right now, I don't know who I will vote for ... because Chaves contradicts himself in everything and given what Figueres did last time, it leaves us undecided," said Jairo Montero, 37.</p>

<p>In the unlikely event the election ends in a draw, Costa Rican law says the elder candidate would win, in this case Figueres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first results are expected at around 8:30 pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The winner will begin a four-year term on May 8.</p>


Costa Ricans began voting on Sunday to elect one of two scandal-tainted presidential candidates in a country grappling with sky-high poverty and unemployment. Former president Jose Maria Figueres was once investigated for corruption while ex-finance minister Rodrigo Chaves was previously demoted for sexual harassment.

Costa Ricans began voting on Sunday to elect one of two scandal-tainted presidential candidates in a country grappling with sky-high poverty and unemployment. Former president Jose Maria Figueres was once investigated for corruption while ex-finance minister Rodrigo Chaves was previously demoted for sexual harassment. But with 23 percent of the population living in poverty and unemployment soaring to 14 percent alongside a series of corruption scandals, Costa Ricans seem more focused on the economy as they elect a successor to Carlos Alvarado. Also read | Costa Rica issues COVID-19 vaccine requirement for children Polls opened at 6.00 am (1200 GMT) and will close at 6.00 pm (0000 GMT). "Go to your center and vote," the electoral tribunal said on Twitter as voting began. Costa Rica has been described as the "happiest" country in Latin America and praised for its environmental policies and eco-tourism, but the vital tourism industry was hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Alongside Peru, it suffered the largest fall in employment figures in the region between 2019 and 2020. We're very poor "The next president has to change everything because we're very poor. There is no work here, there is nothing," said Ana Briceno, 64, a travel agent in the capital San Jose. "In the last years with Carlos Alvarado the situation has been very difficult ... so I think the future president must focus on the economy," said Cristina Aguilar, 32. Given their previous troubles, the two candidates have sought to keep the debate swirling around the economy. Watch | Costa Rica: Hydroelectric power plant gets new lease of life from crypto mining "The urgent themes to address are the ones causing discomfort and suffering to the people," said Chaves, 60, a surprise qualifier for Sunday's run-off, having polled fourth ahead of February's first round. "The first is the lack of jobs. Secondly, the cost of living." Chaves, from the newly formed right-wing Social Democratic Progress Party, led the most recent opinion polls, with more than 41 percent support, compared to 38 percent for Figueres. Figueres, 67, who was president from 1994 to 1998, is equally focused on the economy. "In the economic agenda, unemployment is the most important, the creation of employment opportunities is the priority," he said. Figueres, whose father Jose abolished the army in 1948 when he was president, topped the first round of voting among a crowded field of 25 contenders with 27.3 percent, ahead of Chaves who had 16.8 percent. But they were a long way from the 40 percent needed to win outright. 'Misinterpreted' jokes Both men have reached this final stage of the election despite the specter of past scandals. Chaves, who spent six months as finance minister in the outgoing government, was investigated over sexual harassment complaints brought by multiple women while he was a senior official at the World Bank, where he worked for 30 years. Also read | Costa Rican police seize 4 tonnes of Colombian cocaine He was demoted, though not fired, and has dismissed his behavior as jokes that were "misinterpreted due to cultural differences." Figueres, who represents the centrist National Liberation Party (PLN), was investigated for allegedly taking $900,000 from French engineering firm Alcatel, which has admitted to bribing officials. The ex-president, who worked abroad at the time as executive director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), refused to give evidence in the case in 2004 and returned to Costa Rica only in 2011 when the investigation expired. "Right now, I don't know who I will vote for ... because Chaves contradicts himself in everything and given what Figueres did last time, it leaves us undecided," said Jairo Montero, 37. In the unlikely event the election ends in a draw, Costa Rican law says the elder candidate would win, in this case Figueres. The first results are expected at around 8:30 pm. The winner will begin a four-year term on May 8.

Costa Rica presidential candidates vow to tackle unemployment

<p>Colombians voted for senator and former guerrilla Gustavo Petro as the left's presidential nominee by a wide margin on Sunday, making him the front runner in an election that could yield the country's first-ever leftist leader in May.</p>

<p>As predicted, the 61-year-old came out on top in the primaries -- called inter-party "consultations" -- which took place alongside elections for the Senate and House of Representatives, currently in the hands of right-wing parties.</p>

<p>But leftist candidates were projected to win the most seats in&nbsp;Colombia's Senate, as well as contending for second place in the lower house, partial results showed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-level-visits-from-colombia-mexico-to-india-in-few-weeks-461993">High level visits from Colombia, Mexico to India in few weeks</a></strong></p>

<p>With more than 90 percent of polling stations counted, the left's Historical Pact coalition is set to win 17 of the 102 seats in the upper house, according to electoral authority figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the lower house, it looks set to take 25 of the 165 seats in a tie with the Conservatives and behind the Liberals.</p>

<p>Nearly 39 million of&nbsp;Colombia's 50 million inhabitants were eligible to vote in a complex but critical election in a country plagued by violence and growing poverty levels.</p>

<p>"Colombia&nbsp;saw an election day with transparency and respect for rights," election authority head Alexander Vega said, referring to a largely incident-free vote.</p>

<p><strong>Rejection of violence</strong></p>

<p>Outgoing President Ivan Duque -- who called on Colombians to vote as a "rejection of violence" through the "triumph of democracy" -- had promised safety "guarantees" for the non-compulsory vote.</p>

<p>The polls came with the president and legislature both at rock-bottom levels of public support.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-says-at-least-23-farc-dissidents-killed-in-operation-456571">Colombia says at least 23 FARC dissidents killed in operation</a></strong></p>

<p>Colombia&nbsp;has always been ruled by the political right. But polls show that Petro -- a former guerrilla, ex-Bogota mayor and senator -- stands a real chance of winning.</p>

<p>Centrist Ingrid Betancourt, who was once held hostage by the guerrillas of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;(FARC), won her coalition's nomination Sunday. She presents herself as an alternative to both the ruling right and Petro.</p>

<p>Sunday's process is to yield three presidential contenders from 15 candidates hoping to represent groups of politically aligned parties -- one each for the left, right and center.</p>

<p>Three others have already been chosen by their respective groupings.</p>

<p>Six finalists will face off in a first round of presidential elections on May 29, which will be followed by a runoff on June 19 if no one wins an outright majority.</p>

<p>Petro came away with more than 80 percent of the vote for the Historical Pact coalition, winning against environmentalist Francia Marquez, who snagged 15 percent of the left's vote, to represent the group at the polls this spring.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&nbsp;First leftist president?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Voters flocked to the polls in Bogota, although heavy rains at midday threatened turnout.</p>

<p>"I vote to change this Congress, where it is always the same people who do nothing" for years, nurse Carolina Lopez, 30, told AFP.</p>

<p>Colombia's distrust of the left is widely associated with FARC and other rebel groups that fought the government in a nearly six-decade civil conflict.</p>

<p>"When the government is unpopular, there is alternation and the opposition wins, but in&nbsp;Colombia, this is new: the left has never really been in a position to win an election," said analyst Yann Basset of the Rosario University in Bogota.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombian-court-decriminalises-abortion-up-to-24-weeks-of-gestation-455226">Colombian court decriminalises abortion up to 24 weeks of gestation</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2018, Petro lost the presidential race to Duque, who is leaving office as his country's most unpopular president in history following a year marked by social unrest and a violent police crackdown that drew international condemnation.</p>

<p>"Today, change starts at the polls, with a vote that supports hope and life in&nbsp;Colombia," Petro said while voting.</p>

<p>It is also Betancourt's second presidential run: she was abducted 20 years ago while campaigning and held captive in the jungle for more than six years.</p>

<p>Her vice presidential running mate is set to be retired colonel Jose Luis Esparza, who rescued Betancourt from her FARC captors.</p>

<p>Colombian presidents serve a non-renewable four-year term.</p>

<p>At midday, the government said there was "total normality" in voting throughout the country. But the army reported two soldiers had been killed and another two wounded in bomb attacks in southern&nbsp;Colombia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country's election authority confirmed an attempted cyberattack against its website before polling had begun, which they said was immediately controlled.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Colombia's highest court legalises abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colombias-highest-court-legalises-abortion-up-to-24-weeks-of-pregnancy-455345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>And Interior Minister Daniel Palacios said there had been 662 reports of incidents related to the vote, including 166 complaints, 120 cases of voter coercion and 120 cases of attempted bribery.</p>

<p><strong>&nbsp;Economy dominates&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Duque's successor faces a multitude of challenges, not least of which is a new cycle of murders and kidnappings as violence has surged despite the 2016 peace deal that disarmed the FARC and officially ended the civil war.</p>


Colombians voted for senator and former guerrilla Gustavo Petro as the left's presidential nominee by a wide margin on Sunday, making him the front runner in an election that could yield the country's first-ever leftist leader in May.

Colombians voted for senator and former guerrilla Gustavo Petro as the left's presidential nominee by a wide margin on Sunday, making him the front runner in an election that could yield the country's first-ever leftist leader in May. As predicted, the 61-year-old came out on top in the primaries -- called inter-party "consultations" -- which took place alongside elections for the Senate and House of Representatives, currently in the hands of right-wing parties. But leftist candidates were projected to win the most seats in Colombia's Senate, as well as contending for second place in the lower house, partial results showed. Also read | High level visits from Colombia, Mexico to India in few weeks With more than 90 percent of polling stations counted, the left's Historical Pact coalition is set to win 17 of the 102 seats in the upper house, according to electoral authority figures. In the lower house, it looks set to take 25 of the 165 seats in a tie with the Conservatives and behind the Liberals. Nearly 39 million of Colombia's 50 million inhabitants were eligible to vote in a complex but critical election in a country plagued by violence and growing poverty levels. "Colombia saw an election day with transparency and respect for rights," election authority head Alexander Vega said, referring to a largely incident-free vote. Rejection of violence Outgoing President Ivan Duque -- who called on Colombians to vote as a "rejection of violence" through the "triumph of democracy" -- had promised safety "guarantees" for the non-compulsory vote. The polls came with the president and legislature both at rock-bottom levels of public support. Also read | Colombia says at least 23 FARC dissidents killed in operation Colombia has always been ruled by the political right. But polls show that Petro -- a former guerrilla, ex-Bogota mayor and senator -- stands a real chance of winning. Centrist Ingrid Betancourt, who was once held hostage by the guerrillas of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), won her coalition's nomination Sunday. She presents herself as an alternative to both the ruling right and Petro. Sunday's process is to yield three presidential contenders from 15 candidates hoping to represent groups of politically aligned parties -- one each for the left, right and center. Three others have already been chosen by their respective groupings. Six finalists will face off in a first round of presidential elections on May 29, which will be followed by a runoff on June 19 if no one wins an outright majority. Petro came away with more than 80 percent of the vote for the Historical Pact coalition, winning against environmentalist Francia Marquez, who snagged 15 percent of the left's vote, to represent the group at the polls this spring. First leftist president? Voters flocked to the polls in Bogota, although heavy rains at midday threatened turnout. "I vote to change this Congress, where it is always the same people who do nothing" for years, nurse Carolina Lopez, 30, told AFP. Colombia's distrust of the left is widely associated with FARC and other rebel groups that fought the government in a nearly six-decade civil conflict. "When the government is unpopular, there is alternation and the opposition wins, but in Colombia, this is new: the left has never really been in a position to win an election," said analyst Yann Basset of the Rosario University in Bogota. Also read | Colombian court decriminalises abortion up to 24 weeks of gestation In 2018, Petro lost the presidential race to Duque, who is leaving office as his country's most unpopular president in history following a year marked by social unrest and a violent police crackdown that drew international condemnation. "Today, change starts at the polls, with a vote that supports hope and life in Colombia," Petro said while voting. It is also Betancourt's second presidential run: she was abducted 20 years ago while campaigning and held captive in the jungle for more than six years. Her vice presidential running mate is set to be retired colonel Jose Luis Esparza, who rescued Betancourt from her FARC captors. Colombian presidents serve a non-renewable four-year term. At midday, the government said there was "total normality" in voting throughout the country. But the army reported two soldiers had been killed and another two wounded in bomb attacks in southern Colombia. The country's election authority confirmed an attempted cyberattack against its website before polling had begun, which they said was immediately controlled. Watch | Colombia's highest court legalises abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy And Interior Minister Daniel Palacios said there had been 662 reports of incidents related to the vote, including 166 complaints, 120 cases of voter coercion and 120 cases of attempted bribery. Economy dominates Duque's successor faces a multitude of challenges, not least of which is a new cycle of murders and kidnappings as violence has surged despite the 2016 peace deal that disarmed the FARC and officially ended the civil war.

Ex-guerrilla Petro front runner in Colombia presidential primaries

<p>Chilean leftist Gabriel Boric was sworn in as president on Friday, vowing to listen to all sides while warning of the challenges ahead, as the Andean country marked the sharpest shift in its politics since the return to democracy three decades ago after the bloody dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet.</p>

<p>At the Congress building in the port city of Valparaiso, Boric, a 36-year-old, tattooed former protest leader and lawmaker, took the presidential sash from outgoing billionaire President Sebastian Pinera, making him the country's youngest-ever elected leader.</p>

<p>"The road ahead will be long and hard," Boric said during his first speech as president from a balcony at La Moneda government palace, overlooking a mostly masked and flag-waving crowd.</p>

<p><strong>Also see&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chile-to-embark-on-new-path-of-greater-social-equality-after-two-years-of-turmoil-460612">Chile to embark on new path of greater social equality after two years of turmoil</a></strong></p>

<p>In a wide-ranging address that touched on economic inclusion, immigration and climate change, Boric energetically pledged to lead a government that represents all citizens, stressing he will reach beyond his leftist base.</p>

<p>"I will always listen to the proposals of those who think differently from us," he said. "I'll be a president for all Chileans."</p>

<p>Boric's rise has sparked hope among progressives in Chile, long a conservative bastion of free markets and fiscal prudence in volatile South America, but has also stoked fear that decades of economic stability could come undone.</p>

<p>The leader of a broad leftist coalition including Chile's communist party, Boric has vowed to overhaul a market-led economic model to fight inequality that sparked violent protests in 2019, though he has moderated his fiery rhetoric in recent months.</p>

<p>The copper-producing country is also in the midst of redrafting its Pinochet-era Constitution, which has underpinned growth but been blamed for stoking inequality.</p>

<p>"We need a constitution that unites us," thundered Boric. "A constitution that's different from the one imposed by blood, fire and fraud of the dictatorship."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-briefs-tiktokers-on-ukraine-as-information-war-against-russia-heats-up-461466">White House briefs TikTokers on Ukraine as information war against Russia heats up</a></strong></p>

<p>Pinochet, whose shadow still looms large over the country, ousted socialist President Salvador Allende, who committed suicide in 1973 during a military coup. Boric has often praised Allende's legacy and did so again in his inaugural address.</p>

<p>"He reminds me of Allende, but I hope it has a happier ending," said Marigen Vargas, 62, who traveled all night to be at Boric's inauguration. "We want a more united, happier Chile."</p>

<p><strong>'Tasks lie ahead'</strong></p>

<p>Boric faces a raft of challenges from an economic slowdown, high inflation and a split legislature that will test his deal-making abilities to push through reforms in healthcare and pensions, while toughening environmental regulation.</p>

<p>Carlos Ruiz, an academic at the University of Chile who taught Boric, said Boric would have to deal with a rising ultra-conservative bloc that did well in elections last year and find consensus to push through his reforms.</p>

<p>"These are now the tasks lying ahead of Boric," he said.</p>

<p>Boric's female-majority Cabinet was also sworn in on Friday, as delegations from the United States, Spain, Argentina, Peru and others looked on.</p>

<p>Among a sea of suits and military garb, a part of the Senate was filled with representatives of Chile's various indigenous communities in traditional attire.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-police-officer-acquitted-in-death-of-indigenous-teenager-461445">Australian police officer acquitted in death of indigenous teenager</a></strong></p>

<p>"It's a sign that it's going to be an inclusive government," Cecilia Flores, an indigenous Aymara told Reuters in the chamber, adding it was the first time representatives from each indigenous group have been present at the inauguration.</p>

<p>"It's going to be a government that will make the social changes the people of Chile have been fighting for, especially indigenous groups."</p>

<p>High hopes may quickly butt up against a divided electorate and legislature, split down the middle between the right and left. Lawmakers will face sharply competing visions on fighting crime and dealing with waves of migrants, as well as indigenous rights.</p>

<p>"I wish him success in his future government," the outgoing president, Pinera, said in his final address, while citing concerns about identity politics, weakening of the judiciary, and crime. "But also the wisdom to distinguish right from wrong."</p>


Chilean leftist Gabriel Boric was sworn in as president on Friday, vowing to listen to all sides while warning of the challenges ahead, as the Andean country marked the sharpest shift in its politics since the return to democracy three decades ago after the bloody dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet.

Chilean leftist Gabriel Boric was sworn in as president on Friday, vowing to listen to all sides while warning of the challenges ahead, as the Andean country marked the sharpest shift in its politics since the return to democracy three decades ago after the bloody dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet. At the Congress building in the port city of Valparaiso, Boric, a 36-year-old, tattooed former protest leader and lawmaker, took the presidential sash from outgoing billionaire President Sebastian Pinera, making him the country's youngest-ever elected leader. "The road ahead will be long and hard," Boric said during his first speech as president from a balcony at La Moneda government palace, overlooking a mostly masked and flag-waving crowd. Also see | Chile to embark on new path of greater social equality after two years of turmoil In a wide-ranging address that touched on economic inclusion, immigration and climate change, Boric energetically pledged to lead a government that represents all citizens, stressing he will reach beyond his leftist base. "I will always listen to the proposals of those who think differently from us," he said. "I'll be a president for all Chileans." Boric's rise has sparked hope among progressives in Chile, long a conservative bastion of free markets and fiscal prudence in volatile South America, but has also stoked fear that decades of economic stability could come undone. The leader of a broad leftist coalition including Chile's communist party, Boric has vowed to overhaul a market-led economic model to fight inequality that sparked violent protests in 2019, though he has moderated his fiery rhetoric in recent months. The copper-producing country is also in the midst of redrafting its Pinochet-era Constitution, which has underpinned growth but been blamed for stoking inequality. "We need a constitution that unites us," thundered Boric. "A constitution that's different from the one imposed by blood, fire and fraud of the dictatorship." Also read | White House briefs TikTokers on Ukraine as information war against Russia heats up Pinochet, whose shadow still looms large over the country, ousted socialist President Salvador Allende, who committed suicide in 1973 during a military coup. Boric has often praised Allende's legacy and did so again in his inaugural address. "He reminds me of Allende, but I hope it has a happier ending," said Marigen Vargas, 62, who traveled all night to be at Boric's inauguration. "We want a more united, happier Chile." 'Tasks lie ahead' Boric faces a raft of challenges from an economic slowdown, high inflation and a split legislature that will test his deal-making abilities to push through reforms in healthcare and pensions, while toughening environmental regulation. Carlos Ruiz, an academic at the University of Chile who taught Boric, said Boric would have to deal with a rising ultra-conservative bloc that did well in elections last year and find consensus to push through his reforms. "These are now the tasks lying ahead of Boric," he said. Boric's female-majority Cabinet was also sworn in on Friday, as delegations from the United States, Spain, Argentina, Peru and others looked on. Among a sea of suits and military garb, a part of the Senate was filled with representatives of Chile's various indigenous communities in traditional attire. Also read | Australian police officer acquitted in death of indigenous teenager "It's a sign that it's going to be an inclusive government," Cecilia Flores, an indigenous Aymara told Reuters in the chamber, adding it was the first time representatives from each indigenous group have been present at the inauguration. "It's going to be a government that will make the social changes the people of Chile have been fighting for, especially indigenous groups." High hopes may quickly butt up against a divided electorate and legislature, split down the middle between the right and left. Lawmakers will face sharply competing visions on fighting crime and dealing with waves of migrants, as well as indigenous rights. "I wish him success in his future government," the outgoing president, Pinera, said in his final address, while citing concerns about identity politics, weakening of the judiciary, and crime. "But also the wisdom to distinguish right from wrong."

'I'll be a president for all Chileans', says Gabriel Boric

<p>The shift toward Donald Trump by Latino voters was one of the more surprising takeaways of the 2020 presidential election. The findings of recent polls and reports — that Latinos may still be sliding toward Republicans — are even more disconcerting for Democrats. Given the political stakes as well as the stakes for Latino families, Democratic leaders must do better.</p>

<p>As 2022 begins, the party so far has no visible, convincingly powerful plan to win over the voters many rank and file Democrats believe are key to November’s midterm elections, the 2024 presidential race and perhaps the future of the Democratic Party. But what happens next, when Democratic candidates fan out across the country trying to shore up support from Latinos who may be slipping away?</p>

<p>Some believe that doing better means spending more money on messaging, advertising and outreach. But this isn’t the only lesson to be gleaned from what the data is telling us, and it might not even be the right one. Democrats should more aggressively combat Republican messaging with their own, but the real fight should be over which party has the best ideas on education, immigration, jobs and the economy. This is where Democrats take the Latino vote for granted, but they shouldn’t.</p>

<p>Daniel Garza, the president of the conservative group The Libre Initiative, for example, believes that the Republican agenda gives his party the upper hand with Latinos. He scoffed at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announcement last November that it planned to win back Latino and other voters of color by spending at least $30 million to hire organizers, pay for targeted advertising campaigns, combat disinformation and support voter protection and education programs.</p>

<p>Thirty million is a lot of money, he told me, but it would be “wasted if the message were about nuanced topics like voter suppression, disinformation and diversity.” The problem for Democrats, he added, is that “GOP ideas are better” because they’re “pro-growth, pro-energy, pro-parent (school choice) and pro-advancement.”</p>

<p>Mr. Garza makes several assumptions: that voter suppression and disinformation are nuanced topics that don’t resonate with Latinos; that Democrats aren’t fighting for policies that will make our lives better; and that Republicans are the only party that supports growth and families.</p>

<p>Some Democrats have downplayed the importance of policy compared with style and approach. Chuck Rocha, a political strategist, who is in a way Mr. Garza’s liberal counterpoint, called the re-election campaign announcement by Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas at a Hispanic Leadership Summit a “brilliant political move,” but said that the Republican Party’s policies prove that they don’t care about Latinos. Mr. Rocha added that Democrats need to “quit taking a policy book” to a “fistfight.” He might be right that Democrats should be ready to fight, but they should absolutely bring their policy book with them.</p>

<p>Indeed, one of the main findings of the post-mortem report on the 2020 election published by Equis Research was that Donald Trump made inroads with Latino voters because he and Republican governors kept the economy open during the pandemic, cut taxes, distributed stimulus checks, secured the border and expedited vaccine development. I would add Mr. Trump’s focus on religious liberty and support for charter schools.</p>

<p>The report dispelled theories that Latinos supported Mr. Trump because they opposed the term Latinx and defunding the police, or because they aspire to whiteness. The problem with these assumptions is that they caricatured Latinos as motivated primarily by culture wars instead of sincerely held policy beliefs.</p>

<p>Or, rather, the term Latinx, policing and whiteness were issues with underlying policy implications that too often got framed as divisive culture wars, and in ways that minimized the real policy disagreements they highlighted for Latinos: generational divides between Latino Democrats over progressive versus moderate policies; whether the border patrol or police help or harm communities; and whether capitalism, however exploitative, or socialism, however invasive, is the best path toward upward mobility and economic security.</p>

<p>The notion that Latinos were swayed by disinformation implies that they could be duped into voting for Mr. Trump, or that they could have voted for him only if they were duped. Sure, calling President Biden a socialist is disinformation because he is not a socialist. But it’s also the same line of attack that Republicans have used to brand their opponents for a long time. We should be outraged with the lies, and we should combat them. But by merely dismissing the attack as disinformation we ignore why it has been so successful.</p>

<p>It’s not just that socialism conjures ghosts of Latin America’s leftist leaders. It’s also an argument about religion — since conservatives consider socialism a godless philosophy — the ills of government intervention and dependency on government, and education. In a society that cherishes freedom, parents should have a hand in deciding what their children learn.</p>

<p>As much as Democrats would like to dismiss Republican talking points — or misinformation, in some cases — they would be better off understanding how they relate to values that in turn connect with policy preferences. Then they can work to persuade Latinos that their policies are better, even on issues such as religion, the economy and education, on which Republicans claim to occupy more solid ground.</p>

<p>Latino voters aren’t empty vessels just waiting to be filled with liberal beliefs. The problem with focusing only, or even primarily, on messaging and outreach is that it once again doesn’t take Latinos seriously as political actors, and instead assumes that they’re out there ready to be mobilized for the Democratic cause. That’s just not true.</p>

<p>In the end, even if Democrats focus exclusively on policy, they still won’t sway all Latinos to vote for them. But doing so would help them better understand these voters. They should be asking them whether they are paid enough to provide for their families, if they’re satisfied with the schools their children go to, whether they have access to health care, and what government can do to help them reach their goals.</p>

<p>The concrete plans they develop in response, especially for families living paycheck to paycheck and worrying about schools and health care, should respect their work ethic and ambitions. Latinos aren’t looking for “handouts,” but rather, leveling the playing field by, for example, making it easier to get loans to start a business, and increasing access to higher education.</p>

<p>I dream of vigorous town hall-style debates where both parties engage in arguments over whose policies are best, instead of hurling talking points in our general direction from a distance. What Democrats learn may be uncomfortable if they have to abandon their assumptions. But dissecting our understanding of these voters, long presumed to represent a bloc, will be necessary if we have any hope of reconstituting “the Latino vote” in a way that’s more reflective of Latinos’ hopes, dreams and political aims.</p>


The shift toward Donald Trump by Latino voters was one of the more surprising takeaways of the 2020 presidential election. The findings of recent polls and reports — that Latinos may still be sliding toward Republicans — are even more disconcerting for Democrats.

The shift toward Donald Trump by Latino voters was one of the more surprising takeaways of the 2020 presidential election. The findings of recent polls and reports — that Latinos may still be sliding toward Republicans — are even more disconcerting for Democrats. Given the political stakes as well as the stakes for Latino families, Democratic leaders must do better. As 2022 begins, the party so far has no visible, convincingly powerful plan to win over the voters many rank and file Democrats believe are key to November’s midterm elections, the 2024 presidential race and perhaps the future of the Democratic Party. But what happens next, when Democratic candidates fan out across the country trying to shore up support from Latinos who may be slipping away? Some believe that doing better means spending more money on messaging, advertising and outreach. But this isn’t the only lesson to be gleaned from what the data is telling us, and it might not even be the right one. Democrats should more aggressively combat Republican messaging with their own, but the real fight should be over which party has the best ideas on education, immigration, jobs and the economy. This is where Democrats take the Latino vote for granted, but they shouldn’t. Daniel Garza, the president of the conservative group The Libre Initiative, for example, believes that the Republican agenda gives his party the upper hand with Latinos. He scoffed at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announcement last November that it planned to win back Latino and other voters of color by spending at least $30 million to hire organizers, pay for targeted advertising campaigns, combat disinformation and support voter protection and education programs. Thirty million is a lot of money, he told me, but it would be “wasted if the message were about nuanced topics like voter suppression, disinformation and diversity.” The problem for Democrats, he added, is that “GOP ideas are better” because they’re “pro-growth, pro-energy, pro-parent (school choice) and pro-advancement.” Mr. Garza makes several assumptions: that voter suppression and disinformation are nuanced topics that don’t resonate with Latinos; that Democrats aren’t fighting for policies that will make our lives better; and that Republicans are the only party that supports growth and families. Some Democrats have downplayed the importance of policy compared with style and approach. Chuck Rocha, a political strategist, who is in a way Mr. Garza’s liberal counterpoint, called the re-election campaign announcement by Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas at a Hispanic Leadership Summit a “brilliant political move,” but said that the Republican Party’s policies prove that they don’t care about Latinos. Mr. Rocha added that Democrats need to “quit taking a policy book” to a “fistfight.” He might be right that Democrats should be ready to fight, but they should absolutely bring their policy book with them. Indeed, one of the main findings of the post-mortem report on the 2020 election published by Equis Research was that Donald Trump made inroads with Latino voters because he and Republican governors kept the economy open during the pandemic, cut taxes, distributed stimulus checks, secured the border and expedited vaccine development. I would add Mr. Trump’s focus on religious liberty and support for charter schools. The report dispelled theories that Latinos supported Mr. Trump because they opposed the term Latinx and defunding the police, or because they aspire to whiteness. The problem with these assumptions is that they caricatured Latinos as motivated primarily by culture wars instead of sincerely held policy beliefs. Or, rather, the term Latinx, policing and whiteness were issues with underlying policy implications that too often got framed as divisive culture wars, and in ways that minimized the real policy disagreements they highlighted for Latinos: generational divides between Latino Democrats over progressive versus moderate policies; whether the border patrol or police help or harm communities; and whether capitalism, however exploitative, or socialism, however invasive, is the best path toward upward mobility and economic security. The notion that Latinos were swayed by disinformation implies that they could be duped into voting for Mr. Trump, or that they could have voted for him only if they were duped. Sure, calling President Biden a socialist is disinformation because he is not a socialist. But it’s also the same line of attack that Republicans have used to brand their opponents for a long time. We should be outraged with the lies, and we should combat them. But by merely dismissing the attack as disinformation we ignore why it has been so successful. It’s not just that socialism conjures ghosts of Latin America’s leftist leaders. It’s also an argument about religion — since conservatives consider socialism a godless philosophy — the ills of government intervention and dependency on government, and education. In a society that cherishes freedom, parents should have a hand in deciding what their children learn. As much as Democrats would like to dismiss Republican talking points — or misinformation, in some cases — they would be better off understanding how they relate to values that in turn connect with policy preferences. Then they can work to persuade Latinos that their policies are better, even on issues such as religion, the economy and education, on which Republicans claim to occupy more solid ground. Latino voters aren’t empty vessels just waiting to be filled with liberal beliefs. The problem with focusing only, or even primarily, on messaging and outreach is that it once again doesn’t take Latinos seriously as political actors, and instead assumes that they’re out there ready to be mobilized for the Democratic cause. That’s just not true. In the end, even if Democrats focus exclusively on policy, they still won’t sway all Latinos to vote for them. But doing so would help them better understand these voters. They should be asking them whether they are paid enough to provide for their families, if they’re satisfied with the schools their children go to, whether they have access to health care, and what government can do to help them reach their goals. The concrete plans they develop in response, especially for families living paycheck to paycheck and worrying about schools and health care, should respect their work ethic and ambitions. Latinos aren’t looking for “handouts,” but rather, leveling the playing field by, for example, making it easier to get loans to start a business, and increasing access to higher education. I dream of vigorous town hall-style debates where both parties engage in arguments over whose policies are best, instead of hurling talking points in our general direction from a distance. What Democrats learn may be uncomfortable if they have to abandon their assumptions. But dissecting our understanding of these voters, long presumed to represent a bloc, will be necessary if we have any hope of reconstituting “the Latino vote” in a way that’s more reflective of Latinos’ hopes, dreams and political aims.

Latino voters are key to 2024, and they’re not always buying what Democrats are selling

Kenya is gearing up for its August presidential elections. Veteran Kenyan politician Raila Odinga has made an announcement of its candidacy in a jump up to Nairobi stadium.

Kenya Presidential Elections: Former PM Odinga announces candidature

France is all set to go for presidential polls in 2022. The country will hold elections in April to elect a new president.

France: Emmanuel Macron announces his candidacy for a second term

The son of late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi registered as a presidential candidate in the General Elections which will be held in December.

Libya: Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi to contest in presidential polls

Responding to China, the Taiwan president made a fierce national day speech, saying the country would keep bolstering its defenses to ensure that nobody forces them to take the path that China has laid down.

Taiwan: President Tsai Ing-Wen, makes a fierce national day speech

<p>Amid former US President Donald Trump's preparation for a potential second term at the White House, he may have lost support of a key ally, his wife Melania Trump. Melania is not so keen on returning to the White House, according to reports.</p>

<p>Quoting unnamed sources close to Melania Trump, CNN said that she treats her time as the US First Lady as a chapter that is over.</p>

<p>Melania&nbsp;does not want to support Trump's inflated political ambitions.</p>

<p>In US, a person can serve as president for two terms. Since Trump has served one, he can seek election for second term challenging the incumbent Joe Biden in 2024.</p>

<p>Though not in power, Trump retains great influence in the Republican Party. This has been evident through conventions and public events of the party.</p>

<p>However, Melania does not appear keen to return to the White House, if reports are to be believed. She has kept a low profile after Trump was voted out of the office in US Presidential Election 2020.</p>

<p>While Trump was president, there were also reports of a marital discord between the couple. It was even said that Melania was waiting for Trump's tenure to be over in order to separate from him. Nothing major has happened on that front so far.</p>


Amid former US President Donald Trump's preparation for a potential second term at the White House, he may have lost support of a key ally, his wife Melania Trump.

Amid former US President Donald Trump's preparation for a potential second term at the White House, he may have lost support of a key ally, his wife Melania Trump. Melania is not so keen on returning to the White House, according to reports. Quoting unnamed sources close to Melania Trump, CNN said that she treats her time as the US First Lady as a chapter that is over. Melania does not want to support Trump's inflated political ambitions. In US, a person can serve as president for two terms. Since Trump has served one, he can seek election for second term challenging the incumbent Joe Biden in 2024. Though not in power, Trump retains great influence in the Republican Party. This has been evident through conventions and public events of the party. However, Melania does not appear keen to return to the White House, if reports are to be believed. She has kept a low profile after Trump was voted out of the office in US Presidential Election 2020. While Trump was president, there were also reports of a marital discord between the couple. It was even said that Melania was waiting for Trump's tenure to be over in order to separate from him. Nothing major has happened on that front so far.

Melania won't support Donald Trump if he runs for president again: Report

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Idlib in north western Syria to denounce the ongoing Presidential elections held on Wednesday. Protesters called the election farcical and illegitimate.

Thousands take to the street of Idlib to denounce Syria Presidential elections

<p>Syria's constitution court on Monday cleared two candidates who will stand against President Bashar al-Assad in upcoming presidential elections in the war-torn country. One of the candidates is a former minister while the other is a member of Damascus tolerated opposition in the country.</p>

<p>Constitution court's president declared the candidature in a press conference broadcast.</p>

<p>The Assad-appointed body approved only three out of 51 applications to stand in the May 26 ballot, among them the 55-year-old president himself, widely expected to win a fouth mandate.</p>

<p>Abdallah Salloum Abdallah, a state minister from 2016 to 2020, had been approved to run for president.</p>

<p>The third candidate was named as Mahmoud Marei, a member of the so-called "tolerated opposition" long described by exiled opposition leaders as an extension of the regime.</p>

<p>All 48 other applications were ruled out for "failing to meet constitutional and legal requirements", the court president said without elaborating.</p>

<p>They have until May 7 to appeal.</p>

<p>Applicants needed to win support from 35 Members of Parliament each of whom was allowed to back just one candidate.</p>

<p>Exiled opposition members are de facto ruled out by an electoral law that stipulates candidates must have lived in Syria continuously for at least the past decade.</p>

<p>The election will be the second since the start of a decade-long conflict that has killed over 388,000 people and forced more than half of Syria's pre-war population from their homes.</p>

<p>Damascus has invited lawmakers from allied countries such Russia, Iran, China, Venezuela and Cuba to observe the electoral process.</p>

<p>In New York, Western members of the UN Security Council, led by the United States, France and Britain, on Wednesday rejected the outcome of the May 26 poll in advance, a position denounced by Russia as "unacceptable".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Syria's constitution court on Monday cleared two candidates who will stand against President Bashar al-Assad in upcoming presidential elections in the war-torn country.

Syria's constitution court on Monday cleared two candidates who will stand against President Bashar al-Assad in upcoming presidential elections in the war-torn country. One of the candidates is a former minister while the other is a member of Damascus tolerated opposition in the country. Constitution court's president declared the candidature in a press conference broadcast. The Assad-appointed body approved only three out of 51 applications to stand in the May 26 ballot, among them the 55-year-old president himself, widely expected to win a fouth mandate. Abdallah Salloum Abdallah, a state minister from 2016 to 2020, had been approved to run for president. The third candidate was named as Mahmoud Marei, a member of the so-called "tolerated opposition" long described by exiled opposition leaders as an extension of the regime. All 48 other applications were ruled out for "failing to meet constitutional and legal requirements", the court president said without elaborating. They have until May 7 to appeal. Applicants needed to win support from 35 Members of Parliament each of whom was allowed to back just one candidate. Exiled opposition members are de facto ruled out by an electoral law that stipulates candidates must have lived in Syria continuously for at least the past decade. The election will be the second since the start of a decade-long conflict that has killed over 388,000 people and forced more than half of Syria's pre-war population from their homes. Damascus has invited lawmakers from allied countries such Russia, Iran, China, Venezuela and Cuba to observe the electoral process. In New York, Western members of the UN Security Council, led by the United States, France and Britain, on Wednesday rejected the outcome of the May 26 poll in advance, a position denounced by Russia as "unacceptable". (With inputs from agencies)

Syria: Bashar al-Assad will face two 'rivals' in presidential elections

presidential-elections

Presidential Elections, News on Presidential Elections, stories on Presidential Elections, articles on Presidential Elections, Presidential Elections stories at Wion, Presidential Elections news, Presidential Elections latest news