Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard. Some residents even hid in their homes, terrified that voting against Russia’s annexation would lead to their being abducted, or worse.

As Russia began orchestrating staged voting in referendums across Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine on Friday, Ukrainians in those areas expressed a mix of anger, defiance and fear that their homeland was being usurped by force in what they called a sham vote.

The aim of the hastily called referendums, supported by pro-Russian residents and their proxies was apparent; to give President Vladimir Putin of Russia a legally bogus pretext to gobble up their country. And they brought back memories of staged votes in 2014 in Crimea that were swiftly followed by Russia’s annexation of the peninsula.

Tina, 27, a freelance journalist who was visiting her fiancé’s parents in Beryslav, in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, said that she drove through the streets on Friday morning and saw Russian officials standing in a neighbor’s yard, waiting for him to fill the ballot before passing it on to someone in a nearby vehicle.

Russian officials were going door to door, she said, to deliver ballots, peering into the windows of homes that did not answer their call.

“We are against these occupiers,” Tina said, “but we do not have a right to say no. We cannot refuse.”

Tina, who said she has participated in protests against the Russian occupation, said that her fiancé’s relatives had locked their gates and doors and turned off their lights, as Ukrainian authorities had advised. But she was worried that their address would be noted and there would be negative repercussions if they refused to answer the door.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-residents-coerced-into-russian-annexation-vote-519102">Ukraine says residents of captured regions coerced into Russian annexation vote</a>

“After living side by side with them for more than six months now, we have learned that any refusal could result in a direct ticket to the basement,” she said, using a phrase Ukrainians under occupation in Kherson, a port city in the country’s south, have started using to describe abductions by occupying forces.

Olha, a Ukrainian who spoke on Thursday night to friends in Enerhodar, a Russian-controlled city in southeastern Ukraine near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, said men aged 18 to 35 were being prevented from leaving the city.

Echoing the concerns of many Ukrainians, she said she was nervous that Russian annexation would force young men to join the Russian military and fight against fellow Ukrainians. That has already happened in parts of Luhansk and Donetsk occupied by Russia since 2014.

“They want to conscript them to the Russian armed forces,” Olha said. “And Ukrainians will have to fight against Ukrainians,” she said, stopping as she broke into tears. Like others interviewed for this article, she did not want to use her full name out of concern for her safety.

Andriy, 44, who has friends and relatives in Kherson, said he had spoken to them in recent days and they had told him that it wasn’t possible to leave the city because of the referendum.

“You know, those who are smart, they sit at home and don’t go anywhere,” he said by phone from Kyiv.

In Russian-occupied Melitopol, in southeastern Ukraine, Natalia, 73, a pensioner, said that the referendums had shocked her. 
“The scariest thing is that after the referendum, if Ukraine tries to liberate my city, it will be considered as an attack on Russia,” she said.

She said the Russians had set up information booths about the referendum across Melitopol, and had hung banners with pro-Russian slogans. The city, she said, was covered with Russian flags, and patriotic Russian music played.

On Friday, she said, she looked out the window of her apartment and saw two pro-Russian referendum workers entering the building. She remained inside, far from the window, to avoid being seen. But she managed to spot two soldiers, each wearing a balaclava and clutching a gun, escorting three referendum workers.

She said that a polling station had been set up in the gym of a school. “I will not go to vote,” Natalia said. “Only if they point a gun at me, and even then I will vote for Ukraine.”

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Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard.

Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard. Some residents even hid in their homes, terrified that voting against Russia’s annexation would lead to their being abducted, or worse. As Russia began orchestrating staged voting in referendums across Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine on Friday, Ukrainians in those areas expressed a mix of anger, defiance and fear that their homeland was being usurped by force in what they called a sham vote. The aim of the hastily called referendums, supported by pro-Russian residents and their proxies was apparent; to give President Vladimir Putin of Russia a legally bogus pretext to gobble up their country. And they brought back memories of staged votes in 2014 in Crimea that were swiftly followed by Russia’s annexation of the peninsula. Tina, 27, a freelance journalist who was visiting her fiancé’s parents in Beryslav, in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, said that she drove through the streets on Friday morning and saw Russian officials standing in a neighbor’s yard, waiting for him to fill the ballot before passing it on to someone in a nearby vehicle. Russian officials were going door to door, she said, to deliver ballots, peering into the windows of homes that did not answer their call. “We are against these occupiers,” Tina said, “but we do not have a right to say no. We cannot refuse.” Tina, who said she has participated in protests against the Russian occupation, said that her fiancé’s relatives had locked their gates and doors and turned off their lights, as Ukrainian authorities had advised. But she was worried that their address would be noted and there would be negative repercussions if they refused to answer the door. Read more: Ukraine says residents of captured regions coerced into Russian annexation vote “After living side by side with them for more than six months now, we have learned that any refusal could result in a direct ticket to the basement,” she said, using a phrase Ukrainians under occupation in Kherson, a port city in the country’s south, have started using to describe abductions by occupying forces. Olha, a Ukrainian who spoke on Thursday night to friends in Enerhodar, a Russian-controlled city in southeastern Ukraine near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, said men aged 18 to 35 were being prevented from leaving the city. Echoing the concerns of many Ukrainians, she said she was nervous that Russian annexation would force young men to join the Russian military and fight against fellow Ukrainians. That has already happened in parts of Luhansk and Donetsk occupied by Russia since 2014. “They want to conscript them to the Russian armed forces,” Olha said. “And Ukrainians will have to fight against Ukrainians,” she said, stopping as she broke into tears. Like others interviewed for this article, she did not want to use her full name out of concern for her safety. Andriy, 44, who has friends and relatives in Kherson, said he had spoken to them in recent days and they had told him that it wasn’t possible to leave the city because of the referendum. “You know, those who are smart, they sit at home and don’t go anywhere,” he said by phone from Kyiv. In Russian-occupied Melitopol, in southeastern Ukraine, Natalia, 73, a pensioner, said that the referendums had shocked her. “The scariest thing is that after the referendum, if Ukraine tries to liberate my city, it will be considered as an attack on Russia,” she said. She said the Russians had set up information booths about the referendum across Melitopol, and had hung banners with pro-Russian slogans. The city, she said, was covered with Russian flags, and patriotic Russian music played. On Friday, she said, she looked out the window of her apartment and saw two pro-Russian referendum workers entering the building. She remained inside, far from the window, to avoid being seen. But she managed to spot two soldiers, each wearing a balaclava and clutching a gun, escorting three referendum workers. She said that a polling station had been set up in the gym of a school. “I will not go to vote,” Natalia said. “Only if they point a gun at me, and even then I will vote for Ukraine.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian referendum voting evokes feeling of anger, trepidation and defiance

Four regions of Ukraine will hold a referendum on joining Russia, a move which is widely condemned by the West. The Russian-backed leaders in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, & Kherson have plans to hold votes.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Update: Four Ukraine regions to vote on joining Russia today

Russian-backed representatives of at least four regions in Ukraine have said they will hold a referendum on joining Russia in the coming days.

Leaders in four regions of Ukraine announce referendum

A Russian-installed official in Ukraine's Kherson region said that plans for a referendum on joining Russia had been "paused" due to the security situation.

Ukrainian counter-offensive hinted as reason for referendum pause

The South American Nation of Chile where according to initial reports, the voters have now rejected a proposed new constitution to replace the 1980 document that was adopted during General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship.

Chile says 'NO' to new constitution, 62% voters reject the new text

A senior White House official indicated on Wednesday that Russia could start referenda intended to formally establish its rule over the Ukrainian territory it captured this week.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the United States has heard "that Russian leadership has instructed officials to begin preparing to hold sham referenda" in Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and "particularly" Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"These referenda could begin in a matter of days or weeks. In fact, we could see a Russian announcement of the first one or ones before the end of this week," he added.&nbsp;

"Since they obviously are having trouble achieving geographic gains inside Ukraine, they are trying to gain that through false political means," he said.

Kirby asserted that there is little support among Ukrainians in such regions for Russian annexation.

"We expect Russia to try to manipulate the results of these referenda, to falsely claim that the Ukrainian people want to join Russia," he said.

"It will be critical to call out and counter this disinformation in real-time," he said.

In 2014, weeks after capturing control of the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine, Moscow sponsored a referendum that allegedly revealed the region's residents preferred to join Russia.&nbsp;

According to the US intelligence, Russian authorities in the occupied territories are concerned that the local population won't show up to vote, Kirby said.&nbsp;He&nbsp;further stated without going into further detail that the Russians are preparing "workarounds" to show success in order to cope with it.

"The Russian officials themselves know that what they're doing will lack legitimacy, and it will not reflect the will of the people," he said.

"The United States and the international community have been very clear that any attempts at controlling Ukraine's sovereign territory will not be considered legitimate," he said.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A senior White House official indicated on Wednesday that Russia could start referenda intended to formally establish its rule over the Ukrainian territory it captured this week.

A senior White House official indicated on Wednesday that Russia could start referenda intended to formally establish its rule over the Ukrainian territory it captured this week. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the United States has heard "that Russian leadership has instructed officials to begin preparing to hold sham referenda" in Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and "particularly" Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine. "These referenda could begin in a matter of days or weeks. In fact, we could see a Russian announcement of the first one or ones before the end of this week," he added. "Since they obviously are having trouble achieving geographic gains inside Ukraine, they are trying to gain that through false political means," he said. Kirby asserted that there is little support among Ukrainians in such regions for Russian annexation. "We expect Russia to try to manipulate the results of these referenda, to falsely claim that the Ukrainian people want to join Russia," he said. "It will be critical to call out and counter this disinformation in real-time," he said. In 2014, weeks after capturing control of the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine, Moscow sponsored a referendum that allegedly revealed the region's residents preferred to join Russia. According to the US intelligence, Russian authorities in the occupied territories are concerned that the local population won't show up to vote, Kirby said. He further stated without going into further detail that the Russians are preparing "workarounds" to show success in order to cope with it. "The Russian officials themselves know that what they're doing will lack legitimacy, and it will not reflect the will of the people," he said. "The United States and the international community have been very clear that any attempts at controlling Ukraine's sovereign territory will not be considered legitimate," he said. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia may announce 'sham' referenda to formalise control of captured territories in Ukraine: US

Scottish government on Tuesday announced plans to hold a second independence referendum on October 19, 2023, drawing the battle lines for a legal and political tussle with London, as reported by AFP. Addressing the Edinburgh parliament, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon conceded that her devolved administration may lack the power to call the vote without London's approval.

To ensure legal clarity, it will seek an opinion from the UK Supreme Court before it asks voters: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"&nbsp;

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The phrasing of the question was the same as Scottish voters were asked in 2014. Then, they agreed to stay in the United Kingdom, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's UK government says that settled the matter for a generation. But Sturgeon's Scottish National Party (SNP) says the UK's divorce from the European Union, following a 2016 referendum, has transformed the debate.

Most Scottish voters were opposed to Brexit, and the SNP-led government said that with a majority in the

Edinburgh parliament now in favour of independence, Scots should be consulted again. Sturgeon stressed that the "consultative referendum" would only proceed with the approval of the UK Supreme Court.

A vote in favour of independence would still need approval from both parliaments in Edinburgh and London before Scotland could formally break away. If the UK Supreme Court rules that the Scottish government lacks the power to hold the vote without London's agreement, "it will be the fault of Westminster legislation, not the court", she said.

In that scenario, the SNP would use the UK's next general election due by 2024 as a "de facto referendum" on independence, she added.&nbsp;

"Either way, the people of Scotland will have their say."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-rescue-on-the-sea-this-spanish-city-will-charge-you-for-it-492622">Need rescue on the sea? This Spanish city will charge you for it</a>

Sturgeon's statement came as Queen Elizabeth II made an unexpected appearance at "Holyrood week", an annual series of ceremonial events in the Scottish capital. &nbsp;The 96-year-old monarch has been suffering from difficulties walking and standing since an unscheduled night in the hospital last October that forced her to cancel public engagements.&nbsp;

As head of state, the monarch is politically neutral, but the Daily Telegraph said her visit to Edinburgh "packs an ever-so-polite political punch".&nbsp;

"Without speaking -- and indeed almost without moving in public -- she embarked on just the sort of show of soft diplomacy she has spent 70 years perfecting," the newspaper said.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

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Scottish government on Tuesday announced plans to hold a second independence referendum on October 19, 2023, drawing the battle lines for a legal and political tussle with London, as reported by AFP.

Scottish government on Tuesday announced plans to hold a second independence referendum on October 19, 2023, drawing the battle lines for a legal and political tussle with London, as reported by AFP. Addressing the Edinburgh parliament, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon conceded that her devolved administration may lack the power to call the vote without London's approval. To ensure legal clarity, it will seek an opinion from the UK Supreme Court before it asks voters: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" × The phrasing of the question was the same as Scottish voters were asked in 2014. Then, they agreed to stay in the United Kingdom, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's UK government says that settled the matter for a generation. But Sturgeon's Scottish National Party (SNP) says the UK's divorce from the European Union, following a 2016 referendum, has transformed the debate. Most Scottish voters were opposed to Brexit, and the SNP-led government said that with a majority in the Edinburgh parliament now in favour of independence, Scots should be consulted again. Sturgeon stressed that the "consultative referendum" would only proceed with the approval of the UK Supreme Court. A vote in favour of independence would still need approval from both parliaments in Edinburgh and London before Scotland could formally break away. If the UK Supreme Court rules that the Scottish government lacks the power to hold the vote without London's agreement, "it will be the fault of Westminster legislation, not the court", she said. In that scenario, the SNP would use the UK's next general election due by 2024 as a "de facto referendum" on independence, she added. "Either way, the people of Scotland will have their say." Also Read: Need rescue on the sea? This Spanish city will charge you for it Sturgeon's statement came as Queen Elizabeth II made an unexpected appearance at "Holyrood week", an annual series of ceremonial events in the Scottish capital. The 96-year-old monarch has been suffering from difficulties walking and standing since an unscheduled night in the hospital last October that forced her to cancel public engagements. As head of state, the monarch is politically neutral, but the Daily Telegraph said her visit to Edinburgh "packs an ever-so-polite political punch". "Without speaking -- and indeed almost without moving in public -- she embarked on just the sort of show of soft diplomacy she has spent 70 years perfecting," the newspaper said. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH: Scotland proposes independence referendum on October 19, 2023

Voters in Kazakhstan have opened the way for political reform. Kazakhstan is all set to amend the constitution after the referendum passes with a 77% majority.

Kazakhstan: 77% vote for constitutional overhaul

Kazakhstan to amend the constitution as referendum passes with 77% majority

Kazakhstan is holding referendum to reduce presidential powers. The current president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said this was a move to strengthen parliament and move from a super presidential to a presidential system of government.

Kazakhstan holds referendum: Prez Tokayev wants stronger Parliament

President of Georgia’s breakaway region, South Ossetia, on Monday, scrapped plans to hold a referendum on joining Russia which his predecessor Anatoly Bibilov had scheduled for July 17.

 
South Ossetia was at the centre of the Russian-Georgian war in 2008 after which the Kremlin recognised the territory as an independent state and stationed military bases there.

 
In a decree issued Monday, the Moscow-controlled enclave's president Alan Gagloev invoked "uncertainty of the legal consequences of the issue submitted to a referendum".

 
The decree also stressed "the inadmissibility of a unilateral decision of a referendum on issues affecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Russian Federation".

 
Gagloev ordered, "to hold, without delay, consultations with the Russian side on the entire range of issues related to the further integration of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation".

 
On May 13, Gagloev's predecessor, Anatoly Bibilov, signed a decree on holding the referendum, citing the region's "historic aspiration" to join Russia, his office said at the time.

&nbsp;

Bibilov lost his bid for re-election earlier this month. Russia has expressed hope that Gagloev will preserve "continuity" in ties with Moscow.

 
Tbilisi has previously denounced as "unacceptable" plans by South Ossetia to hold a referendum on joining Russia.

 
In August 2008, Russian forces launched an all-out invasion of Georgia, which was battling pro-Russian militia in South Ossetia, after they shelled Georgian villages.
<img alt="South Ossetia on Map" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2bf4cd9-b281-487f-9cab-a7e3e021085d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FMiJ8paWQAEJRB5.jpeg" />
 
The fighting ended five days later with a European Union-mediated ceasefire but claimed more than 700 lives and displaced tens of thousands of ethnic Georgians.

 
The war's aftermath saw the Kremlin recognise the independence of South Ossetia and another separatist region, Abkhazia, which have since remained under Russia's military control.

 
The conflict marked the culmination of tensions with the Kremlin over staunchly pro-Western Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and North Atlantic&nbsp;Treaty Organisation.

 
In March, the Hague-based International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan, applied for arrest warrants for three current and former South Ossetian officials in connection with war crimes committed against ethnic Georgians.

 
The alleged crimes included torture, inhuman treatment, illegal detention, violation of personal dignity, hostage-taking and illegal transfers of people.

 
Last year, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Russia was responsible for human rights violations in the war's aftermath.

 
[ Inputs from AFP] 
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President of Georgia’s breakaway region, South Ossetia, on Monday, scrapped plans to hold a referendum on joining Russia which his predecessor Anatoly Bibilov had scheduled for July 17.

President of Georgia’s breakaway region, South Ossetia, on Monday, scrapped plans to hold a referendum on joining Russia which his predecessor Anatoly Bibilov had scheduled for July 17. South Ossetia was at the centre of the Russian-Georgian war in 2008 after which the Kremlin recognised the territory as an independent state and stationed military bases there. In a decree issued Monday, the Moscow-controlled enclave's president Alan Gagloev invoked "uncertainty of the legal consequences of the issue submitted to a referendum". The decree also stressed "the inadmissibility of a unilateral decision of a referendum on issues affecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Russian Federation". Gagloev ordered, "to hold, without delay, consultations with the Russian side on the entire range of issues related to the further integration of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation". On May 13, Gagloev's predecessor, Anatoly Bibilov, signed a decree on holding the referendum, citing the region's "historic aspiration" to join Russia, his office said at the time. Bibilov lost his bid for re-election earlier this month. Russia has expressed hope that Gagloev will preserve "continuity" in ties with Moscow. Tbilisi has previously denounced as "unacceptable" plans by South Ossetia to hold a referendum on joining Russia. In August 2008, Russian forces launched an all-out invasion of Georgia, which was battling pro-Russian militia in South Ossetia, after they shelled Georgian villages. The fighting ended five days later with a European Union-mediated ceasefire but claimed more than 700 lives and displaced tens of thousands of ethnic Georgians. The war's aftermath saw the Kremlin recognise the independence of South Ossetia and another separatist region, Abkhazia, which have since remained under Russia's military control. The conflict marked the culmination of tensions with the Kremlin over staunchly pro-Western Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. In March, the Hague-based International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan, applied for arrest warrants for three current and former South Ossetian officials in connection with war crimes committed against ethnic Georgians. The alleged crimes included torture, inhuman treatment, illegal detention, violation of personal dignity, hostage-taking and illegal transfers of people. Last year, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Russia was responsible for human rights violations in the war's aftermath. [ Inputs from AFP] Live TV Code WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia ditches referendum on joining Russia

Which leader asks citizens to vote him out? Mexico's President Lopez Obrador just did. Obrador held a referendum, asking Mexicans whether he, the President, should step down. What was the result? Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Mexico's Obrador wins historic referendum

Any compromises, which may be agreed with Russia to end the war, would need to be voted on by Ukrainians through a referendum, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, as per a Reuters report. &nbsp;

In an interview, which was published by Ukrainian public broadcasting company Suspilne, Zelensky said, "The people will have to speak up and respond to this or that form of compromise. And what they (the compromises) will be is the subject of our talks and understanding between Ukraine and Russia." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-looking-to-use-biological-chemical-weapons-in-ukraine-says-biden-464442" hreflang="en">Putin looking to use biological, chemical weapons in Ukraine, says Biden</a>

Issues, which could be raised in any referendum, may concern territories occupied by Russian forces, including Crimea, or security guarantees offered to Ukraine by countries in lieu of NATO membership, Zelensky added. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, around eight people were killed after Russian bombs destroyed a shopping centre in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, as per local officials. &nbsp;

The Retroville shopping mall and cars parked in the adjacent lot caught fire following Russian shelling in Podilskyi district, Ukraine State Emergency Service said late on Sunday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-invasion-triggers-patriotism-wave-in-ukraine-turns-inspiring-tattoos-billboards-popular-464172" hreflang="en">Russian invasion triggers patriotism wave in Ukraine, turns inspiring tattoos, billboards popular</a>

Sixty-three firefighters were deployed to extinguish the flames that had reached as high as the third and fourth floors of the shopping centre, reported&nbsp;CNN. &nbsp;

“According to the information we have at the moment, several homes and one of the shopping centres [were hit],” city mayor Vitali Klitschko said on his Telegram channel, as per Reuters. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Any compromises, which may be agreed with Russia to end the war, would need to be voted on by Ukrainians through a referendum, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, as per a Reuters report.

Any compromises, which may be agreed with Russia to end the war, would need to be voted on by Ukrainians through a referendum, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, as per a Reuters report. In an interview, which was published by Ukrainian public broadcasting company Suspilne, Zelensky said, "The people will have to speak up and respond to this or that form of compromise. And what they (the compromises) will be is the subject of our talks and understanding between Ukraine and Russia." Also Read: Putin looking to use biological, chemical weapons in Ukraine, says Biden Issues, which could be raised in any referendum, may concern territories occupied by Russian forces, including Crimea, or security guarantees offered to Ukraine by countries in lieu of NATO membership, Zelensky added. Meanwhile, around eight people were killed after Russian bombs destroyed a shopping centre in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, as per local officials. The Retroville shopping mall and cars parked in the adjacent lot caught fire following Russian shelling in Podilskyi district, Ukraine State Emergency Service said late on Sunday. Also Read: Russian invasion triggers patriotism wave in Ukraine, turns inspiring tattoos, billboards popular Sixty-three firefighters were deployed to extinguish the flames that had reached as high as the third and fourth floors of the shopping centre, reported CNN. “According to the information we have at the moment, several homes and one of the shopping centres [were hit],” city mayor Vitali Klitschko said on his Telegram channel, as per Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Any compromises to be agreed with Russia to end war will need referendum, says Ukrainian President Zelensky

Italy's Constitutional Court rejected a request for a referendum on the right to die on Tuesday, even after the initiative's proponents collected more than a million signatures.

Right-to-die advocates in Italy have been trying to force a referendum on the contentious issue in the largely Catholic country where opposition is strong.

They seek to at least partially repeal sanctions against people who assist in the suicide of patients suffering from incurable illnesses or intolerable pain and who have already received palliative care.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-is-legal-281943">Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal</a>

The Constitutional Court, however, said that repealing punishments would not safeguard the minimum constitutional standards governing the protection of human life, "particularly for the weak and vulnerable."

"The Constitutional Court's decision must push parliament to approve the law on assisted suicide," Enrico Letta, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), wrote on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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La bocciatura da parte della Corte Costituzionale del referendum sull’ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eutanasialegale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eutanasialegale</a> deve ora spingere il Parlamento ad approvare la legge sul <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/suicidioassistito?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#suicidioassistito</a>, secondo le indicazioni della Corte stessa.
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In 2019, the court partially decriminalised assisted suicide under certain conditions with the approval of local health authorities and an ethics committee. Nonetheless, it recommended that parliament should pass a law regulating the practice.

Among the leading advocates of a referendum is Marco Cappato, who said the court's decision was "bad news for those who suffer and will have to (face) even longer unbearable suffering against their will".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-life-choice-act-28-assisted-deaths-in-first-three-months-of-new-law-451116">'End of life choice act': 28 assisted deaths in first three months of new law</a>

Last year, proponents of the right to die collected more than twice the 500,000 signatures needed to see a referendum approved.

The country's parliament is debating a legislation that would allow terminally ill patients to commit suicide through the public health system and protect doctors from legal action.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Can a person end their own life to escape pain?

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Political parties remain deeply divided on the issue, with the centre-left generally supporting it and the centre-right generally opposing it. The pope has recently condemned assisted suicide, stating that it has no place in medical ethics.

According to a poll by the SWG research group in 2019, 92 per cent of Italians were in favour of allowing assisted suicides and euthanasia. Around 45 per cent said they were in favour of it generally, while 47 per cent said they were in favour in some circumstances.

(With inputs from agencies)

Italy's Constitutional Court rejected a request for a referendum on the right to die on Tuesday, even after the initiative's proponents collected more than a million signatures.

Italy's Constitutional Court rejected a request for a referendum on the right to die on Tuesday, even after the initiative's proponents collected more than a million signatures. Right-to-die advocates in Italy have been trying to force a referendum on the contentious issue in the largely Catholic country where opposition is strong. They seek to at least partially repeal sanctions against people who assist in the suicide of patients suffering from incurable illnesses or intolerable pain and who have already received palliative care. Also read | Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal The Constitutional Court, however, said that repealing punishments would not safeguard the minimum constitutional standards governing the protection of human life, "particularly for the weak and vulnerable." "The Constitutional Court's decision must push parliament to approve the law on assisted suicide," Enrico Letta, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), wrote on Twitter. La bocciatura da parte della Corte Costituzionale del referendum sull’ #eutanasialegale deve ora spingere il Parlamento ad approvare la legge sul #suicidioassistito, secondo le indicazioni della Corte stessa. — Enrico Letta (@EnricoLetta) February 15, 2022 × In 2019, the court partially decriminalised assisted suicide under certain conditions with the approval of local health authorities and an ethics committee. Nonetheless, it recommended that parliament should pass a law regulating the practice. Among the leading advocates of a referendum is Marco Cappato, who said the court's decision was "bad news for those who suffer and will have to (face) even longer unbearable suffering against their will". Also read | 'End of life choice act': 28 assisted deaths in first three months of new law Last year, proponents of the right to die collected more than twice the 500,000 signatures needed to see a referendum approved. The country's parliament is debating a legislation that would allow terminally ill patients to commit suicide through the public health system and protect doctors from legal action. Watch | Gravitas: Can a person end their own life to escape pain? Political parties remain deeply divided on the issue, with the centre-left generally supporting it and the centre-right generally opposing it. The pope has recently condemned assisted suicide, stating that it has no place in medical ethics. According to a poll by the SWG research group in 2019, 92 per cent of Italians were in favour of allowing assisted suicides and euthanasia. Around 45 per cent said they were in favour of it generally, while 47 per cent said they were in favour in some circumstances. (With inputs from agencies)

'Right-to-die': Italy court refuses to allow euthanasia referendum

A region in Switzerland will vote on Sunday whether non-human primates should be accorded some of the fundamental rights that are enjoyed by humans.

The northern province of Basel-Stadt will decide whether to amend its constitution so that the primates can enjoy the ‘right to life’ and “mental and physical integrity” under the region’s law.

The referendum has been piloted by the animal rights group, Sentience, under Switzerland’s direct democracy system.

The plea has gathered over 100,000 signatures, following which it would be put for a popular vote. The referendum is slated to begin on February 13, 2022.

Once the quota was reached, local media reports stated that the city authorities immediately appealed to Switzerland’s Supreme Court to stop the referendum, saying that it went against federal law.

But the complaint was dismissed in 2020 on the basis that cantons in Switzerland are allowed to go further in their protection than federal law does.

“This will mark the first time worldwide that people can vote on fundamental rights for non-human animals,” AFP quoted the group as saying.

Basel-based Sentience says primates are highly intelligent and maintain an active social life, and feel pain, grief and compassion.

However, they cannot defend themselves against interventions in their lives — so humans need to take responsibility and grant them rights, says Sentience’s website.

Basel-Stadt is known to host one of the best zoos in Europe. The group says some 150 primates live in the canton, which borders France and Germany.

(With inputs from agencies)

A region in Switzerland will vote on Sunday whether non-human primates should be accorded some of the fundamental rights that are enjoyed by humans. The northern province of Basel-Stadt will decide whether to amend its constitution so that the primates can enjoy the ‘right to life’ and “mental and physical integrity” under the region’s law.

A region in Switzerland will vote on Sunday whether non-human primates should be accorded some of the fundamental rights that are enjoyed by humans. The northern province of Basel-Stadt will decide whether to amend its constitution so that the primates can enjoy the ‘right to life’ and “mental and physical integrity” under the region’s law. The referendum has been piloted by the animal rights group, Sentience, under Switzerland’s direct democracy system. The plea has gathered over 100,000 signatures, following which it would be put for a popular vote. The referendum is slated to begin on February 13, 2022. Once the quota was reached, local media reports stated that the city authorities immediately appealed to Switzerland’s Supreme Court to stop the referendum, saying that it went against federal law. But the complaint was dismissed in 2020 on the basis that cantons in Switzerland are allowed to go further in their protection than federal law does. “This will mark the first time worldwide that people can vote on fundamental rights for non-human animals,” AFP quoted the group as saying. Basel-based Sentience says primates are highly intelligent and maintain an active social life, and feel pain, grief and compassion. However, they cannot defend themselves against interventions in their lives — so humans need to take responsibility and grant them rights, says Sentience’s website. Basel-Stadt is known to host one of the best zoos in Europe. The group says some 150 primates live in the canton, which borders France and Germany. (With inputs from agencies)

This Swizz region is trying to pass law for primates to enjoy 'human' rights

Taiwan's opposition suffered a major setback after voters rejected four referendums it had championed as a show of no confidence in the government.

Taiwan's four contentious referendums were rejected as low voter turnout resulted in nullification

The small South Pacific territory of New Caledonia is over 16,000 kilometers away from France. It has now rejected independence in its third and final referendum.

Emmanuel Macron: France is more beautiful with Caledonia in it

Voters in Switzerland, one of the last Western European countries that still bans gay&nbsp;marriage, will decide in a&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;on Sunday whether to allow&nbsp;same-sex&nbsp;couples to get married and adopt children.

The federal government and parliament have already approved the amended law, but opponents led by the right-wing&nbsp;Swiss&nbsp;People's Party (SVP) forced a&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;on the issue under Switzerland's system of direct democracy.

According to the latest opinion poll, supporters of&nbsp;same-sex&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;were in the lead, with 63 per cent&nbsp;of respondents saying they were in favour, but the "no" campaign has gathered steam over the last weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-tiananmen-vigil-organiser-disbands-416056">Also read |&nbsp;Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil organiser disbands</a>

First indications from the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;are expected at around 1030 GMT and the final result is due later in the day.

The amended law will make it possible for&nbsp;same-sex&nbsp;couples to get married, and to adopt children unrelated to them. Married lesbian couples would also be allowed to have children through sperm donation, currently legal only for married heterosexual couples.

It will also make it easier for foreign spouses of a&nbsp;Swiss&nbsp;individual to get citizenship.

Voters in Switzerland, one of the last Western European countries that still bans gay marriage, will decide in a referendum on Sunday whether to allow same-sex couples to get married and adopt children.

Voters in Switzerland, one of the last Western European countries that still bans gay marriage, will decide in a referendum on Sunday whether to allow same-sex couples to get married and adopt children. The federal government and parliament have already approved the amended law, but opponents led by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) forced a referendum on the issue under Switzerland's system of direct democracy. According to the latest opinion poll, supporters of same-sex marriage were in the lead, with 63 per cent of respondents saying they were in favour, but the "no" campaign has gathered steam over the last weeks. Also read | Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil organiser disbands First indications from the vote are expected at around 1030 GMT and the final result is due later in the day. The amended law will make it possible for same-sex couples to get married, and to adopt children unrelated to them. Married lesbian couples would also be allowed to have children through sperm donation, currently legal only for married heterosexual couples. It will also make it easier for foreign spouses of a Swiss individual to get citizenship.

Swiss to vote on allowing same-sex marriage in referendum

San Marino, one of Europe's smallest countries is preparing to head to the polls on Sunday to vote in a historic referendum on abortion dating back to 1865 in the landlocked enclave.

San Marino to vote in a historic referendum on abortion

Mexicans began voting Sunday in a national referendum promoted by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on whether to investigate and prosecute his predecessors for alleged corruption.

Lopez Obrador, a self-styled anti-graft crusader, says the public consultation will strengthen participatory democracy, but critics see it as little more than a political stunt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fears-for-future-of-mexico-citys-green-lung-396099">Fears for future of Mexico City's 'green lung'</a>

To be binding, 37.4 million people -- 40 per cent of the electoral roll -- must participate, but many voters appear unenthusiastic.

While the "yes" vote could win up to 90 per cent, it will be difficult to achieve even 30 per cent turnout, said Roy Campos, director of the polling company Mitofsky.

Rosario Gomez is among those who plan to vote at one of 57,000 ballot boxes set up by the electoral institute, compared with more than 160,000 for June's legislative and local elections.

"It's about time these thieves pay!" the 52-year-old market vendor said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuel-tanker-owned-by-mexicos-pemex-on-its-way-to-cuba-report-400875">Fuel tanker owned by Mexico's Pemex on its way to Cuba: Report</a>

Polls opened at 8 am (1300 GMT) and were due to close at&nbsp;6 pm, with the result expected to be known within two or three days.

'Political circus'&nbsp;

Mexico is ranked 124th out of 179 on Transparency International's world corruption perceptions index.

But former presidents can be tried like any other citizen and critics argue that the referendum is unnecessary.

"Waiting for the results of a consultation is making justice a political circus," said Jose Miguel Vivanco, regional director of New York-based Human Rights Watch.

Former National Electoral Institute president Luis Carlos Ugalde argued that if the prosecution has evidence against the ex-presidents, it's not necessary for "the people to tell you yes or no."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-war-veteran-walks-us-mexico-border-protests-deportation-of-veterans-400365">Iraq war veteran walks US-Mexico border, protests deportation of veterans</a>

Although the vote was Lopez Obrador's brainchild, he has ruled out voting himself because he does not want "corrupt and hypocritical conservatism" to accuse him of vindictiveness.

The referendum question proposed by Lopez Obrador named five predecessors -- Carlos Salinas, Ernesto Zedillo, Vicente Fox, Felipe Calderon, and Enrique Pena Nieto, whose terms in power stretched from 1988 to 2018.

Lopez Obrador has accused them of presiding over "excessive concentration of wealth, monumental losses to the treasury, privatization of public property, and widespread corruption," drawing angry denials.

In the end, the Supreme Court modified the referendum question for a more ambiguous alternative.

"It's not very sexy. Not even the lawyers understand it," analyst Paula Sofia Vazquez told AFP.

'Final straw'&nbsp;

The question reads: "Do you agree or not that the pertinent actions be carried out, in accordance with the constitutional and legal framework, to undertake a process of clarification of the political decisions made in the past years by the political actors, aimed at guaranteeing justice and the rights of potential victims?"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-city-to-accelerate-vaccinations-as-covid-19-infections-surge-398634">Mexico City to accelerate vaccinations as COVID-19 infections surge</a>

Omar Garcia, a survivor of the disappearance and presumed murder of 43 students in 2014, allegedly at the hands of corrupt police and drug traffickers, said listening to the people was valid even if it was not binding.&nbsp;

"It does encourage an end to impunity," Garcia said.

But&nbsp;59-year-old manager Monica Ortiz-Monasterio has no plan to vote and thinks it is "the final straw to ask if crimes are prosecuted or left unpunished."

Mexicans began voting Sunday in a national referendum promoted by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on whether to investigate and prosecute his predecessors for alleged corruption.

Mexicans began voting Sunday in a national referendum promoted by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on whether to investigate and prosecute his predecessors for alleged corruption. Lopez Obrador, a self-styled anti-graft crusader, says the public consultation will strengthen participatory democracy, but critics see it as little more than a political stunt. Also read | Fears for future of Mexico City's 'green lung' To be binding, 37.4 million people -- 40 per cent of the electoral roll -- must participate, but many voters appear unenthusiastic. While the "yes" vote could win up to 90 per cent, it will be difficult to achieve even 30 per cent turnout, said Roy Campos, director of the polling company Mitofsky. Rosario Gomez is among those who plan to vote at one of 57,000 ballot boxes set up by the electoral institute, compared with more than 160,000 for June's legislative and local elections. "It's about time these thieves pay!" the 52-year-old market vendor said. Also read | Fuel tanker owned by Mexico's Pemex on its way to Cuba: Report Polls opened at 8 am (1300 GMT) and were due to close at 6 pm, with the result expected to be known within two or three days. 'Political circus' Mexico is ranked 124th out of 179 on Transparency International's world corruption perceptions index. But former presidents can be tried like any other citizen and critics argue that the referendum is unnecessary. "Waiting for the results of a consultation is making justice a political circus," said Jose Miguel Vivanco, regional director of New York-based Human Rights Watch. Former National Electoral Institute president Luis Carlos Ugalde argued that if the prosecution has evidence against the ex-presidents, it's not necessary for "the people to tell you yes or no." Also read | Iraq war veteran walks US-Mexico border, protests deportation of veterans Although the vote was Lopez Obrador's brainchild, he has ruled out voting himself because he does not want "corrupt and hypocritical conservatism" to accuse him of vindictiveness. The referendum question proposed by Lopez Obrador named five predecessors -- Carlos Salinas, Ernesto Zedillo, Vicente Fox, Felipe Calderon, and Enrique Pena Nieto, whose terms in power stretched from 1988 to 2018. Lopez Obrador has accused them of presiding over "excessive concentration of wealth, monumental losses to the treasury, privatization of public property, and widespread corruption," drawing angry denials. In the end, the Supreme Court modified the referendum question for a more ambiguous alternative. "It's not very sexy. Not even the lawyers understand it," analyst Paula Sofia Vazquez told AFP. 'Final straw' The question reads: "Do you agree or not that the pertinent actions be carried out, in accordance with the constitutional and legal framework, to undertake a process of clarification of the political decisions made in the past years by the political actors, aimed at guaranteeing justice and the rights of potential victims?" Also read | Mexico City to accelerate vaccinations as COVID-19 infections surge Omar Garcia, a survivor of the disappearance and presumed murder of 43 students in 2014, allegedly at the hands of corrupt police and drug traffickers, said listening to the people was valid even if it was not binding. "It does encourage an end to impunity," Garcia said. But 59-year-old manager Monica Ortiz-Monasterio has no plan to vote and thinks it is "the final straw to ask if crimes are prosecuted or left unpunished."

Mexico holds referendum on prosecuting ex-presidents

France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune on Friday criticised a planned referendum by Hungary over a controversial law slammed as an attack on LGBTQ rights by Brussels.&nbsp;

"I am concerned about the Hungarian law which was adopted in mid-June and which is the subject of a referendum which does not relate exactly to this law," Beaune said as he arrived for a meeting of the bloc's Europe ministers in Slovenia.&nbsp;

Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Wednesday that a national vote would be held to gauge domestic support for the controversial LGBTQ law, after the European Commission launched legal action against Budapest over the measure.

The legislation, which includes a ban on the "depiction or promotion" of homosexuality and gender reassignment to under-18s, has drawn scorn across Europe.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-hungarys-annual-drag-contest-is-operating-in-shadow-of-anti-lgbtqia-law-395912">Also read |&nbsp;How Hungary's annual drag contest is operating in shadow of anti-LGBTQIA+ law</a>

It has been billed by Budapest as a way to protect children, but opponents argue that it conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and stigmatises the LGBTQ community.

Orban said the referendum would comprise five questions, including asking citizens if they agree that schools should be permitted to "talk about sexuality to their children without their consent".&nbsp;

It will also ask participants if they support "the promotion of sex reassignment treatment for minors" or the "unrestricted exposure of children to harmful sexual content".

Beaune complained that issues were being falsely linked and "instrumentalised" to ensure that Orban gets a "No" from those voting in the ballot.&nbsp;

"We must not give in on these points," Beaune said.

No date has been set for the referendum.&nbsp;

France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune on Friday criticised a planned referendum by Hungary over a controversial law slammed as an attack on LGBTQ rights by Brussels.

France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune on Friday criticised a planned referendum by Hungary over a controversial law slammed as an attack on LGBTQ rights by Brussels. "I am concerned about the Hungarian law which was adopted in mid-June and which is the subject of a referendum which does not relate exactly to this law," Beaune said as he arrived for a meeting of the bloc's Europe ministers in Slovenia. Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Wednesday that a national vote would be held to gauge domestic support for the controversial LGBTQ law, after the European Commission launched legal action against Budapest over the measure. The legislation, which includes a ban on the "depiction or promotion" of homosexuality and gender reassignment to under-18s, has drawn scorn across Europe. Also read | How Hungary's annual drag contest is operating in shadow of anti-LGBTQIA+ law It has been billed by Budapest as a way to protect children, but opponents argue that it conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and stigmatises the LGBTQ community. Orban said the referendum would comprise five questions, including asking citizens if they agree that schools should be permitted to "talk about sexuality to their children without their consent". It will also ask participants if they support "the promotion of sex reassignment treatment for minors" or the "unrestricted exposure of children to harmful sexual content". Beaune complained that issues were being falsely linked and "instrumentalised" to ensure that Orban gets a "No" from those voting in the ballot. "We must not give in on these points," Beaune said. No date has been set for the referendum.

France concerned by Hungary LGBTQ law referendum

Gibraltar&nbsp;was voting Thursday on plans to ease draconian abortion laws in a referendum delayed for over a year by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a>.

The issue has exposed sharply opposing views within the tiny, normally closely-knit British enclave at the southernmost tip of Spain, which is home to some 32,000 people.&nbsp;

The referendum was initially slated for March 19, 2020, but was postponed as virus cases began spiralling at the start of the pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-leaders-call-for-end-on-abortion-barriers-390467">Global leaders call for end on abortion barriers</a>

After the polls opened at 9:00 am (0700 GMT), a line of socially distanced voters waited to cast their ballots at Inces Hall theatre, its facade covered with a vibrant mural.&nbsp;

Heading towards the theatre, voters passed two banners, one with a scan of an unborn baby saying "Their lives are in your hands. Vote no!" and a smaller green placard reading "Yes for care compassion and change."

Except in cases where it would save the mother's life, abortion is currently banned in&nbsp;Gibraltar&nbsp;on pain of life imprisonment, although such a penalty has not been applied in modern times.

The government is proposing changes to the law to allow abortion where a woman's mental or physical health is at risk, such as in cases of rape or incest, or when foetuses have fatal physical defects.

"It’s very important to give value to every single life, and yes of course, women have got rights, but so have the babies," 67-year-old pensioner Marie-Luisa Bruzon told AFPTV after voting against it.

Although the changes have already been approved by&nbsp;Gibraltar's the referendum will decide whether or not the amended law is brought into force.&nbsp;

Under the changes, a woman would be able to undergo an abortion up to 12 weeks into her pregnancy if her mental or physical health is deemed at risk, or beyond if such damage would be grave and permanent.&nbsp;

The question voters must answer is: "Should the Crimes (Amendment) Act 2019, that defines the circumstances which would allow abortion in&nbsp;Gibraltar, come into force?"

'Very extreme'

"This law is very extreme. It removes all protection from unborn children all the way up to the nine months," Karenza Morillo, a "No" campaigner told AFPTV.&nbsp;

"On paper it looks restrictive but in practice it will not be."

But Celina Victory, a 19-year-old campaigner for a "Yes" vote said the opposite.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteYes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteYes</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MobiliseToModernise?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MobiliseToModernise</a> <a href="https://t.co/rouzbiuHYo">pic.twitter.com/rouzbiuHYo</a>
— Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabianPicardo/status/1407804912789037060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"It’s not going to open the gates to abortion on demand at all," she said.&nbsp;

"There is a broad range of grounds before 12 weeks, which is fine and we don’t have an issue with that. It is still stricter than most of the legislation in Europe."

Until now, women wanting to have an abortion have had to travel to Spain or Britain to undergo the procedure.

If the changes are approved, the law is expected to take effect fairly quickly although officials have not yet laid out a timeline.

'In&nbsp;Gibraltar's best interests'&nbsp;

Ahead of the vote, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and two other party leaders released a video urging people to vote "Yes".

"My personal, professional &amp; political opinion on the abortion referendum: it is in #Gibraltar's best interests to #VoteYes on Thursday 24th June," Picardo tweeted.

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1/2 My personal, professional &amp; political opinion on the abortion referendum: it is in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gibraltar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gibraltar</a>'s best interests to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteYes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteYes</a> on Thursday 24th June. I have joined with Joseph Garcia &amp; Marlene Nahon MP to record this message supporting <a href="https://twitter.com/GibraltarforYes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GibraltarforYes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoMoreShame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoMoreShame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrustWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrustWomen</a> <a href="https://t.co/BWGPABWxoZ">pic.twitter.com/BWGPABWxoZ</a>
— Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabianPicardo/status/1406367300782018566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The proposed changes came after Britain's Supreme Court ruled in June 2018 that Northern Ireland's abortion laws, which at the time were almost identical to&nbsp;Gibraltar's, were incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gay-marriage-abortion-laws-liberalised-in-northern-ireland-257395">Gay marriage, abortion laws liberalised in Northern Ireland</a>

"It is therefore clear that if the equivalent law on abortion in Northern Ireland was in breach of the Convention, our identical, archaic law is too," wrote Picardo in Wednesday's&nbsp;Gibraltar&nbsp;Chronicle.

"It is our duty to vote to stop this ongoing breach."

Picardo has said he believed the changes are long overdue and would be approved "by a very large majority".

Gibraltar was voting Thursday on plans to ease draconian abortion laws in a referendum delayed for over a year by the coronavirus pandemic. The issue has exposed sharply opposing views within the tiny, normally closely-knit British enclave at the southernmost tip of Spain, which is home to some 32,000 people.

Gibraltar was voting Thursday on plans to ease draconian abortion laws in a referendum delayed for over a year by the coronavirus pandemic. The issue has exposed sharply opposing views within the tiny, normally closely-knit British enclave at the southernmost tip of Spain, which is home to some 32,000 people. The referendum was initially slated for March 19, 2020, but was postponed as virus cases began spiralling at the start of the pandemic. Also read | Global leaders call for end on abortion barriers After the polls opened at 9:00 am (0700 GMT), a line of socially distanced voters waited to cast their ballots at Inces Hall theatre, its facade covered with a vibrant mural. Heading towards the theatre, voters passed two banners, one with a scan of an unborn baby saying "Their lives are in your hands. Vote no!" and a smaller green placard reading "Yes for care compassion and change." Except in cases where it would save the mother's life, abortion is currently banned in Gibraltar on pain of life imprisonment, although such a penalty has not been applied in modern times. The government is proposing changes to the law to allow abortion where a woman's mental or physical health is at risk, such as in cases of rape or incest, or when foetuses have fatal physical defects. "It’s very important to give value to every single life, and yes of course, women have got rights, but so have the babies," 67-year-old pensioner Marie-Luisa Bruzon told AFPTV after voting against it. Although the changes have already been approved by Gibraltar's the referendum will decide whether or not the amended law is brought into force. Under the changes, a woman would be able to undergo an abortion up to 12 weeks into her pregnancy if her mental or physical health is deemed at risk, or beyond if such damage would be grave and permanent. The question voters must answer is: "Should the Crimes (Amendment) Act 2019, that defines the circumstances which would allow abortion in Gibraltar, come into force?" 'Very extreme' "This law is very extreme. It removes all protection from unborn children all the way up to the nine months," Karenza Morillo, a "No" campaigner told AFPTV. "On paper it looks restrictive but in practice it will not be." But Celina Victory, a 19-year-old campaigner for a "Yes" vote said the opposite. #VoteYes#MobiliseToModernise pic.twitter.com/rouzbiuHYo — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 23, 2021 × "It’s not going to open the gates to abortion on demand at all," she said. "There is a broad range of grounds before 12 weeks, which is fine and we don’t have an issue with that. It is still stricter than most of the legislation in Europe." Until now, women wanting to have an abortion have had to travel to Spain or Britain to undergo the procedure. If the changes are approved, the law is expected to take effect fairly quickly although officials have not yet laid out a timeline. 'In Gibraltar's best interests' Ahead of the vote, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and two other party leaders released a video urging people to vote "Yes". "My personal, professional & political opinion on the abortion referendum: it is in #Gibraltar's best interests to #VoteYes on Thursday 24th June," Picardo tweeted. 1/2 My personal, professional & political opinion on the abortion referendum: it is in #Gibraltar's best interests to #VoteYes on Thursday 24th June. I have joined with Joseph Garcia & Marlene Nahon MP to record this message supporting @GibraltarforYes #NoMoreShame #TrustWomen pic.twitter.com/BWGPABWxoZ — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 19, 2021 × The proposed changes came after Britain's Supreme Court ruled in June 2018 that Northern Ireland's abortion laws, which at the time were almost identical to Gibraltar's, were incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. Also read | Gay marriage, abortion laws liberalised in Northern Ireland "It is therefore clear that if the equivalent law on abortion in Northern Ireland was in breach of the Convention, our identical, archaic law is too," wrote Picardo in Wednesday's Gibraltar Chronicle. "It is our duty to vote to stop this ongoing breach." Picardo has said he believed the changes are long overdue and would be approved "by a very large majority".

Gibraltar votes in postponed abortion referendum

Voters in Kyrgyzstan supported handing greater powers to the presidency in a referendum on Sunday, confirming public trust in the populist head of state Sadyr Japarov, although the turnout was low.&nbsp;

The constitutional reform will bring the political system of the Central Asian nation closer to that of its ex-Soviet neighbours, such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, making it easier for Japarov to push through his policies. &nbsp;

Japarov and his supporters also hope a strengthened presidency will make the country more stable after violent revolts toppled its leaders in 2005, 2010 and in 2020, when Japarov was catapulted from a prison cell and into office.&nbsp;

Preliminary Central Election Commission data based on 75% of ballots found a majority of voters - 79% - supported the reform, although total turnout was just above the 30% threshold required to make the referendum valid.&nbsp;

Kyrgyzstan borders China and is allied with Russia. &nbsp;

A poll commissioned by the United States-based International Republican Institute and published this month found Japarov was by far the most trusted politician in the country.&nbsp;

The percentage of voters, who believed Kyrgyzstan was heading in the right direction jumped from 41% last August, when Japarov’s predecessor Sooronbai Jeenbekov was in charge - to 70% in February and March, the poll data showed.&nbsp;

Japarov proposed the reform after being swept to power last October by violent protests that were triggered by the announcement of pro-Jeenbekov parties’ landslide victory in a parliamentary election.&nbsp;

A former member of parliament and senior official, Japarov had been serving a prison term for his role in the kidnapping of a regional governor as part of a political protest. His sentence has since been overturned.&nbsp;

In contrast to its neighbours, when Kyrgyzstan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, it adopted a political system that allowed both parliament and the presidency to wield significant powers, forcing its leaders to seek the backing of broader elites.&nbsp;

"I voted against (the reform) because this is a power grab," said a 32-year-old entrepreneur, who only gave his first name, Bakyt. "All the power must not be given to one person."&nbsp;

Another businessman, Turdubek, said he believed the reform was for the better.&nbsp;

"I am no specialist in legislation, but I trust the specialists, who drafted the new constitution. They too want a better life for the people."&nbsp;

Voters in Kyrgyzstan supported handing greater powers to the presidency in a referendum on Sunday, confirming public trust in the populist head of state Sadyr Japarov, although the turnout was low.

Voters in Kyrgyzstan supported handing greater powers to the presidency in a referendum on Sunday, confirming public trust in the populist head of state Sadyr Japarov, although the turnout was low. The constitutional reform will bring the political system of the Central Asian nation closer to that of its ex-Soviet neighbours, such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, making it easier for Japarov to push through his policies. Japarov and his supporters also hope a strengthened presidency will make the country more stable after violent revolts toppled its leaders in 2005, 2010 and in 2020, when Japarov was catapulted from a prison cell and into office. Preliminary Central Election Commission data based on 75% of ballots found a majority of voters - 79% - supported the reform, although total turnout was just above the 30% threshold required to make the referendum valid. Kyrgyzstan borders China and is allied with Russia. A poll commissioned by the United States-based International Republican Institute and published this month found Japarov was by far the most trusted politician in the country. The percentage of voters, who believed Kyrgyzstan was heading in the right direction jumped from 41% last August, when Japarov’s predecessor Sooronbai Jeenbekov was in charge - to 70% in February and March, the poll data showed. Japarov proposed the reform after being swept to power last October by violent protests that were triggered by the announcement of pro-Jeenbekov parties’ landslide victory in a parliamentary election. A former member of parliament and senior official, Japarov had been serving a prison term for his role in the kidnapping of a regional governor as part of a political protest. His sentence has since been overturned. In contrast to its neighbours, when Kyrgyzstan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, it adopted a political system that allowed both parliament and the presidency to wield significant powers, forcing its leaders to seek the backing of broader elites. "I voted against (the reform) because this is a power grab," said a 32-year-old entrepreneur, who only gave his first name, Bakyt. "All the power must not be given to one person." Another businessman, Turdubek, said he believed the reform was for the better. "I am no specialist in legislation, but I trust the specialists, who drafted the new constitution. They too want a better life for the people."

Kyrgyzstan referendum backs presidential rule 

New Zealanders overwhelmingly supported legalising euthanasia in a referendum held on October 17, preliminary data showed.&nbsp;

However, vote on permitting recreational cannabis set to fail with 53 per cent opposing the move, as per the initial data.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-blocks-livestream-of-euthanasia-campaigners-death-325557">Facebook blocks livestream of euthanasia campaigner's death</a>

The figures revealed that 65.2 per cent of people voted to support euthanasia and 33 per cent voting against it.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/historical-high-new-zealands-newly-elected-parliament-is-the-most-diverse-ever-336318">'Historical high': New Zealand's newly elected parliament is the most diverse ever</a>

However, the preliminary results don't include special votes, that include ballots cast overseas, which comprise nearly 20 per cent of the total and favourable voting could work in favour of legalising marijuana.&nbsp;

The final verdict on euthanasia, though, will not be going to change regardless of which way special votes will go.&nbsp;

The final results will come on next Friday and will be binding on the euthanasia referendum, but not in the case of cannabis.&nbsp;

Last year, parliament cleared legislation to allow medically-assisted euthanasia, but the law was not enforced as the lawmakers wanted a say of the public on it.&nbsp;

As per the law, a mentally sound adult who is facing a terminal illness which is likely to take that person's life within six months and he/she is facing "unbearable suffering" because of it could request a fatal dose of medication.&nbsp;

New Zealanders overwhelmingly supported legalising euthanasia in a referendum held on October 17, preliminary data showed. However, vote on permitting recreational cannabis set to fail with 53 per cent opposing the move, as per the initial data.

New Zealanders overwhelmingly supported legalising euthanasia in a referendum held on October 17, preliminary data showed. However, vote on permitting recreational cannabis set to fail with 53 per cent opposing the move, as per the initial data. Also read | Facebook blocks livestream of euthanasia campaigner's death The figures revealed that 65.2 per cent of people voted to support euthanasia and 33 per cent voting against it. Also read | 'Historical high': New Zealand's newly elected parliament is the most diverse ever However, the preliminary results don't include special votes, that include ballots cast overseas, which comprise nearly 20 per cent of the total and favourable voting could work in favour of legalising marijuana. The final verdict on euthanasia, though, will not be going to change regardless of which way special votes will go. The final results will come on next Friday and will be binding on the euthanasia referendum, but not in the case of cannabis. Last year, parliament cleared legislation to allow medically-assisted euthanasia, but the law was not enforced as the lawmakers wanted a say of the public on it. As per the law, a mentally sound adult who is facing a terminal illness which is likely to take that person's life within six months and he/she is facing "unbearable suffering" because of it could request a fatal dose of medication.

New Zealand: Euthanasia gets immense support, suspense on marijuana continues

It's a new dawn for Chile as its people have spoken in no uncertain terms that they want a new constitution.

One that promises equality in a rigorously capitalist society. The referendum was held on Sunday, and 7.5 million people turned out to vote, marking the highest turn-out since 2012. The result came late on Monday - a landslide verdict as 78 per cent of the voters demanded a new constitution.

Chile's old constitution was the work of Augusto Pinochet: a dictator who ruled the country from 1973 to 1990. It was drafted by people hand-picked by Pinochet, then given legitimacy in a massively rigged vote. Technically, the old constitution is still in effect. Chile will hold another referendum in 2022, which will decide whether the newly drafted constitution will be enacted or not.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/chileans-vote-in-massive-numbers-to-replace-dictatorship-era-constitution-337916" hreflang="en">Chileans vote in massive numbers to replace dictatorship-era constitution</a>

But for now, Chileans are rejoicing. Thousands of people celebrated on the streets of Santiago and burned a large cut-out of the old constitution. The last remnant of the Pinochet era is almost gone. The referendum was the easy part, drafting a new constitution will be the real challenge.

The wishlist includes greater state control of the economy, recognition of the Mapuche indigenous population, collective land and water rights, and reforms to the education and health system. Politically, this is a huge blow to President Sebastian Pinera, a conservative-leaning politician.

His government took months to agree to a referendum despite massive protests in 2019. Many believe his government's policies have widened the wealth gap in Chile. On the face of it, Pinera welcomed the vote as a chance to create unity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/polls-open-in-chile-on-whether-to-rewrite-dictatorship-era-constitution-337838" hreflang="en">Polls open in Chile on whether to rewrite dictatorship-era constitution</a>

"This plebiscite is not the end, but the beginning of a path which we must walk together in order to agree on a new constitution for chile. Up until now the constitution has divided us. From now we have to collaborate all together for the new constitution to be a great frame for unity, stability and future", Sebastian Pinera said.

Chile is bracing for two years of intense political activity. In 2022, there will be a referendum on the new constitution. This will follow closely on the heels of a general election which is slated for November 2021.

It's a new dawn for Chile as its people have spoken in no uncertain terms that they want a new constitution. One that promises equality in a rigorously capitalist society.

It's a new dawn for Chile as its people have spoken in no uncertain terms that they want a new constitution. One that promises equality in a rigorously capitalist society. The referendum was held on Sunday, and 7.5 million people turned out to vote, marking the highest turn-out since 2012. The result came late on Monday - a landslide verdict as 78 per cent of the voters demanded a new constitution. Chile's old constitution was the work of Augusto Pinochet: a dictator who ruled the country from 1973 to 1990. It was drafted by people hand-picked by Pinochet, then given legitimacy in a massively rigged vote. Technically, the old constitution is still in effect. Chile will hold another referendum in 2022, which will decide whether the newly drafted constitution will be enacted or not. Also read: Chileans vote in massive numbers to replace dictatorship-era constitution But for now, Chileans are rejoicing. Thousands of people celebrated on the streets of Santiago and burned a large cut-out of the old constitution. The last remnant of the Pinochet era is almost gone. The referendum was the easy part, drafting a new constitution will be the real challenge. The wishlist includes greater state control of the economy, recognition of the Mapuche indigenous population, collective land and water rights, and reforms to the education and health system. Politically, this is a huge blow to President Sebastian Pinera, a conservative-leaning politician. His government took months to agree to a referendum despite massive protests in 2019. Many believe his government's policies have widened the wealth gap in Chile. On the face of it, Pinera welcomed the vote as a chance to create unity. Also read: Polls open in Chile on whether to rewrite dictatorship-era constitution "This plebiscite is not the end, but the beginning of a path which we must walk together in order to agree on a new constitution for chile. Up until now the constitution has divided us. From now we have to collaborate all together for the new constitution to be a great frame for unity, stability and future", Sebastian Pinera said. Chile is bracing for two years of intense political activity. In 2022, there will be a referendum on the new constitution. This will follow closely on the heels of a general election which is slated for November 2021.

Chile's constitutional referendum and the challenges ahead

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinea-president-replaces-security-minister-following-deadly-protests-261516">Guinea&nbsp;President&nbsp;Alpha Conde</a> said on Thursday that he would seek a public&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;on a new constitution, a move his opponents fear he will use as a pretext to hang onto&nbsp;power&nbsp;beyond the end of his&nbsp;constitutional&nbsp;mandate.

Conde has governed since 2010, and his second and final five-year term finishes next year. Demonstrations since October against a possible&nbsp;constitutional&nbsp;change have resulted in at least 14 deaths across the country.

The opposition suspects 81-year-old Conde plans to use a new constitution as a reset button on the current two-term limit. A proposed draft for a new constitution, seen by Reuters, does not explicitly state whether Conde would be eligible for the 2020 election, but Conde has refused to rule out running.

In a televised address on Thursday evening, Conde said the&nbsp;presidents of the National Assembly and the&nbsp;constitutional&nbsp;court had signed off on the proposal, which was drafted by a special commission.

"This proposal will be the subject of a broad public outreach campaign before its adoption by the sovereign people," he said, without specifying when the&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;would take place.

Conde says a new constitution is needed to replace the 2010 version, which he says was hastily drafted in an efforts to end coup leader Dadis Camara's brief tenure.

Conde's election victory in 2010 raised hopes for democratic progress in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-urges-justice-for-guinea-stadium-massacre-ten-years-on-252601">Guinea&nbsp;after decades</a> of authoritarian rule. But his critics accuse&nbsp;him&nbsp;of cracking down on dissent and violently repressing protests - charges he denies.

Guinea President Alpha Conde said on Thursday that he would seek a public referendum on a new constitution, a move his opponents fear he will use as a pretext to hang onto power beyond the end of his constitutional mandate.

Guinea President Alpha Conde said on Thursday that he would seek a public referendum on a new constitution, a move his opponents fear he will use as a pretext to hang onto power beyond the end of his constitutional mandate. Conde has governed since 2010, and his second and final five-year term finishes next year. Demonstrations since October against a possible constitutional change have resulted in at least 14 deaths across the country. The opposition suspects 81-year-old Conde plans to use a new constitution as a reset button on the current two-term limit. A proposed draft for a new constitution, seen by Reuters, does not explicitly state whether Conde would be eligible for the 2020 election, but Conde has refused to rule out running. In a televised address on Thursday evening, Conde said the presidents of the National Assembly and the constitutional court had signed off on the proposal, which was drafted by a special commission. "This proposal will be the subject of a broad public outreach campaign before its adoption by the sovereign people," he said, without specifying when the referendum would take place. Conde says a new constitution is needed to replace the 2010 version, which he says was hastily drafted in an efforts to end coup leader Dadis Camara's brief tenure. Conde's election victory in 2010 raised hopes for democratic progress in Guinea after decades of authoritarian rule. But his critics accuse him of cracking down on dissent and violently repressing protests - charges he denies.

Guinea president announces constitutional referendum that could keep him in power

Venetians gave the cold shoulder to the fifth vote in 40 years to break away from sister city Mestre on the Italian mainland, with little expectation of a parting of the ways.

By 1800 GMT only 18.6 per cent&nbsp;of 206,553 potential voters had showed up at the polls, a long way short of the 50 per cent&nbsp;required by 2200 GMT for the referendum to be valid.

Venice and Mestre became a single administration in 1926 when Mestre's petrochemical plant was being built. At the time, the population of Venice and its 11 islands was roughly six times that of nearby Mestre.

The situation reversed in the following decades as new factories created jobs in Mestre while Venetians began to leave a city where life was rendered increasingly hard by mass tourism and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emergency-declared-in-venice-following-severe-floods-262727">frequent flooding</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venice-braces-for-tough-day-as-another-very-high-tide-looms-262740">Venice</a> and the islands now have 91,000 residents against Mestre's 177,000.

The latest vote comes soon after Venice was devastated by the second-highest flooding on record, prompting speculation in some quarters that the yes camp could draw strength from the argument that a more local administration would be better placed to solve Venice's very specific problems.

In previous votes, in 1979, 1989, 1994 and 2003, the bulk of the votes in favour of a split had come from the mainland.

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro invited residents to abstain and warned that the city would be mired for years in bureaucracy and lawsuits on the division of assets were the region to be divided into two separate municipalities.

Venetians gave the cold shoulder to the fifth vote in 40 years to break away from sister city Mestre on the Italian mainland, with little expectation of a parting of the ways.

Venetians gave the cold shoulder to the fifth vote in 40 years to break away from sister city Mestre on the Italian mainland, with little expectation of a parting of the ways. By 1800 GMT only 18.6 per cent of 206,553 potential voters had showed up at the polls, a long way short of the 50 per cent required by 2200 GMT for the referendum to be valid. Venice and Mestre became a single administration in 1926 when Mestre's petrochemical plant was being built. At the time, the population of Venice and its 11 islands was roughly six times that of nearby Mestre. The situation reversed in the following decades as new factories created jobs in Mestre while Venetians began to leave a city where life was rendered increasingly hard by mass tourism and frequent flooding. Venice and the islands now have 91,000 residents against Mestre's 177,000. The latest vote comes soon after Venice was devastated by the second-highest flooding on record, prompting speculation in some quarters that the yes camp could draw strength from the argument that a more local administration would be better placed to solve Venice's very specific problems. In previous votes, in 1979, 1989, 1994 and 2003, the bulk of the votes in favour of a split had come from the mainland. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro invited residents to abstain and warned that the city would be mired for years in bureaucracy and lawsuits on the division of assets were the region to be divided into two separate municipalities.

Venetians reject referendum on splitting from Mestre

Brexit basics: What it is and why does it matter?

The Scottish National Party will call for a new referendum on independence next year, its leader said on Tuesday, after polls indicated growing support of a breakaway from the rest of Britain.

Nicola Sturgeon told delegates at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen it was "beyond doubt" that it was time to offer a choice on the issue.

"My call is that the referendum must happen next year," she said, adding that legal preparations were underway for the vote and would be completed in the new year.

"Before the end of this year, I will demand the transfer of power that puts the legality of a referendum beyond any doubt."

The devolved government in Edinburgh, which Sturgeon leads as the first minister, has to seek permission from the British parliament in London to hold a second referendum.

Members of the Scottish parliament in 2017 gave their backing for a request but the then-prime minister Theresa May said it was "not the time" to be talking about a new independence vote.

Scottish voters said "no" to independence in 2014 after a closely fought referendum campaign. But Brexit has put the issue back on the table.

Sturgeon said after the landmark 2016 vote on Britain's membership of the European Union that there had been a "significant and material change in circumstances" to allow another vote.

Unlike England and Wales, Scotland voted by nearly two-thirds to stay in the EU.

A Sunday Times Scotland survey published this week suggested 50 per cent of voters now backed independence, up by one point over the last poll in June and five points from the 2014 vote.

Tens of thousands of pro-independence supporters marched in Edinburgh last Saturday to call for a fresh vote.

Sturgeon said Brexit had been a "disaster" and, deal or no deal by the end-of-the-month deadline, "neither of these outcomes is in Scotland's interest".

She welcomed the prospect of a snap election, saying it would be an opportunity to send a message demanding independence and Scotland's right to choose its own future.

In London, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman told reporters: "The referendum which took place in Scotland was a once in a generation event.&nbsp;

"They were the words of the Scottish National Party at the time."

The Scottish National Party will call for a new referendum on independence next year, its leader said on Tuesday, after polls indicated growing support of a breakaway from the rest of Britain.

The Scottish National Party will call for a new referendum on independence next year, its leader said on Tuesday, after polls indicated growing support of a breakaway from the rest of Britain. Nicola Sturgeon told delegates at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen it was "beyond doubt" that it was time to offer a choice on the issue. "My call is that the referendum must happen next year," she said, adding that legal preparations were underway for the vote and would be completed in the new year. "Before the end of this year, I will demand the transfer of power that puts the legality of a referendum beyond any doubt." The devolved government in Edinburgh, which Sturgeon leads as the first minister, has to seek permission from the British parliament in London to hold a second referendum. Members of the Scottish parliament in 2017 gave their backing for a request but the then-prime minister Theresa May said it was "not the time" to be talking about a new independence vote. Scottish voters said "no" to independence in 2014 after a closely fought referendum campaign. But Brexit has put the issue back on the table. Sturgeon said after the landmark 2016 vote on Britain's membership of the European Union that there had been a "significant and material change in circumstances" to allow another vote. Unlike England and Wales, Scotland voted by nearly two-thirds to stay in the EU. A Sunday Times Scotland survey published this week suggested 50 per cent of voters now backed independence, up by one point over the last poll in June and five points from the 2014 vote. Tens of thousands of pro-independence supporters marched in Edinburgh last Saturday to call for a fresh vote. Sturgeon said Brexit had been a "disaster" and, deal or no deal by the end-of-the-month deadline, "neither of these outcomes is in Scotland's interest". She welcomed the prospect of a snap election, saying it would be an opportunity to send a message demanding independence and Scotland's right to choose its own future. In London, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman told reporters: "The referendum which took place in Scotland was a once in a generation event. "They were the words of the Scottish National Party at the time."

Scottish nationalists want new independence referendum in 2020

Australia government promises to hold vote on aboriginal rights

Australia to vote landmark vote

After three days of voting, Egyptians approved a constitutional referendum that will allow Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to remain in office until 2030. watch this and many more stories like this from the West-Asian part of the world, on The West Asia post, every Friday at 8:30 pm, only on WION, World Is One.

The West Asia Post: Al-Sisi wins referendum to extend rule

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