&nbsp;Hong Kong's former No. 2 official John Lee, who has announced he will run in a&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;election in May, said on Saturday he plans a new chapter for the global financial hub that has been wracked by unprecedented upheaval with protests and COVID-19.

Lee, 64, resigned on Wednesday to run to replace Chief Executive Carrie Lam, whose five-year term ends on June 30. Lam oversaw one of the most tumultuous periods in Hong Kong history with pro-democracy demonstrations and coronavirus.

"This will be&nbsp;a new symphony and I am the conductor," Lee, who was the city's security chief during anti-government protests in 2019, told a press conference.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-deputy-chief-says-he-plans-to-run-for-citys-top-job-468986">Hong Kong deputy chief says he plans to run for city's top job</a>

"Together, we will play a more splendid new piece for Hong Kong."

Fleshing out his policy platform, Lee said loyalty to the central government was a priority for any chief executive and part of his platform included accelerating plans to resolve the city's chronic housing shortage.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hong Kong separates 2,000 Covid-positive children from parents

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-separates-2000-covid-positive-children-from-parents-466791/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hong Kong media reports said this week that Beijing officials want Lee to be the only candidate, and will not give the green light to others to stand against him.

Lee said he welcomed any other&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;contenders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activists-fade-from-view-as-national-security-case-drags-469025">Hong Kong activists fade from view as national security case drags</a>

The city's four biggest property tycoons, including CK Asset's Victor Li, son of billionaire Li Ka-shing, said in separate statements this week that Lee was a suitable candidate to lead Hong Kong to stability.

The show of support, from some of the city's most powerful property tycoons, came before Lee officially announced his bid to run for leader, signalling the move had already been approved and received tacit approval from some Hong Kong business people.

Hong Kong's former No. 2 official John Lee, who has announced he will run in a leadership election in May, said on Saturday he plans a new chapter for the global financial hub that has been wracked by unprecedented upheaval with protests and COVID-19.

Hong Kong's former No. 2 official John Lee, who has announced he will run in a leadership election in May, said on Saturday he plans a new chapter for the global financial hub that has been wracked by unprecedented upheaval with protests and COVID-19. Lee, 64, resigned on Wednesday to run to replace Chief Executive Carrie Lam, whose five-year term ends on June 30. Lam oversaw one of the most tumultuous periods in Hong Kong history with pro-democracy demonstrations and coronavirus. "This will be a new symphony and I am the conductor," Lee, who was the city's security chief during anti-government protests in 2019, told a press conference. Also read | Hong Kong deputy chief says he plans to run for city's top job "Together, we will play a more splendid new piece for Hong Kong." Fleshing out his policy platform, Lee said loyalty to the central government was a priority for any chief executive and part of his platform included accelerating plans to resolve the city's chronic housing shortage. Watch | Gravitas: Hong Kong separates 2,000 Covid-positive children from parents Hong Kong media reports said this week that Beijing officials want Lee to be the only candidate, and will not give the green light to others to stand against him. Lee said he welcomed any other leadership contenders. Also read | Hong Kong activists fade from view as national security case drags The city's four biggest property tycoons, including CK Asset's Victor Li, son of billionaire Li Ka-shing, said in separate statements this week that Lee was a suitable candidate to lead Hong Kong to stability. The show of support, from some of the city's most powerful property tycoons, came before Lee officially announced his bid to run for leader, signalling the move had already been approved and received tacit approval from some Hong Kong business people.

Hong Kong leadership contender John Lee says he plans a new chapter for the global financial hub

Mexico&nbsp;will hold its first presidential recall referendum on Sunday, promoted by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on whether he should complete his six-year term -- an exercise that has split public opinion.

With an approval rating of nearly 60 per cent, the midterm popularity test appears unlikely to result in Lopez Obrador's early departure.

The president argues that submitting himself to the recall referendum is important for democracy, but critics see it as little more than an expensive propaganda exercise.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-an-important-partner-in-trade-space-says-mexico-foreign-minister-ebrard-467045">India is an important partner in trade, space says Mexico Foreign Minister Ebrard</a>

The 68-year-old self-styled anti-corruption, the pro-austerity crusader was elected in 2018 vowing to overhaul&nbsp;Mexico's "neoliberal" economic model.

Lopez Obrador has promised not to seek reelection in 2024, following accusations by opponents that the referendum is a step towards changing the rules to enable him to stay in power beyond then.

The Mexican constitution limits presidents to one term.

Lopez Obrador "seeks, like any populist politician, to maintain the climate of polarization and encourage the narrative that the people are on his side," said political consultant Luis Carlos Ugalde, a former head of&nbsp;Mexico's electoral institute.

But Ugalde is sceptical that the vote will smooth the way for Lopez Obrador to stay in office beyond 2024.

"Perhaps there will be voices in his party that say he should stay, but the power of that voice will be minimal," Ugalde said.

A successful result on Sunday could inject momentum into Lopez Obrador's policy agenda, including controversial energy reforms.

Lopez Obrador's Morena party lost its absolute majority in the lower house of Congress in legislative elections last year.

The president also has his eye on the 2024 elections and the prospects for his party and possible successors including&nbsp;Mexico City&nbsp;Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Why hundreds of birds fell to death in Mexico

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-hundreds-of-birds-fell-to-death-in-mexico-453597/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Populist exercise

Lopez Obrador has overseen a series of referendums since taking office on controversial issues including his "Maya Train" railroad project and cancelling a partially finished airport for&nbsp;Mexico City.

A public consultation held in August on whether to prosecute his predecessors for alleged corruption drew only a small fraction of voters to the polls.

The midterm recall referendum was incorporated into&nbsp;Mexico's constitution in 2019 at Lopez Obrador's initiative.

Some 93 million voters will be able to participate, but many are expected to stay home.

The outcome will be overwhelmingly in favour of Lopez Obrador completing his term, although in any case turnout is likely to be below the 40-per cent level needed for the vote to be legally binding, predicted Ugalde.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/space-and-pharma-to-be-key-focus-of-mexico-fms-india-visit-tomorrow-466726">Space and pharma to be key focus of Mexico FM’s India visit on Wednesday</a>

The opposition parties PAN, PRI and PRD have urged Mexicans to abstain from voting in what they call a "populist exercise."

Lopez Obrador enjoyed an approval rating of 58 per cent in March, although that was far below a peak of 81 per cent seen in February 2019, according to a poll of polls by the Oraculus&nbsp;firm.

"It's kind of an oxymoron to have a recall process when you have a popular president," said Jorge Buendia, director of public opinion firm Buendia &amp; Marquez.

"The strongest supporters of the president are those that are going to go to the polls," he told a panel discussion.

Lopez Obrador owes much of his popularity to his social welfare programs aimed at helping the poor and dominates&nbsp;Mexico's news agenda with press conferences lasting up to three hours every weekday.

Lopez Obrador's critics say he is damaging democratic checks and balances with his attacks on bodies including the National Electoral Institute, which the president accuses of undermining the referendum.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-level-visits-from-colombia-mexico-to-india-in-few-weeks-461993">High level visits from Colombia, Mexico to India in few weeks</a>

"We will defend the National Electoral Institute, which is under attack by the presidency," said Amado Vazquez, a lawyer attending a protest against Sunday's vote in the western city of Guadalajara.

The referendum is biased in favour of the government and "in no way a citizen's vote," he added.

Mexico will hold its first presidential recall referendum on Sunday, promoted by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on whether he should complete his six-year term -- an exercise that has split public opinion.

Mexico will hold its first presidential recall referendum on Sunday, promoted by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on whether he should complete his six-year term -- an exercise that has split public opinion. With an approval rating of nearly 60 per cent, the midterm popularity test appears unlikely to result in Lopez Obrador's early departure. The president argues that submitting himself to the recall referendum is important for democracy, but critics see it as little more than an expensive propaganda exercise. Also read | India is an important partner in trade, space says Mexico Foreign Minister Ebrard The 68-year-old self-styled anti-corruption, the pro-austerity crusader was elected in 2018 vowing to overhaul Mexico's "neoliberal" economic model. Lopez Obrador has promised not to seek reelection in 2024, following accusations by opponents that the referendum is a step towards changing the rules to enable him to stay in power beyond then. The Mexican constitution limits presidents to one term. Lopez Obrador "seeks, like any populist politician, to maintain the climate of polarization and encourage the narrative that the people are on his side," said political consultant Luis Carlos Ugalde, a former head of Mexico's electoral institute. But Ugalde is sceptical that the vote will smooth the way for Lopez Obrador to stay in office beyond 2024. "Perhaps there will be voices in his party that say he should stay, but the power of that voice will be minimal," Ugalde said. A successful result on Sunday could inject momentum into Lopez Obrador's policy agenda, including controversial energy reforms. Lopez Obrador's Morena party lost its absolute majority in the lower house of Congress in legislative elections last year. The president also has his eye on the 2024 elections and the prospects for his party and possible successors including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum. Watch | Gravitas: Why hundreds of birds fell to death in Mexico Populist exercise Lopez Obrador has overseen a series of referendums since taking office on controversial issues including his "Maya Train" railroad project and cancelling a partially finished airport for Mexico City. A public consultation held in August on whether to prosecute his predecessors for alleged corruption drew only a small fraction of voters to the polls. The midterm recall referendum was incorporated into Mexico's constitution in 2019 at Lopez Obrador's initiative. Some 93 million voters will be able to participate, but many are expected to stay home. The outcome will be overwhelmingly in favour of Lopez Obrador completing his term, although in any case turnout is likely to be below the 40-per cent level needed for the vote to be legally binding, predicted Ugalde. Also read | Space and pharma to be key focus of Mexico FM’s India visit on Wednesday The opposition parties PAN, PRI and PRD have urged Mexicans to abstain from voting in what they call a "populist exercise." Lopez Obrador enjoyed an approval rating of 58 per cent in March, although that was far below a peak of 81 per cent seen in February 2019, according to a poll of polls by the Oraculus firm. "It's kind of an oxymoron to have a recall process when you have a popular president," said Jorge Buendia, director of public opinion firm Buendia & Marquez. "The strongest supporters of the president are those that are going to go to the polls," he told a panel discussion. Lopez Obrador owes much of his popularity to his social welfare programs aimed at helping the poor and dominates Mexico's news agenda with press conferences lasting up to three hours every weekday. Lopez Obrador's critics say he is damaging democratic checks and balances with his attacks on bodies including the National Electoral Institute, which the president accuses of undermining the referendum. Also read | High level visits from Colombia, Mexico to India in few weeks "We will defend the National Electoral Institute, which is under attack by the presidency," said Amado Vazquez, a lawyer attending a protest against Sunday's vote in the western city of Guadalajara. The referendum is biased in favour of the government and "in no way a citizen's vote," he added.

In an unusual step, Mexico president asks voters if he should go

A stunning 32 percent of French voters say they might not vote on the upcoming presidential elections because they feel there is nothing new in the candidates' campaigns, the first round of polling will take place on the April 10.

French Presidential Elections | IPSOS Poll shows 32% of voters likely to abstain

Voting for 59 assembly constituencies spread across 16 districts of Uttar Pradesh will take place on Sunday in the third phase of the polls.

Campaigning for the third phase of the state elections ended on Friday, with senior leaders of the parties making a final effort to woo voters.

As many as 627 candidates are in the fray in this phase, in which over 2.15 crore people are eligible to vote. 
 
Districts where polling will be held are Hathras, Firozabad, Etah, Kasganj, Mainpuri, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Etawah, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur and Mahoba.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-goa-assembly-polls-2022-polling-underway-in-two-indian-states-55-seats-in-up-40-in-goa-up-for-grabs-453098">UP, Goa Assembly Polls 2022: Polling underway in two Indian states; 55 seats in UP, 40 in Goa up for grabs</a> 
 
The Karhal assembly seat, from where Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is contesting, will also go to the polls in the third phase on Sunday. 
 
The BJP has fielded Union minister S P Singh Baghel from the seat. 
 
Polling on Sunday will also seal the fate of the Samajwadi Party chief's uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav, who is contesting from his traditional Jaswantnagar seat. 
 
Before the campaigning ended for the third phase on Friday, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra undertook a door-to-door march in Kanpur, Kalpi, Jalaun and Hamirpur, while BSP chief Mayawati addressed election meetings in Jalaun and Auraiya.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-elections-nearly-60-per-cent-voter-turnout-recorded-by-6-pm-452195">Uttar Pradesh elections phase 1: Nearly 60% voter turnout at India's largest state</a> 
 
Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav sought votes for his son Akhilesh Yadav in Karhal. 
 
The BJP had approached the Election Commission seeking deployment of paramilitary forces at all booths in Karhal. 
 
Among the prominent faces in the fray in this phase are BJP's Satish Mahana (Maharajpur in Kanpur) and Ramvir Upadhaya (Sadabad in Hathras) and Louise Khurshid, who is contesting on the Congress' ticket from Farrukhabad Sadar. 
 
Louise Khurshid is the wife of senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-assembly-elections-2022-this-man-set-to-contest-his-94th-poll-wants-to-lose-100-times-446516">Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: This man set to contest his 94th poll, wants to lose 100 times</a> 
 
Former IPS officer Asim Arun is contesting from Kannauj Sadar on the BJP ticket, while Uttar Pradesh minister Ramnaresh Agnihotri is also in the fray in this phase. 
 
In the 2017 elections, the BJP had won 49 of the 59 seats while the SP had settled for nine. The Congress had got one seat, while the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) drew a blank. 
 
Polling will begin at 7 am on Sunday and continue till 6 pm.

Voting for 59 assembly constituencies spread across 16 districts of Uttar Pradesh will take place on Sunday in the third phase of the polls. Campaigning for the third phase of the state elections ended on Friday, with senior leaders of the parties making a final effort to woo voters.

Voting for 59 assembly constituencies spread across 16 districts of Uttar Pradesh will take place on Sunday in the third phase of the polls. Campaigning for the third phase of the state elections ended on Friday, with senior leaders of the parties making a final effort to woo voters. As many as 627 candidates are in the fray in this phase, in which over 2.15 crore people are eligible to vote. Districts where polling will be held are Hathras, Firozabad, Etah, Kasganj, Mainpuri, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Etawah, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur and Mahoba. Also read | UP, Goa Assembly Polls 2022: Polling underway in two Indian states; 55 seats in UP, 40 in Goa up for grabs The Karhal assembly seat, from where Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is contesting, will also go to the polls in the third phase on Sunday. The BJP has fielded Union minister S P Singh Baghel from the seat. Polling on Sunday will also seal the fate of the Samajwadi Party chief's uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav, who is contesting from his traditional Jaswantnagar seat. Before the campaigning ended for the third phase on Friday, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra undertook a door-to-door march in Kanpur, Kalpi, Jalaun and Hamirpur, while BSP chief Mayawati addressed election meetings in Jalaun and Auraiya. Also read | Uttar Pradesh elections phase 1: Nearly 60% voter turnout at India's largest state Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav sought votes for his son Akhilesh Yadav in Karhal. The BJP had approached the Election Commission seeking deployment of paramilitary forces at all booths in Karhal. Among the prominent faces in the fray in this phase are BJP's Satish Mahana (Maharajpur in Kanpur) and Ramvir Upadhaya (Sadabad in Hathras) and Louise Khurshid, who is contesting on the Congress' ticket from Farrukhabad Sadar. Louise Khurshid is the wife of senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid. Also read | Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: This man set to contest his 94th poll, wants to lose 100 times Former IPS officer Asim Arun is contesting from Kannauj Sadar on the BJP ticket, while Uttar Pradesh minister Ramnaresh Agnihotri is also in the fray in this phase. In the 2017 elections, the BJP had won 49 of the 59 seats while the SP had settled for nine. The Congress had got one seat, while the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) drew a blank. Polling will begin at 7 am on Sunday and continue till 6 pm.

59 assembly constituencies to vote in third phase of UP polls; 627 candidates in fray

A recent poll for The Observer has revealed that over six out of ten voters believe that Brexit has either gone bad or worse than they expected. This comes a year after the United Kingdom left the European Union.&nbsp;

The survey further revealed that &nbsp;42 per cent of people who voted in favour of leaving in 2016 had a negative view of how Brexit had turned out. Also, 26 per cent of people who were in support of leaving said that it had gone worse than expected. Another 16 per cent of those who voted for Brexit said that they expected it to go badly and were proved right. People who voted in favour of remaining, 86 per cent said that it had gone bad or worse than they expected.&nbsp;

In total, just 14 per cent of voters turned out to be satisfied and said that Brexit had gone better than expected.

Adam Drummond, of Opinium, was quoted by the Guardian as saying, "For most of the Brexit process any time you’d ask a question that could be boiled down to ‘is Brexit good or bad?’ you’d have all of the Remainers saying ‘bad’ and all of the Leavers saying ‘good’ and these would cancel each other out. Now what we’re seeing is a significant minority of Leavers saying that things are going badly or at least worse than they expected."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-big-blow-to-uk-government-brexit-minister-david-frost-resigns-438073">Also read |&nbsp;In a big blow to UK government, Brexit Minister David Frost resigns</a>

The survey comes a week after Brexit Minister David Frost resigned.&nbsp;

In a letter to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Frost said that he was resigning immediately after a report said that he was looking to step down next month.&nbsp;

In resignation letter, Frost said, "That is why we agreed earlier this month that I would move on in January and hand over the baton to others to manage our future relationship with the EU.''&nbsp;

However, a report by the Daily Mail claimed that the minister resigned due to the increasing resentment against the government.

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent poll for The Observer has revealed that over six out of ten voters believe that Brexit has either gone bad or worse than they expected. This comes a year after the United Kingdom left the European Union.

A recent poll for The Observer has revealed that over six out of ten voters believe that Brexit has either gone bad or worse than they expected. This comes a year after the United Kingdom left the European Union. The survey further revealed that 42 per cent of people who voted in favour of leaving in 2016 had a negative view of how Brexit had turned out. Also, 26 per cent of people who were in support of leaving said that it had gone worse than expected. Another 16 per cent of those who voted for Brexit said that they expected it to go badly and were proved right. People who voted in favour of remaining, 86 per cent said that it had gone bad or worse than they expected. In total, just 14 per cent of voters turned out to be satisfied and said that Brexit had gone better than expected. Adam Drummond, of Opinium, was quoted by the Guardian as saying, "For most of the Brexit process any time you’d ask a question that could be boiled down to ‘is Brexit good or bad?’ you’d have all of the Remainers saying ‘bad’ and all of the Leavers saying ‘good’ and these would cancel each other out. Now what we’re seeing is a significant minority of Leavers saying that things are going badly or at least worse than they expected." Also read | In a big blow to UK government, Brexit Minister David Frost resigns The survey comes a week after Brexit Minister David Frost resigned. In a letter to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Frost said that he was resigning immediately after a report said that he was looking to step down next month. In resignation letter, Frost said, "That is why we agreed earlier this month that I would move on in January and hand over the baton to others to manage our future relationship with the EU.'' However, a report by the Daily Mail claimed that the minister resigned due to the increasing resentment against the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Most voters not satisfied with how Brexit turned out; only 14% say it was better than expected

Japanese voters went to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to endorse the conservative government of Fumio Kishida or weaken the new prime minister and possibly return the world's third-largest economy to a period of political uncertainty.

The vote is a test&nbsp;for Kishida, who called the election soon after taking the top post early this month, and for his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has been battered by its perceived mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-kishida-sends-offering-to-controversial-tokyo-shrine-421460">Japan's Kishida sends offering to controversial Tokyo shrine</a>

Already, Kishida has struggled to advance policies to help poorer people, while securing a big boost in military spending and taking a harder line on China.

With his lacklustre image failing to inspire voters, the LDP is on the brink of losing its sole majority in the lower house of parliament for the first time since 2009, opinion polls show, although its coalition with junior partner Komeito is forecast to remain in control.

Japan's vaccination drive initially lagged other advanced nations. More than 70 per cent&nbsp;of the population is now fully vaccinated and infections have dropped sharply, but some voters remain wary.

"It's hard to say the pandemic is completely snuffed out and society is stable, so we shouldn`t have any big changes in coronavirus policy," said Naoki Okura, a doctor, after voting in Tokyo.

"Rather than demanding a change in government, I think we should demand continuity."

Tough Contests, Revolving Door?

Several key LDP lawmakers are also facing particularly tough contests, including Akira Amari, the party's secretary general.

"Revolving-door prime ministers is a weakness that many outside of Japan fear," Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in a blog post. "Prime Minister Kishida will need a unified party and a strong electoral showing on October&nbsp;31 if he is to successfully tackle Japan's difficult national agenda."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fukushima-wastewater-release-cant-be-delayed-says-japan-pm-kishida-421707">Fukushima wastewater release can’t be delayed, says Japan PM Kishida</a>

Turnout will be crucial, since higher turnout tends to favour the opposition. As of 10 a.m., three hours after polls opened, turnout stood at 6.32 per cent, down 0.83 point from the previous lower house poll - but 16.6 million voted in advance, the Internal Affairs Ministry said.

The biggest opposition group, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is expected to gain seats but not come near toppling Kishida's coalition.

"The only party with policies aimed at people in their 20s and 30s is the Constitutional Democrats, things like income tax and so on," said office worker Daisuke Matsumoto, 27. "It's true other parties have policies aimed at child-raising, but what about those of us who are childless?"

A big loss of LDP seats could lead to party infighting, returning Japan to an era of short-lived administrations that diminished its global stature, until Shinzo Abe helmed the country for a record eight years to September 2020. The dovish Komeito could also gain more clout within the coalition.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-ruling-party-unveils-manifesto-with-focus-on-coronavirus-defence-420125">Japan's ruling party unveils manifesto with focus on coronavirus, defence</a>

Uncertainty is high, with the Nikkei newspaper estimating 40 per cent&nbsp;of single-seat districts have close races and recent polls showing some 40per cent&nbsp;of voters undecided.

Voting ends at 8 p.m. (1100 GMT), with projected results likely to come soon afterward from media exit polls.

Kishida's publicly stated goal is for his coalition to keep a majority, at least 233 seats, of the 465 in the lower house. Before the election, the coalition had a commanding two-thirds majority of 305, with the LDP holding 276.

Investors and political watchers are focussed on whether the LDP - in power for all but brief spells since it was formed in 1955 - can keep its majority as a single party. Losing that would erode Kishida's power base in the factional LDP and the party's standing against the Komeito.

The usually splintered opposition is united, arranging for only one party - including the widely shunned Japanese Communist Party - to face off against the coalition in most districts, with analysts saying this is creating a number of neck-and-neck battles.

But the opposition has failed to capture the hearts of voters, with only 8 per cent&nbsp;supporting the Constitutional Democrats while 39 per cent back the LDP, according to a poll last week by public broadcaster NHK.

"The other political parties are all scattered, so I can't leave it to them with confidence," said Hiroki Kita, 49 and an advertising executive.

"There's only the LDP, but it's a negative choice."

Japanese voters went to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to endorse the conservative government of Fumio Kishida or weaken the new prime minister and possibly return the world's third-largest economy to a period of political uncertainty.

Japanese voters went to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to endorse the conservative government of Fumio Kishida or weaken the new prime minister and possibly return the world's third-largest economy to a period of political uncertainty. The vote is a test for Kishida, who called the election soon after taking the top post early this month, and for his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has been battered by its perceived mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read | Japan's Kishida sends offering to controversial Tokyo shrine Already, Kishida has struggled to advance policies to help poorer people, while securing a big boost in military spending and taking a harder line on China. With his lacklustre image failing to inspire voters, the LDP is on the brink of losing its sole majority in the lower house of parliament for the first time since 2009, opinion polls show, although its coalition with junior partner Komeito is forecast to remain in control. Japan's vaccination drive initially lagged other advanced nations. More than 70 per cent of the population is now fully vaccinated and infections have dropped sharply, but some voters remain wary. "It's hard to say the pandemic is completely snuffed out and society is stable, so we shouldn`t have any big changes in coronavirus policy," said Naoki Okura, a doctor, after voting in Tokyo. "Rather than demanding a change in government, I think we should demand continuity." Tough Contests, Revolving Door? Several key LDP lawmakers are also facing particularly tough contests, including Akira Amari, the party's secretary general. "Revolving-door prime ministers is a weakness that many outside of Japan fear," Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in a blog post. "Prime Minister Kishida will need a unified party and a strong electoral showing on October 31 if he is to successfully tackle Japan's difficult national agenda." Also Read | Fukushima wastewater release can’t be delayed, says Japan PM Kishida Turnout will be crucial, since higher turnout tends to favour the opposition. As of 10 a.m., three hours after polls opened, turnout stood at 6.32 per cent, down 0.83 point from the previous lower house poll - but 16.6 million voted in advance, the Internal Affairs Ministry said. The biggest opposition group, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is expected to gain seats but not come near toppling Kishida's coalition. "The only party with policies aimed at people in their 20s and 30s is the Constitutional Democrats, things like income tax and so on," said office worker Daisuke Matsumoto, 27. "It's true other parties have policies aimed at child-raising, but what about those of us who are childless?" A big loss of LDP seats could lead to party infighting, returning Japan to an era of short-lived administrations that diminished its global stature, until Shinzo Abe helmed the country for a record eight years to September 2020. The dovish Komeito could also gain more clout within the coalition. Also Read | Japan's ruling party unveils manifesto with focus on coronavirus, defence Uncertainty is high, with the Nikkei newspaper estimating 40 per cent of single-seat districts have close races and recent polls showing some 40per cent of voters undecided. Voting ends at 8 p.m. (1100 GMT), with projected results likely to come soon afterward from media exit polls. Kishida's publicly stated goal is for his coalition to keep a majority, at least 233 seats, of the 465 in the lower house. Before the election, the coalition had a commanding two-thirds majority of 305, with the LDP holding 276. Investors and political watchers are focussed on whether the LDP - in power for all but brief spells since it was formed in 1955 - can keep its majority as a single party. Losing that would erode Kishida's power base in the factional LDP and the party's standing against the Komeito. The usually splintered opposition is united, arranging for only one party - including the widely shunned Japanese Communist Party - to face off against the coalition in most districts, with analysts saying this is creating a number of neck-and-neck battles. But the opposition has failed to capture the hearts of voters, with only 8 per cent supporting the Constitutional Democrats while 39 per cent back the LDP, according to a poll last week by public broadcaster NHK. "The other political parties are all scattered, so I can't leave it to them with confidence," said Hiroki Kita, 49 and an advertising executive. "There's only the LDP, but it's a negative choice."

Japan votes in test for new PM Kishida, political stability

A new poll for the Observer has revealed that two-thirds of voters in Northern Ireland believe that there should be a vote over its place in the UK, however, only 37 per cent want it to take place within the next five years.

Around 31 per cent of voters said that there should be a vote at some point about Northern Ireland’s place in the UK but after 2026, the LucidTalk poll found.&nbsp;

Also, a further 29 per cent said that there should never be such a vote. There is currently a seven-point lead for Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK should any vote take place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-guard-kabul-airport-as-nato-troops-leave-afghanistan-409149">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan</a>

When asked how they would vote, 49 per cent said that they would back remaining in the UK, while 42 per cent backed being part of a united Ireland, with 9 per cent saying they did not know.

Various other recent surveys have put support for a united Ireland much lower.

While many experts said that they believed the political temperature in Northern Ireland was now cooling, the issue of a border poll has been raised by figures in recent months.&nbsp;

A new poll for the Observer has revealed that two-thirds of voters in Northern Ireland believe that there should be a vote over its place in the UK, however, only 37 per cent want it to take place within the next five years.

A new poll for the Observer has revealed that two-thirds of voters in Northern Ireland believe that there should be a vote over its place in the UK, however, only 37 per cent want it to take place within the next five years. Around 31 per cent of voters said that there should be a vote at some point about Northern Ireland’s place in the UK but after 2026, the LucidTalk poll found. Also, a further 29 per cent said that there should never be such a vote. There is currently a seven-point lead for Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK should any vote take place. Also read | Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan When asked how they would vote, 49 per cent said that they would back remaining in the UK, while 42 per cent backed being part of a united Ireland, with 9 per cent saying they did not know. Various other recent surveys have put support for a united Ireland much lower. While many experts said that they believed the political temperature in Northern Ireland was now cooling, the issue of a border poll has been raised by figures in recent months.

Majority of voters in Northern Ireland want vote on staying in UK

French voters go to the polls on Sunday in regional elections that will test the appeal of far-right leader Marine Le Pen's softened image less than a year before the next presidential election. 
 
Coming after a gruelling year and a half of lockdowns, curfews and restrictions, Sunday's first round is likely to prove dire for President Emmanuel Macron, whose party is projected to win none of mainland France's 13 regions. 
 
Boosted by a resurgence of law-and-order issues during the campaign, despite the fact French regions have no police powers, Le Pen is hoping to capitalise on a rebrand that has seen her ditch promises of 'Frexit' and inflammatory rhetoric. 
 
"She appears less extreme in the eyes of the French, less dangerous for democracy, than she did a decade ago," Brice Teinturier, an analyst with pollster IPSOS said. 
 
Her best chance is in the south of France, the region around Marseille and Nice, where one of her lieutenants, a former conservative minister, is projected by one opinion poll as winning the race even if all parties rally against him. 
 
Gaining one region, for the first time ever, would give Le Pen a major boost less than a year before presidential elections, and would be a slap in the face for Macron, who has painted himself as a bulwark against the far-right. 
 
The far-right is also likely to do well in two other regions, around Calais in the north and in Burgundy, helped by low turnout in a country whose attention is shifting to summer holidays to forget the pandemic. 
 
In the deindustrialised north, the incumbent and frontrunner to become the conservatives' candidate in the presidential election, Xavier Bertrand, is facing Le Pen's party spokesman and Macron's justice minister. 
 
Whether Macron's party reaches the 10% threshold will determine if it can force Bertrand into an alliance to defeat the far-right, which would undermine his pitch as Macron`s opponent-in-chief in 2022. 
 
However, a win for Bertrand would bolster his chances of becoming the conservatives' presidential candidate. Macron aides see the one-time health minister as a rival, who would erode the president's centre-right voting base. 
 
Results of Sunday's first round will send parties into frantic backroom dealing for two days to strike alliances ahead of June 27's final round. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

French voters go to the polls on Sunday in regional elections that will test the appeal of far-right leader Marine Le Pen's softened image less than a year before the next presidential election.

French voters go to the polls on Sunday in regional elections that will test the appeal of far-right leader Marine Le Pen's softened image less than a year before the next presidential election. Coming after a gruelling year and a half of lockdowns, curfews and restrictions, Sunday's first round is likely to prove dire for President Emmanuel Macron, whose party is projected to win none of mainland France's 13 regions. Boosted by a resurgence of law-and-order issues during the campaign, despite the fact French regions have no police powers, Le Pen is hoping to capitalise on a rebrand that has seen her ditch promises of 'Frexit' and inflammatory rhetoric. "She appears less extreme in the eyes of the French, less dangerous for democracy, than she did a decade ago," Brice Teinturier, an analyst with pollster IPSOS said. Her best chance is in the south of France, the region around Marseille and Nice, where one of her lieutenants, a former conservative minister, is projected by one opinion poll as winning the race even if all parties rally against him. Gaining one region, for the first time ever, would give Le Pen a major boost less than a year before presidential elections, and would be a slap in the face for Macron, who has painted himself as a bulwark against the far-right. The far-right is also likely to do well in two other regions, around Calais in the north and in Burgundy, helped by low turnout in a country whose attention is shifting to summer holidays to forget the pandemic. In the deindustrialised north, the incumbent and frontrunner to become the conservatives' candidate in the presidential election, Xavier Bertrand, is facing Le Pen's party spokesman and Macron's justice minister. Whether Macron's party reaches the 10% threshold will determine if it can force Bertrand into an alliance to defeat the far-right, which would undermine his pitch as Macron`s opponent-in-chief in 2022. However, a win for Bertrand would bolster his chances of becoming the conservatives' presidential candidate. Macron aides see the one-time health minister as a rival, who would erode the president's centre-right voting base. Results of Sunday's first round will send parties into frantic backroom dealing for two days to strike alliances ahead of June 27's final round. (With inputs from agencies)

French far-right tests voters' appetite in regional elections

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 

As the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election"> US elections</a> inch closer to the November 03 deadline, the two leaders —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;— have fast-tracked their election campaigns and are urging more people to cast their votes.&nbsp;

Several Hollywood actors, sports legends and other celebrities, too, are encouraging Americans to opt for mail-in voting and/or go to the voting booth and cast their ballots marketing this to be one of the most important elections in the history of US politics.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/donald-trump-vs-joe-biden-which-celebrity-is-backing-whom-in-the-us-presidential-elections-333505">Also read|&nbsp;Donald Trump Vs Joe Biden: Which celebrity is backing whom in the US presidential elections</a>

With this push to the locals, the Americans have created history with more than 70 million Americans casting their vote in early voting, and the number is still increasing as the November 03 deadline inches closer.

According to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US&nbsp;Elections Project</a>, the tally of more than 70 million is half the total amount of the turnout from the 2016 election when&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;and Hillary Clinton&nbsp;campaigned against each other, with Clinton winning in opinion polls but losing in main elections.

As per the Tuesday tally, this record-breaking number — which is increasing with every passing hour — could lead to the highest voter turnout in percentage terms in more than a century.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-surge-in-can-i-change-my-vote-donald-trump-says-trend-refers-to-him-338447">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Surge in 'can I change my vote'; Donald Trump says trend refers to him</a>

This new number shows the newly-found interest of the American voters in the US election 2020, which could be due to the uprising caused by the 'Black Lives Matter' protests that crowded the streets of the US, or the rising death toll caused by the novel coronavirus — which Trump has been alleged to downplaying. This number also shows that people are trying to avoid the crowd on the election day (November 03) adopting to vote early to make sure they do not contract the deadly virus — which is expected to bring another surge with the onset of winters.

The opinion polls are showing Biden as the lead runner, as of now with more of Democrat supporters opting for mail-in voting — a system that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has openly criticised and questioned repeatedly. As of now, Democrats hold a rough majority of&nbsp;two-to-one in the early voting numbers, with Republicans rapidly narrowing the gap with in-person voting in the last few weeks.

Observing the trend of early voting this year,&nbsp;Michael McDonald, the University of Florida professor who administers the US Elections Project, is predicting the total turnout of the US elections to be nearly 150 million this year,&nbsp;representing 65% of those eligible to vote, the highest rate since 1908.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-election-2020-americans-are-breaking-early-voting-records-338422">Also watch|</a>

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As the US elections inch closer to the November 03 deadline, the two leaders — Donald Trump and Joe Biden — have fast-tracked their election campaigns and are urging more people to cast their votes.

As the US elections inch closer to the November 03 deadline, the two leaders — Donald Trump and Joe Biden — have fast-tracked their election campaigns and are urging more people to cast their votes. Several Hollywood actors, sports legends and other celebrities, too, are encouraging Americans to opt for mail-in voting and/or go to the voting booth and cast their ballots marketing this to be one of the most important elections in the history of US politics. Also read| Donald Trump Vs Joe Biden: Which celebrity is backing whom in the US presidential elections With this push to the locals, the Americans have created history with more than 70 million Americans casting their vote in early voting, and the number is still increasing as the November 03 deadline inches closer. According to the US Elections Project, the tally of more than 70 million is half the total amount of the turnout from the 2016 election when Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton campaigned against each other, with Clinton winning in opinion polls but losing in main elections. As per the Tuesday tally, this record-breaking number — which is increasing with every passing hour — could lead to the highest voter turnout in percentage terms in more than a century. Also read| US election 2020: Surge in 'can I change my vote'; Donald Trump says trend refers to him This new number shows the newly-found interest of the American voters in the US election 2020, which could be due to the uprising caused by the 'Black Lives Matter' protests that crowded the streets of the US, or the rising death toll caused by the novel coronavirus — which Trump has been alleged to downplaying. This number also shows that people are trying to avoid the crowd on the election day (November 03) adopting to vote early to make sure they do not contract the deadly virus — which is expected to bring another surge with the onset of winters. The opinion polls are showing Biden as the lead runner, as of now with more of Democrat supporters opting for mail-in voting — a system that Trump has openly criticised and questioned repeatedly. As of now, Democrats hold a rough majority of two-to-one in the early voting numbers, with Republicans rapidly narrowing the gap with in-person voting in the last few weeks. Observing the trend of early voting this year, Michael McDonald, the University of Florida professor who administers the US Elections Project, is predicting the total turnout of the US elections to be nearly 150 million this year, representing 65% of those eligible to vote, the highest rate since 1908. Also watch| ×

US Election 2020: American voters make history in early voting; more than 70 million cast ballots

Ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US election 2020</a>, the tech giant Google has decided to add some features related to the elections and voting which can help the voters through the process.

If a voter searches for phrases such as "early voting locations" or&nbsp;"ballot drop boxes near me", the search engine will now show the details on where can one go to vote and will also show the drop boxes for mail-in voters. The search will also give information such as the distance and time it will take to travel there, and the amount of crowd.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-how-are-votes-counted-in-the-presidential-election-335422">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election?</a>

The same will also remind people about what all do the voters need to carry with themselves while going to that specific location, such as identitity cards,&nbsp;bring your ballot completed and sealed, and so on.

"Just as easily, you`ll soon be able to ask, `Hey Google, where do I vote?` and Google Assistant will share details on where to vote nearby on your Assistant-enabled phone, smart speaker or Smart Display," Yunhan Xu, Product Manager at Google wrote in a blog post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-how-the-states-vote-for-the-presidential-elections-335430">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: How the States vote for the Presidential elections</a>

"After you`ve selected a voting location or ballot drop box in your area, you can click through from Google Search or Google Assistant to Google Maps for quick information about how far it is, how to get there, and voting hours."

Similarly, if you search for your voting location in Google Maps you`ll have easy access to the feature in Search to help you confirm where you can cast your vote, the company said.

The features have been revealed just a couple of weeks prior to the election date, i.e. November 03. Some of the states have already started early voting. This year, the election is between the US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival and former Vice President Joe Biden.

Ahead of the US election 2020, the tech giant Google has decided to add some features related to the elections and voting which can help the voters through the process.

Ahead of the US election 2020, the tech giant Google has decided to add some features related to the elections and voting which can help the voters through the process. If a voter searches for phrases such as "early voting locations" or "ballot drop boxes near me", the search engine will now show the details on where can one go to vote and will also show the drop boxes for mail-in voters. The search will also give information such as the distance and time it will take to travel there, and the amount of crowd. Also read| US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election? The same will also remind people about what all do the voters need to carry with themselves while going to that specific location, such as identitity cards, bring your ballot completed and sealed, and so on. "Just as easily, you`ll soon be able to ask, `Hey Google, where do I vote?` and Google Assistant will share details on where to vote nearby on your Assistant-enabled phone, smart speaker or Smart Display," Yunhan Xu, Product Manager at Google wrote in a blog post. Also read| US election 2020: How the States vote for the Presidential elections "After you`ve selected a voting location or ballot drop box in your area, you can click through from Google Search or Google Assistant to Google Maps for quick information about how far it is, how to get there, and voting hours." Similarly, if you search for your voting location in Google Maps you`ll have easy access to the feature in Search to help you confirm where you can cast your vote, the company said. The features have been revealed just a couple of weeks prior to the election date, i.e. November 03. Some of the states have already started early voting. This year, the election is between the US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival and former Vice President Joe Biden.

Google launches election-related features weeks before US election 2020

In the last <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election?page=1">US elections</a>&nbsp;2016, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;was not leading in the initial and exit polls. However, at the end Trump came out a winner&nbsp; which was majorly credited to the late-deciding voters.

However, this year, that might not be the case. As per a poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos, it has been revealed that the late-deciding voters may not be able to save Trump&nbsp;this time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-key-issues-and-donald-trump-joe-bidens-stand-on-them-335441">Also read|&nbsp;US election's key issues and Donald Trump, Joe Biden's stand on them</a>

Reuters conducted a poll between October 09 and 13 which showed that there are very few undecided voters this year and the opinion polls may be correct and voters might pick Biden over Trump even towards the end.

The elections are scheduled for November 03 this year and will see Donald Trump and Joe Biden&nbsp;fighting for the position with Mike Pence and Kamala Harris as their respective running mates.

The polls show that&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is currently holding a&nbsp;10-percentage-point lead nationally, with a tighter margin in the battleground states that will help to decide the election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-how-the-states-vote-for-the-presidential-elections-335430">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: How the States vote for the Presidential elections</a>

"The candidate who is behind — Trump — needs to win undecideds at a disproportionate rate to catch up. So, if that isn’t happening, he’s not really cutting into Biden’s lead,” said Kyle Kondik, an election analyst at the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.

This year the change in voting pattern has majorly been due to the fear of contracting the novel coronavirus. More and&nbsp; more people are now opting for early voting and mail-in voting as people want to cautiously avoid crowded spaces.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-how-are-votes-counted-in-the-presidential-election-335422">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election?</a>

As per the unofficial figures, almost 15 million Americans have already cast their vote, which is a lot in comparison to the figure of 1.4 million early voters in the 2016 elections.

Another difference this year is that unlike the 106 elections, majority of the voters have already made up their mind, as per the opinion polls.

The Reuters/Ipsos national poll found that only about 8 per cent&nbsp;of likely voters appear to be undecided, saying either that they do not know whom to support or that they are thinking about backing a third-party candidate. This number in the last elections was twice more than this — with&nbsp;55 per cent picking Trump and only 36 per cent picking Hillary Clinton, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll of voters on Election Day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-republicans-clash-with-california-officials-over-ballot-boxes-335425">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Republicans clash with California officials over ballot boxes</a>

The poll also found that 9 out of 10 likely Biden voters and 9 out of 10 likely Trump voters say they have locked in their decision and will not change their mind.

However, Trump&nbsp;and his team has not lost hope.&nbsp;"Our campaign is confident in the big tent, diverse coalition of support we’ve built over the last six years," said Ken Farnaso, a Trump spokesman.

(With inputs from Reuters)

In the last US elections 2016, Donald Trump was not leading in the initial and exit polls. However, at the end Trump came out a winner which was majorly credited to the late-deciding voters.

In the last US elections 2016, Donald Trump was not leading in the initial and exit polls. However, at the end Trump came out a winner which was majorly credited to the late-deciding voters. However, this year, that might not be the case. As per a poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos, it has been revealed that the late-deciding voters may not be able to save Trump this time. Also read| US election's key issues and Donald Trump, Joe Biden's stand on them Reuters conducted a poll between October 09 and 13 which showed that there are very few undecided voters this year and the opinion polls may be correct and voters might pick Biden over Trump even towards the end. The elections are scheduled for November 03 this year and will see Donald Trump and Joe Biden fighting for the position with Mike Pence and Kamala Harris as their respective running mates. The polls show that Biden is currently holding a 10-percentage-point lead nationally, with a tighter margin in the battleground states that will help to decide the election. Also read| US election 2020: How the States vote for the Presidential elections "The candidate who is behind — Trump — needs to win undecideds at a disproportionate rate to catch up. So, if that isn’t happening, he’s not really cutting into Biden’s lead,” said Kyle Kondik, an election analyst at the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. This year the change in voting pattern has majorly been due to the fear of contracting the novel coronavirus. More and more people are now opting for early voting and mail-in voting as people want to cautiously avoid crowded spaces. Also read| US election 2020: How are votes counted in the presidential election? As per the unofficial figures, almost 15 million Americans have already cast their vote, which is a lot in comparison to the figure of 1.4 million early voters in the 2016 elections. Another difference this year is that unlike the 106 elections, majority of the voters have already made up their mind, as per the opinion polls. The Reuters/Ipsos national poll found that only about 8 per cent of likely voters appear to be undecided, saying either that they do not know whom to support or that they are thinking about backing a third-party candidate. This number in the last elections was twice more than this — with 55 per cent picking Trump and only 36 per cent picking Hillary Clinton, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll of voters on Election Day. Also read| US election 2020: Republicans clash with California officials over ballot boxes The poll also found that 9 out of 10 likely Biden voters and 9 out of 10 likely Trump voters say they have locked in their decision and will not change their mind. However, Trump and his team has not lost hope. "Our campaign is confident in the big tent, diverse coalition of support we’ve built over the last six years," said Ken Farnaso, a Trump spokesman. (With inputs from Reuters)

US election 2020: Donald Trump cannot rely on late voters this year, reports say

Delhi election: CM Kejriwal, President Kovind and others cast votes

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-elections-first-phase-of-polling-13-seats-begins-265332">Jharkhand</a> on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment. 
 
Speaking to ANI in Lohargada, a voter Vikas Verma said, "I voted for the party that called for development in the state. I hope that the party will work on the issue of development." 
 
In Daltonganj, Ram Tiwari said, "Development ha not taken place here. There is poverty and unemployment. I voted on these issues. This time I feel a lot of people will come to vote. There is no fear among the voters here." 
 
Shravan Kumar Tiwari said, "I voted on the issue of unemployment. Many youths are losing their jobs so I voted for the party that brings employment." 
 
While Arvind Tiwari was highly critical of the governments in past saying, "There are problems of lack of electricity and water in the region. In the past 30 years, no government did the task of providing fulltime electricity and water. There is unemployment as well so I voted on these issues." 
 
The first phase of polling in 13 constituencies spread across six districts of Jharkhand commenced on Saturday morning. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-janshakti-party-releases-third-list-of-24-candidates-for-jharkhand-assembly-polls-264865">The constituencies where polling is taking place</a> are -&nbsp;Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur.

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment.

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment. Speaking to ANI in Lohargada, a voter Vikas Verma said, "I voted for the party that called for development in the state. I hope that the party will work on the issue of development." In Daltonganj, Ram Tiwari said, "Development ha not taken place here. There is poverty and unemployment. I voted on these issues. This time I feel a lot of people will come to vote. There is no fear among the voters here." Shravan Kumar Tiwari said, "I voted on the issue of unemployment. Many youths are losing their jobs so I voted for the party that brings employment." While Arvind Tiwari was highly critical of the governments in past saying, "There are problems of lack of electricity and water in the region. In the past 30 years, no government did the task of providing fulltime electricity and water. There is unemployment as well so I voted on these issues." The first phase of polling in 13 constituencies spread across six districts of Jharkhand commenced on Saturday morning. The constituencies where polling is taking place are - Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur.

Jharkhand: Voters stress on the issue of development in assembly polls in Lohardaga, Daltonganj

Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trudeau-apologizes-for-racist-brownface-yearbook-photo-250528">Justin Trudeau</a> will remain in power but with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-congratulates-canadas-prime-minister-trudeau-on-election-victory-257426">minority government </a>that will require the support of a smaller left-leaning party after a hard-fought election in which he was dogged by scandals.

"From coast to coast to coast tonight, Canadians rejected division and negativity. They rejected cuts and austerity and they voted in favour of a progressive agenda and strong action on climate change," Trudeau told cheering crowds of supporters delivering his victory speech at the party headquarters in Montreal in the early hours of Tuesday (October 22).

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Impact of Immigration on Canada's Politics in 2019

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-impact-of-immigration-on-canadas-politics-in-2019-249527/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Liberals had won or were leading in 156 out of 338 seats in Monday's (October 21) vote, according to Elections Canada. That put the Liberals far short of the 170 seats needed for a second straight majority government.

Trudeau, who took power in 2015 as a charismatic figure promising "sunny ways," saw his popularity drop over old photos of him in blackface and his handling of a corporate corruption case. He will now have to rely on the New Democratic Party (NDP) to push through key legislation.

Trudeau, 47, who has championed diversity as prime minister, was endorsed by former US President Barack Obama in the final stretch of the campaign and is viewed as one of the last remaining progressive leaders among the world's major democracies.

But the son of the late Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau also had to overcome a sense of fatigue with his government.

US President Donald Trump, whose relationship with Trudeau has been testy at times, congratulated him "on a wonderful and hard-fought victory" via Twitter.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will remain in power but with a minority government that will require the support of a smaller left-leaning party after a hard-fought election in which he was dogged by scandals.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will remain in power but with a minority government that will require the support of a smaller left-leaning party after a hard-fought election in which he was dogged by scandals. "From coast to coast to coast tonight, Canadians rejected division and negativity. They rejected cuts and austerity and they voted in favour of a progressive agenda and strong action on climate change," Trudeau told cheering crowds of supporters delivering his victory speech at the party headquarters in Montreal in the early hours of Tuesday (October 22). Watch: Gravitas: Impact of Immigration on Canada's Politics in 2019 The Liberals had won or were leading in 156 out of 338 seats in Monday's (October 21) vote, according to Elections Canada. That put the Liberals far short of the 170 seats needed for a second straight majority government. Trudeau, who took power in 2015 as a charismatic figure promising "sunny ways," saw his popularity drop over old photos of him in blackface and his handling of a corporate corruption case. He will now have to rely on the New Democratic Party (NDP) to push through key legislation. Trudeau, 47, who has championed diversity as prime minister, was endorsed by former US President Barack Obama in the final stretch of the campaign and is viewed as one of the last remaining progressive leaders among the world's major democracies. But the son of the late Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau also had to overcome a sense of fatigue with his government. US President Donald Trump, whose relationship with Trudeau has been testy at times, congratulated him "on a wonderful and hard-fought victory" via Twitter.

Canada election: PM Justin Trudeau returns to power, says voters rejected negativity

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Saturday announced the dates for Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly election.

"In both the states,&nbsp;notification will be issued on September 27. The last date of nominations is October 4. Polling will be held on October 21 while counting will take place on October 24," Chief Election Commissioner&nbsp;announced.

''The 5-year term of the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Maharashtra expires on November 2 and November 9,'' Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said.

Sunil Arora further added that special security arrangements will be made for Left-wing extremism (LWE)&nbsp;affected areas in Gadchiroli and Gondia in Maharashtra.

''Election campaigns impose an environmental cost upon us. We appeal to political parties to avoid the use of plastic and use only environment-friendly material in their campaigns,''&nbsp;Election Commissioner said.

The commissioner further said that Haryana has 1.82 crore registered voters and Maharashtra has 8.94 crore voters.

The BJP came to power in the state in the last Assembly elections.

On the other hand, in Maharashtra, the BJP and Shiv Sena contested 2014 state Assembly elections separately after they failed to arrive at a seat-sharing formula.&nbsp;

However, they formed the government in the alliance after the elections as none of the parties was able to secure a majority on its own.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Saturday announced the dates for Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly election. "In both the states, notification will be issued on September 27.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Saturday announced the dates for Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly election. "In both the states, notification will be issued on September 27. The last date of nominations is October 4. Polling will be held on October 21 while counting will take place on October 24," Chief Election Commissioner announced. ''The 5-year term of the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Maharashtra expires on November 2 and November 9,'' Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said. Sunil Arora further added that special security arrangements will be made for Left-wing extremism (LWE) affected areas in Gadchiroli and Gondia in Maharashtra. ''Election campaigns impose an environmental cost upon us. We appeal to political parties to avoid the use of plastic and use only environment-friendly material in their campaigns,'' Election Commissioner said. The commissioner further said that Haryana has 1.82 crore registered voters and Maharashtra has 8.94 crore voters. The BJP came to power in the state in the last Assembly elections. On the other hand, in Maharashtra, the BJP and Shiv Sena contested 2014 state Assembly elections separately after they failed to arrive at a seat-sharing formula. However, they formed the government in the alliance after the elections as none of the parties was able to secure a majority on its own.

Election Commission announces assembly election dates for Maharashtra and Haryana; counting on October 24

Voters were called out for a third day in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-elections-five-things-to-watch-220958"> EU parliamentary elections</a> on Saturday as populists hoped to win a major breakthrough and disrupt European politics for the next five years.

Polls were open in Malta, Slovakia and Latvia, with most of the bloc's 28 member states -- including big players Germany, France and Italy -- to vote on Sunday.

More than 400 million people are eligible to elect 751 members of the European Parliament with the first official results to be announced late Sunday once voting in all EU countries is over.

Polling has shown for months that populists and the anti-immigration far right could make big gains in the vote, which will also help determine who replaces Jean-Claude Juncker as head of the European Commission as well as other top jobs.

An exit poll after voting in the Netherlands on Thursday, however, showed a surprise victory for pro-EU socialists, giving hope to establishment forces elsewhere in the bloc that the populist tide could be limited.

"To all our friends across Europe still campaigning, this one is for you too!" said Dutchman Frans Timmermans, the lead socialist candidate and one of the main contenders to replace Juncker.

Europhiles also had reason to cheer from an exit poll in Ireland that suggested Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's Fine Gael party, which is committed to closer EU integration, was in the lead.

Turnout is a major concern in the EU elections, with voters in Slovakia historically the least interested, having just 13 per cent show up for the last polls five years ago.

Analysts said Slovakia would most likely send one far-right MEP to Strasbourg, where Czech voters -- who were voting for a second day on Saturday -- seemed set to hand victory to the ruling ANO, polls suggested.

Britain voted on Thursday, a day before Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-annouces-resignation-over-brexit-deal-221263">Theresa May announced her resignation</a> following a months-long Brexit crisis, though the result will not be revealed until Sunday.

The Brexit Party, which was only set up this year by veteran eurosceptic MEP Nigel Farage, is expected to score a resounding win in the UK vote.

Britain was never supposed to have participated in the EU vote but May was forced to do so after delaying Brexit beyond the original date of March 29 because the UK parliament refused to approve the divorce deal.

'Shaping the future'&nbsp;

On the far right, Matteo Salvini of Italy's anti-immigrant League and Marine Le Pen of France's National Rally (RN) want their Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF) group to become the third largest in Brussels. The League has topped opinion polls in Italy.

Le Pen is seeking to strike a big blow to Emmanuel Macron's French presidency by overtaking his pro-European party Republic on the Move (LREM) and denying the young leader's ambition to shake up the EU.

Polls give her RN party a slight edge, with around 25 per cent support against Macron's 22.5 per cent.

"It is hard to overstate the importance of this week's European Parliament elections," said Mujtaba Rahman of the Eurasia Group.

"Besides determining the composition of the next Parliament, the results will also be critical in shaping the future character and profile of the European Union," he said.

The establishment is expected to remain strong in several countries, with voters from Spain to the former Soviet Baltic states showing solid backing for the EU.

In Germany, surveys put Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party -- a heavyweight in the EU-wide centre-right EPP group -- in the first place, with the Greens second.

Voters were called out for a third day in EU parliamentary elections on Saturday as populists hoped to win a major breakthrough and disrupt European politics for the next five years.

Voters were called out for a third day in EU parliamentary elections on Saturday as populists hoped to win a major breakthrough and disrupt European politics for the next five years. Polls were open in Malta, Slovakia and Latvia, with most of the bloc's 28 member states -- including big players Germany, France and Italy -- to vote on Sunday. More than 400 million people are eligible to elect 751 members of the European Parliament with the first official results to be announced late Sunday once voting in all EU countries is over. Polling has shown for months that populists and the anti-immigration far right could make big gains in the vote, which will also help determine who replaces Jean-Claude Juncker as head of the European Commission as well as other top jobs. An exit poll after voting in the Netherlands on Thursday, however, showed a surprise victory for pro-EU socialists, giving hope to establishment forces elsewhere in the bloc that the populist tide could be limited. "To all our friends across Europe still campaigning, this one is for you too!" said Dutchman Frans Timmermans, the lead socialist candidate and one of the main contenders to replace Juncker. Europhiles also had reason to cheer from an exit poll in Ireland that suggested Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's Fine Gael party, which is committed to closer EU integration, was in the lead. Turnout is a major concern in the EU elections, with voters in Slovakia historically the least interested, having just 13 per cent show up for the last polls five years ago. Analysts said Slovakia would most likely send one far-right MEP to Strasbourg, where Czech voters -- who were voting for a second day on Saturday -- seemed set to hand victory to the ruling ANO, polls suggested. Britain voted on Thursday, a day before Prime Minister Theresa May announced her resignation following a months-long Brexit crisis, though the result will not be revealed until Sunday. The Brexit Party, which was only set up this year by veteran eurosceptic MEP Nigel Farage, is expected to score a resounding win in the UK vote. Britain was never supposed to have participated in the EU vote but May was forced to do so after delaying Brexit beyond the original date of March 29 because the UK parliament refused to approve the divorce deal. 'Shaping the future' On the far right, Matteo Salvini of Italy's anti-immigrant League and Marine Le Pen of France's National Rally (RN) want their Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF) group to become the third largest in Brussels. The League has topped opinion polls in Italy. Le Pen is seeking to strike a big blow to Emmanuel Macron's French presidency by overtaking his pro-European party Republic on the Move (LREM) and denying the young leader's ambition to shake up the EU. Polls give her RN party a slight edge, with around 25 per cent support against Macron's 22.5 per cent. "It is hard to overstate the importance of this week's European Parliament elections," said Mujtaba Rahman of the Eurasia Group. "Besides determining the composition of the next Parliament, the results will also be critical in shaping the future character and profile of the European Union," he said. The establishment is expected to remain strong in several countries, with voters from Spain to the former Soviet Baltic states showing solid backing for the EU. In Germany, surveys put Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party -- a heavyweight in the EU-wide centre-right EPP group -- in the first place, with the Greens second.

European Union votes as populists seek historic breakthrough

Compulsory voting to proxy voting to voting online: How 21 countries vote in European elections

Better employment opportunities, healthcare and drinking water were the top three issues on which voters want the government of the day to work on, a national survey conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has claimed.

As per the survey, conducted between October and December in 2018, the performance of the government has been rated "below-average", Jagdeep Chhokar, founder member, National Election Watch, ADR, told reporters on Monday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/2019-lok-sabha-witnesses-an-increase-in-criminal-and-crorepati-candidates-218555">2019 Lok Sabha polls witness an increase in criminal and crorepati candidates</a>

The survey covered 534 Lok Sabha constituencies with 2,73,487 voters participating in the exercise.

It was spread across various demographics such as voters' priorities on specific governance issues; voters' ratings of the government's performance on those issues, and factors affecting voting behaviour.

When asked if national security was one of the issues listed in the survey, Chhokar said, "terrorism was one of the 31 listed issues, and it figured on the 30th position in the survey".

Better employment opportunities figured as the highest priority among voters (46.80 per cent), followed by better healthcare (34.60 per cent) and drinking water (30.50 per cent), better roads (28.34 per cent) and better public transport (27.35 per cent), as per the national survey.

Chhokar claimed that as per the report, the performance of the government, measured on a scale of 1 to 5, was rated "below average" on top 10 governance issues.

He said as the survey was conducted last year, "Balakot airstrike, national security issue was not included in the list".

"It is important to note that agriculture-related governance issues featured predominantly in the top 10 list of voters' priorities, availability of water for agriculture (26.40 per cent) that was ranked sixth, agriculture loan availability (25.62 per cent) at seventh, higher price realisation for farm products (25.41 per cent) at eighth, and agriculture subsidy for seeds/fertilisers (25.06 per cent) at ninth," he said.

&nbsp;

Better employment opportunities, healthcare and drinking water were the top three issues on which voters want the government of the day to work on, a national survey conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has claimed.

Better employment opportunities, healthcare and drinking water were the top three issues on which voters want the government of the day to work on, a national survey conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has claimed. As per the survey, conducted between October and December in 2018, the performance of the government has been rated "below-average", Jagdeep Chhokar, founder member, National Election Watch, ADR, told reporters on Monday. Also read: 2019 Lok Sabha polls witness an increase in criminal and crorepati candidates The survey covered 534 Lok Sabha constituencies with 2,73,487 voters participating in the exercise. It was spread across various demographics such as voters' priorities on specific governance issues; voters' ratings of the government's performance on those issues, and factors affecting voting behaviour. When asked if national security was one of the issues listed in the survey, Chhokar said, "terrorism was one of the 31 listed issues, and it figured on the 30th position in the survey". Better employment opportunities figured as the highest priority among voters (46.80 per cent), followed by better healthcare (34.60 per cent) and drinking water (30.50 per cent), better roads (28.34 per cent) and better public transport (27.35 per cent), as per the national survey. Chhokar claimed that as per the report, the performance of the government, measured on a scale of 1 to 5, was rated "below average" on top 10 governance issues. He said as the survey was conducted last year, "Balakot airstrike, national security issue was not included in the list". "It is important to note that agriculture-related governance issues featured predominantly in the top 10 list of voters' priorities, availability of water for agriculture (26.40 per cent) that was ranked sixth, agriculture loan availability (25.62 per cent) at seventh, higher price realisation for farm products (25.41 per cent) at eighth, and agriculture subsidy for seeds/fertilisers (25.06 per cent) at ninth," he said.

2019 Lok Sabha polls: Employment opportunities top list of voters' priorities, says ADR report

Two explosions rocked the majority Muslim area of the southern Philippines on Monday, few hours before elections were to begin in the country. No casualty was reported in the incident.

Two explosions rock southern Philippines ahead of election day

Ahead of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872"> sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers.

"Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today`s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers," Prime Minister tweeted before voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began.

"After all, their participation makes the polls even more special," he added.

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Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! 
 
Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today’s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers. After all, their participation makes the polls even more special.
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Voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began on Sunday morning.

A total of 59 seats from six states and Union Territory of Delhi are going to polls in the sixth phase.

The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Ahead of the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers. "Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here!

Ahead of the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to youngsters to go out and vote in record numbers. "Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today`s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers," Prime Minister tweeted before voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began. "After all, their participation makes the polls even more special," he added. Yet another phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is here! Urging all those whose constituencies are polling in today’s sixth phase to go out and vote. I hope youngsters are voting in record numbers. After all, their participation makes the polls even more special. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 12, 2019 × Voting for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls began on Sunday morning. A total of 59 seats from six states and Union Territory of Delhi are going to polls in the sixth phase. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi urges youngsters to vote in record numbers

Billionaires and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lok-sabha-polls-2019-priyanka-chopra-rekha-cast-their-votes-early-as-stars-urge-mumbai-to-come-and-vote-214280">Bollywood stars lined up outside polling stations</a> along with the common folks Monday in Mumbai, which recorded 55.11 per cent voting, an improvement over the 2014 elections figure of 51.59 per cent.

Polling was held in 17 seats in Maharashtra, including all the six constituencies in Mumbai, in the fourth and final phase of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">Lok Sabha elections</a> in the state.

The overall percentage in the 17 seats when polling ended at 6 pm was 57 per cent, up from 55.72 per cent in these seats during the 2014 elections, poll officials said.

For all the 48 seats in Maharashtra, the percentage this time was 60.68, almost similar to that in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, which saw 60.32 per cent polling, they said.

Dilip Shinde, state additional chief electoral officer said Gadchiroli Chimur Lok Sabha seat witnessed highest voter turnout at 71.98 per cent while the lowest was recorded in Kalyan at 44.27 per cent.

He said that 1,162 ballot units, 732 control units and 2,467 VVPAT machines had to be changed during the fourth phase polls in the city Monday.

The 17 seats were spread across Mumbai metropolitan region and parts of northern and western Maharashtra, having 3.11 crore voters and 323 candidates.

India's financial capital witnessed serpentine queues at some places, in an indication of the enthusiasm among voters to elect lawmakers.

The state Congress made 30 complaints to the Election Commission about alleged glitches in EVMs across the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies. A majority of the complaints came in from Dhule and Nandurbar, the party said, prompting ally NCP's state chief Jayant Patil to claim that something was "fishy" in the two seats.

NCP president Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray and Union minister Smriti Irani were prominent among political leaders who voted in Mumbai. MNS president Raj Thackeray and his wife Sharmila waited for over an hour at a polling centre in Shivaji Park area to cast their votes.

Uddhav Thackeray, his wife Rashmi and son Aditya cast their votes at a municipal school in Bandra East.

Many captains of industry traded their impeccable suits for informal attire as they lined up outside polling booths, many of them located inside civic body-run schools.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das was seen standing in a queue outside one such polling station, voting for the first time in Mumbai after shifting from New Delhi following his appointment as the central bank chief in December.

Prominent industrialists who voted were Mukesh and Anil Ambani, Anand Mahindra and Adi Godrej.

Several Bollywood stars, including Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, Aamir Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor Khan, cast their vote in Mumbai. Aamir, Priyanka and Rekha were among the early voters.

Veteran singer Asha Bhosle, actors Hrithik Roshan, Vidya Balan, Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Varun Dhawan, Sanjay Dutt and wife Manyata, writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar, Gulzar, filmmaker Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra and Prem Chopra also voted.

Union minister Subhash Bhamre (Dhule) and Congress nominees Milind Deora (Mumbai-South) and Urmila Matondkar (Mumbai-North) were among the key candidates in the fray.

Deora was pitted against sitting Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant while Matondkar took on BJP MP Gopal Shetty.

The other prominent candidates included Congress' Priya Dutt from Mumbai-North Central and Sharad Pawar's grandnephew Parth Pawar from Maval seat.

India's richest man, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and richest banker Uday Kotak recently endorsed Deora as their choice from Mumbai South.

A large number of first-time voters came out to cast their ballots in Mumbai, marking their formal participation in choosing the next government in the world's largest democracy.

Maharashtra has over 1.19 crore voters who fall in the age group of 18-19 years and was eligible to exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha polls for the first time.

Balloons and colourful rangolis welcomed voters at some of the polling&nbsp; 
booths across the 17 constituencies.

As part of an initiative by the Election Commission of India to make polling a pleasant experience, certain booths were selected in every Lok Sabha constituency for decoration.

Police personnel posted at polling booths across Mumbai earned kudos for lending a helping hand to senior citizens and differently-abled people to cast their votes in the six Lok Sabha constituencies in the city and suburbs that went to polls.

Billionaires and Bollywood stars lined up outside polling stations along with the common folks Monday in Mumbai, which recorded 55.11 per cent voting, an improvement over the 2014 elections figure of 51.

Billionaires and Bollywood stars lined up outside polling stations along with the common folks Monday in Mumbai, which recorded 55.11 per cent voting, an improvement over the 2014 elections figure of 51.59 per cent. Polling was held in 17 seats in Maharashtra, including all the six constituencies in Mumbai, in the fourth and final phase of Lok Sabha elections in the state. The overall percentage in the 17 seats when polling ended at 6 pm was 57 per cent, up from 55.72 per cent in these seats during the 2014 elections, poll officials said. For all the 48 seats in Maharashtra, the percentage this time was 60.68, almost similar to that in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, which saw 60.32 per cent polling, they said. Dilip Shinde, state additional chief electoral officer said Gadchiroli Chimur Lok Sabha seat witnessed highest voter turnout at 71.98 per cent while the lowest was recorded in Kalyan at 44.27 per cent. He said that 1,162 ballot units, 732 control units and 2,467 VVPAT machines had to be changed during the fourth phase polls in the city Monday. The 17 seats were spread across Mumbai metropolitan region and parts of northern and western Maharashtra, having 3.11 crore voters and 323 candidates. India's financial capital witnessed serpentine queues at some places, in an indication of the enthusiasm among voters to elect lawmakers. The state Congress made 30 complaints to the Election Commission about alleged glitches in EVMs across the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies. A majority of the complaints came in from Dhule and Nandurbar, the party said, prompting ally NCP's state chief Jayant Patil to claim that something was "fishy" in the two seats. NCP president Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray and Union minister Smriti Irani were prominent among political leaders who voted in Mumbai. MNS president Raj Thackeray and his wife Sharmila waited for over an hour at a polling centre in Shivaji Park area to cast their votes. Uddhav Thackeray, his wife Rashmi and son Aditya cast their votes at a municipal school in Bandra East. Many captains of industry traded their impeccable suits for informal attire as they lined up outside polling booths, many of them located inside civic body-run schools. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das was seen standing in a queue outside one such polling station, voting for the first time in Mumbai after shifting from New Delhi following his appointment as the central bank chief in December. Prominent industrialists who voted were Mukesh and Anil Ambani, Anand Mahindra and Adi Godrej. Several Bollywood stars, including Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, Aamir Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor Khan, cast their vote in Mumbai. Aamir, Priyanka and Rekha were among the early voters. Veteran singer Asha Bhosle, actors Hrithik Roshan, Vidya Balan, Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Varun Dhawan, Sanjay Dutt and wife Manyata, writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar, Gulzar, filmmaker Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra and Prem Chopra also voted. Union minister Subhash Bhamre (Dhule) and Congress nominees Milind Deora (Mumbai-South) and Urmila Matondkar (Mumbai-North) were among the key candidates in the fray. Deora was pitted against sitting Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant while Matondkar took on BJP MP Gopal Shetty. The other prominent candidates included Congress' Priya Dutt from Mumbai-North Central and Sharad Pawar's grandnephew Parth Pawar from Maval seat. India's richest man, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and richest banker Uday Kotak recently endorsed Deora as their choice from Mumbai South. A large number of first-time voters came out to cast their ballots in Mumbai, marking their formal participation in choosing the next government in the world's largest democracy. Maharashtra has over 1.19 crore voters who fall in the age group of 18-19 years and was eligible to exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha polls for the first time. Balloons and colourful rangolis welcomed voters at some of the polling booths across the 17 constituencies. As part of an initiative by the Election Commission of India to make polling a pleasant experience, certain booths were selected in every Lok Sabha constituency for decoration. Police personnel posted at polling booths across Mumbai earned kudos for lending a helping hand to senior citizens and differently-abled people to cast their votes in the six Lok Sabha constituencies in the city and suburbs that went to polls.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Maharashtra records 57% polling in fourth phase; 55.11% in Mumbai

What happens when you go to a polling station only to find that someone else cast your vote. Know what can be done in that situation?

IEW: What If someone else casts your Vote?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has composed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-thesis-of-gandhian-thought-is-the-congress-culture-says-pm-modi-on-dandi-march-anniversary-202757">one more blog</a> in which he had spoken to the voters of India to take an interest in extensive numbers in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2019 for the purpose of a stable and strong government.

In a blog on his own site, he said that the process of voting ought to be an event of festivity and not a source of anguish.

The PM made four requests to the voters — get registered as a voter, check the electoral rolls, plan for the voting day and mobilise other people to participate in the election process.

"If your name is missing, raise it with the relevant authorities and if you have shifted residence, ensure that your name shifts to the voter rolls of your new place of stay," the PM wrote.

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Four requests for a stronger democracy. 
 
An appeal to the voters of India, especially my young friends. <a href="https://t.co/sGsfK0p5lQ">https://t.co/sGsfK0p5lQ</a>
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The PM reminded the voters, especially the young voters, that elections are around the corner and all those who are eligible to vote must exercise this power to elect a stable and strong government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has composed one more blog in which he had spoken to the voters of India to take an interest in extensive numbers in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2019 for the purpose of a stable and strong government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has composed one more blog in which he had spoken to the voters of India to take an interest in extensive numbers in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2019 for the purpose of a stable and strong government. In a blog on his own site, he said that the process of voting ought to be an event of festivity and not a source of anguish. The PM made four requests to the voters — get registered as a voter, check the electoral rolls, plan for the voting day and mobilise other people to participate in the election process. "If your name is missing, raise it with the relevant authorities and if you have shifted residence, ensure that your name shifts to the voter rolls of your new place of stay," the PM wrote. Four requests for a stronger democracy. An appeal to the voters of India, especially my young friends. https://t.co/sGsfK0p5lQ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2019 × The PM reminded the voters, especially the young voters, that elections are around the corner and all those who are eligible to vote must exercise this power to elect a stable and strong government.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: PM Narendra Modi's four requests to voters

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Over 1.36 crore voters are there in Delhi in the final electoral roll published Friday ahead of the 2019 general elections, an increase of nearly 8 per cent from the total number of electors in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kejriwal-to-not-contest-lok-sabha-polls-from-varanasi-party-to-field-another-candidate-190060">the last Lok Sabha polls</a>, officials said.

However, the figure is 0.87 per cent less than <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ec-may-announce-lok-sabha-poll-schedule-in-march-first-week-sources-191262">the total number of electors</a> in the last electoral roll, 1,38,14,866, published on January 10, 2018, according to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) here.

"The total number electors (in Delhi) during last general elections in 2014 were 1,27,06,366, whereas the count of electors as per the final roll published January 18, stands at 1,36,95,291, an increase of 9,88,925 (or 7.78 per cent)," according to the CEO office.

The number of electors is likely to increase during continuous update process undertaken before the next elections due in 2019, it said.

Also, there was a decrease in the number of both male and female voters vis-a-vis the one published last year.

The number of male, female and third gender electors are 75,56,146, 61,38,335 and 810 respectively, according to the latest draft roll. The corresponding numbers for the final roll last year were 76,42,521, 61,71,469 and 876.

Names of 9,326 electors, who have died, have been deleted from the electoral roll since the last final publication of the roll, it said.

The gender ratio of electors registered in the final roll has increased to 812 as compared to 808 in the last one&nbsp;

"There has been a substantive increase in the gender ratio of voters of age-group 18-19, from 632 last year to 706 in the present year," it added.

The CEO office said a detailed exercise of rationalisation of polling stations was also carried out as a pre-revision activity to the Special Summary Revision 2019 in July-August, 2018 to decongest the existing polling stations.

"As a result of this exercise, the number of polling stations has increased from 13,418 to 13,816 and number of polling locations has increased from 2,670 to 2,696," a senior official said.

A house-to-house verification was carried out as part of the Special Summary Revision 2019 from June 1-30, 2018 wherein such visits were conducted by the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for identification and removal of the dead/permanently shifted electors and inclusion of left out unenrolled/prospective electors in Delhi, he said.

Delhi's draft electoral roll published September 1 last year had shown a dip of over 1.4 lakh in the total number of electors in the city compared to the draft list the previous year, with authorities attributing "death and migration" of voters as the main reasons behind the fall in number.

The total number of electors in Delhi stood at 1,36,15,776 in the draft roll and there was a decrease in the number of both male and female voters vis-a-vis the corresponding one published on October 23, 2017.&nbsp;

The number of electors is likely to increase during continuous update process undertaken before the next elections due in 2019, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said.

Over 1.36 crore voters are there in Delhi in the final electoral roll published Friday ahead of the 2019 general elections, an increase of nearly 8 per cent from the total number of electors in the last Lok Sabha polls, officials said. However, the figure is 0.87 per cent less than the total number of electors in the last electoral roll, 1,38,14,866, published on January 10, 2018, according to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) here. "The total number electors (in Delhi) during last general elections in 2014 were 1,27,06,366, whereas the count of electors as per the final roll published January 18, stands at 1,36,95,291, an increase of 9,88,925 (or 7.78 per cent)," according to the CEO office. The number of electors is likely to increase during continuous update process undertaken before the next elections due in 2019, it said. Also, there was a decrease in the number of both male and female voters vis-a-vis the one published last year. The number of male, female and third gender electors are 75,56,146, 61,38,335 and 810 respectively, according to the latest draft roll. The corresponding numbers for the final roll last year were 76,42,521, 61,71,469 and 876. Names of 9,326 electors, who have died, have been deleted from the electoral roll since the last final publication of the roll, it said. The gender ratio of electors registered in the final roll has increased to 812 as compared to 808 in the last one "There has been a substantive increase in the gender ratio of voters of age-group 18-19, from 632 last year to 706 in the present year," it added. The CEO office said a detailed exercise of rationalisation of polling stations was also carried out as a pre-revision activity to the Special Summary Revision 2019 in July-August, 2018 to decongest the existing polling stations. "As a result of this exercise, the number of polling stations has increased from 13,418 to 13,816 and number of polling locations has increased from 2,670 to 2,696," a senior official said. A house-to-house verification was carried out as part of the Special Summary Revision 2019 from June 1-30, 2018 wherein such visits were conducted by the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for identification and removal of the dead/permanently shifted electors and inclusion of left out unenrolled/prospective electors in Delhi, he said. Delhi's draft electoral roll published September 1 last year had shown a dip of over 1.4 lakh in the total number of electors in the city compared to the draft list the previous year, with authorities attributing "death and migration" of voters as the main reasons behind the fall in number. The total number of electors in Delhi stood at 1,36,15,776 in the draft roll and there was a decrease in the number of both male and female voters vis-a-vis the corresponding one published on October 23, 2017.

Lok Sabha polls: Over 1.36 crore voters from Delhi in final electoral roll

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every eligible citizen casts their vote in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, even if the number of electors is in single digits.

One such case has come to the fore in Bharatpur-Sonhat Assembly constituency. In polling booth number 143 in Sherandandh village of the constituency, there are only four voters, out of which three are from the same family.

District Election Officer NK Dugga said the polling party will reach there a day before polls and set a tent for voters.

To reach Sherandandh, a forest village, the ECI team will have to go an extra mile through rocky mountains for five to six kilometres and cross a river. The village, which is dependent on Panchayat Chandha, is situated around 15 km from the main road.

Due to the unavailability of proper roads, the election officials will be reaching the booth a day before the voting.

In Chhattisgarh, voting will be held in two phases. In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state on November 12, while the second phase of elections will be held on November 20.

Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every eligible citizen casts their vote in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, even if the number of electors is in single digits.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every eligible citizen casts their vote in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, even if the number of electors is in single digits. One such case has come to the fore in Bharatpur-Sonhat Assembly constituency. In polling booth number 143 in Sherandandh village of the constituency, there are only four voters, out of which three are from the same family. District Election Officer NK Dugga said the polling party will reach there a day before polls and set a tent for voters. To reach Sherandandh, a forest village, the ECI team will have to go an extra mile through rocky mountains for five to six kilometres and cross a river. The village, which is dependent on Panchayat Chandha, is situated around 15 km from the main road. Due to the unavailability of proper roads, the election officials will be reaching the booth a day before the voting. In Chhattisgarh, voting will be held in two phases. In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state on November 12, while the second phase of elections will be held on November 20. Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.

This Chhattisgarh village has only 4 voters

The Election Commission&nbspordered a probe into allegations of large-scale discrepancies in the voters' list of Madhya Pradesh.

Soon after a Congress delegation approached it on the issue, the poll panel formed two teams to probe the allegations.&nbsp

The teams have to submit a report by June 7.

The Congress claimed there are at least 60 lakh bogus voters in the state, which will go to polls in November.

The party also submitted evidence to the EC to buttress its allegation.&nbsp

We have provided evidence to the Election Commission. There are approximately 60 lakh fake voters registered in the state. These are not merely mistakes. The lists have been deliberately altered at the behest of BJP government in the state,&nbspCongress's Kamal Nath said.

The EC teams will visit the Narela, Bhojpur, Seoni-Malwa and Hoshangabad assembly seats to ascertain how the discrepancies occurred.

After reaching the state tomorrow, the teams would also fix responsibility for multiple and fake entries, EC said.

The poll panel formed two teams to probe the allegations

The Election Commission&nbspordered a probe into allegations of large-scale discrepancies in the voters' list of Madhya Pradesh. Soon after a Congress delegation approached it on the issue, the poll panel formed two teams to probe the allegations. The teams have to submit a report by June 7. The Congress claimed there are at least 60 lakh bogus voters in the state, which will go to polls in November. The party also submitted evidence to the EC to buttress its allegation. We have provided evidence to the Election Commission. There are approximately 60 lakh fake voters registered in the state. These are not merely mistakes. The lists have been deliberately altered at the behest of BJP government in the state,&nbspCongress's Kamal Nath said. The EC teams will visit the Narela, Bhojpur, Seoni-Malwa and Hoshangabad assembly seats to ascertain how the discrepancies occurred. After reaching the state tomorrow, the teams would also fix responsibility for multiple and fake entries, EC said.

Election Commission orders probe into 'anomalies' in Madhya Pradesh voters' list

Bernie Sanders upstart US presidential campaign may be headed to defeat, but his goals of reining in Wall Street, ending big money in politics and eradicating income inequality were the big winners in the Democratic race. 
 
Sanders, who started as a little-known long-shot, pushed the party and established front-runner Hillary Clinton sharply to the left during a long primary battle. 
 
Along the way, the 74-year-old US senator from Vermont energized young and progressive voters and prepared the ground for what his allies predict will be a lasting influence on the party. 
 
Clinton, one of the best-known political figures in the United States, clinched the Democratic Party&#39;s nomination in a last round of state nominating contests on Tuesday. But even before her victory, Sanders began taking steps to turn his newfound political influence into an enduring progressive movement. 
 
In the last few weeks, he has lent his influence and fundraising power to progressive congressional and state legislative candidates who share his agenda, urging his supporters around the country to donate to their campaigns. 
 
Sanders also appointed prominent activists to the panel writing the issues platform for the party&#39;s convention in July, ensuring a strong voice in the process. 
 
His convention delegates will push for changes to party primary rules, including letting independents vote in primaries and reducing the influence of superdelegates, the hundreds of party elites who can support any candidate regardless of voting in their constituencies, and who in this primary season have largely backed Clinton. 
 
&quot;I do think we are going to see real changes in the Democratic Party going forward because of Bernie. The future of the party is with the people supporting Sanders,&quot; said Charles Chamberlain, executive director of Democracy for America, a liberal Vermont-based group that rose from Howard Dean&#39;s failed 2004 presidential bid and endorsed Sanders this time. 
 
&quot;He has proven the power of this message,&quot; Chamberlain said. 
 
During the campaign, Sanders forced Clinton to tack left repeatedly on issues ranging from her support for a higher minimum wage to her opposition to the Asian trade pact and Keystone XL oil pipeline. 
 
Sanders&#39; progressive allies said those shifts by Clinton will be helpful in the November 8 election against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has touted an anti-trade and pro-jobs economic agenda, and for Democrats in their efforts to recapture a majority in the US Senate. 
 
&quot;When the story of the 2016 election is told, a major part of it will be that Bernie Sanders helped the Democratic Party turn up the volume on economic populism issues,&quot; said Adam Green, co-founder of the liberal Progressive Change Campaign Committee. 
 
&#39;FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHTS&#39; 
 
If Democrats win back the Senate in the November election, Sanders will be in line for either the chairmanship of the Budget Committee or the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee, both powerful platforms to advance his ideas. 
 
Chamberlain said Sanders would create a formidable one-two punch in the Senate with Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts senator who has been the leader of the party&#39;s progressive wing. 
 
&quot;Bernie Sanders is going to fight all the good fights,&quot; he said. &quot;With Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren we&#39;re going to see a Senate team that will be very powerful.&quot; 
 
Sanders&#39; investment in the next generation of progressive politicians, meanwhile, is aimed at spawning a new generation of liberals who back his agenda. 
 
He has sent emails to his grassroots fundraising list urging his donors to back six insurgent congressional candidates and eight statehouse candidates who echo his economic message, sparking a flood of donations to their campaigns. More endorsements are expected. 
 
&quot;Our movement is so powerful that we can change congressional elections overnight. Let&#39;s keep going,&quot; Sanders said on Tuesday in an email to supporters asking them to support two more candidates for Congress - Eric Kingson in New York and Paul Clements in Michigan. 
 
Justin Bamberg, a first-term state representative from South Carolina, said he received about $70,000 in small-dollar donations after Sanders sent an email to his supporters backing Bamberg. In Bamberg&#39;s first campaign, he raised $21,000 during the entire cycle, he said. 
 
&quot;They don&#39;t know me from Adam, but they believe in Senator Sanders, and because of that they believe in the people that Senator Sanders has supported,&quot; Bamberg said, adding he was also getting calls offering to volunteer on his behalf. 
 
Terry Alexander, a South Carolina state representative backed by Sanders, said he also had received about $70,000 in donations after the Sanders email. The money freed him from worrying about raising funds, giving him more time to focus on meeting voters, he said. 
 
&quot;It has made a difference in how people see my candidacy, it&#39;s created a lot of enthusiasm and a tremendous boost in fundraising,&quot; he said.

Bernie Sanders' goals of reining in Wall Street, ending big money in politics and eradicating income inequality should have a lasting impact on generations of young American voters

Bernie Sanders upstart US presidential campaign may be headed to defeat, but his goals of reining in Wall Street, ending big money in politics and eradicating income inequality were the big winners in the Democratic race. Sanders, who started as a little-known long-shot, pushed the party and established front-runner Hillary Clinton sharply to the left during a long primary battle. Along the way, the 74-year-old US senator from Vermont energized young and progressive voters and prepared the ground for what his allies predict will be a lasting influence on the party. Clinton, one of the best-known political figures in the United States, clinched the Democratic Party's nomination in a last round of state nominating contests on Tuesday. But even before her victory, Sanders began taking steps to turn his newfound political influence into an enduring progressive movement. In the last few weeks, he has lent his influence and fundraising power to progressive congressional and state legislative candidates who share his agenda, urging his supporters around the country to donate to their campaigns. Sanders also appointed prominent activists to the panel writing the issues platform for the party's convention in July, ensuring a strong voice in the process. His convention delegates will push for changes to party primary rules, including letting independents vote in primaries and reducing the influence of superdelegates, the hundreds of party elites who can support any candidate regardless of voting in their constituencies, and who in this primary season have largely backed Clinton. "I do think we are going to see real changes in the Democratic Party going forward because of Bernie. The future of the party is with the people supporting Sanders," said Charles Chamberlain, executive director of Democracy for America, a liberal Vermont-based group that rose from Howard Dean's failed 2004 presidential bid and endorsed Sanders this time. "He has proven the power of this message," Chamberlain said. During the campaign, Sanders forced Clinton to tack left repeatedly on issues ranging from her support for a higher minimum wage to her opposition to the Asian trade pact and Keystone XL oil pipeline. Sanders' progressive allies said those shifts by Clinton will be helpful in the November 8 election against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has touted an anti-trade and pro-jobs economic agenda, and for Democrats in their efforts to recapture a majority in the US Senate. "When the story of the 2016 election is told, a major part of it will be that Bernie Sanders helped the Democratic Party turn up the volume on economic populism issues," said Adam Green, co-founder of the liberal Progressive Change Campaign Committee. 'FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHTS' If Democrats win back the Senate in the November election, Sanders will be in line for either the chairmanship of the Budget Committee or the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee, both powerful platforms to advance his ideas. Chamberlain said Sanders would create a formidable one-two punch in the Senate with Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts senator who has been the leader of the party's progressive wing. "Bernie Sanders is going to fight all the good fights," he said. "With Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren we're going to see a Senate team that will be very powerful." Sanders' investment in the next generation of progressive politicians, meanwhile, is aimed at spawning a new generation of liberals who back his agenda. He has sent emails to his grassroots fundraising list urging his donors to back six insurgent congressional candidates and eight statehouse candidates who echo his economic message, sparking a flood of donations to their campaigns. More endorsements are expected. "Our movement is so powerful that we can change congressional elections overnight. Let's keep going," Sanders said on Tuesday in an email to supporters asking them to support two more candidates for Congress - Eric Kingson in New York and Paul Clements in Michigan. Justin Bamberg, a first-term state representative from South Carolina, said he received about $70,000 in small-dollar donations after Sanders sent an email to his supporters backing Bamberg. In Bamberg's first campaign, he raised $21,000 during the entire cycle, he said. "They don't know me from Adam, but they believe in Senator Sanders, and because of that they believe in the people that Senator Sanders has supported," Bamberg said, adding he was also getting calls offering to volunteer on his behalf. Terry Alexander, a South Carolina state representative backed by Sanders, said he also had received about $70,000 in donations after the Sanders email. The money freed him from worrying about raising funds, giving him more time to focus on meeting voters, he said. "It has made a difference in how people see my candidacy, it's created a lot of enthusiasm and a tremendous boost in fundraising," he said.

Sanders plants seeds for a lasting progressive movement

Hungary will hold a referendum on October 2 on European Union (EU) &nbsp;plans to relocate migrants among member states, a scheme fiercely opposed by right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the President said today. 
 
&quot;As president of the republic I decree that the referendum will be held on October 2,&quot; President Janos Ader said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
Orban`s government voted against the EU plan to relocate 160,000 migrants around the 28-nation bloc via mandatory quotas but the scheme was approved by a majority of member states in September. 
 
Joining Slovakia in filing a legal challenge against the plan, Orban said earlier this year that the government would put the issue to a referendum. 
 
Voters will be asked: &quot;Do you want the EU to prescribe the mandatory relocation of non-Hungarian citizens to Hungary without the approval of the Hungarian parliament?&quot; 
 
Budapest says that the plan which has been extremely slow to get going -violates its national sovereignty and that &quot;terrorists&quot; might enter the country disguised as migrants. 
 
Orban has said that Brussels has no right to &quot;redraw Europe&#39;s cultural and religious identity&quot;. 
 
Around 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 before the government sealed off the southern borders with razor wire and fences in the autumn. 
 
The authorities also brought in tough new laws punishing illegal entry and vandalism of the fences.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

Around 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 before the government sealed southern borders with razor wire and fences

Hungary will hold a referendum on October 2 on European Union (EU) plans to relocate migrants among member states, a scheme fiercely opposed by right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the President said today. "As president of the republic I decree that the referendum will be held on October 2," President Janos Ader said in a statement. Orban`s government voted against the EU plan to relocate 160,000 migrants around the 28-nation bloc via mandatory quotas but the scheme was approved by a majority of member states in September. Joining Slovakia in filing a legal challenge against the plan, Orban said earlier this year that the government would put the issue to a referendum. Voters will be asked: "Do you want the EU to prescribe the mandatory relocation of non-Hungarian citizens to Hungary without the approval of the Hungarian parliament?" Budapest says that the plan which has been extremely slow to get going -violates its national sovereignty and that "terrorists" might enter the country disguised as migrants. Orban has said that Brussels has no right to "redraw Europe's cultural and religious identity". Around 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 before the government sealed off the southern borders with razor wire and fences in the autumn. The authorities also brought in tough new laws punishing illegal entry and vandalism of the fences. (AFP)

Hungary to hold October referendum on EU migrant scheme

Spain votes again on Sunday, six months after an inconclusive election which saw parties unable to agree on a coalition government.

Here are the key numbers of the election:

4 -- the main candidates standing in the election. Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, 61, of the conservative Popular Party (PP) faces three younger challengers, the same ones as in the December election: Socialist Pedro Sanchez, 44, 37-year-old Pablo Iglesias of far-left coalition Unidos Podemos and Albert Rivera, 36, of market-friendly Ciudadanos.

176 -- the number of seats needed to form an absolute majority in Spain&#39;s 350-seat lower house of parliament. Polls indicate no party will win an absolute majority on its own.

Most suggest the PP and its natural ally centre-right Ciudadanos will not win an absolute majority even if they form a coalition, nor will the two leftist parties -- the Socialists and Unidos Podemos.

131 -- the number of lawmakers who voted on March 4 in favour of Sanchez&#39;s attempt to form a centre-left coalition government following the December polls. The remaining 219 lawmakers voted against.

189 -- the number of days between the two elections. During this time Rajoy&#39;s government remained in power in a caretaker capacity with limited powers and could not approve projects that involve new spending. Spain is far from the example set by Belgium which went 541 days without a fully functioning government following the 2010 election -- a European record.

11 -- the number of groupings that make up far-left coalition Unidos Podemos. The main parties are anti-austerity Podemos, an ally of Greece&#39;s ruling Syriza, and Izquierda Unida, the heirs of Spain&#39;s Communist party. The two parties stood separately in the last election.

47 -- the number of seats up for grabs in Spain&#39;s wealthy northeastern region of Catalonia, where a pro-independence movement has gathered pace.

After December polls, 17 elected separatist lawmakers from this region contributed to Spain&#39;s political stalemate by demanding an independence referendum in exchange for their support for a new government -- a demand rejected by three of the four main parties.

5 -- the number of times Spaniards have been called to the polls since 2014. They voted in European Parliament elections in May 2014, regional elections in 15 of Spain&#39;s 17 semi-autonomous regions in 2015, municipal elections in May 2015 and general elections in December -- to be repeated on Sunday.

22.7 -- the percentage of votes lost by the PP and Socialists between polls in 2011 and 2015, as upstarts Podemos and Ciudadanos leapt onto the scene and gnawed away at their support base, putting an end to the country&#39;s two-party dominance.

73.2 -- the voter turnout in the December election. Polls indicate the turnout could drop to between 64.6 per cent and 72 per cent this time round.

36,518,100 -- the number of eligible voters in Sunday&#39;s election -- 7,148 more than in December. 
 
(AFP)

Voters go back to the polls six months after parties were unable to agree on a coalition goverment

Spain votes again on Sunday, six months after an inconclusive election which saw parties unable to agree on a coalition government. Here are the key numbers of the election: 4 -- the main candidates standing in the election. Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, 61, of the conservative Popular Party (PP) faces three younger challengers, the same ones as in the December election: Socialist Pedro Sanchez, 44, 37-year-old Pablo Iglesias of far-left coalition Unidos Podemos and Albert Rivera, 36, of market-friendly Ciudadanos. 176 -- the number of seats needed to form an absolute majority in Spain's 350-seat lower house of parliament. Polls indicate no party will win an absolute majority on its own. Most suggest the PP and its natural ally centre-right Ciudadanos will not win an absolute majority even if they form a coalition, nor will the two leftist parties -- the Socialists and Unidos Podemos. 131 -- the number of lawmakers who voted on March 4 in favour of Sanchez's attempt to form a centre-left coalition government following the December polls. The remaining 219 lawmakers voted against. 189 -- the number of days between the two elections. During this time Rajoy's government remained in power in a caretaker capacity with limited powers and could not approve projects that involve new spending. Spain is far from the example set by Belgium which went 541 days without a fully functioning government following the 2010 election -- a European record. 11 -- the number of groupings that make up far-left coalition Unidos Podemos. The main parties are anti-austerity Podemos, an ally of Greece's ruling Syriza, and Izquierda Unida, the heirs of Spain's Communist party. The two parties stood separately in the last election. 47 -- the number of seats up for grabs in Spain's wealthy northeastern region of Catalonia, where a pro-independence movement has gathered pace. After December polls, 17 elected separatist lawmakers from this region contributed to Spain's political stalemate by demanding an independence referendum in exchange for their support for a new government -- a demand rejected by three of the four main parties. 5 -- the number of times Spaniards have been called to the polls since 2014. They voted in European Parliament elections in May 2014, regional elections in 15 of Spain's 17 semi-autonomous regions in 2015, municipal elections in May 2015 and general elections in December -- to be repeated on Sunday. 22.7 -- the percentage of votes lost by the PP and Socialists between polls in 2011 and 2015, as upstarts Podemos and Ciudadanos leapt onto the scene and gnawed away at their support base, putting an end to the country's two-party dominance. 73.2 -- the voter turnout in the December election. Polls indicate the turnout could drop to between 64.6 per cent and 72 per cent this time round. 36,518,100 -- the number of eligible voters in Sunday's election -- 7,148 more than in December. (AFP)

Key facts about Spain's Sunday election

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