In Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Election 2019 voting held at 51 seats of 7 states. Now 118 seats are up for grab in the last two phases. Sporadic incidents of violence also reported at West Bengal in Phase 5. Voting for 424 constituencies is over so far.

India Election Watch: Complete highlights of Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Election 2019

South Africans go to the polls on Wednesday for the country's sixth democratic general election since the end of apartheid in 1994.&nbsp;

Some key facts about the election:

- Voters will cast ballots for national legislators and leaders of the country's nine provinces. Voters do not directly elect individual candidates. They vote for a political party.

- Using a proportional representation system, the number of votes cast for each party will determine the number of seats it gets in parliament. Each party will then distribute the seats to a list of pre-selected members.&nbsp;

- The lawmakers will then elect the country's president from the party which receives the majority of votes. The first sitting of the new parliament is provisionally scheduled for May 22.

- There are 26.7 million South Africans, almost half of the population, registered to vote.&nbsp;

- Voters will cast ballots at 22,925 polling stations that will open for 14 hours starting at 0500 GMT.

- As many as 29,000 South African expatriates cast their ballots at various foreign diplomatic missions a week ago.

- There are 48 political parties contesting the national elections.

- Provincial assemblies comprise of between 30 and 80 members, from where four members are picked to serve in the upper house of the National Assembly, the National Council of Provinces.&nbsp;

- Final results from the elections must be released within seven days. The Independent Electoral Commission has in past elections managed to release results within three days of the vote.

South Africans go to the polls on Wednesday for the country's sixth democratic general election since the end of apartheid in 1994. Some key facts about the election: - Voters will cast ballots for national legislators and leaders of the country's nine provinces.

South Africans go to the polls on Wednesday for the country's sixth democratic general election since the end of apartheid in 1994. Some key facts about the election: - Voters will cast ballots for national legislators and leaders of the country's nine provinces. Voters do not directly elect individual candidates. They vote for a political party. - Using a proportional representation system, the number of votes cast for each party will determine the number of seats it gets in parliament. Each party will then distribute the seats to a list of pre-selected members. - The lawmakers will then elect the country's president from the party which receives the majority of votes. The first sitting of the new parliament is provisionally scheduled for May 22. - There are 26.7 million South Africans, almost half of the population, registered to vote. - Voters will cast ballots at 22,925 polling stations that will open for 14 hours starting at 0500 GMT. - As many as 29,000 South African expatriates cast their ballots at various foreign diplomatic missions a week ago. - There are 48 political parties contesting the national elections. - Provincial assemblies comprise of between 30 and 80 members, from where four members are picked to serve in the upper house of the National Assembly, the National Council of Provinces. - Final results from the elections must be released within seven days. The Independent Electoral Commission has in past elections managed to release results within three days of the vote.

South Africa election facts and voting procedures

272 Indonesian staff died from overwork related illnesses after Single-Day Elections in Indonesia. Watch this video to know more.

Indonesian Polls: 272 Indonesian staff died from overwork related illnesses

Voting started in Spain's most divisive and open-ended election in decades. Watch this video to know more.

Polling underway in Spain

More than 50 percent of India has voted in this phase held in 117 seats across India .

IEW: Elections 2019: Phase Three of Polling

800,000 polling stations has been installed in 17,000 islands in Indonesia

Voting Underway in Indonesia

United colours of India come out to vote in phase 1 of Lok Sabha polls

The general elections 2019 are in full swing. It is hardly surprising that the controversy over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) is also at its peak.&nbsp;

There is a well-documented history of EVM controversy. After all, every political party has raised doubts about the machines when in opposition. But when they come to power through the same machines, doubts are not put to rest. Only we have new accusers and the controversy continues.&nbsp; 
 
In 2011, the Election Commission (EC) got a rare opportunity to test the relative strength of EVMs and ballot papers. It was to conduct bypolls in 12 seats of Andhra Pradesh assembly. These seats had fallen vacant in the wake of mass resignations in the heat of the Telangana agitation.  Polls were conducted in half the constituencies using ballot papers because of a clever ploy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chandrababu Naidu ensured that the number of candidates in a number of constituencies was more than 64 – which is the maximum limit the EVMs could handle. And what was the conclusion? While the results from the machines came out in four hours, the paper ballots took over forty hours. Adding to that, in the seats where polls were conducted with ballot papers, thousands of invalid votes were found. The results from both the systems were exactly the same.&nbsp;

This debate should have ended way back in 2010 when the Commission called an all-party meeting to understand concerns of the political parties on the matter. It was unanimously recommended that VVPATs be adopted as the final remedy, and we promptly accepted it. The two factories which manufacture EVMs were asked to develop VVPATs. An independent committee of professors of five different IITs was requested to monitor every aspect of the process. &nbsp;

&nbsp;A series of trials were held, followed by two full-day election simulations in five cities with varying climatic conditions – namely Cherrapunji, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Leh, Thiruvananthapuram, in July 2011 and again in 2012 in the same month. Only after the VVPATs passed all the rigorous tests of technology and climatic endurance, were they deployed successfully in 20,000 polling booths. As manufacturing progressed, all constituencies were equipped with VVPATs.&nbsp;

In 2013, the Supreme Court lauded the Commission’s decision and directed the government to release adequate funds so that VVPATs can be procured for use in all the booths in the 2019 elections. As the machines kept coming in, these were randomly deployed. Since 2017, all assembly elections are held with EVMs which are attached with VVPATs. As per the present norms, slips generated by one VVPAT in each assembly constituency are counted. Of the 1,500 machines thus counted, not a single mismatch has been found. &nbsp;

The Opposition parties have demanded that half of the total slips should be cross-checked. As many as &nbsp;23 Opposition parties have also moved the Apex Court demanding the same. A group of 73 retired bureaucrats and diplomats have written to the EC on the matter, demanding an appropriate audit of votes cast in the 2019 election. To quote the central premise of the letter, “The real issue today is not about EVMs vs paper ballots, rather it is about EVMs with perfunctory VVPAT audits vs. EVMs with proper VVPAT audit.”&nbsp;

The letter highlighted the urgent need for a statistically sound sample size “With 99.9 per cent reliability, in a suitably defined population.” The &nbsp;EC sought the advice of the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, on an appropriate sample size that would ensure 99.99 per cent public satisfaction. The much-awaited report has finally been submitted to the EC according to the latest reports and is being examined.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, when the case came up before SC, the Chief Justice asked the Election Commission why the sample size should not be increased. EC has apparently submitted that the experts of ISI have endorsed the current sample of one VVPAT per assembly constituency. On the other hand, the sample size proposed by the political parties would delay the results by six days. All eyes are now on the SC where the case would come up next week. &nbsp; 
 
I would also like to venture a more out of the box alternative. &nbsp;

Let the top two runners up in the constituency choose any two VVPAT machines that they would like to be counted as they have the highest stake in the results. An appropriate analogy is that of the game of cricket in which two referrals are allowed for each team. This is called the Decision Review System, and ever since its introduction, the violent disputes about the controversial decisions taken by the umpire have disappeared. This could serve to do away with a large random sample being demanded at present, as only four machines per assembly would have to be counted to ensure public faith in the system.&nbsp;

EVMs, equipped with VVPATs, are the most dependable arrangement. With only a few weeks to go for the counting, the Commission or the Supreme Court must clinch the debate without any further delay. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

The general elections 2019 are in full swing. It is hardly surprising that the controversy over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) is also at its peak.

The general elections 2019 are in full swing. It is hardly surprising that the controversy over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) is also at its peak. There is a well-documented history of EVM controversy. After all, every political party has raised doubts about the machines when in opposition. But when they come to power through the same machines, doubts are not put to rest. Only we have new accusers and the controversy continues. In 2011, the Election Commission (EC) got a rare opportunity to test the relative strength of EVMs and ballot papers. It was to conduct bypolls in 12 seats of Andhra Pradesh assembly. These seats had fallen vacant in the wake of mass resignations in the heat of the Telangana agitation.  Polls were conducted in half the constituencies using ballot papers because of a clever ploy. Chandrababu Naidu ensured that the number of candidates in a number of constituencies was more than 64 – which is the maximum limit the EVMs could handle. And what was the conclusion? While the results from the machines came out in four hours, the paper ballots took over forty hours. Adding to that, in the seats where polls were conducted with ballot papers, thousands of invalid votes were found. The results from both the systems were exactly the same. This debate should have ended way back in 2010 when the Commission called an all-party meeting to understand concerns of the political parties on the matter. It was unanimously recommended that VVPATs be adopted as the final remedy, and we promptly accepted it. The two factories which manufacture EVMs were asked to develop VVPATs. An independent committee of professors of five different IITs was requested to monitor every aspect of the process. A series of trials were held, followed by two full-day election simulations in five cities with varying climatic conditions – namely Cherrapunji, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Leh, Thiruvananthapuram, in July 2011 and again in 2012 in the same month. Only after the VVPATs passed all the rigorous tests of technology and climatic endurance, were they deployed successfully in 20,000 polling booths. As manufacturing progressed, all constituencies were equipped with VVPATs. In 2013, the Supreme Court lauded the Commission’s decision and directed the government to release adequate funds so that VVPATs can be procured for use in all the booths in the 2019 elections. As the machines kept coming in, these were randomly deployed. Since 2017, all assembly elections are held with EVMs which are attached with VVPATs. As per the present norms, slips generated by one VVPAT in each assembly constituency are counted. Of the 1,500 machines thus counted, not a single mismatch has been found. The Opposition parties have demanded that half of the total slips should be cross-checked. As many as 23 Opposition parties have also moved the Apex Court demanding the same. A group of 73 retired bureaucrats and diplomats have written to the EC on the matter, demanding an appropriate audit of votes cast in the 2019 election. To quote the central premise of the letter, “The real issue today is not about EVMs vs paper ballots, rather it is about EVMs with perfunctory VVPAT audits vs. EVMs with proper VVPAT audit.” The letter highlighted the urgent need for a statistically sound sample size “With 99.9 per cent reliability, in a suitably defined population.” The EC sought the advice of the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, on an appropriate sample size that would ensure 99.99 per cent public satisfaction. The much-awaited report has finally been submitted to the EC according to the latest reports and is being examined. Meanwhile, when the case came up before SC, the Chief Justice asked the Election Commission why the sample size should not be increased. EC has apparently submitted that the experts of ISI have endorsed the current sample of one VVPAT per assembly constituency. On the other hand, the sample size proposed by the political parties would delay the results by six days. All eyes are now on the SC where the case would come up next week. I would also like to venture a more out of the box alternative. Let the top two runners up in the constituency choose any two VVPAT machines that they would like to be counted as they have the highest stake in the results. An appropriate analogy is that of the game of cricket in which two referrals are allowed for each team. This is called the Decision Review System, and ever since its introduction, the violent disputes about the controversial decisions taken by the umpire have disappeared. This could serve to do away with a large random sample being demanded at present, as only four machines per assembly would have to be counted to ensure public faith in the system. EVMs, equipped with VVPATs, are the most dependable arrangement. With only a few weeks to go for the counting, the Commission or the Supreme Court must clinch the debate without any further delay. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

VVPAT-equipped EVMs are most dependable arrangement

Facebook to remove 687 Cong-linked pages on bases of behavior, content

Hundreds of thousands of voters crowded into schools, parking lots and temples across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/weightlifting-thailand-to-host-world-championships-despite-voluntary-ban-202050">Thailand</a> on Sunday, eager to cast an early ballot a week before the country's first election in eight years.

Advanced voting is usually a tepid affair, but on Sunday excitement was high as voters turned up in droves to polling stations.

More than 2.3 million Thais are expected to vote before the official March 24 poll date.

Since a 2014 coup ousted then-premier Yingluck Shinawatra, the junta has repeatedly postponed democratic elections - much to the chagrin of the Thai public.&nbsp;

'I finally have a chance to cast my vote as I've waited for so long,'&nbsp;said 48-year-old Paka Kaengkhiew as she stood in line in front of Bangkok's Phra Khanong district office.&nbsp;

In Dusit district - home to military offices and government buildings - voters piled into a schoolyard before a polling station there opened.&nbsp;

People dressed in their work clothes -- military uniforms, hospital scrubs, and more casual attire - waited patiently to cast their ballot, aided by student helpers.

At 9.00 am Prem Tinsulanonda, the head of the Privy Council - the advisory board to Thai King Maha Vajialongkon - arrived at the school.

Watched by Thai and international media, the 98-year-old carrying an oxygen tank was pushed in a wheelchair into a classroom boasting a portrait of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who he advised, before walking the final steps to a polling booth.

The former general was briefly installed as the temporary regent for Thailand's revered monarchy following the death of the late king before King Vajiralongkorn took over, cementing Prem's role as one of the most powerful - and enduring - players in the Machiavellian game of Thai politics. &nbsp;

More than 51 million Thais are eligible to vote in the official March 24 election, which will be held under a new military-scripted constitution.&nbsp;

There are 'high expectations'&nbsp;for this year's election, said Sudarat Keyuraphan, a prime ministerial candidate for Pheu Thai -- the party which garnered the most parliamentary seats in 2011's election, and is loathed by the military.&nbsp;

'The (junta) says the country is under peace and order but... the people have no hope,'&nbsp;she told reporters at the Pheu Thai headquarters. "We are confident... we will be the party that voters go for the most."

Analysts say the new electoral system favors the Army-aligned party fronted by junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who is running to be civilian prime minister after a government is formed.

But voters on Sunday still held on to hopes for change.&nbsp;

'I vote today in the hope for better change,'&nbsp;said Mart Bupa, 53.&nbsp;

Hundreds of thousands of voters crowded into schools, parking lots and temples across Thailand on Sunday, eager to cast an early ballot a week before the country's first election in eight years.

Hundreds of thousands of voters crowded into schools, parking lots and temples across Thailand on Sunday, eager to cast an early ballot a week before the country's first election in eight years. Advanced voting is usually a tepid affair, but on Sunday excitement was high as voters turned up in droves to polling stations. More than 2.3 million Thais are expected to vote before the official March 24 poll date. Since a 2014 coup ousted then-premier Yingluck Shinawatra, the junta has repeatedly postponed democratic elections - much to the chagrin of the Thai public. 'I finally have a chance to cast my vote as I've waited for so long,' said 48-year-old Paka Kaengkhiew as she stood in line in front of Bangkok's Phra Khanong district office. In Dusit district - home to military offices and government buildings - voters piled into a schoolyard before a polling station there opened. People dressed in their work clothes -- military uniforms, hospital scrubs, and more casual attire - waited patiently to cast their ballot, aided by student helpers. At 9.00 am Prem Tinsulanonda, the head of the Privy Council - the advisory board to Thai King Maha Vajialongkon - arrived at the school. Watched by Thai and international media, the 98-year-old carrying an oxygen tank was pushed in a wheelchair into a classroom boasting a portrait of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who he advised, before walking the final steps to a polling booth. The former general was briefly installed as the temporary regent for Thailand's revered monarchy following the death of the late king before King Vajiralongkorn took over, cementing Prem's role as one of the most powerful - and enduring - players in the Machiavellian game of Thai politics. More than 51 million Thais are eligible to vote in the official March 24 election, which will be held under a new military-scripted constitution. There are 'high expectations' for this year's election, said Sudarat Keyuraphan, a prime ministerial candidate for Pheu Thai -- the party which garnered the most parliamentary seats in 2011's election, and is loathed by the military. 'The (junta) says the country is under peace and order but... the people have no hope,' she told reporters at the Pheu Thai headquarters. "We are confident... we will be the party that voters go for the most." Analysts say the new electoral system favors the Army-aligned party fronted by junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who is running to be civilian prime minister after a government is formed. But voters on Sunday still held on to hopes for change. 'I vote today in the hope for better change,' said Mart Bupa, 53.

Thailand's early voting kicks off with long queues

India Elections 2019: PM Modi highlights importance of Voting

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls.

The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states.&nbsp;

Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated.

"3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed.

1.80 lakh security personnel and 3,00,782 government employees have been deployed on poll duty at 65,367 booths set up across the state.

Madhya Pradesh has a 230-member Assembly and total 2,907 candidates are in the fray for the contest.

The BJP is contesting on all the 230 seats, while the Congress has fielded 229 candidates.

In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister. The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls.

The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019.

Meanwhile, all arrangements are in place in Mizoram for the voting.

The Congress and the main opposition, the MNF, have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats.

(With inputs from agencies)

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls. The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states.

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls. The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states. Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated. "3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed. 1.80 lakh security personnel and 3,00,782 government employees have been deployed on poll duty at 65,367 booths set up across the state. Madhya Pradesh has a 230-member Assembly and total 2,907 candidates are in the fray for the contest. The BJP is contesting on all the 230 seats, while the Congress has fielded 229 candidates. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister. The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls. The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019. Meanwhile, all arrangements are in place in Mizoram for the voting. The Congress and the main opposition, the MNF, have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Security tightened ahead of voting in Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram

Why Switzerland is voting on cows ?

As much as 45.2 per cent voting was recorded till 2:55 pm in the ongoing second phase of polling in Chhattisgrh on Tuesday.&nbsp;

According to the Election Commission of India, the overall polling percentage stood at 23.71 per cent at 12:30 pm. Pathalgaon was on the top of the list with 34.70 per cent turnout followed by Kunkuri and Jashpur with 34.7 per cent and 34.5 per cent voter turnout respectively.

The others seats, namely, Baikunthupur, Mannendragarh and Bharatpur-Sonhat recorded 32.3 per cent, 24 per cent and 25.10 per cent polling respectively till 12.30 pm. 
 
The polling is taking place in 72 constituencies spread over 19 districts. The voting which commenced at 8 am is scheduled to end at 5 pm.

As many as 19,300 polling booths have been set up for the second phase of polling. 1,079 candidates including 119 women are in the fray. More than 1,54,00,000 voters are eligible to exercise their voting right in the poll.&nbsp;

As much as 45.2 per cent voting was recorded till 2:55 pm in the ongoing second phase of polling in Chhattisgrh on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission of India, the overall polling percentage stood at 23.

As much as 45.2 per cent voting was recorded till 2:55 pm in the ongoing second phase of polling in Chhattisgrh on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission of India, the overall polling percentage stood at 23.71 per cent at 12:30 pm. Pathalgaon was on the top of the list with 34.70 per cent turnout followed by Kunkuri and Jashpur with 34.7 per cent and 34.5 per cent voter turnout respectively. The others seats, namely, Baikunthupur, Mannendragarh and Bharatpur-Sonhat recorded 32.3 per cent, 24 per cent and 25.10 per cent polling respectively till 12.30 pm. The polling is taking place in 72 constituencies spread over 19 districts. The voting which commenced at 8 am is scheduled to end at 5 pm. As many as 19,300 polling booths have been set up for the second phase of polling. 1,079 candidates including 119 women are in the fray. More than 1,54,00,000 voters are eligible to exercise their voting right in the poll.

Chhattisgarh polls: 45.2% polling recorded till 3 pm

Americans head to the polls on Tuesday for midterm elections with President Donald Trump's Republican party seeking to retain control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Midterm elections are often seen as a referendum on the president and there is no shortage of opinions this time around about the current occupant of the White House.

Turnout for midterm elections is traditionally lower than in presidential years, but the results could have dramatic implications for the United States, and in particular for Trump's legislative agenda.

Republicans are bracing for a likely loss of seats in the House of Representatives but are favored to hold on to the Senate.

House of Representatives&nbsp;

The House has 435 members with states represented on the basis of population. There are currently 236 Republicans, 193 Democrats and six vacancies.

All seats are contested every two years. The new congressional term begins in January 2019.

Republicans have controlled the House since the conservative Tea Party movement propelled the GOP to a wave election in November 2010.

The speaker of the house is Republican Paul Ryan, who is not seeking reelection from his home state of Wisconsin. Democrat and former speaker Nancy Pelosi serves as House minority leader.

Democrats need a net gain of 23 seats to take control of the House.

Likely House outcome: Democrats take control.

Senate&nbsp;

The Senate consists of 100 members, two from each state. It is currently made up of 51 Republicans and 49 Democrats.

With terms of six years, about a third of the Senate is up for election every two years. Thirty-five seats are in play in Tuesday's election.

Of the 35 seats up for grabs, 26 are held by Democrats and nine by Republicans.

The Senate majority leader is Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

Likely Senate outcome: Republicans hold on to the Senate.

Governor races

Thirty-six of the 50 US states elect governors this year, including about 10 considered toss-ups.

Republicans currently control 29 governorships to 21 for the Democrats.

Two races which are of particular interest are Georgia, where Democrat Stacey Abrams is seeking to become the first black woman to become governor of a US state, and Florida, where Democrat Andrew Gillum is locked in a bitter battle with Republican and Trump acolyte Ron DeSantis.

Ballot measures&nbsp;

In addition to electing their lawmakers, Americans in several states will vote on ballot measures.

Among the notable initiatives:

- Five states are considering the legalization of medical or recreational marijuana.

- Minimum wage increases are on the ballot in two states.

- Access to abortion and abortion funding is on the ballot in three states.&nbsp;

The stakes&nbsp;

Besides stymieing the Trump agenda, a Democratic victory in the House could allow Democrats to launch multiple committee investigations of the Trump administration and possibly even impeachment proceedings.

Voter turnout&nbsp;

Around 37 percent of eligible voters took part in the 2014 midterm elections, down from 42 percent in 2010.

More than 60 percent of eligible voters took part in the 2016 vote, when the presidential race was on the ballot.

Americans head to the polls on Tuesday for midterm elections with President Donald Trump's Republican party seeking to retain control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Americans head to the polls on Tuesday for midterm elections with President Donald Trump's Republican party seeking to retain control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Midterm elections are often seen as a referendum on the president and there is no shortage of opinions this time around about the current occupant of the White House. Turnout for midterm elections is traditionally lower than in presidential years, but the results could have dramatic implications for the United States, and in particular for Trump's legislative agenda. Republicans are bracing for a likely loss of seats in the House of Representatives but are favored to hold on to the Senate. House of Representatives The House has 435 members with states represented on the basis of population. There are currently 236 Republicans, 193 Democrats and six vacancies. All seats are contested every two years. The new congressional term begins in January 2019. Republicans have controlled the House since the conservative Tea Party movement propelled the GOP to a wave election in November 2010. The speaker of the house is Republican Paul Ryan, who is not seeking reelection from his home state of Wisconsin. Democrat and former speaker Nancy Pelosi serves as House minority leader. Democrats need a net gain of 23 seats to take control of the House. Likely House outcome: Democrats take control. Senate The Senate consists of 100 members, two from each state. It is currently made up of 51 Republicans and 49 Democrats. With terms of six years, about a third of the Senate is up for election every two years. Thirty-five seats are in play in Tuesday's election. Of the 35 seats up for grabs, 26 are held by Democrats and nine by Republicans. The Senate majority leader is Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Likely Senate outcome: Republicans hold on to the Senate. Governor races Thirty-six of the 50 US states elect governors this year, including about 10 considered toss-ups. Republicans currently control 29 governorships to 21 for the Democrats. Two races which are of particular interest are Georgia, where Democrat Stacey Abrams is seeking to become the first black woman to become governor of a US state, and Florida, where Democrat Andrew Gillum is locked in a bitter battle with Republican and Trump acolyte Ron DeSantis. Ballot measures In addition to electing their lawmakers, Americans in several states will vote on ballot measures. Among the notable initiatives: - Five states are considering the legalization of medical or recreational marijuana. - Minimum wage increases are on the ballot in two states. - Access to abortion and abortion funding is on the ballot in three states. The stakes Besides stymieing the Trump agenda, a Democratic victory in the House could allow Democrats to launch multiple committee investigations of the Trump administration and possibly even impeachment proceedings. Voter turnout Around 37 percent of eligible voters took part in the 2014 midterm elections, down from 42 percent in 2010. More than 60 percent of eligible voters took part in the 2016 vote, when the presidential race was on the ballot.

What's at stake on November 6 in US midterm elections

Parliamentary elections are <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-braces-for-militant-attacks-as-polling-centres-open-172420">underway in Afghanistan</a> amid high terror and war. However, people braved the threats and gathered in large numbers for a democratic Afghan.&nbsp;

Polling centers opened at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) across the war-torn country, with some 54,000 security forces deployed to protect them.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-afghanistan-election-matters-to-india-172402">Also read: Why Afghanistan election matters to India?</a>

At least 10 candidates out of more than 2,500 contesting the lower-house election have been killed so far.

Here are the updates so far:&nbsp;

- Polling stations in Kabul opened Saturday morning and witnessed hundreds of people making their way to the ballots to cast their votes.&nbsp;

- Ballot counting will begin upon the conclusion of voting at 4 pm Kabul time in the presence of election observers, Al Jazeera reported.

- The electoral commission has not set a timeline for announcing official results, but preliminary results are expected within a month.

- Gardez Cit in the Paktia province also saw voters in large number early Saturday morning.

- Security has been tight all across the country. Forces patrolled the streets in Kabul as people made their way to the polling stations.&nbsp;

- Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani also cast his vote as well as Herat's governor and other officials. Ghani took to Twitter to announce the news saying, "I just voted. And I thank the ANDSF, the IEC staff, and the great people of Afghanistan who made it possible to vote despite the risks involved. Today we proved together that we uphold democracy. With casting our ballots without fear we honor the sacrifices of the fallen."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I just voted. And I thank the ANDSF, the IEC staff, and the great people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> who made it possible to vote despite the risks involved. Today we proved together that we uphold democracy. With casting our ballots without fear we honor the sacrifices of the fallen. <a href="https://t.co/wrUCEa0MCR">pic.twitter.com/wrUCEa0MCR</a>
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1053489777624993793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

- Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah also cast his vote. He then lauded the efforts of the security forces and also condemned the death of Gen. Abdul Raziq and Gen. Momin Hussainkhail.

- Former national security advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar also voted in today's&nbsp;parliamentary elections. Second Vice President Sarwar Danish also cast his vote in Kabul.&nbsp;

-&nbsp;Not all polling stations open on time.

Parliamentary elections are underway in Afghanistan amid high terror and war. However, people braved the threats and gathered in large numbers for a democratic Afghan.

Parliamentary elections are underway in Afghanistan amid high terror and war. However, people braved the threats and gathered in large numbers for a democratic Afghan. Polling centers opened at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) across the war-torn country, with some 54,000 security forces deployed to protect them. Also read: Why Afghanistan election matters to India? At least 10 candidates out of more than 2,500 contesting the lower-house election have been killed so far. Here are the updates so far: - Polling stations in Kabul opened Saturday morning and witnessed hundreds of people making their way to the ballots to cast their votes. - Ballot counting will begin upon the conclusion of voting at 4 pm Kabul time in the presence of election observers, Al Jazeera reported. - The electoral commission has not set a timeline for announcing official results, but preliminary results are expected within a month. - Gardez Cit in the Paktia province also saw voters in large number early Saturday morning. - Security has been tight all across the country. Forces patrolled the streets in Kabul as people made their way to the polling stations. - Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani also cast his vote as well as Herat's governor and other officials. Ghani took to Twitter to announce the news saying, "I just voted. And I thank the ANDSF, the IEC staff, and the great people of Afghanistan who made it possible to vote despite the risks involved. Today we proved together that we uphold democracy. With casting our ballots without fear we honor the sacrifices of the fallen." I just voted. And I thank the ANDSF, the IEC staff, and the great people of #Afghanistan who made it possible to vote despite the risks involved. Today we proved together that we uphold democracy. With casting our ballots without fear we honor the sacrifices of the fallen. pic.twitter.com/wrUCEa0MCR — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) October 20, 2018 × - Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah also cast his vote. He then lauded the efforts of the security forces and also condemned the death of Gen. Abdul Raziq and Gen. Momin Hussainkhail. - Former national security advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar also voted in today's parliamentary elections. Second Vice President Sarwar Danish also cast his vote in Kabul. - Not all polling stations open on time.

Afghanistan elections: Here are the updates so far

Amid terror threats and boycott calls by separatist groups and the two main regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), polling for the first phase of municipal elections in 422 of the 1,145 wards begun on Monday morning

Unprecedented security arrangements have been put in place by the state authorities and the election commission, to ensure peaceful polls. Also, all candidates have been provided with either cluster security in hotels or individually in the Valley.

The polling began to start at 7 AM, will culminate at 4 PM later today.

According to the Election Commission, a total of 1283 candidates will be contesting in the 422 municipal wards today. This time large numbers of independents candidates are also in the fray.

This municipal election is also witnessing two significant firsts. In a major development, in these municipal polls, first-time electronic voting machines are being used, in accordance with the rules that have been amended in 2016.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Voting for urban local bodies underway at a polling booth in Gandhi Nagar's Ward no. 2, in Jammu district. <a href="https://t.co/c3oXDC4pe3">pic.twitter.com/c3oXDC4pe3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049121402757009408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Voting begins in 11 districts in the first of the four phases of urban local bodies elections; Visuals from Ward no. 48 in Jammu <a href="https://t.co/V6QhmfWTLG">pic.twitter.com/V6QhmfWTLG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049115678752559104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In another first, Election commission is also providing voting by the migrants by means of postal ballots. Since the migrants continue to be enrolled in the respective assembly constituencies from which the municipal committees or panchayat's would derive the rolls, therefore the facility will be provided for them to vote.

The counting of votes will be done on October 20.

Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam had also announced that the Centre would provide a one-month extra salary to all those government employees who will be on poll duty.

Amid terror threats and boycott calls by separatist groups and the two main regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), polling for the first phase of municipal elections in 422 of the 1,145 wards begun on Monday morning Unprecedented security arrangements have been put in place by the state authorities and the election commission, to ensure peaceful polls.

Amid terror threats and boycott calls by separatist groups and the two main regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), polling for the first phase of municipal elections in 422 of the 1,145 wards begun on Monday morning Unprecedented security arrangements have been put in place by the state authorities and the election commission, to ensure peaceful polls. Also, all candidates have been provided with either cluster security in hotels or individually in the Valley. The polling began to start at 7 AM, will culminate at 4 PM later today. According to the Election Commission, a total of 1283 candidates will be contesting in the 422 municipal wards today. This time large numbers of independents candidates are also in the fray. This municipal election is also witnessing two significant firsts. In a major development, in these municipal polls, first-time electronic voting machines are being used, in accordance with the rules that have been amended in 2016. #JammuAndKashmir: Voting for urban local bodies underway at a polling booth in Gandhi Nagar's Ward no. 2, in Jammu district. pic.twitter.com/c3oXDC4pe3 — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × #JammuAndKashmir: Voting begins in 11 districts in the first of the four phases of urban local bodies elections; Visuals from Ward no. 48 in Jammu pic.twitter.com/V6QhmfWTLG — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × In another first, Election commission is also providing voting by the migrants by means of postal ballots. Since the migrants continue to be enrolled in the respective assembly constituencies from which the municipal committees or panchayat's would derive the rolls, therefore the facility will be provided for them to vote. The counting of votes will be done on October 20. Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam had also announced that the Centre would provide a one-month extra salary to all those government employees who will be on poll duty.

J&K urban local body polls: Voting underway amid tight security

The voting for Jayanagar constituency in Karnataka's Bengaluru city is underway.

The election was countermanded after the death of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate B.N. Vijayakumar, who was the sitting MLA from the seat.

Currently, BJP has fielded his brother B.N. Prahalad.

Earlier on June 5, JD-S decided to support the Congress after withdrawing its candidate Kalegowda from the Jayanagar assembly constituency that.

The H.D. Kumaraswamy-led party will now support Congress candidate Sowmya Reddy, the daughter of heavyweight R. Ramalinga Reddy.

The party added that it would campaign for the Congress as well.

Counting of votes for the 222 of the 224 assembly seats in Karnataka took place on May 15.

The Bharatiya Janata Party had emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats, while the Congress had managed to win 78 seats and the JD(S) 37 seats.

However, after days of high-political drama in the state, the Congress and the JD(S) came together and managed to form the government in the state in partnership.

The election was countermanded after the death of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate B.N. Vijayakumar, who was the sitting MLA from the seat

The voting for Jayanagar constituency in Karnataka's Bengaluru city is underway. The election was countermanded after the death of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate B.N. Vijayakumar, who was the sitting MLA from the seat. Currently, BJP has fielded his brother B.N. Prahalad. Earlier on June 5, JD-S decided to support the Congress after withdrawing its candidate Kalegowda from the Jayanagar assembly constituency that. The H.D. Kumaraswamy-led party will now support Congress candidate Sowmya Reddy, the daughter of heavyweight R. Ramalinga Reddy. The party added that it would campaign for the Congress as well. Counting of votes for the 222 of the 224 assembly seats in Karnataka took place on May 15. The Bharatiya Janata Party had emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats, while the Congress had managed to win 78 seats and the JD(S) 37 seats. However, after days of high-political drama in the state, the Congress and the JD(S) came together and managed to form the government in the state in partnership.

Bengaluru: Voting underway in Jayanagar constituency after election was countermanded

By:&nbsp;Ronald Robertson*

As the 2018 midterm elections approach in the U.S., Google's power to influence undecided voters remains overshadowed by Facebook's personal data crisis.

Facebook has "taken it on the chin" for its role in the 2016 presidential election, and organisations like the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica and the Russian troll farm known as the Internet Research Agency have dominated headlines. Yet, despite having a troubling history and collecting more personal data through more products than Facebook, Google has somehow managed to evade the public spotlight on this one. That may be changing.

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee recently sent Google a letter asking a series of questions about the company’s personal data protection. As one of the researchers who helped discover that search engines can substantially influence users' voting preferences, I found the last question to be the most intriguing: "Are you aware of any foreign entities seeking to influence or interfere with U.S. elections through your platforms?" If Google’s response to this question exists, it has not been made public.

Search engine influence

Since 2013, I've been involved in the design and execution of a long series of experiments that have demonstrated how search engines can influence undecided voters' candidate choices through nearly undetectable manipulations to search rankings. We labeled this powerful new form of influence the search engine manipulation effect.

The way these effect works is simple: Favoritism for a particular candidate in election-related search rankings leads to people preferring that candidate. For example, a search related to an upcoming election might return results favoring candidate A higher than results favoring candidate B. That's called partisan ranking bias. Since people tend to click on and trust highly ranked results, more people will then trust and consume the information supporting candidate A. In turn, that consumption increases their preference for candidate A.

The most important aspect of this effect, however, is that most people can't detect the partisan ranking bias – and it's virtually impossible to defend yourself from influences you can't perceive. Fortunately, in three follow-up experiments, involving 3,600 participants, we demonstrated that alerting people to partisan ranking bias can help suppress the effect – though only laws or regulations actually preventing partisan ranking could eliminate the effect entirely.

Why focus on Google?

Google handles more than 60 percent of internet search activity in the U.S., and nearly 90 percent worldwide. Every year, this translates to trillions of queries related to people's private thoughts, concerns and questions.

With respect to news, search engines are a bigger source than social media. Although an often cited 2016 Pew study found that a majority, 62 percent, of U.S. adults got news on social media, the devil is in the details. If you unpack that statistic, you'll find that 18 percent do so "hardly ever." Added to the 38 percent of Americans who "never" got news on social media, the same study suggests that social media is a negligible source of news for 56 percent of Americans, also a majority.

Think about it: When you need to fact-check something or learn more about a topic, what do you do? You Google it. This fact is supported by a recent international survey that found that 74 percent of participants reported using search engines to fact-check information they found on social media. The same survey found that 68 percent reported that the information they found while searching was "important to influencing their decisions about voting."

What does Google think?

Google’s executives rarely make public responses to critiques of its search system. But in 2015, my colleague Robert Epstein published an article in Politico – entitled "How Google Could Rig the 2016 Election" – and that did the trick. Google's head of search at the time, Amit Singhal, responded with his own article, calling Epstein a conspiracy theorist, stating that "there is absolutely no truth to Epstein's hypothesis that Google could work secretly to influence election outcomes" and that "Google has never ever re-ranked search results on any topic (including elections) to manipulate user sentiment."

Singhal's first claim is hard to believe, unless you dismiss our research, our replication, and the independent research built on our findings. Search engines do have the capacity to shift people's opinions, including who to vote for.

His second claim, that Google "never ever re-ranked search results," also doesn’t quite hold up: The EU recently fined the company US$2.7 billion for ranking its own services higher in search results than its competitors.

Defending democracy

Another one of the Judiciary Committee’s questions to Google also struck a chord with me: "How do you monitor the ability of foreign entities to influence and interfere with U.S. elections?"

This question struck me because I've been developing systems for exactly this purpose – preserving search rankings and analysing them for systematic differences – for several years. In the course of this work, however, I've come to believe that freeing the democratic process from technologically enabled influences is virtually impossible without the cooperation of modern tech giants.

Facebook is now offering to collaborate with academic researchers who can measure and perhaps lessen or prevent undue influence on elections, and Twitter is doing something similar. Related efforts are also bringing transparency to other platforms like YouTube and Reddit. When will Google get on board?

At an upcoming conference, I will present the latest system I've been designing with Christo Wilson, a leading scientist in the field of algorithm auditing, for monitoring search rankings for partisan bias. With a little assistance from Google, no more than Facebook is offering, accurately monitoring or preventing search engine influence in the 2018 elections is actually a feasible goal. Without the company's help, things look bleak.

Although Google is an advertising business, its core is composed of creative and intelligent individuals who care deeply about the impact their work has on the world. This is evidenced by the recent letter signed by more than 3,100 Google employees protesting the use of their work in warfare technology. Nearly a dozen Google workers went so far as to resign in protest.

Perhaps the day is fast approaching when Google will step up, as Facebook, Twitter and Reddit have, to help defend democracy from the new world of computational propaganda. Perhaps there is already a letter circulating internally and gathering signatures. With state and federal primary elections already underway, let's hope so.

*Ronald Robertson is a Ph.D. Student in Network Science, Northeastern University

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-will-google-defend-democracy-96838">article</a>.)

As the 2018 midterm elections approach in the U.S., Google's power to influence undecided voters remains overshadowed by Facebook's personal data crisis

By: Ronald Robertson* As the 2018 midterm elections approach in the U.S., Google's power to influence undecided voters remains overshadowed by Facebook's personal data crisis. Facebook has "taken it on the chin" for its role in the 2016 presidential election, and organisations like the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica and the Russian troll farm known as the Internet Research Agency have dominated headlines. Yet, despite having a troubling history and collecting more personal data through more products than Facebook, Google has somehow managed to evade the public spotlight on this one. That may be changing. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee recently sent Google a letter asking a series of questions about the company’s personal data protection. As one of the researchers who helped discover that search engines can substantially influence users' voting preferences, I found the last question to be the most intriguing: "Are you aware of any foreign entities seeking to influence or interfere with U.S. elections through your platforms?" If Google’s response to this question exists, it has not been made public. Search engine influence Since 2013, I've been involved in the design and execution of a long series of experiments that have demonstrated how search engines can influence undecided voters' candidate choices through nearly undetectable manipulations to search rankings. We labeled this powerful new form of influence the search engine manipulation effect. The way these effect works is simple: Favoritism for a particular candidate in election-related search rankings leads to people preferring that candidate. For example, a search related to an upcoming election might return results favoring candidate A higher than results favoring candidate B. That's called partisan ranking bias. Since people tend to click on and trust highly ranked results, more people will then trust and consume the information supporting candidate A. In turn, that consumption increases their preference for candidate A. The most important aspect of this effect, however, is that most people can't detect the partisan ranking bias – and it's virtually impossible to defend yourself from influences you can't perceive. Fortunately, in three follow-up experiments, involving 3,600 participants, we demonstrated that alerting people to partisan ranking bias can help suppress the effect – though only laws or regulations actually preventing partisan ranking could eliminate the effect entirely. Why focus on Google? Google handles more than 60 percent of internet search activity in the U.S., and nearly 90 percent worldwide. Every year, this translates to trillions of queries related to people's private thoughts, concerns and questions. With respect to news, search engines are a bigger source than social media. Although an often cited 2016 Pew study found that a majority, 62 percent, of U.S. adults got news on social media, the devil is in the details. If you unpack that statistic, you'll find that 18 percent do so "hardly ever." Added to the 38 percent of Americans who "never" got news on social media, the same study suggests that social media is a negligible source of news for 56 percent of Americans, also a majority. Think about it: When you need to fact-check something or learn more about a topic, what do you do? You Google it. This fact is supported by a recent international survey that found that 74 percent of participants reported using search engines to fact-check information they found on social media. The same survey found that 68 percent reported that the information they found while searching was "important to influencing their decisions about voting." What does Google think? Google’s executives rarely make public responses to critiques of its search system. But in 2015, my colleague Robert Epstein published an article in Politico – entitled "How Google Could Rig the 2016 Election" – and that did the trick. Google's head of search at the time, Amit Singhal, responded with his own article, calling Epstein a conspiracy theorist, stating that "there is absolutely no truth to Epstein's hypothesis that Google could work secretly to influence election outcomes" and that "Google has never ever re-ranked search results on any topic (including elections) to manipulate user sentiment." Singhal's first claim is hard to believe, unless you dismiss our research, our replication, and the independent research built on our findings. Search engines do have the capacity to shift people's opinions, including who to vote for. His second claim, that Google "never ever re-ranked search results," also doesn’t quite hold up: The EU recently fined the company US$2.7 billion for ranking its own services higher in search results than its competitors. Defending democracy Another one of the Judiciary Committee’s questions to Google also struck a chord with me: "How do you monitor the ability of foreign entities to influence and interfere with U.S. elections?" This question struck me because I've been developing systems for exactly this purpose – preserving search rankings and analysing them for systematic differences – for several years. In the course of this work, however, I've come to believe that freeing the democratic process from technologically enabled influences is virtually impossible without the cooperation of modern tech giants. Facebook is now offering to collaborate with academic researchers who can measure and perhaps lessen or prevent undue influence on elections, and Twitter is doing something similar. Related efforts are also bringing transparency to other platforms like YouTube and Reddit. When will Google get on board? At an upcoming conference, I will present the latest system I've been designing with Christo Wilson, a leading scientist in the field of algorithm auditing, for monitoring search rankings for partisan bias. With a little assistance from Google, no more than Facebook is offering, accurately monitoring or preventing search engine influence in the 2018 elections is actually a feasible goal. Without the company's help, things look bleak. Although Google is an advertising business, its core is composed of creative and intelligent individuals who care deeply about the impact their work has on the world. This is evidenced by the recent letter signed by more than 3,100 Google employees protesting the use of their work in warfare technology. Nearly a dozen Google workers went so far as to resign in protest. Perhaps the day is fast approaching when Google will step up, as Facebook, Twitter and Reddit have, to help defend democracy from the new world of computational propaganda. Perhaps there is already a letter circulating internally and gathering signatures. With state and federal primary elections already underway, let's hope so. *Ronald Robertson is a Ph.D. Student in Network Science, Northeastern University (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.)

Opinion: When will Google defend democracy?

Massive violence has been reported from West Bengal, where panchayat elections are being held today.&nbsp;

ANI reported that a TMC worker named Arif Gazi was shot dead in the Kultali area of South 24 Parganas district.

ANI added that a BJP candidate from Bilkanda was injured in a&nbsp;knife attack, allegedly by TMC workers. ANI identified the BJP candidate as Raju Biswas and said he is undergoing treatment at Panihati State General Hospital.

At least 20 people were injured in a crude bomb explosion in Amdanga's Sadhanpur in North 24 Parganas.

And five local journalists were injured in violence following booth capturing in Birpara, allegedly by TMC workers.

In another incident, a CPM worker and his wife were charred to death in North 24 Parganas after their house was allegedly burnt down on Sunday night.&nbsp;

The Election Commission meanwhile reported a 56% voter turnout till 3 pm.

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Overall 56% polling recorded till 3 pm in West Bengal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElection</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995975141887651840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The elections are being held after a series of court cases and reports of foul play by workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress.&nbsp;

Earlier, a record 34 per cent seats has been won unopposed by the Trinamool Congress, but the Supreme Court stayed the notification of the results.

The court said elections have to be held "in absolute fairness".&nbsp;

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Not surprised by all the incidents that are happening since morning. Bengal govt is a shameless govt, you cannot expect them to follow any kind of constitutional behaviour. I demand President's Rule in WB: Babul Supriyo, Union Min on violence in various during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElection</a> <a href="https://t.co/ElEr4OSbaf">pic.twitter.com/ElEr4OSbaf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995927330366226433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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There are minor incidents taking place, no major incidents have been reported. Administration is active in places where such clashes have taken place. Voting is being conducted peaceful. I strongly condemn the attack on journalists: Partha Chatterjee, TMC <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElection</a> <a href="https://t.co/SXwjExlQRH">pic.twitter.com/SXwjExlQRH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995930017505820672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As many as 20 people were injured in fresh clashes which broke out between two groups here in Cooch Behar on Monday morning, amid the ongoing panchayat polls in the state.

As per a local, a number of individuals had gone to cast their vote at a polling station here, when they were attacked with sticks by a group of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers. Subsequently, the injured were admitted to MJN Hospital for treatment.

"A group of us had gone to cast our vote at a polling booth. We were attacked by a group of TMC workers with lathis (sticks)," an injured local told ANI.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporter Sujit Kumar Das was slapped by West Bengal Minister Rabindra Nath Ghosh at Cooch Behar`s booth no. 8/12 in the presence of police.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: On being identified, BJP supporter Sujit Kumar Das, was slapped by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> Minister Rabindra Nath Ghosh (in purple kurta) at Cooch Behar's booth no. 8/12 in presence of Police. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElection</a> <a href="https://t.co/9S2gyAoNQt">pic.twitter.com/9S2gyAoNQt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995884416554577920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Incidents of violence were also reported from Bhangar, where a media vehicle was torched and a camera broken, after which media was prohibited from entering the area.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Alleged TMC workers barring voters from entering Booth No. 14/79 in Birpara. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/S3OR83QfHp">pic.twitter.com/S3OR83QfHp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995874967714590720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Furthermore, Bhangar locals blocked the roads, alleging that TMC workers were capturing the polling booth.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Road blocked by locals in Bhangar. They allege TMC workers of capturing the booth. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElections</a>. <a href="https://t.co/4KyJ8WWXgR">pic.twitter.com/4KyJ8WWXgR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995884423651381248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On the other hand, a TMC worker, Anarul Mita, suffered bullet injuries in an attack in Cooch Behar`s Dinhata on late Sunday night, after which he was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition.

The Trinamool Congress was quick to respond to the allegations of violence by its workers. It blamed a section of the media for biased reporting:&nbsp;

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Why is <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> spreading rumours and amplifying a few, sporadic, local incidents? We learn that local ANI reporters and stringers getting direct instructions from their bosses in Delhi to shame <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengal</a>. Agenda driven news-gathering: Derek O'Brien <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElection</a>
— AITC (@AITCofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AITCofficial/status/995932119229644802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The victim has alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers are behind the attack. On a related note, the voting, which began at 7 a.m. on Monday morning, will continue till 5 p.m. in 621 zilla parishads, 6157 panchayat samitis, and 31,827 gram panchayats. The counting will take place on May 17.

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In a joint operation, troops of CRPF's 193 Battalion & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jharkhand?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jharkhand</a> Police recovered 482 gelatin sticks, 889 detonators, wires etc in Eats Singhbhum's Digri. <a href="https://t.co/zYCf4JprIz">pic.twitter.com/zYCf4JprIz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995882377699250176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from ANI)

News reports said at least four people had been killed and scores, including journalists, injured in violence

Massive violence has been reported from West Bengal, where panchayat elections are being held today. ANI reported that a TMC worker named Arif Gazi was shot dead in the Kultali area of South 24 Parganas district. ANI added that a BJP candidate from Bilkanda was injured in a knife attack, allegedly by TMC workers. ANI identified the BJP candidate as Raju Biswas and said he is undergoing treatment at Panihati State General Hospital. At least 20 people were injured in a crude bomb explosion in Amdanga's Sadhanpur in North 24 Parganas. And five local journalists were injured in violence following booth capturing in Birpara, allegedly by TMC workers. In another incident, a CPM worker and his wife were charred to death in North 24 Parganas after their house was allegedly burnt down on Sunday night. The Election Commission meanwhile reported a 56% voter turnout till 3 pm. Overall 56% polling recorded till 3 pm in West Bengal #PanchayatElection — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × The elections are being held after a series of court cases and reports of foul play by workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress. Earlier, a record 34 per cent seats has been won unopposed by the Trinamool Congress, but the Supreme Court stayed the notification of the results. The court said elections have to be held "in absolute fairness". Not surprised by all the incidents that are happening since morning. Bengal govt is a shameless govt, you cannot expect them to follow any kind of constitutional behaviour. I demand President's Rule in WB: Babul Supriyo, Union Min on violence in various during #PanchayatElection pic.twitter.com/ElEr4OSbaf — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × There are minor incidents taking place, no major incidents have been reported. Administration is active in places where such clashes have taken place. Voting is being conducted peaceful. I strongly condemn the attack on journalists: Partha Chatterjee, TMC #PanchayatElection pic.twitter.com/SXwjExlQRH — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × As many as 20 people were injured in fresh clashes which broke out between two groups here in Cooch Behar on Monday morning, amid the ongoing panchayat polls in the state. As per a local, a number of individuals had gone to cast their vote at a polling station here, when they were attacked with sticks by a group of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers. Subsequently, the injured were admitted to MJN Hospital for treatment. "A group of us had gone to cast our vote at a polling booth. We were attacked by a group of TMC workers with lathis (sticks)," an injured local told ANI. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporter Sujit Kumar Das was slapped by West Bengal Minister Rabindra Nath Ghosh at Cooch Behar`s booth no. 8/12 in the presence of police. #WATCH: On being identified, BJP supporter Sujit Kumar Das, was slapped by #WestBengal Minister Rabindra Nath Ghosh (in purple kurta) at Cooch Behar's booth no. 8/12 in presence of Police. #PanchayatElection pic.twitter.com/9S2gyAoNQt — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × Incidents of violence were also reported from Bhangar, where a media vehicle was torched and a camera broken, after which media was prohibited from entering the area. #WATCH: Alleged TMC workers barring voters from entering Booth No. 14/79 in Birpara. #WestBengal #PanchayatElections pic.twitter.com/S3OR83QfHp — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × Furthermore, Bhangar locals blocked the roads, alleging that TMC workers were capturing the polling booth. #WATCH: Road blocked by locals in Bhangar. They allege TMC workers of capturing the booth. #WestBengal #PanchayatElections. pic.twitter.com/4KyJ8WWXgR — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × On the other hand, a TMC worker, Anarul Mita, suffered bullet injuries in an attack in Cooch Behar`s Dinhata on late Sunday night, after which he was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition. The Trinamool Congress was quick to respond to the allegations of violence by its workers. It blamed a section of the media for biased reporting: Why is @ANI spreading rumours and amplifying a few, sporadic, local incidents? We learn that local ANI reporters and stringers getting direct instructions from their bosses in Delhi to shame #Bengal. Agenda driven news-gathering: Derek O'Brien #PanchayatElection — AITC (@AITCofficial) May 14, 2018 × The victim has alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers are behind the attack. On a related note, the voting, which began at 7 a.m. on Monday morning, will continue till 5 p.m. in 621 zilla parishads, 6157 panchayat samitis, and 31,827 gram panchayats. The counting will take place on May 17. In a joint operation, troops of CRPF's 193 Battalion & #Jharkhand Police recovered 482 gelatin sticks, 889 detonators, wires etc in Eats Singhbhum's Digri. pic.twitter.com/zYCf4JprIz — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × (With inputs from ANI)

West Bengal panchayat polls: 56% polling recorded amid massive violence

State election icon and renowned cricketer Rahul Dravid and former India captain Anil Kumble cast their votes today.

Dravid voted from the Indira Nagar constituency and former team India coach urged people to exercise their voting rights.

So far, 24 per cent polling recorded till 11:00 AM in Karnataka.

Karnataka is voting today for electing its 15th Legislative Assembly after a fortnight-long bitter campaign by the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S). The vote count will take place on May &nbsp;15.&nbsp;

All eyes are on the southern state where Congress is trying hard to retain power, while the BJP is making all efforts to unseat the ruling party and grab power after losing at its hands five years ago. The polling across Karnataka in 223 of the 225-member Assembly will be held in a single phase.

So far, 24 per cent polling recorded till 11:00 AM in Karnataka

State election icon and renowned cricketer Rahul Dravid and former India captain Anil Kumble cast their votes today. Dravid voted from the Indira Nagar constituency and former team India coach urged people to exercise their voting rights. So far, 24 per cent polling recorded till 11:00 AM in Karnataka. Karnataka is voting today for electing its 15th Legislative Assembly after a fortnight-long bitter campaign by the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S). The vote count will take place on May 15. All eyes are on the southern state where Congress is trying hard to retain power, while the BJP is making all efforts to unseat the ruling party and grab power after losing at its hands five years ago. The polling across Karnataka in 223 of the 225-member Assembly will be held in a single phase.

Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid cast vote and urge Bengalureans to exercise voting rights

Malaysian politicians from both government and opposition camps complained of "dirty tricks" after voting in a general election began on Wednesday, as non-stop spam calls to their mobile phones disrupted communications with party organisers.

Malaysian civil rights group Suaram said the spam calls, which have also affected civil society group leaders, was a "clear attempt to impede the work of human rights defenders and politicians at the critical juncture of voting day".

The elections is arguably the toughest faced by Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, as it contends with a resurgent opposition pact led by former strongman Mahathir Mohamad.

While the complaints came from all sides, none of the political figures whose phones had been targeted specified who they suspected was behind the attack.

Najib condemned the "spam calls" received by BN leaders, and said that many of the coalition's websites could not be accessed.

"I have ordered for immediate action to be taken," the prime minister said on Twitter.

Some leaders from the opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition said they had switched off their phones after receiving automated calls nearly every minute from mostly unknown overseas numbers, since before polling stations opened.

"This is a dirty tech attack on us, we have been paralysed. We cannot talk to anyone... they are trying to sabotage the electoral system to deny a PH win," said Lim Guan Eng, a senior opposition leader.

"The telcos must do something. We can complain to the authorities, but what can they do now?" Lim said.

A minister in Najib's government said his phone had also received multiple calls from unknown numbers from the United States, the U.K. and&nbspMalaysia, while another ruling coalition leader posted a video on twitter showing a phone receiving call after call.

The&nbspMalaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the country's communications regulator, did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Azmin Ali, the chief minister of the opposition-held state of Selangor, said he left his mobile phone in his car when he went out to vote as he was getting continuous calls and junk emails.

"They are desperate, so they are using all sorts of tactics to jam us. But at the end of the day, it's people's power," he told reporters after casting his vote.

Khairy Jamaluddin, the sports minister and youth wing leader of the United Malay National Organisation (UMNO), which leads the ruling coalition, was among the leaders from the government side that said they had been targeted too.

"My phone seems to be under some sort of spam attack this morning," said Khairy, displaying on his Twitter account a screenshot of a list of calls received. "Strange."

Abdul Rahman Dahlan, a ruling coalition leader, posted a video showing a phone receiving endless calls.

"Calls from overseas keep coming in every few seconds! To prevent us from communicating with our machinery. This is dirty trick!" he said in a Twitter post.

Reuters reported in April that automated accounts known as bots were flooding Twitter with tens of thousands of pro-government and anti-opposition messages, just weeks before the general election.

A survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center showed BN has seen a drop in its share of the popular vote, but was still expected to win enough parliamentary seats to retain power.

The elections is arguably the toughest faced by Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, as it contends with a resurgent opposition pact led by former strongman Mahathir Mohamad

Malaysian politicians from both government and opposition camps complained of "dirty tricks" after voting in a general election began on Wednesday, as non-stop spam calls to their mobile phones disrupted communications with party organisers. Malaysian civil rights group Suaram said the spam calls, which have also affected civil society group leaders, was a "clear attempt to impede the work of human rights defenders and politicians at the critical juncture of voting day". The elections is arguably the toughest faced by Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, as it contends with a resurgent opposition pact led by former strongman Mahathir Mohamad. While the complaints came from all sides, none of the political figures whose phones had been targeted specified who they suspected was behind the attack. Najib condemned the "spam calls" received by BN leaders, and said that many of the coalition's websites could not be accessed. "I have ordered for immediate action to be taken," the prime minister said on Twitter. Some leaders from the opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition said they had switched off their phones after receiving automated calls nearly every minute from mostly unknown overseas numbers, since before polling stations opened. "This is a dirty tech attack on us, we have been paralysed. We cannot talk to anyone... they are trying to sabotage the electoral system to deny a PH win," said Lim Guan Eng, a senior opposition leader. "The telcos must do something. We can complain to the authorities, but what can they do now?" Lim said. A minister in Najib's government said his phone had also received multiple calls from unknown numbers from the United States, the U.K. and&nbspMalaysia, while another ruling coalition leader posted a video on twitter showing a phone receiving call after call. The&nbspMalaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the country's communications regulator, did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Azmin Ali, the chief minister of the opposition-held state of Selangor, said he left his mobile phone in his car when he went out to vote as he was getting continuous calls and junk emails. "They are desperate, so they are using all sorts of tactics to jam us. But at the end of the day, it's people's power," he told reporters after casting his vote. Khairy Jamaluddin, the sports minister and youth wing leader of the United Malay National Organisation (UMNO), which leads the ruling coalition, was among the leaders from the government side that said they had been targeted too. "My phone seems to be under some sort of spam attack this morning," said Khairy, displaying on his Twitter account a screenshot of a list of calls received. "Strange." Abdul Rahman Dahlan, a ruling coalition leader, posted a video showing a phone receiving endless calls. "Calls from overseas keep coming in every few seconds! To prevent us from communicating with our machinery. This is dirty trick!" he said in a Twitter post. Reuters reported in April that automated accounts known as bots were flooding Twitter with tens of thousands of pro-government and anti-opposition messages, just weeks before the general election. A survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center showed BN has seen a drop in its share of the popular vote, but was still expected to win enough parliamentary seats to retain power.

Malaysian politicians claim tech sabotage as polling begins

The Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah and its political allies looked set to win more than half the seats in Lebanon's first parliamentary election in nine years, according to preliminary results cited by politicians and Lebanese media.

The result, if confirmed by the final count, would boost Hezbollah politically, with parties and individuals aligned with the heavily armed group securing a simple majority in parliament in Sunday's election.

Hezbollah's powerful position in Lebanon reflects Iran's regional ascendancy through Iraq and Syria all the way to Beirut. It is classified as a terrorist group by the United States and an enemy of neighbouring Israel.

The unofficial results also indicated that Western-backed Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri would emerge as the Sunni Islamic leader with the biggest bloc in the 128-seat parliament, making him the frontrunner to form the next government even though he lost seats.

Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni according to the country's sectarian power-sharing system. The new government, like the outgoing one, is expected to include all the main parties. Talks over Cabinet posts are expected to take time.

International donors want to see Beirut embark on serious economic reforms to reduce state debt levels before they will release billions pledged at a Paris conference in April.

The election was held under a complex new law that redrew constituency boundaries and changed the electoral system from winner-takes-all to a proportional one. The interior minister said official results would be declared on Monday morning.

The staunchly anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, appears to have emerged as a big winner, nearly doubling its MPs to 15 from eight, according to the unofficial indications.

Hezbollah and groups and individuals affiliated to it secured at least 67 seats, according to a Reuters calculation based on preliminary results for nearly all the seats that were obtained from politicians and campaigns and reported in Lebanese media.

Hezbollah's allies include the Shi'ite Amal Movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the Christian Free Patriotic Movement established by President Michel Aoun and other groups and individuals that view its weapons as an asset to Lebanon.

Hezbollah-backed Sunnis did well in the cities of Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon, strongholds of Hariri's Future Movement, the unofficial results showed.

But Hezbollah lost ground in one of its strongholds, the Baalbek-Hermel constituency. Two of the 10 seats there were won by its opponents, one going to the Lebanese Forces and the other to Future.

Hezbollah-backed winners include Jamil al-Sayyed, a retired Shi'ite general and former Lebanese intelligence chief who is a close friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to the unofficial results.

Sayyed was one of the most powerful men in Lebanon in the 15 years of Syrian domination that followed the 1975-90 civil war. Another face from that era, Abdul Rahim Mrad, will also make a comeback having won a Sunni seat, the unofficial results show.

Turnout was 49.2 percent, down from 54 percent the last time legislative elections were held nine years ago.

Lebanon should have held a parliamentary election in 2013 but MPs instead voted to extend their own term because leaders could not agree on a new parliamentary election law.

An anti-Hezbollah alliance led by Hariri and backed by Saudi Arabia won a majority in parliament in 2009.

But that "March 14" alliance has disintegrated and Saudi Arabia has switched its attention and resources to confronting Iran in other parts of the region, notably Yemen.

Samir Geagea, the Lebanese Forces leader, said the results showed there was a "popular ground" that backs March 14 and would "give us strength and a push to fix the path much more than we were able to in the past years".

Geagea is Hezbollah's most prominent Lebanese Christian opponent. He led the Lebanese Forces militia in the last years of the civil war, during which he was an adversary of Aoun.

The question of Hezbollah's weapons has slipped down the political agenda in Lebanon in recent years. Hezbollah has grown militarily more powerful since 2012, deploying its fighters to Syria and Iraq where it has fought in support of Iranian allies.

Hariri, who led years of political conflict with the group, says it is an issue to be resolved at the regional level through dialogue.

The Lebanon vote is to be followed on May 12 by an Iraqi election that is also set to underline Iran's reach, with one of three pro-Tehran Shi'ite leaders set to become prime minister.

Enhanced Hezbollah sway over Lebanon will likely alarm the United States, which arms and trains the Lebanese army.

But the group and its allies are not on course to win the two-thirds majority that would allow them to pass big decisions such as changing the constitution.

The result, if confirmed by the final count, would boost Hezbollah politically, with parties and individuals aligned with the heavily armed group securing a simple majority in parliament in Sunday's election

The Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah and its political allies looked set to win more than half the seats in Lebanon's first parliamentary election in nine years, according to preliminary results cited by politicians and Lebanese media. The result, if confirmed by the final count, would boost Hezbollah politically, with parties and individuals aligned with the heavily armed group securing a simple majority in parliament in Sunday's election. Hezbollah's powerful position in Lebanon reflects Iran's regional ascendancy through Iraq and Syria all the way to Beirut. It is classified as a terrorist group by the United States and an enemy of neighbouring Israel. The unofficial results also indicated that Western-backed Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri would emerge as the Sunni Islamic leader with the biggest bloc in the 128-seat parliament, making him the frontrunner to form the next government even though he lost seats. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni according to the country's sectarian power-sharing system. The new government, like the outgoing one, is expected to include all the main parties. Talks over Cabinet posts are expected to take time. International donors want to see Beirut embark on serious economic reforms to reduce state debt levels before they will release billions pledged at a Paris conference in April. The election was held under a complex new law that redrew constituency boundaries and changed the electoral system from winner-takes-all to a proportional one. The interior minister said official results would be declared on Monday morning. The staunchly anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, appears to have emerged as a big winner, nearly doubling its MPs to 15 from eight, according to the unofficial indications. Hezbollah and groups and individuals affiliated to it secured at least 67 seats, according to a Reuters calculation based on preliminary results for nearly all the seats that were obtained from politicians and campaigns and reported in Lebanese media. Hezbollah's allies include the Shi'ite Amal Movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the Christian Free Patriotic Movement established by President Michel Aoun and other groups and individuals that view its weapons as an asset to Lebanon. Hezbollah-backed Sunnis did well in the cities of Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon, strongholds of Hariri's Future Movement, the unofficial results showed. But Hezbollah lost ground in one of its strongholds, the Baalbek-Hermel constituency. Two of the 10 seats there were won by its opponents, one going to the Lebanese Forces and the other to Future. Hezbollah-backed winners include Jamil al-Sayyed, a retired Shi'ite general and former Lebanese intelligence chief who is a close friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to the unofficial results. Sayyed was one of the most powerful men in Lebanon in the 15 years of Syrian domination that followed the 1975-90 civil war. Another face from that era, Abdul Rahim Mrad, will also make a comeback having won a Sunni seat, the unofficial results show. Turnout was 49.2 percent, down from 54 percent the last time legislative elections were held nine years ago. Lebanon should have held a parliamentary election in 2013 but MPs instead voted to extend their own term because leaders could not agree on a new parliamentary election law. An anti-Hezbollah alliance led by Hariri and backed by Saudi Arabia won a majority in parliament in 2009. But that "March 14" alliance has disintegrated and Saudi Arabia has switched its attention and resources to confronting Iran in other parts of the region, notably Yemen. Samir Geagea, the Lebanese Forces leader, said the results showed there was a "popular ground" that backs March 14 and would "give us strength and a push to fix the path much more than we were able to in the past years". Geagea is Hezbollah's most prominent Lebanese Christian opponent. He led the Lebanese Forces militia in the last years of the civil war, during which he was an adversary of Aoun. The question of Hezbollah's weapons has slipped down the political agenda in Lebanon in recent years. Hezbollah has grown militarily more powerful since 2012, deploying its fighters to Syria and Iraq where it has fought in support of Iranian allies. Hariri, who led years of political conflict with the group, says it is an issue to be resolved at the regional level through dialogue. The Lebanon vote is to be followed on May 12 by an Iraqi election that is also set to underline Iran's reach, with one of three pro-Tehran Shi'ite leaders set to become prime minister. Enhanced Hezbollah sway over Lebanon will likely alarm the United States, which arms and trains the Lebanese army. But the group and its allies are not on course to win the two-thirds majority that would allow them to pass big decisions such as changing the constitution.

Hezbollah allies set for gains in Lebanon parliament

Around 278,000 Malaysians cast their ballots on Saturday for the country's general elections scheduled for May 9.

About 300,000 people registered for early voting, according to Malaysia's Election Commission.

Police officers, military personnel, their spouses, and some journalists comprise the majority of early voters, who choose to cast their ballots early because they'll be working on the day of the general election.

The votes cast on Saturday will be kept safe until they're counted on May 9.

The Malaysian Parliament was dissolved on April 7, and candidates were officially nominated on April 28, kicking off the 11-day campaign period.

The general election will see the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional, led by Najib Razak, facing a challenge from the opposition pact led by the 92-year-old Mahathir Mohamad.

The votes cast on Saturday will be kept safe until they're counted on May 9

Around 278,000 Malaysians cast their ballots on Saturday for the country's general elections scheduled for May 9. About 300,000 people registered for early voting, according to Malaysia's Election Commission. Police officers, military personnel, their spouses, and some journalists comprise the majority of early voters, who choose to cast their ballots early because they'll be working on the day of the general election. The votes cast on Saturday will be kept safe until they're counted on May 9. The Malaysian Parliament was dissolved on April 7, and candidates were officially nominated on April 28, kicking off the 11-day campaign period. The general election will see the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional, led by Najib Razak, facing a challenge from the opposition pact led by the 92-year-old Mahathir Mohamad.

Early voting begins for Malaysia's general elections

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