Violent clashes have escalated between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s army and Rwandan-backed m23 Tutsi-led rebels in eastern Congo, killing scores and displacing hundreds of thousands. The fighting, in a war that has lasted decades, has increased the risk of an all-out conflict between Congo and Rwanda that could suck in neighbours and regional forces including South Africa, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi. In the capital Kinshasa, and the north Kivu provincial capital Goma, Congolese have taken to the streets to protest against deteriorating security in the east and have accused the international community of not doing enough to hold Rwanda to account for its support for the rebels.

Why DRC conflict threatens regional stability

Pakistanis are voting in the country's general election. Internet and telecom services have been temporarily suspended to strengthen security. The decision follows a rise in militant attacks in the run-up to the election.

Pakistan Elections: Polls open in Pakistan, 128 million eligible to vote

In Pakistan, nearly 128.5 million people have been registered as voters for the general elections which will be held on February 8, as per the latest data.&nbsp;

This number of people registered as voters constitutes nearly half of its population.&nbsp;

As per reports, women in some regions of Pakistan are barred from voting even though the country has the fifth-highest number of registered voters globally, with only India, Indonesia, the United States, and Brazil leading ahead.&nbsp;

The 60-year-old former headmistress Naeem Kausir as well as her seven daughters, six of whom have already been to college, are not allowed to vote by their family's male elders, just like other women in her town.

"Whether by her husband, father, son or brother, a woman is forced. She lacks the autonomy to make decisions independently," said Kausir, who was covering her face using a veil.&nbsp;

"These men lack the courage to grant women their rights," said the widow, while speaking to AFP.

Even though voting is a constitutional right for all adults present in Pakistan, a patriarchal system is still dominant in some rural areas of the socially conservative country as the male village elders wield significant influence on their communities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-isi-agent-working-at-indian-embassy-in-moscow-arrested-from-meerut-686836">Indian Embassy employee in Moscow arrested for spying, links to Pakistan’s ISI</a>

In Dhurnal, a village in Punjab which is home to thousands of people, men give different reasons for the ban on voting for more than 50 years.

"Several years ago, during a period of low literacy rates, a council chairman decreed that if men went out to vote, and women followed suit, who would manage the household and childcare responsibilities," said Malik Muhammad, the village council's member.

"This disruption, just for one vote, was deemed unnecessary," he added.&nbsp;

Shopkeeper Muhammad Aslam has claimed that the ban has been protecting women from "local hostilities" regarding politics. Meanwhile, while speaking to AFP it was simply down to "tradition".

<h2>Election Commission says it has authority to declare process null and void</h2>

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has emphasised that it carries the authority to declare a process null and void in any constituency where women are being stopped from voting.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan gears up for polls | WION visits Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province ahead of polls

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-gears-up-for-polls-wion-visits-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-province-ahead-of-polls-687397/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the country's hinterland, progress has been slow outside of cities and in areas which operate under tribal norms, as millions of women still remain uncounted on the electoral rolls.

In Dhurnal, the elders rely on neighbouring villages to fill a government-imposed quota, as per which 10 per cent of votes cast in every constituency should be by women.

Those who are permitted to vote are often pressured to choose a candidate of a male relative's choice.

(With inputs from agencies)

In Pakistan, nearly 128.5 million people have been registered as voters for the general elections which will be held on February 8, as per the latest data. This number of people registered as voters constitutes nearly half of its population.

In Pakistan, nearly 128.5 million people have been registered as voters for the general elections which will be held on February 8, as per the latest data. This number of people registered as voters constitutes nearly half of its population. As per reports, women in some regions of Pakistan are barred from voting even though the country has the fifth-highest number of registered voters globally, with only India, Indonesia, the United States, and Brazil leading ahead. The 60-year-old former headmistress Naeem Kausir as well as her seven daughters, six of whom have already been to college, are not allowed to vote by their family's male elders, just like other women in her town. "Whether by her husband, father, son or brother, a woman is forced. She lacks the autonomy to make decisions independently," said Kausir, who was covering her face using a veil. "These men lack the courage to grant women their rights," said the widow, while speaking to AFP. Even though voting is a constitutional right for all adults present in Pakistan, a patriarchal system is still dominant in some rural areas of the socially conservative country as the male village elders wield significant influence on their communities. Also read: Indian Embassy employee in Moscow arrested for spying, links to Pakistan’s ISI In Dhurnal, a village in Punjab which is home to thousands of people, men give different reasons for the ban on voting for more than 50 years. "Several years ago, during a period of low literacy rates, a council chairman decreed that if men went out to vote, and women followed suit, who would manage the household and childcare responsibilities," said Malik Muhammad, the village council's member. "This disruption, just for one vote, was deemed unnecessary," he added. Shopkeeper Muhammad Aslam has claimed that the ban has been protecting women from "local hostilities" regarding politics. Meanwhile, while speaking to AFP it was simply down to "tradition". Election Commission says it has authority to declare process null and void The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has emphasised that it carries the authority to declare a process null and void in any constituency where women are being stopped from voting. Watch: Pakistan gears up for polls | WION visits Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province ahead of polls In the country's hinterland, progress has been slow outside of cities and in areas which operate under tribal norms, as millions of women still remain uncounted on the electoral rolls. In Dhurnal, the elders rely on neighbouring villages to fill a government-imposed quota, as per which 10 per cent of votes cast in every constituency should be by women. Those who are permitted to vote are often pressured to choose a candidate of a male relative's choice. (With inputs from agencies)

In this Pakistani village, women are barred from voting by their husbands

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the main party boycotting Sunday's national elections was a "terrorist organisation", adding that she was trying to ensure her country remained democratic.

Bangladesh General Elections:"Terrorist organisation": Bangladesh PM attacks opposition over boycott

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has secured a record fifth term term as her Awami League party registered a landslide victory in the general elections, which was boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies.

Bangladesh General Elections: Sheikh Hasina wins election for a fifth term

In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is poised to secure another term amid criticism of authoritarian tendencies.

Bangladesh's success story under Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has boycotted the ongoing 12th parliamentary elections, after PM Sheikh Hasina denied its demand to resign and let a caretaker government run the election.

Bangladesh General Elections: Nationalist parties boycotts parliamentary elections

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is expected to secure a fourth straight term in a one-sided general election, said on Sunday that she does not care about foreign media's approval of the polls as for her acceptance to people of the country is the only important issue.

Bangladesh General Elections: People's acceptance of polls most important: PM

The voting in Bangladesh's 12th parliament elections ended at 4:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, media reports said.

Bangladesh General Elections: Voting ends, counting begins

Voting in Bangladesh's 12th parliamentary elections saw a voter turnout of 40 percent. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to secure a fourth straight term in office following a boycott led by the country's key opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Bangladesh General Elections: 40% voter turnout recorded: EC

Bangladesh on Sunday began voting in the 12th general elections. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to win a fourth straight term and the fifth overall for her Awami League-led alliance in this general election which is boycotted by the main opposition party BNP and marred by violence ahead of the vote.

Bangladesh General Elections: PM Sheikh Hasina's Awami league set for fourth consecutive term

Voting in Bangladesh's 12th parliamentary elections saw a voter turnout of 27.5 percent till 3PM. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to secure a fourth straight term in office following a boycott led by the country's key opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Bangladesh General Elections: 27.5% voter turnout recorded till 3 PM: EC

Bangladesh General Elections: Opposition BNP and allies parties boycott polls

Voting in Bangladesh's 12th parliamentary elections saw a voter turnout of 27.5 percent till 3 PM. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to secure a fourth straight term in office following a boycott led by the country's key opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Bangladesh General Elections: 27.5% voter turnout recorded till 3PM: EC

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has boycotted the ongoing 12th parliamentary elections, after PM Sheikh Hasina denied its demand to resign and let a caretaker government run the election. Meanwhile, multiple reports of violence emerge. Watch to know more!

Bangladesh General Elections: PM Sheikh Hasina expected to get another term

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has refused opposition calls for a rerun of disputed elections this comes as the Congo's powerful Catholic church and its Protestant churches Observer Mission reported numerous irregularities that could undermine some results.

DRC: Opposition alleges 'irregularities' in polls

DRC: Election commission denies election fraud

The Ram temple Trust is set to vote to choose the idol of 'Ram Lalla', the depiction of Lord Ram as a child, which is to be installed inside the grand Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum next month in the Indian city of Ayodhya. The voting is set to take place on Friday (Dec 29), as per reports. 
 
According to the sources mentioned in the reports, the voting will be held at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra's meeting. The three sculptors in race are -&nbsp;Ganesh Bhatt, Arun Yogiraj and Satyanarayan Pandey.

This is the trust which will oversee the management and construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 
 
"All three designs, made by separate sculptors, would be put on the table. The one idol that will get the most votes will be installed at the consecration of the shrine on January 22," as per the officials, Indian news agency ANI reported. 
 
Trust secretary Champat Rai on Wednesday (Dec 27) said that Lord Ram's 51-inch-tall idol – which will depict his five-year-old form – will be selected among three designs. 
 
"The one that has the best divineness and has a childlike look about it will be selected," he said. 
 
Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra, meanwhile, took stock of the Ram Janmabhoomi Path and the complex's ongoing construction along with the district's top officials on Thursday (Dec 28). 
 
The inspection took place ahead of the consecration ceremony, which is scheduled to be held next month, and only two days ahead of the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the temple city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-hyderabadi-workers-are-constructing-opulent-doors-of-ayodhya-ram-temple-674291">Here's how century-old firm is constructing opulent doors of Ayodhya Ram temple</a>

"The work is not being done hastily, rather it is being done qualitatively by investing enough time into it," said Misra, while speaking to ANI. 
 
"The construction work has been categorised into three phases. The first phase will be completed by December 2023, the second phase, when the construction of the temple will be completed, will be carried out in January and the third phase includes the construction work in the complex," he stated. 
 
The officials were further instructed by Misra to complete the instalment of security equipment along with the 'welcome gate' and canopy on Janmabhoomi Path by December.

<h2>Ram temple's grand consecration ceremony</h2>

According to the temple officials, the consecration ceremony will be held over a period of seven days starting on January 16. On January 16, 2024, the atonement ceremony will be conducted by the host appointed by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra. 
 
The worship of Lord Vishnu, 'Dashvidh' bath, and offering to cows will be carried out on the banks of the Saryu River. After that, on January 17 a procession – which will Lord Ram's idol in child-like form – will reach Ayodhya. After this, the devotees will reach the Ram Janmabhoomi temple with Mangal Kalash carrying Saryu water.

Watch:&nbsp;What facilities will the 70-acre Ram temple complex have?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-facilities-will-the-70-acre-ram-temple-complex-have-674139/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The formal rituals will kick off on January 18 with the Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu Puja. The holy fire will be lit on January 19 after the establishment of 'Navagraha' and a 'havan' (holy ritual surrounding the fire).

 
The Ram Janmabhoomi temple's sanctum sanctorum will be washed with Saryu water on January 20 after which the 'Annadhivas' and Vaastu Shanti rituals will take place. 
 
The idol of Lord Ram will be bathed in 125 urns on January 21 and will be finally placed inside the sanctum sanctorum. On January 22, the morning puja will be held and the idol will be consecrated in 'Mrigashira Nakshatra' in the afternoon.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Ram temple Trust is set to vote to choose the idol of 'Ram Lalla', the depiction of Lord Ram as a child, which is to be installed inside the grand Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum next month in the Indian city of Ayodhya.

The Ram temple Trust is set to vote to choose the idol of 'Ram Lalla', the depiction of Lord Ram as a child, which is to be installed inside the grand Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum next month in the Indian city of Ayodhya. The voting is set to take place on Friday (Dec 29), as per reports. According to the sources mentioned in the reports, the voting will be held at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra's meeting. The three sculptors in race are - Ganesh Bhatt, Arun Yogiraj and Satyanarayan Pandey. This is the trust which will oversee the management and construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. "All three designs, made by separate sculptors, would be put on the table. The one idol that will get the most votes will be installed at the consecration of the shrine on January 22," as per the officials, Indian news agency ANI reported. Trust secretary Champat Rai on Wednesday (Dec 27) said that Lord Ram's 51-inch-tall idol – which will depict his five-year-old form – will be selected among three designs. "The one that has the best divineness and has a childlike look about it will be selected," he said. Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra, meanwhile, took stock of the Ram Janmabhoomi Path and the complex's ongoing construction along with the district's top officials on Thursday (Dec 28). The inspection took place ahead of the consecration ceremony, which is scheduled to be held next month, and only two days ahead of the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the temple city. Also read: Here's how century-old firm is constructing opulent doors of Ayodhya Ram temple "The work is not being done hastily, rather it is being done qualitatively by investing enough time into it," said Misra, while speaking to ANI. "The construction work has been categorised into three phases. The first phase will be completed by December 2023, the second phase, when the construction of the temple will be completed, will be carried out in January and the third phase includes the construction work in the complex," he stated. The officials were further instructed by Misra to complete the instalment of security equipment along with the 'welcome gate' and canopy on Janmabhoomi Path by December. Ram temple's grand consecration ceremony According to the temple officials, the consecration ceremony will be held over a period of seven days starting on January 16. On January 16, 2024, the atonement ceremony will be conducted by the host appointed by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra. The worship of Lord Vishnu, 'Dashvidh' bath, and offering to cows will be carried out on the banks of the Saryu River. After that, on January 17 a procession – which will Lord Ram's idol in child-like form – will reach Ayodhya. After this, the devotees will reach the Ram Janmabhoomi temple with Mangal Kalash carrying Saryu water. Watch: What facilities will the 70-acre Ram temple complex have? The formal rituals will kick off on January 18 with the Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu Puja. The holy fire will be lit on January 19 after the establishment of 'Navagraha' and a 'havan' (holy ritual surrounding the fire). The Ram Janmabhoomi temple's sanctum sanctorum will be washed with Saryu water on January 20 after which the 'Annadhivas' and Vaastu Shanti rituals will take place. The idol of Lord Ram will be bathed in 125 urns on January 21 and will be finally placed inside the sanctum sanctorum. On January 22, the morning puja will be held and the idol will be consecrated in 'Mrigashira Nakshatra' in the afternoon. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Ayodhya Temple Trust to vote on Lord Ram idol, choose best among three designs

Democratic Republic of Congo was holding presidential and legislative elections on Wednesday after a chaotic campaign marred by opposition allegations of fraud, electoral violence, and logistical setbacks that could prevent many from voting.

Congo votes in presidential and legislative elections

US lawmakers held a historic voting on Friday (Dec 1) and expelled scandal-plagued George Santos from the House of Representatives.

Santos, who is known to have lied his way into Congress, was indicted on charges of using stolen donor cash to lead a lavish lifestyle. 
 
The New York Republican, who was expelled in an overwhelming vote which saw more than 100 of his fellow party members extend their support to his ousting, is only the third person to have joined the gallery of Washington's ejected lawmakers since the Civil War. 
 
A two-thirds majority was required in voting to expel Santos and the final tally was 311-114 on Friday (Dec 1). Just before the voting, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he would vote against the expulsion of Santos. 
 
The 35-year-old politician has been surrounded by controversies since his November 2022 election. He has accepted that he has fabricated his biography, and he has been accused by federal prosecutors of laundering campaign funds as well as defrauding donors. Santos had earlier pleaded not guilty to 23 federal fraud charges, however, he was not tried.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-george-santos-why-did-he-flee-pro-trump-protests-know-about-his-myriad-controversies-579426">Who is George Santos? Know about his myriad controversies</a>

A previous expulsion attempt was survived by Santos in early November, when 182 Republicans as well as 31 Democrats gave votes against his removal citing that his criminal case needs to be resolved first. 
 
The expulsion of Santos has reduced the slim majority of Republicans to 221-213. His district, which covers parts of Long Island and New York City and Long Island, is considered as competitive.

<h2>Santos' streak of lies and scandals</h2>

Last month, in a bipartisan congressional investigation it was discovered that Santos paid nearly $4,000 for spa treatments, which included Botox, using his congressional campaign account. It was also reported that more than $4,000 of campaign money was spent by Santos at the luxury retail store Hermes.

He also made "smaller purchases" from OnlyFans, which is an online platform famous for sexual content. 
 
This led several Republicans, who had supported him November elections, to say that they would support his expulsion. Santos had also said he may get expelled.

Watch:&nbsp;US: George Santos legal woes deepens, defies calls to resign ahead of third expulsion vote

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-george-santos-legal-woes-deepens-defies-calls-to-resign-ahead-of-third-expulsion-vote-665187/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Santos spurned appeals to resign but claimed that he won't run for reelection next year. 
 
Speaking on the House floor on Thursday (Nov 30), Santos said, "I have been convicted of no crimes. The people of the Third (Congressional) District of New York sent me here."If they want me out, they're going to have to go silence those people and take the hard vote." 
 
The troubles started brewing for Santos just after his November 2022 election when media outlets claimed that he had not attended New York University or been employed at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, which he had claimed in the campaign. 
 
His claims of Jewish heritage and that his grandparents had fled the Nazis in World War II were also reported to be false.

(With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers held a historic voting on Friday (Dec 1) and expelled scandal-plagued George Santos from the House of Representatives. Santos, who is known to have lied his way into Congress, was indicted on charges of using stolen donor cash to lead a lavish lifestyle.

US lawmakers held a historic voting on Friday (Dec 1) and expelled scandal-plagued George Santos from the House of Representatives. Santos, who is known to have lied his way into Congress, was indicted on charges of using stolen donor cash to lead a lavish lifestyle. The New York Republican, who was expelled in an overwhelming vote which saw more than 100 of his fellow party members extend their support to his ousting, is only the third person to have joined the gallery of Washington's ejected lawmakers since the Civil War. A two-thirds majority was required in voting to expel Santos and the final tally was 311-114 on Friday (Dec 1). Just before the voting, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he would vote against the expulsion of Santos. The 35-year-old politician has been surrounded by controversies since his November 2022 election. He has accepted that he has fabricated his biography, and he has been accused by federal prosecutors of laundering campaign funds as well as defrauding donors. Santos had earlier pleaded not guilty to 23 federal fraud charges, however, he was not tried. Also read: Who is George Santos? Know about his myriad controversies A previous expulsion attempt was survived by Santos in early November, when 182 Republicans as well as 31 Democrats gave votes against his removal citing that his criminal case needs to be resolved first. The expulsion of Santos has reduced the slim majority of Republicans to 221-213. His district, which covers parts of Long Island and New York City and Long Island, is considered as competitive. Santos' streak of lies and scandals Last month, in a bipartisan congressional investigation it was discovered that Santos paid nearly $4,000 for spa treatments, which included Botox, using his congressional campaign account. It was also reported that more than $4,000 of campaign money was spent by Santos at the luxury retail store Hermes. He also made "smaller purchases" from OnlyFans, which is an online platform famous for sexual content. This led several Republicans, who had supported him November elections, to say that they would support his expulsion. Santos had also said he may get expelled. Watch: US: George Santos legal woes deepens, defies calls to resign ahead of third expulsion vote Santos spurned appeals to resign but claimed that he won't run for reelection next year. Speaking on the House floor on Thursday (Nov 30), Santos said, "I have been convicted of no crimes. The people of the Third (Congressional) District of New York sent me here."If they want me out, they're going to have to go silence those people and take the hard vote." The troubles started brewing for Santos just after his November 2022 election when media outlets claimed that he had not attended New York University or been employed at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, which he had claimed in the campaign. His claims of Jewish heritage and that his grandparents had fled the Nazis in World War II were also reported to be false. (With inputs from agencies)

In a historic vote, US lawmakers expel scandal-plagued Congressman George Santos

Dutch voters cast their ballots on Wednesday in a nail-biting election in which opinion polls show at least three parties - including the far right - could hope for the top spot.

A weighted poll published on the eve of the vote showed anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) tied for the lead with the conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

"I hope I don't wake up tomorrow and we have Wilders as a prime minister. That's a nightmare," said Amsterdam resident Arie van der Neut, an architect, after he cast his ballot for the pro-European, center-left Volt party.

Only one thing is certain: the Netherlands will get its first new prime minister in over a decade, after Rutte resigned in July as his fourth coalition government collapsed,&nbsp;ending a 13-year tenure.

No party&nbsp;is on track to take more than 20% of the vote and with late polls showing Labour leader Frans Timmermans and&nbsp;Wilders&nbsp;making gains, and a large number of Dutch still undecided ahead of the vote,&nbsp;many scenarios are possible.

Although it is the tradition, there is also no guarantee that the party that wins the most seats would end up delivering the prime minister, in a country where the vote is split among many parties and coalition talks can take months.

Restricting immigration - the issue that triggered the collapse of Rutte's last cabinet - has been a key issue in the campaign, alongside climate change.

"It's been enough now. The Netherlands can't take it anymore. We have to think about our own people first now. Borders closed. Zero asylum seekers," Wilders said in a television debate late on Tuesday.

Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz, a Turkish immigrant tough on immigration and Rutte's successor at the helm of the VVD, who is hoping to become the country's first woman prime minister, responded:

"I don't think anyone believes Wilders would be a prime minister for all. He's all about closing borders, excluding groups who he feels don't belong in the Netherlands."

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Immigration, climate change&nbsp;</h2>

Lawmaker Pieter Omtzigt, a centrist who founded his own party after breaking with the Christian Democrats, is trailing slightly behind the first three in the latest polls, but will still likely play an important role.

At stake in the election is&nbsp;also whether voters in one of Europe's most prosperous countries are willing to continue funding climate policies, such as an expensive rollout of offshore wind farms amid a cost-of-living shock across the continent.

With the Netherlands a founding member of the EU, and Rutte a key operator in EU summits, fellow leaders will also be scrutinising the outcome as parties on the right have suggested seeking exemptions from the bloc's rules on agriculture and immigration.

Voting booths will close at 9 p.m. (2000 GMT), when national broadcaster NOS publishes its first exit poll.

A first-place finish for Wilders could lead the Netherlands to a hard-right coalition with a strong anti-immigration line, even though he has been seeking to soften his image in the hope of entering government.

A hard-right coalition could also soften plans to reduce livestock and fertilizer use, which are strongly opposed by farmers.

If Timmermans is better placed, this could&nbsp;swing the next&nbsp;government toward the centre and more spending on climate policies and increase social spending, including raising the minimum wage.

Rutte will remain in a caretaker role until a new government is installed, likely in the first half of 2024.

Dutch voters cast their ballots on Wednesday in a nail-biting election in which opinion polls show at least three parties - including the far right - could hope for the top spot.

Dutch voters cast their ballots on Wednesday in a nail-biting election in which opinion polls show at least three parties - including the far right - could hope for the top spot. A weighted poll published on the eve of the vote showed anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) tied for the lead with the conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte. "I hope I don't wake up tomorrow and we have Wilders as a prime minister. That's a nightmare," said Amsterdam resident Arie van der Neut, an architect, after he cast his ballot for the pro-European, center-left Volt party. Only one thing is certain: the Netherlands will get its first new prime minister in over a decade, after Rutte resigned in July as his fourth coalition government collapsed, ending a 13-year tenure. No party is on track to take more than 20% of the vote and with late polls showing Labour leader Frans Timmermans and Wilders making gains, and a large number of Dutch still undecided ahead of the vote, many scenarios are possible. Although it is the tradition, there is also no guarantee that the party that wins the most seats would end up delivering the prime minister, in a country where the vote is split among many parties and coalition talks can take months. Restricting immigration - the issue that triggered the collapse of Rutte's last cabinet - has been a key issue in the campaign, alongside climate change. "It's been enough now. The Netherlands can't take it anymore. We have to think about our own people first now. Borders closed. Zero asylum seekers," Wilders said in a television debate late on Tuesday. Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz, a Turkish immigrant tough on immigration and Rutte's successor at the helm of the VVD, who is hoping to become the country's first woman prime minister, responded: "I don't think anyone believes Wilders would be a prime minister for all. He's all about closing borders, excluding groups who he feels don't belong in the Netherlands." Immigration, climate change Lawmaker Pieter Omtzigt, a centrist who founded his own party after breaking with the Christian Democrats, is trailing slightly behind the first three in the latest polls, but will still likely play an important role. At stake in the election is also whether voters in one of Europe's most prosperous countries are willing to continue funding climate policies, such as an expensive rollout of offshore wind farms amid a cost-of-living shock across the continent. With the Netherlands a founding member of the EU, and Rutte a key operator in EU summits, fellow leaders will also be scrutinising the outcome as parties on the right have suggested seeking exemptions from the bloc's rules on agriculture and immigration. Voting booths will close at 9 p.m. (2000 GMT), when national broadcaster NOS publishes its first exit poll. A first-place finish for Wilders could lead the Netherlands to a hard-right coalition with a strong anti-immigration line, even though he has been seeking to soften his image in the hope of entering government. A hard-right coalition could also soften plans to reduce livestock and fertilizer use, which are strongly opposed by farmers. If Timmermans is better placed, this could swing the next government toward the centre and more spending on climate policies and increase social spending, including raising the minimum wage. Rutte will remain in a caretaker role until a new government is installed, likely in the first half of 2024.

Dutch election: Voters cast ballots to choose new prime minister in tight race

Voting has ended in Madagascar’s presidential election after a turbulent campaign period marred by boycotts and allegations of election irregularities.

Madagascar Polls: Round 1 voting concludes

Liberal candidate Maria Corina Machado was well ahead in Sunday's primary in Venezuela to choose a candidate to face President Nicolas Maduro in the 2024 election, according to preliminary results.

Machado, however, has been disqualified from running by Maduro's government over alleged irregularities when she was a lawmaker from 2011 to 2014.

A member of the most radical wing of the opposition, Machado had won around 92 per cent of the votes in the primary with 26 per cent of ballots counted so far, according to the commission which organised the vote.

Her closest rival, Carlos Prosperi, who had criticised alleged irregularities in the process, took five per cent with the other candidates garnering less than one per cent of the vote.&nbsp;

"We are part of a citizen story and what we saw today is a citizen avalanche inside and outside Venezuela," Machado said before the results were announced, referring to voters in the country and abroad.

The 56-year-old engineer and former lawmaker was banned in June from holding any public office for 15 years.

The United States, which this week eased sanctions on Venezuela following the resumption of dialogue between the government and the opposition, is pushing to have her disqualification lifted.

Machado is accused of corruption and of supporting international sanctions against Venezuela.

She is a fervent opponent of Chavism, the brand of populist leftist ideology left behind by former president Hugo Chavez and championed by Maduro.

Machado has said she wants to liberalise the economy, including the privatisation of public companies.

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Liberal candidate Maria Corina Machado was well ahead in Sunday's primary in Venezuela to choose a candidate to face President Nicolas Maduro in the 2024 election, according to preliminary results.

Liberal candidate Maria Corina Machado was well ahead in Sunday's primary in Venezuela to choose a candidate to face President Nicolas Maduro in the 2024 election, according to preliminary results. Machado, however, has been disqualified from running by Maduro's government over alleged irregularities when she was a lawmaker from 2011 to 2014. A member of the most radical wing of the opposition, Machado had won around 92 per cent of the votes in the primary with 26 per cent of ballots counted so far, according to the commission which organised the vote. Her closest rival, Carlos Prosperi, who had criticised alleged irregularities in the process, took five per cent with the other candidates garnering less than one per cent of the vote. "We are part of a citizen story and what we saw today is a citizen avalanche inside and outside Venezuela," Machado said before the results were announced, referring to voters in the country and abroad. The 56-year-old engineer and former lawmaker was banned in June from holding any public office for 15 years. The United States, which this week eased sanctions on Venezuela following the resumption of dialogue between the government and the opposition, is pushing to have her disqualification lifted. Machado is accused of corruption and of supporting international sanctions against Venezuela. She is a fervent opponent of Chavism, the brand of populist leftist ideology left behind by former president Hugo Chavez and championed by Maduro. Machado has said she wants to liberalise the economy, including the privatisation of public companies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Liberal Machado well ahead in Venezuela opposition primary

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