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">
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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>
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- 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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&nbsp;

(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

At least 12 people were dead and several were left injured on Wednesday after a group of suicide bombers stormed into the head offices of Libya's electoral commission in Tripoli on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The three attackers set the building on fire before two of them blew themselves up and one was killed in an exchange of fire with the security forces. Several offices were set ablaze in the attack.

Eyewitnesses said they heard two loud explosions followed by heavy gunfire. As per reports, three people were severely wounded in the attack. The identity of the attackers is yet to be known.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but it appeared aimed at derailing efforts to organise elections in Libya by the end of this year, part of a UN-led attempt to unify and stabilise the country after years of conflict and political division.

Wednesday's attack was the first of its kind in Tripoli for several years. Though security across Libya remains volatile, violence in the capital has recently been limited to localised clashes between armed groups.

Pictures posted on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from the site of the attack, in the Ghout al-Shaal district west of central Tripoli.

"I saw two suicide bombers myself... they were shouting Allahu Akbar (God is greatest)," said Omar, adding that he had seen bombers' body parts strewn on the ground.

"A suicide bomber blew up himself inside the commission and the others set a part of the building on fire."

The victims included three employees of the commission and four members of local security forces, Omar said. The health ministry put the toll at 12 dead and seven wounded.

The three attackers set the building on fire before two of them blew themselves up and one was killed in an exchange of fire with the security forces. Several offices were set ablaze in the attack

At least 12 people were dead and several were left injured on Wednesday after a group of suicide bombers stormed into the head offices of Libya's electoral commission in Tripoli on Wednesday. The three attackers set the building on fire before two of them blew themselves up and one was killed in an exchange of fire with the security forces. Several offices were set ablaze in the attack. Eyewitnesses said they heard two loud explosions followed by heavy gunfire. As per reports, three people were severely wounded in the attack. The identity of the attackers is yet to be known. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but it appeared aimed at derailing efforts to organise elections in Libya by the end of this year, part of a UN-led attempt to unify and stabilise the country after years of conflict and political division. Wednesday's attack was the first of its kind in Tripoli for several years. Though security across Libya remains volatile, violence in the capital has recently been limited to localised clashes between armed groups. Pictures posted on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from the site of the attack, in the Ghout al-Shaal district west of central Tripoli. "I saw two suicide bombers myself... they were shouting Allahu Akbar (God is greatest)," said Omar, adding that he had seen bombers' body parts strewn on the ground. "A suicide bomber blew up himself inside the commission and the others set a part of the building on fire." The victims included three employees of the commission and four members of local security forces, Omar said. The health ministry put the toll at 12 dead and seven wounded.

At least 12 dead after suicide bombers storm Libya election commission headquarters

Voting for Rajya Sabha seats has begun across six states.

For the 58 Rajya Sabha seats to be filled, 33 candidates from 10 states have been unanimously elected. Voting for the remaining 25 seats is being held in six states: Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.

The Rajya Sabha vacancies next month include 17 from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 12 from the Congress.

Three nominated members - actress Rekha, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and social worker Anu Aga - will retire in April.

The BJP has filed 18 candidates for the biennial polls. They include Anil Baluni, the national head of the BJP&#39;s media wing, from Uttarakhand and Saroj Pandey, BJP general secretary, from Chhattisgarh.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda has filed nomination papers as the BJP candidate from Himachal Pradesh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will contest from Uttar Pradesh and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Bihar.

The BJP has also fielded Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot from Madhya Pradesh for another Rajya Sabha term.

Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Mansukh L. Mandaviya and Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Parshottam Rupala will contest from Gujarat.

In Congress, Naranbhai Rathwa and Amee Yajnik will contest from Gujarat and Dhiraj Prasad will contest from Jharkhand.

Akhilesh Prasad Singh and Lekhram Sahu will contest from Bihar and Chhattisgarh respectively, while Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, Porika Bairam Naik and Abhishek Manu Singhvi are contesting from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and West Bengal, respectively.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee earlier said the Trinamool Congress would back Singhvi.

Mahendra Prasad Singh and Bashistha Narain Singh are the Janata Dal (United) candidates for the polls.

Counting of votes will begin from 5 pm onwards on Friday. Results are expected to will be announced the same evening.&nbsp;

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Lucknow: Visuals from Uttar Pradesh Assembly; CM Yogi Adityanath meets party MLAs, Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma also present. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajyaSabhaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/DwSfe53Aqj">pic.twitter.com/DwSfe53Aqj</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977033352443322368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en&gt;&lt;p lang=en dir=ltr&gt;Lucknow: Visuals from Uttar Pradesh Assembly; CM Yogi Adityanath meets party MLAs, Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma also present. &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;#RajyaSabhaElections&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://t.co/DwSfe53Aqj href=https://t.co/DwSfe53Aqj&gt;pic.twitter.com/DwSfe53Aqj&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977033352443322368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977033352443322368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;March 23, 2018&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
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All the 9 candidates of BJP will win. SP insulted their worker &amp; people will answer them for choosing a candidate that entertains the society rather than one who serves the society: Nitin Agrawal, BJP (son of Naresh Agrawal) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajyaSabhaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/UGCRm6hciZ">pic.twitter.com/UGCRm6hciZ</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977058659887976448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en&gt;&lt;p lang=en dir=ltr&gt;All the 9 candidates of BJP will win. SP insulted their worker &amp; people will answer them for choosing a candidate that entertains the society rather than one who serves the society: Nitin Agrawal, BJP (son of Naresh Agrawal) &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;#RajyaSabhaElections&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://t.co/UGCRm6hciZ href=https://t.co/UGCRm6hciZ&gt;pic.twitter.com/UGCRm6hciZ&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977058659887976448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977058659887976448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;March 23, 2018&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
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I have voted for BJP, I don&#39;t know about the rest: Anil Singh, BSP MLA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajyaSabhaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/28R7njmfnP">pic.twitter.com/28R7njmfnP</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977047651286908928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en&gt;&lt;p lang=en dir=ltr&gt;I have voted for BJP, I don't know about the rest: Anil Singh, BSP MLA &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;#RajyaSabhaElections&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://t.co/28R7njmfnP href=https://t.co/28R7njmfnP&gt;pic.twitter.com/28R7njmfnP&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977047651286908928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977047651286908928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;March 23, 2018&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
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BJP will win all the nine Rajya Sabha seats where we have fielded our candidates. Nine more BJP candidates will make entry to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajyaSabha</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UttarPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UttarPradesh</a> this time: Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya <a href="https://t.co/7w4IWoWFRW">pic.twitter.com/7w4IWoWFRW</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977038525731426304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en&gt;&lt;p lang=en dir=ltr&gt;BJP will win all the nine Rajya Sabha seats where we have fielded our candidates. Nine more BJP candidates will make entry to &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;#RajyaSabha&lt;/a&gt; from &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/UttarPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/UttarPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;#UttarPradesh&lt;/a&gt; this time: Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://t.co/7w4IWoWFRW href=https://t.co/7w4IWoWFRW&gt;pic.twitter.com/7w4IWoWFRW&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977038525731426304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/977038525731426304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;March 23, 2018&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
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&nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha vacancies next month include 17 from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 12 from the Congress

Voting for Rajya Sabha seats has begun across six states. For the 58 Rajya Sabha seats to be filled, 33 candidates from 10 states have been unanimously elected. Voting for the remaining 25 seats is being held in six states: Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The Rajya Sabha vacancies next month include 17 from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 12 from the Congress. Three nominated members - actress Rekha, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and social worker Anu Aga - will retire in April. The BJP has filed 18 candidates for the biennial polls. They include Anil Baluni, the national head of the BJP's media wing, from Uttarakhand and Saroj Pandey, BJP general secretary, from Chhattisgarh. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda has filed nomination papers as the BJP candidate from Himachal Pradesh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will contest from Uttar Pradesh and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Bihar. The BJP has also fielded Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot from Madhya Pradesh for another Rajya Sabha term. Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Mansukh L. Mandaviya and Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Parshottam Rupala will contest from Gujarat. In Congress, Naranbhai Rathwa and Amee Yajnik will contest from Gujarat and Dhiraj Prasad will contest from Jharkhand. Akhilesh Prasad Singh and Lekhram Sahu will contest from Bihar and Chhattisgarh respectively, while Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, Porika Bairam Naik and Abhishek Manu Singhvi are contesting from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and West Bengal, respectively. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee earlier said the Trinamool Congress would back Singhvi. Mahendra Prasad Singh and Bashistha Narain Singh are the Janata Dal (United) candidates for the polls. Counting of votes will begin from 5 pm onwards on Friday. Results are expected to will be announced the same evening. Lucknow: Visuals from Uttar Pradesh Assembly; CM Yogi Adityanath meets party MLAs, Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma also present. #RajyaSabhaElections pic.twitter.com/DwSfe53Aqj — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 23, 2018 × All the 9 candidates of BJP will win. SP insulted their worker & people will answer them for choosing a candidate that entertains the society rather than one who serves the society: Nitin Agrawal, BJP (son of Naresh Agrawal) #RajyaSabhaElections pic.twitter.com/UGCRm6hciZ — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 23, 2018 × I have voted for BJP, I don't know about the rest: Anil Singh, BSP MLA #RajyaSabhaElections pic.twitter.com/28R7njmfnP — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 23, 2018 × BJP will win all the nine Rajya Sabha seats where we have fielded our candidates. Nine more BJP candidates will make entry to #RajyaSabha from #UttarPradesh this time: Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya pic.twitter.com/7w4IWoWFRW — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 23, 2018 ×

Voting for Rajya Sabha polls begins across six states

As polling for Rajya Sabha continued on Friday afternoon, speculations on which lawmaker voted for which party started floating around with open declaration of few leaders of cross-voting many assumed, that Bharatiya Janata Party may end up with big gains, thanks to the cross-voting.

Counting of votes for Rajya Sabha elections begins after clearance from the Election Commission.

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Earlier, Election Commission had not given permission to begin the counting of votes for Rajya Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh due to some objections in ballot papers, reports ANI.&nbsp;

Counting will begin only after EC gives clearance. In a complaint to Election Commission, BSP and SP have expressed fear of rigging during the polling and also alleged that Ballot paper was torn by BJP leader.&nbsp;

BSP MLA Anil Singh indicated that he had cross-voted in favour of the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls, saying &quot;I am with Maharaj-ji&quot;, referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

&ldquo;I have voted for BJP, I don&#39;t know about the rest,&rdquo; proclaimed Singh.&nbsp;

OP Rajbha, a minister in Yogi Adityanath&#39;s UP Cabinet, also confirmed the floating allegations of cross-voting. According to him, Nishad Party MLA Vijay Mishra and Singh were present in BJP&#39;s meeting with it&#39;s allies on Thursday.

Reports of cross-voting also emerged from Karnataka Rajya Sabha polls.

&ldquo;Two senior Congress leaders cross-voted in the first ballot paper. Returning officer allowed them to vote again in fresh ballot paper. Illegal voting is going on, requested EC Observer to counter mandate the process,&rdquo; said Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;

Reports of Congress MLA Naresh Saini voting for a rival party has also emerged, though he thoroughly denied all allegations.

Samajwadi Party leader Rajendra Chaudhary, on the other hand, claimed that BJP MLAs are annoyed with their own high command.

After the Election Commission of India or ECI received a complaint by the All India Congress Committee over Jharkhand Vikas Morcha Prakash Ram, who cross- voted, the Commission said &quot;further view will be taken after receiving Returning Officer&#39;s report&quot;.&nbsp;

The Election Commission has not given permission to begin the counting of votes for Rajya Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh due to some objections in ballot papers

As polling for Rajya Sabha continued on Friday afternoon, speculations on which lawmaker voted for which party started floating around with open declaration of few leaders of cross-voting many assumed, that Bharatiya Janata Party may end up with big gains, thanks to the cross-voting. Counting of votes for Rajya Sabha elections begins after clearance from the Election Commission. #UttarPradesh Counting of votes for Rajya Sabha elections begins after clearance from the Election Commission. — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 23, 2018 × Earlier, Election Commission had not given permission to begin the counting of votes for Rajya Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh due to some objections in ballot papers, reports ANI. Counting will begin only after EC gives clearance. In a complaint to Election Commission, BSP and SP have expressed fear of rigging during the polling and also alleged that Ballot paper was torn by BJP leader. BSP MLA Anil Singh indicated that he had cross-voted in favour of the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls, saying "I am with Maharaj-ji", referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. “I have voted for BJP, I don't know about the rest,” proclaimed Singh. OP Rajbha, a minister in Yogi Adityanath's UP Cabinet, also confirmed the floating allegations of cross-voting. According to him, Nishad Party MLA Vijay Mishra and Singh were present in BJP's meeting with it's allies on Thursday. Reports of cross-voting also emerged from Karnataka Rajya Sabha polls. “Two senior Congress leaders cross-voted in the first ballot paper. Returning officer allowed them to vote again in fresh ballot paper. Illegal voting is going on, requested EC Observer to counter mandate the process,” said Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy. Reports of Congress MLA Naresh Saini voting for a rival party has also emerged, though he thoroughly denied all allegations. Samajwadi Party leader Rajendra Chaudhary, on the other hand, claimed that BJP MLAs are annoyed with their own high command. After the Election Commission of India or ECI received a complaint by the All India Congress Committee over Jharkhand Vikas Morcha Prakash Ram, who cross- voted, the Commission said "further view will be taken after receiving Returning Officer's report".

Cross-voting reported in Rajya Sabha elections

Russian lawmakers will vote next week on measures banning all US media from the lower house of parliament, a deputy said Friday, in response to the US Congress stripping state channel RT of its credentials.

A senior United Russia party lawmaker Olga Savastyanova said the Russian Duma will vote on the ban on December 6. It is unlikely that the proposal would be rejected by the overwhelmingly pro-Kremlin assembly.

&quot;The ban will impact all American media,&quot; she said, according to the Duma&#39;s official website.&nbsp;

There are 21 American media outlets accredited to work in Russia, according to the website of the foreign ministry which keeps the register and issues documents to journalists.

&quot;After the decree regarding closing access for American journalists to the Duma building is passed, we will work out all organisational and technical issues with the foreign ministry,&quot; Savastyanova said.

The ban would apply to US media rather than journalists from other foreign countries, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.&nbsp;

&quot;Such outrageous attacks on foreign media, in particular Russian media, go against the international practice of freedom of speech and unfortunately flourish in full Technicolor in the US,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

The ban would be the latest development in tit-for-tat fallout from Washington&#39;s forced registration of RT as a &quot;foreign agent&quot; in the US.&nbsp;

Washington views the channel as a propaganda arm of the Kremlin, which is accused of interfering in the presidential elections last year.

The congressional committee of journalists which regulates who is accredited to cover the legislature said Thursday they voted unanimously to withdraw RT&#39;s press pass.

The ban would be the latest development in tit-for-tat fallout from Washington's forced registration of RT as a 'foreign agent' in the US

Russian lawmakers will vote next week on measures banning all US media from the lower house of parliament, a deputy said Friday, in response to the US Congress stripping state channel RT of its credentials. A senior United Russia party lawmaker Olga Savastyanova said the Russian Duma will vote on the ban on December 6. It is unlikely that the proposal would be rejected by the overwhelmingly pro-Kremlin assembly. "The ban will impact all American media," she said, according to the Duma's official website. There are 21 American media outlets accredited to work in Russia, according to the website of the foreign ministry which keeps the register and issues documents to journalists. "After the decree regarding closing access for American journalists to the Duma building is passed, we will work out all organisational and technical issues with the foreign ministry," Savastyanova said. The ban would apply to US media rather than journalists from other foreign countries, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Such outrageous attacks on foreign media, in particular Russian media, go against the international practice of freedom of speech and unfortunately flourish in full Technicolor in the US," he said. The ban would be the latest development in tit-for-tat fallout from Washington's forced registration of RT as a "foreign agent" in the US. Washington views the channel as a propaganda arm of the Kremlin, which is accused of interfering in the presidential elections last year. The congressional committee of journalists which regulates who is accredited to cover the legislature said Thursday they voted unanimously to withdraw RT's press pass.

Russian MPs to vote on banning US media from parliament on December 6

Nepalis began voting for a new parliament on Sunday with the army on alert as a series of small blasts blamed on a rogue Maoist group reminded the Himalayan nation of the violence and instability it is hoping to leave behind.

More than a decade after the end of a civil war between Maoist peasant guerrillas, Nepal is hoping this election - the first parliamentary polls since 1999 - will complete its long journey from a monarchy to becoming a federal republic.

A second phase of the election will take place on Dec. 7, and the election commission has said that the final results probably won&rsquo;t be known for several days because of the cumbersome counting procedures.

A Maoist splinter group was behind a series of small blasts in the run-up to the polls, and security forces have defused around 30 improvised explosive devices since Friday, army spokesman Nain Raj Dahal said.

<iframe data-integralas-id-128ab688-e09b-5f06-9686-dfb5bc89e79e="" frameborder="0" height="2" id="google_ads_iframe_/4735792/us.reuters/world/article_2" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/4735792/us.reuters/world/article_2" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="2"></iframe>Suresh Balsami was the first voter at Kagatigaun polling center near the capital Kathmandu.

&rdquo;I voted for peace, development and prosperity of the country,&rdquo; said the 32-year-old bus driver as other voters began to trickle in.

Nepal voted in 2008 and 2013 for a Constituent Assembly, which doubled as parliament, to write a post-monarchy charter that plotted the course of becoming a federal republic.

More than 15 million eligible voters will pick a 275-member legislature, the first under a new constitution agreed after years of wrangling.

Simultaneously, voters will choose representatives to seven provincial assemblies for the first time since Nepal abolished the monarchy in 2008.

The centrist Nepali Congress party, considered a pro-India group, has formed a loose electoral alliance with the Madhesi parties from the country&rsquo;s southern plains bordering India and former royalists.

Facing the alliance is a tight-knit left coalition between the former Maoist rebels and the main opposition Communist UML party, perceived to be closer to China.

Wedged between India and China, Nepal needs to balance ties, but the outcome of the election could determine which of the Asian giants gets the upper hand in the battle for influence in the buffer state.

Both are looking to benefit from Nepal&rsquo;s potential as a source of hydropower.

Home to Mount Everest, and one of the poorest countries in the world, Nepal depends on tourism and aid. More than one-fifth of its 28 million people survive on less than $1.90 a day, and parts of the country are still recovering from a devastating earthquake that killed 9,000 people in 2015.

More than 15 million eligible voters will pick a 275-member legislature, the first under a new constitution agreed after years of wrangling.

Nepalis began voting for a new parliament on Sunday with the army on alert as a series of small blasts blamed on a rogue Maoist group reminded the Himalayan nation of the violence and instability it is hoping to leave behind. More than a decade after the end of a civil war between Maoist peasant guerrillas, Nepal is hoping this election - the first parliamentary polls since 1999 - will complete its long journey from a monarchy to becoming a federal republic. A second phase of the election will take place on Dec. 7, and the election commission has said that the final results probably won’t be known for several days because of the cumbersome counting procedures. A Maoist splinter group was behind a series of small blasts in the run-up to the polls, and security forces have defused around 30 improvised explosive devices since Friday, army spokesman Nain Raj Dahal said. Suresh Balsami was the first voter at Kagatigaun polling center near the capital Kathmandu. ”I voted for peace, development and prosperity of the country,” said the 32-year-old bus driver as other voters began to trickle in. Nepal voted in 2008 and 2013 for a Constituent Assembly, which doubled as parliament, to write a post-monarchy charter that plotted the course of becoming a federal republic. More than 15 million eligible voters will pick a 275-member legislature, the first under a new constitution agreed after years of wrangling. Simultaneously, voters will choose representatives to seven provincial assemblies for the first time since Nepal abolished the monarchy in 2008. The centrist Nepali Congress party, considered a pro-India group, has formed a loose electoral alliance with the Madhesi parties from the country’s southern plains bordering India and former royalists. Facing the alliance is a tight-knit left coalition between the former Maoist rebels and the main opposition Communist UML party, perceived to be closer to China. Wedged between India and China, Nepal needs to balance ties, but the outcome of the election could determine which of the Asian giants gets the upper hand in the battle for influence in the buffer state. Both are looking to benefit from Nepal’s potential as a source of hydropower. Home to Mount Everest, and one of the poorest countries in the world, Nepal depends on tourism and aid. More than one-fifth of its 28 million people survive on less than $1.90 a day, and parts of the country are still recovering from a devastating earthquake that killed 9,000 people in 2015.

Nepal begins historic vote, army says 'rogue' Maoists behind blasts

Voting began on&nbsp;Sunday in the first round of Chile&#39;s presidential election, with former president Sebastian Pinera likely to cement his frontrunner status to succeed Socialist leader Michelle Bachelet.

But it was unclear whether Pinera, a 67-year-old billionaire who was president from 2010-2014, would gain enough support to avoid a runoff against the runner-up -- likely to be Alejandro Guillier, an independent supported by Bachelet&#39;s Socialists.

It was unclear whether Pinera, who was president from 2010-2014, would gain enough support to avoid a runoff against the runner-up -- likely to be Alejandro Guillier, an independent supported by Bachelet's Socialists

Voting began on Sunday in the first round of Chile's presidential election, with former president Sebastian Pinera likely to cement his frontrunner status to succeed Socialist leader Michelle Bachelet. But it was unclear whether Pinera, a 67-year-old billionaire who was president from 2010-2014, would gain enough support to avoid a runoff against the runner-up -- likely to be Alejandro Guillier, an independent supported by Bachelet's Socialists.

Polls open for first round of Presidential elections in Chile

Polling started on a dull note for 68 Assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh today with 13.72 per cent voters exercising their franchise in the first two hours.

The polling started across the state at 8 am and at several places in Chamba and tribal areas five to ten per cent polling was recorded.

Shimla district recorded 18 per cent polling, Hamirpur 17 per cent, Chamba 12 per cent, Kangra 14 per cent, Mandi 16 per cent, Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur 15 to 20 per cent and Solan and Sirmaur 18 to 20 per cent.

Reports of fault in VVPAT machines were received in Sirmaur district while polling started late by 15-20 minutes in some polling booths.

Kusumpti constituency in Shimla recorded 22 per cent polling, Shimla(rural) 20 per cent, Theog 19 per cent, Rampur 18 per cent and Shimla (Urban) and Rohroo 16 per cent, Election Department.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh exercised his franchise at Rampur while former chief minister P K Dhumal cast his vote at Samirpur along with family members.

A total of 50,25,941 voters are eligible to cast their vote.

As many as 7,525 polling booths have been set up in the state and 37,605 polling personnel have been deputed for poll duty.

Besides 17,850 personnel of police and Home Guards and 65 companies of central paramilitary force have been deployed.

Chief Minister Singh, 10 ministers, eight Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Deputy Speaker Jagat Singh Negi, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and over a dozen former ministers are among those contesting the polls.

The ruling Congress led by the chief minister and the BJP led with former chief minister Dhumal are contesting all 68 seats while the BSP is contesting 42 seats, followed by the CPI(M) 14, Swabhiman Party and Lok Gathbandhan Party six each and the CPI-3.

There is a straight contest only in one constituency (Jhanduta) while the maximum number of 12 candidates is in fray in Dharamsala.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh exercised his franchise at Rampur while former chief minister P K Dhumal cast his vote at Samirpur along with family members

Polling started on a dull note for 68 Assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh today with 13.72 per cent voters exercising their franchise in the first two hours. The polling started across the state at 8 am and at several places in Chamba and tribal areas five to ten per cent polling was recorded. Shimla district recorded 18 per cent polling, Hamirpur 17 per cent, Chamba 12 per cent, Kangra 14 per cent, Mandi 16 per cent, Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur 15 to 20 per cent and Solan and Sirmaur 18 to 20 per cent. Reports of fault in VVPAT machines were received in Sirmaur district while polling started late by 15-20 minutes in some polling booths. Kusumpti constituency in Shimla recorded 22 per cent polling, Shimla(rural) 20 per cent, Theog 19 per cent, Rampur 18 per cent and Shimla (Urban) and Rohroo 16 per cent, Election Department. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh exercised his franchise at Rampur while former chief minister P K Dhumal cast his vote at Samirpur along with family members. A total of 50,25,941 voters are eligible to cast their vote. As many as 7,525 polling booths have been set up in the state and 37,605 polling personnel have been deputed for poll duty. Besides 17,850 personnel of police and Home Guards and 65 companies of central paramilitary force have been deployed. Chief Minister Singh, 10 ministers, eight Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Deputy Speaker Jagat Singh Negi, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and over a dozen former ministers are among those contesting the polls. The ruling Congress led by the chief minister and the BJP led with former chief minister Dhumal are contesting all 68 seats while the BSP is contesting 42 seats, followed by the CPI(M) 14, Swabhiman Party and Lok Gathbandhan Party six each and the CPI-3. There is a straight contest only in one constituency (Jhanduta) while the maximum number of 12 candidates is in fray in Dharamsala.

Himachal Pradesh: 13.72% polling recorded in first two hours

Polls opened in Nepal Monday for the final phase of local polls, the first in nearly two decades and a key step in the country&#39;s post-war transition to a federal democracy.

Most of the country has already voted in the landmark polls but the vote was repeatedly delayed in one province of Nepal&#39;s southern plains, which was the epicentre of deadly ethnic protests two years ago.

Protests kicked off after a new constitution was passed in 2015 -- nearly a decade after the end of the brutal Maoist insurgency -- with ethnic minority groups saying the charter left them politically marginalised.

Simmering tensions have remained and a political party representing the Madhesi ethnic minority, who live in the lowlands that border India, had refused to take part in polls unless an amendment to the constitution was passed.

They later softened their stance and Monday&#39;s vote is being held with their participation and without any changes to the charter.

&quot;The big parties have always pushed our agendas away and now the Madhesi party has also betrayed us by going to elections without amending the constitution,&quot; said resident of the southern city of Janakpur, Saroj Mishra.

Mishra took part in the 2015 anti-charter protests and said he would not vote Monday.

The government has deployed troops and sealed the border with India, fearing violence in Monday&#39;s third phase of voting, which covers around 5.5 million people.

The local polls are part of the final step in the peace deal that ended a 10-year civil war in 2006, and pave the way for provincial and general elections later this year.

Since the end of the decade-long war, the country has suffered persistent instability, cycling through nine governments in a decade.

The last local representatives were elected in 1997 and their mandates lapsed when their five-year terms expired at the height of the brutal Maoist insurgency.

Observers are split on whether the large national parties or local ethnically-affiliated parties will perform strongest in the final round of the local polls.

The nationalistic Communist Party Nepal-Union Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) -- currently the second largest bloc in parliament -- largely swept the first two rounds of voting.

But anger over the marginalisation of ethnic minorities continues to rally some voters in Nepal&#39;s south.

The province voting Monday was hardest hit by deadly monsoon flooding last month -- the worst in 15 years, according to the United Nations -- which killed over 150 in Nepal and more than 1,200 across South Asia.

The polls are the first in nearly two decades and a key step in the country's post-war transition to a federal democracy

Polls opened in Nepal Monday for the final phase of local polls, the first in nearly two decades and a key step in the country's post-war transition to a federal democracy. Most of the country has already voted in the landmark polls but the vote was repeatedly delayed in one province of Nepal's southern plains, which was the epicentre of deadly ethnic protests two years ago. Protests kicked off after a new constitution was passed in 2015 -- nearly a decade after the end of the brutal Maoist insurgency -- with ethnic minority groups saying the charter left them politically marginalised. Simmering tensions have remained and a political party representing the Madhesi ethnic minority, who live in the lowlands that border India, had refused to take part in polls unless an amendment to the constitution was passed. They later softened their stance and Monday's vote is being held with their participation and without any changes to the charter. "The big parties have always pushed our agendas away and now the Madhesi party has also betrayed us by going to elections without amending the constitution," said resident of the southern city of Janakpur, Saroj Mishra. Mishra took part in the 2015 anti-charter protests and said he would not vote Monday. The government has deployed troops and sealed the border with India, fearing violence in Monday's third phase of voting, which covers around 5.5 million people. The local polls are part of the final step in the peace deal that ended a 10-year civil war in 2006, and pave the way for provincial and general elections later this year. Since the end of the decade-long war, the country has suffered persistent instability, cycling through nine governments in a decade. The last local representatives were elected in 1997 and their mandates lapsed when their five-year terms expired at the height of the brutal Maoist insurgency. Observers are split on whether the large national parties or local ethnically-affiliated parties will perform strongest in the final round of the local polls. The nationalistic Communist Party Nepal-Union Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) -- currently the second largest bloc in parliament -- largely swept the first two rounds of voting. But anger over the marginalisation of ethnic minorities continues to rally some voters in Nepal's south. The province voting Monday was hardest hit by deadly monsoon flooding last month -- the worst in 15 years, according to the United Nations -- which killed over 150 in Nepal and more than 1,200 across South Asia.

Nepal holds final phase of landmark local polls

The new movie titled Newton is a black comedy, a new genre being explored by Bollywood filmmakers.&nbsp;

The film stars&nbsp;Rajkummar Rao in the main lead with the plotline following his story towards making a free and fair election possible in a Naxal-controlled town in the&nbsp;conflict-ridden jungles of Chhattisgarh, India.

Rao plays the role of a&nbsp;rookie government clerk sent on election duty to this town.&nbsp;

The film is produced by&nbsp;Drishyam Films and is directed by&nbsp;&lrm;Amit V Masurkar, making it his second feature after his debut film.&nbsp;

Newton had its world premiere in the&nbsp;Forum section of the 67th Berlin International Film Festival and won the&nbsp;CICAE Award for best film in the section.&nbsp;

CICAE stands for The International Confederation of Art Cinemas (French Conf&eacute;d&eacute;ration Internationale des Cin&eacute;mas d&rsquo;Art et d&rsquo;Essai) and is an international non-profit association with the address of record in Paris which supports and promotes art cinema. It is the only international art cinema organisation of its kind.

<h2>Watch the official trailer here:</h2>

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdrishyamfilms%2Fvideos%2F10155428311798382%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe>

(WION)

Bollywood underdog Rajkummar Rao as and in Newton brings focus on how voting is important and that 'change happens when there is an intention behind change'

The new movie titled Newton is a black comedy, a new genre being explored by Bollywood filmmakers. The film stars Rajkummar Rao in the main lead with the plotline following his story towards making a free and fair election possible in a Naxal-controlled town in the conflict-ridden jungles of Chhattisgarh, India. Rao plays the role of a rookie government clerk sent on election duty to this town. The film is produced by Drishyam Films and is directed by ‎Amit V Masurkar, making it his second feature after his debut film. Newton had its world premiere in the Forum section of the 67th Berlin International Film Festival and won the CICAE Award for best film in the section. CICAE stands for The International Confederation of Art Cinemas (French Confédération Internationale des Cinémas d’Art et d’Essai) and is an international non-profit association with the address of record in Paris which supports and promotes art cinema. It is the only international art cinema organisation of its kind. Watch the official trailer here: (WION)

Watch: Trailer of Bollywood movie 'Newton' is out

Ecuadorean transgender people on Sunday voted for the first time according to their chosen gender, in what activists say are signs of progress in the socially conservative and Catholic Andean nation.

In Ecuador, men and women wait in separate lines to cast their ballots, which for years created uncomfortable moments for transgender voters who had to queue up according to their biological sex.&nbsp;

&quot;The rumors would start, and the looks,&quot; said LGBT activist Mariasol Mite, 32, who changed her ID description from &quot;sex: male&quot; to &quot;gender: female&quot; last year.&nbsp;

Fears of harassment were such that voters would sometimes send their brothers or husbands to wait in line until they got close to the booth, according to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists.&nbsp;

&quot;This year, everything was different,&quot; said Mite, adding that public officials and fellow voters were much more aware of the issue.&nbsp;

After years of lobbying by the LGBT community and despite opposition by Catholic and increasingly powerful evangelical groups, Ecuador passed a law last year allowing people to choose a gender on their identity card.&nbsp;

&quot;This is very important because our rights are being recognized. It hasn&#39;t been easy,&quot; said activist and National Assembly candidate Diane Rodriguez, after voting in the city of Guayaquil close to the Pacific coast.&nbsp;

An estimated 200 people in the country of 16 million have changed their gender on their ID card since the law changed last year, she added.&nbsp;

Ecuador&#39;s first transgender lawmaker?&nbsp;

Rodriguez, a 34-year-old psychologist who was born biologically male, is vying to become Ecuador&#39;s first transgender lawmaker as the country renews its Congress as well as chooses a president for a four-year term.&nbsp;

If elected, the leftist ruling party candidate would push for legislation to counter bullying against transgender students, combat discrimination in the workplace, and eventually work towards legalizing gay marriage and adoption.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rodriguez&#39;&nbsp;potential election in Ecuador would come on the heels of Venezuela electing its first transgender lawmaker, lawyer and activist Tamara Adrian, in 2015.&nbsp;

Adrian is staunchly opposed to Venezuela&#39;s Socialist government, which is an ally of Ecuador&#39;s own leftist government, but Rodriguez says the two are close despite being politically opposed.&nbsp;

&quot;She&#39;s a partner in this fight,&quot; said Rodriguez. &quot;Beyond the fact that she&#39;s in a right-wing movement... we&#39;re united by the progress of rights.&quot;

(Reuters)

Rodriguez, a 34-year-old psychologist who was born biologically male, is vying to become Ecuador's first transgender lawmaker

Ecuadorean transgender people on Sunday voted for the first time according to their chosen gender, in what activists say are signs of progress in the socially conservative and Catholic Andean nation. In Ecuador, men and women wait in separate lines to cast their ballots, which for years created uncomfortable moments for transgender voters who had to queue up according to their biological sex. "The rumors would start, and the looks," said LGBT activist Mariasol Mite, 32, who changed her ID description from "sex: male" to "gender: female" last year. Fears of harassment were such that voters would sometimes send their brothers or husbands to wait in line until they got close to the booth, according to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists. "This year, everything was different," said Mite, adding that public officials and fellow voters were much more aware of the issue. After years of lobbying by the LGBT community and despite opposition by Catholic and increasingly powerful evangelical groups, Ecuador passed a law last year allowing people to choose a gender on their identity card. "This is very important because our rights are being recognized. It hasn't been easy," said activist and National Assembly candidate Diane Rodriguez, after voting in the city of Guayaquil close to the Pacific coast. An estimated 200 people in the country of 16 million have changed their gender on their ID card since the law changed last year, she added. Ecuador's first transgender lawmaker? Rodriguez, a 34-year-old psychologist who was born biologically male, is vying to become Ecuador's first transgender lawmaker as the country renews its Congress as well as chooses a president for a four-year term. If elected, the leftist ruling party candidate would push for legislation to counter bullying against transgender students, combat discrimination in the workplace, and eventually work towards legalizing gay marriage and adoption. Rodriguez' potential election in Ecuador would come on the heels of Venezuela electing its first transgender lawmaker, lawyer and activist Tamara Adrian, in 2015. Adrian is staunchly opposed to Venezuela's Socialist government, which is an ally of Ecuador's own leftist government, but Rodriguez says the two are close despite being politically opposed. "She's a partner in this fight," said Rodriguez. "Beyond the fact that she's in a right-wing movement... we're united by the progress of rights." (Reuters)

Ecuador election: Transgender people vote for first time according to chosen gender

Democrats demanding action on gun control turned to Twitter&#39;s Periscope and Facebook&#39;s live video platform to broadcast their &quot;sit-in&quot; on the floor of the US House of Representatives on Wednesday after the chamber&#39;s cameras shut down. 
 
Representative Scott Peters of California told Reuters he downloaded the online video platform Periscope from the House floor after it became clear that chamber cameras were not operating. 
 
The protest was the latest move by Democrats to persuade the Republican majority in Congress to take up votes on gun control measures in response to last week&#39;s mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, the deadliest in modern US history. 
 
In video streamed on Facebook Live by Congressman Beto O&#39;Rourke, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi can be seen speaking into a microphone that was turned off. She could be heard asking the House Speaker to turn the microphones back on. 
 
At about noon EDT (1600 GMT), presiding House officer and Republican Representative Ted Poe declared the House not in order, as Democratic protesters sat at the front of the chamber. 
 
Cable news channel C-SPAN, which typically uses the House cameras to broadcast live footage of Congress, broadcast Peters&#39; Periscope feed instead. 
 
The hashtag #NoBillNoBreak became a rallying cry for gun control supporters on Twitter and quickly became the top-trending hashtag in the United States on the social media platform. 
 
Politicians and average social media users alike used the hashtag as a sign of solidarity with the sit-in.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

After Orlando shooting, Republicans face more pressure to stop voting against gun control measures

Democrats demanding action on gun control turned to Twitter's Periscope and Facebook's live video platform to broadcast their "sit-in" on the floor of the US House of Representatives on Wednesday after the chamber's cameras shut down. Representative Scott Peters of California told Reuters he downloaded the online video platform Periscope from the House floor after it became clear that chamber cameras were not operating. The protest was the latest move by Democrats to persuade the Republican majority in Congress to take up votes on gun control measures in response to last week's mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, the deadliest in modern US history. In video streamed on Facebook Live by Congressman Beto O'Rourke, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi can be seen speaking into a microphone that was turned off. She could be heard asking the House Speaker to turn the microphones back on. At about noon EDT (1600 GMT), presiding House officer and Republican Representative Ted Poe declared the House not in order, as Democratic protesters sat at the front of the chamber. Cable news channel C-SPAN, which typically uses the House cameras to broadcast live footage of Congress, broadcast Peters' Periscope feed instead. The hashtag #NoBillNoBreak became a rallying cry for gun control supporters on Twitter and quickly became the top-trending hashtag in the United States on the social media platform. Politicians and average social media users alike used the hashtag as a sign of solidarity with the sit-in. (Reuters)

Democrats broadcast House sit-in on social media to protest gun control impasse

The President of Mexico&#39;s ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, announced his resignation on Monday, two weeks after the party of President Enrique Pena Nieto suffered a humiliating defeat in regional elections. 
 
Manlio Fabio Beltrones, a former governor and veteran federal lawmaker, announced his decision to step down after the PRI won only five of the dozen governors races up for grabs in the June 5 vote. It previously held nine of them. 
 
The results were far worse for the centrist party than most polls had forecast. 
 
The PRI&#39;s losses included two oil-rich strongholds in the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz and neighboring Tamaulipas, both of which have been plagued by gang violence for years, as well as Quintana Roo, home to Mexico&#39;s top tourist destination Cancun. All three states have been run by the PRI for over eight decades. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s time for a necessary pause,&quot; Beltrones told a news conference at the PRI&#39;s Mexico City headquarters. 
 
&quot;This is a responsible decision that opens space for an internal debate and allows our party to freely decide the best path forward,&quot; he said. 
 
Beltrones, 63, is still seen as a possible presidential contender for the PRI in 2018. Pena Nieto is not allowed by law to seek a second six-year term. 
 
In a poll published Monday by daily newspaper El Financiero, Beltrones was tied for second with 10 per cent among PRI voters, trailing Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, who had 32 per cent support. 
(Reuters)

Manlio Fabio Beltrones announced his decision after the PRI won only five of the dozen governors races up for grabs in the June 5 vote

The President of Mexico's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, announced his resignation on Monday, two weeks after the party of President Enrique Pena Nieto suffered a humiliating defeat in regional elections. Manlio Fabio Beltrones, a former governor and veteran federal lawmaker, announced his decision to step down after the PRI won only five of the dozen governors races up for grabs in the June 5 vote. It previously held nine of them. The results were far worse for the centrist party than most polls had forecast. The PRI's losses included two oil-rich strongholds in the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz and neighboring Tamaulipas, both of which have been plagued by gang violence for years, as well as Quintana Roo, home to Mexico's top tourist destination Cancun. All three states have been run by the PRI for over eight decades. "It's time for a necessary pause," Beltrones told a news conference at the PRI's Mexico City headquarters. "This is a responsible decision that opens space for an internal debate and allows our party to freely decide the best path forward," he said. Beltrones, 63, is still seen as a possible presidential contender for the PRI in 2018. Pena Nieto is not allowed by law to seek a second six-year term. In a poll published Monday by daily newspaper El Financiero, Beltrones was tied for second with 10 per cent among PRI voters, trailing Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, who had 32 per cent support. (Reuters)

Head of Mexico's ruling party resigns after electoral drubbing

THIS IMAGE NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. 
 
Sumner Redstone&#39;s National Amusements Inc is consulting investment bankers about strategic options for Viacom Inc&#39;s Paramount Pictures, including a possible stake sale, sources&nbsp;said.

National Amusements, which controls 80 per cent of the voting shares of Viacom, is also keen to extract more value from the film studio&#39;s real estate holdings in Los Angeles.

It is unclear what other scenarios National Amusements is considering. The fact that it is entertaining options for Paramount is significant because it could mean that a deal for the movie studio could happen even without Viacom chief executive Philippe Dauman leading the process.

Redstone&nbsp;is considering removing Dauman and members of the board. Representatives for National Amusement and Viacom declined to comment.

The sale of&nbsp;interest in Paramount has been an issue of contention in the battle for control of 93-year-old Redstone&#39;s $40 billion media empire, which includes Viacom and CBS Corporation.

Redstone said in a statement last month he believes keeping 100 per cent of the film unit is in the best interest of Viacom but could be swayed by a plan that convinces him otherwise.

National Amusements said&nbsp;it &quot;is not opposed to a transaction that would unlock value at Paramount&quot;. But it amended Viacom&#39;s bylaws to create hurdles for Dauman to sell a stake in the studio unless he obtained the approval of the entire board of the media company. 
 
Dauman is&nbsp;pushing ahead with plans to sell a 49 per cent stake in Paramount, and he is&nbsp;also looking to unlock the value of the film studio&#39;s real estate holdings, he said at an investor meeting.

Last month, Redstone removed Dauman and Viacom board member George Abrams from the seven-person trust that will determine the fate of Viacom and CBS after Redstone dies or is incapacitated. Part of the reason that he made the move was over concerns about the Paramount sale, a representative for Redstone has said.

Dauman and Abrams have filed a lawsuit opposing Redstone&#39;s removal of them from the trust and the National Amusement Inc&#39;s&nbsp;board. A Massachusetts judge is deciding whether to move up that trial from October.

National Amusements, which controls 80 per cent of the voting shares of Viacom, is interested in the film studio's real estate holdings

THIS IMAGE NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. Sumner Redstone's National Amusements Inc is consulting investment bankers about strategic options for Viacom Inc's Paramount Pictures, including a possible stake sale, sources said. National Amusements, which controls 80 per cent of the voting shares of Viacom, is also keen to extract more value from the film studio's real estate holdings in Los Angeles. It is unclear what other scenarios National Amusements is considering. The fact that it is entertaining options for Paramount is significant because it could mean that a deal for the movie studio could happen even without Viacom chief executive Philippe Dauman leading the process. Redstone is considering removing Dauman and members of the board. Representatives for National Amusement and Viacom declined to comment. The sale of interest in Paramount has been an issue of contention in the battle for control of 93-year-old Redstone's $40 billion media empire, which includes Viacom and CBS Corporation. Redstone said in a statement last month he believes keeping 100 per cent of the film unit is in the best interest of Viacom but could be swayed by a plan that convinces him otherwise. National Amusements said it "is not opposed to a transaction that would unlock value at Paramount". But it amended Viacom's bylaws to create hurdles for Dauman to sell a stake in the studio unless he obtained the approval of the entire board of the media company. Dauman is pushing ahead with plans to sell a 49 per cent stake in Paramount, and he is also looking to unlock the value of the film studio's real estate holdings, he said at an investor meeting. Last month, Redstone removed Dauman and Viacom board member George Abrams from the seven-person trust that will determine the fate of Viacom and CBS after Redstone dies or is incapacitated. Part of the reason that he made the move was over concerns about the Paramount sale, a representative for Redstone has said. Dauman and Abrams have filed a lawsuit opposing Redstone's removal of them from the trust and the National Amusement Inc's board. A Massachusetts judge is deciding whether to move up that trial from October.

National Amusements in talks to buy Paramount Pictures

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