This concludes our live coverage of Peru’s 2026 general election. Stay with Global South World for the latest developments and final outcomes as the electoral process continues to unfold.

02:33 GMT: Peru extends voting into Monday after more than 63,000 people were unable to cast their ballots.

Electoral authorities announced that voting will continue until 13 April in order to allow those affected by earlier disruptions to participate. The decision follows reports of delays and logistical issues at polling stations that prevented tens of thousands of voters from casting their ballots during Sunday’s election.

23:10 GMT: Polls close in Peru’s first-round presidential election, with exit polls pointing to Keiko Fujimori in the lead.

According to a Datum exit poll, right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori is the most voted, while Rafael López Aliaga appears to be narrowly edging into second place, with only a slim margin over Jorge Nieto, suggesting a tightly contested race for the run-off.

23:05 GMT: P olls close in Peru as attention turns to which candidates will advance to a likely run-off

Voting has officially ended across the country following an extended election day marked by delays and logistical challenges. With a highly fragmented field of 35 candidates and no clear frontrunner, expectations are growing that the presidential race will head to a second round, with results set to determine which two candidates move forward to the decisive run-off.

22:44 GMT: Fuerza Popular presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori calls on electoral authorities to extend voting hours or organise a complementary vote for affected polling stations.

Fujimori urged the National Jury of Elections (JNE) and the Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) to take additional measures to ensure participation at 211 polling stations reportedly impacted by earlier disruptions. Her remarks come amid broader concerns over delays and logistical issues during election day.

20:50 GMT: Presidential candidate Francisco Diez Canseco of Perú Acción casts his vote at Alfonso Ugarte school in Lima’s San Isidro district during the 2026 election

20:45 GMT: Allegations of potential electoral irregularities emerge in Peru, with claims that around 13% of polling stations in Lima, representing over one million votes, may have been affected.

While these assertions have not been officially confirmed, they have prompted calls in some quarters to review the voting process, with suggestions that parts of the election could be repeated if significant irregularities are verified.

18:50 GMT: Presidential candidate José Luna Gálvez of Podemos Perú casts his vote at the Parque de la Amistad Convention Centre in Lima’s Santiago de Surco district

18:40 GMT: Peru’s interim president dismisses fraud claims following delays in opening polling stations

18:25 GMT: Magnitude 4 earthquake felt in Lima and Callao during Peru’s election day, with no injuries or damage reported.

Authorities said the tremor, centred offshore in the Pacific, was mild and posed no tsunami risk.

18:20 GMT: Presidential candidate Mario Vizcarra of Perú Primero casts his vote at Federico Villareal school in Lima’s Miraflores district

17:55 GMT: Peru’s electoral authorities extend voting by one hour nationwide following delays at polling stations, particularly in Lima, officials say.

The head of the ONPE, Piero Corvetto, said the election authority approved the measure, extending voting until 6:00 PM local time (11:00 PM GMT).

17:50 GMT: Presidential candidate George Forsyth of Somos Perú casts his vote at Isabel La Católica school in Lima’s La Victoria district

17:42 GMT: Presidential candidate Herbert Caller of the Partido Patriótico del Perú casts his vote at the National Agrarian University in Lima’s La Molina district

17:32 GMT: Reports emerge of voting disruptions in Lima, with some voters unable to cast ballots, raising concerns over the electoral process

17:10 GMT: Presidential candidate Antonio Ortiz of Salvemos al Perú casts his vote at Santa María Purísima school in Lima’s San Martín de Porres district

16:27 GMT: Presidential candidate Carlos Jaico casts his vote at Alfonso Ugarte school in Lima’s San Isidro district

15:40 GMT: Several major polling stations in Peru report delays in opening and receiving voters, in some cases due to a lack of electoral materials

15:20 GMT: Presidential candidate Rafael López Aliaga casts his vote during Peru’s general election

15:05 GMT: Presidential candidate Jorge Nieto violates electoral law by casting his vote outside the secret ballot booth

15:00 GMT: Presidential candidate Álvaro Paz de la Barra casts his vote in Lima’s La Molina district during Peru’s 2026 general election

14:00 GMT: Fuerza Popular presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori waves as she arrives to cast her vote in Lima

13:00 GMT: Keiko Fujimori, joined by family members, visits the grave of her father, former president Alberto Fujimori, at a Lima cemetery

12:52 GMT: Keiko Fujimori heads to a cemetery ahead of her election day breakfast, saying it is her way of honouring her parents’ memory

12:49 GMT: Presidential candidate Rafael López Aliaga heads to Pamplona Alta for traditional election day breakfast

12:30 GMT: Peru activates large-scale security operation for Sunday’s general election

12:00 GMT: Polls open across Peru as voting begins in highly fragmented election featuring a record 35 candidates

The voting process is set to run for 10 hours on election day, with polls expected to open at 7:00 AM local time (12:00 PM GMT) and close at 5:00 PM local time (10:00 PM GMT).

What to know

On April 12, Peru will hold its general election, in which voters will choose a new president, two vice-presidents and all members of Congress. If no presidential candidate secures more than 50% of the vote in the first round, a run-off will be held between the top two candidates several weeks later. Voting is compulsory for citizens aged 18 to 70, although enforcement of penalties for abstention is often inconsistent.

The election takes place against a backdrop of prolonged political instability. Over the past decade, Peru has had eight presidents, reflecting a persistent cycle of institutional crisis, impeachment proceedings and governance challenges. This instability has eroded public trust in political institutions and contributed to widespread voter disillusionment.

Security concerns, economic uncertainty and frustration with political elites are central issues shaping voter sentiment. While Peru has traditionally maintained macroeconomic stability, inequality, informal employment and rising crime rates remain pressing concerns for many voters.

The political landscape is highly fragmented and crowded. A record number of 35 candidates are contesting the 2026 election, making the outcome difficult to predict and increasing the likelihood of a run-off. Polling suggests a large share of undecided voters, further adding to uncertainty.

Front-running candidates & proposals

Keiko Fujimori (Fuerza Popular): A prominent right-wing candidate and experienced political figure, Fujimori has consistently ranked among the frontrunners. She campaigns on strengthening security, encouraging investment and restoring political stability, while maintaining a strong and loyal support base despite past electoral defeats and legal controversies.

Rafael López Aliaga (Renovación Popular): Another leading right-wing figure, López Aliaga appeals to conservative voters with proposals focused on economic liberalisation, infrastructure development and a tougher stance on crime.

Other candidates: The race includes a wide range of contenders from across the political spectrum, but none has consolidated sufficient support to clearly dominate the field. This fragmentation reflects broader dissatisfaction with traditional political parties.

Political climate & stakes

Peru’s election comes at a critical moment for its democracy. The country’s recent history of rapid presidential turnover underscores deep institutional weaknesses and ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches. Governance challenges have often led to confrontations, impeachments and abrupt leadership changes.

The campaign has also highlighted polarisation within Peruvian society. Candidates have sought to mobilise voters through strong rhetoric, with some framing the election as a turning point for stability and order. High-profile rallies, including those led by Fujimori, have emphasised resilience and defiance amid a competitive and uncertain race.

With no clear frontrunner and a fragmented political field, analysts expect the next president to face significant challenges in building consensus in Congress. This could limit the government ’s ability to pass reforms and address key issues such as security, economic recovery and institutional reform.

Ultimately, the election is seen as a test of Peru’s ability to break its cycle of political instability and restore confidence in its democratic system.

This is the end of our live coverage of the 2026 Benin presidential election. Result is expected to be announced by authorities early in the week. Follow all Global South World Channels for more updates.

19:00 GMT: Incumbent Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni has emerged as the favourite to win the 2026 elections, positioning him to be the heir to Patrice Talon, who has led the West African country for the past decade.

18:00 GMT:  Benin’s civil society electoral platform says its observers recorded several irregularities during Sunday’s April 12, 2026 presidential election, according to findings presented in Cotonou by Étienne Adossou, a retired army general and member of the platform’s electoral situation room. The platform said it deployed 1,771 observers nationwide, including 1,200 stationed at polling centres and 571 on mobile assignments. Its initial assessment, completed at 10:00 a.m., was based on observations from 1,200 polling stations. Among the incidents reported were cases of ballot boxes allegedly containing ballots before the official start of voting, particularly in parts of the Atlantic and Zou regions.

At one polling station in Sèmè-Kpodji, observers said more than 120 ballots were found in the box before 6:45 a.m., despite no matching record of voters on the electoral register. Similar reports were also recorded elsewhere. The platform also cited alleged cases of multiple voting in some localities in the Couffo and Mono regions.

In all, it said 109 alerts were logged and sent to the electoral situation room’s response unit, most of them linked to early openings of polling stations and other voting-day anomalies. Despite the reported incidents, the platform said several aspects of the process generally complied with electoral rules. It noted, for instance, that all three polling officials were present in 98.38 percent of the polling stations observed.

16:00 GMT:  Polling stations across the country closed at 4:00 p.m.

At the CEG Le Littoral polling centre in Cotonou’s 1st district, ballot counting began in most polling stations soon after the close of polls.

At Polling Station 6, officials of the CENA began counting ballots at 4:28 p.m., in the presence of representatives of the two tickets contesting Sunday’s presidential election.

Overall, the vote in Cotonou was conducted in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

12:00 GMT : Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe casts his ballot.

11:30 GMT:  Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari arrived at 11:35 a.m. to cast his ballot at polling station 1. Speaking to reporters after voting, Bakari said , “I have just fulfilled my civic duty. I think it is a huge opportunity for us to make the right choice for our country. It is this choice that will determine the direction of our country over the next seven years. So it is with a very strong sense of duty that I came here today to express my civic duty.”

11:00 GMT:  Aurélie Adam Soule Zoumarou, Benin’s Minister of Digital Economy, said she had fulfilled her civic duty by voting at the Kobi primary school in the Gourou district of Nikki. “I have carried out my civic duty today by voting,” she said , urging all eligible citizens to turn out and exercise their fundamental right to vote.

10:30 GMT: Former minister Christine Adjokè Ouinsavi cast her ballot on Sunday at the Hangar public square polling centre in Adakplamè, in the commune of Kétou. Speaking after voting, she said she was pleased to have fulfilled her civic duty in a calm atmosphere. “I feel very satisfied to have carried out this act, which honours me as a citizen, and to have done so in a peaceful environment,” she said.

10:30 GMT: Vice President Mariam Chabi Talata cast her ballot on Sunday morning at the Nabissou public primary school in the Guèma district of Parakou. She urged Beninese voters to recognise the power of the ballot, saying, “Each Beninese must understand that their vote can help solve their everyday problems.” Stressing the importance of civic participation, she added that “the vote is the channel through which the citizen speaks to leaders and expresses expectations.”

10:00 GMT: President Patrice Talon and First Lady Claudine Talon have arrived at polling centre 10078, Charles Guillot School in Zongo Nima, Cotonou, to cast their ballots in Benin’s presidential election.

9:30 GMT: Benin’s Economy and Finance Minister, Romuald Wadagni, one of the presidential candidates, has cast his vote at the Agonvè polling centre in Lokossa.

9:30 GMT: Turnout was strong from the early hours in Wassa, where voting began with a particularly large crowd, including many members of the Celestial Christian community. Polling station officer Houdé Mardite said told La Nouvelle Tribune that more than 200 of the 332 registered voters had already cast their ballots. By 9:40 a.m., turnout had eased slightly, though voters were still arriving steadily.

8:30 GMT: Slight delays at the Ganmè 1 and Ganmè 2 polling stations did little to unsettle voters, with polling beginning at 7:22 a.m. after minor logistical adjustments. Despite the late start, the atmosphere remained calm and orderly.

08:00 GMT:  Voting began relatively calmly at the Zanzoun Primary School polling station, although station 1 opened slightly late at 7:10 a.m. because of delays linked to the installation of staff from the National Autonomous Electoral Commission (CENA).

07:30 GMT: Early voters in Parakou described the voting process as calm and straightforward. Alassane Idrissou, the first registered voter at his polling station, said he arrived as soon as it opened so he could cast his ballot before returning to his farm. “I am proud to be the first to vote this morning. Everything is going well, peacefully. I encourage all citizens to turn out in large numbers to vote, in peace,” he said.

07:00 GMT:  Voting in Benin’s 2026 presidential election got under way on Sunday, April 12, with polling stations opening across the country. In Abomey-Calavi, one of the country’s biggest electoral districts, the process started smoothly, with most polling centres opening on schedule at 7 a.m. At the Kpanrou polling station, located at EPP Centre, voting materials and staff were in place early, allowing all stations to open at the same time. A similar situation was reported in Zinvié, another major district in Abomey-Calavi .

Key issues 

One of the central issues is whether the next leader can sustain the country’s economic growth. Benin’s economy  expanded  by around 7% in 2025, driven by investments in agriculture, trade and infrastructure. However, many citizens say the benefits have not been evenly shared, with poverty persisting in rural and northern regions.

Security  is another major concern, particularly in the north, where attacks by armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have intensified. The region has seen deadly assaults on military posts, and tensions remain high following a failed coup attempt in December.

The election is also being watched for its implications on democracy. President Patrice Talon’s government has faced criticism from opposition groups and rights organisations over  restrictions  on protests, arrests of critics and the exclusion of opposition parties from parliament. Read more .

Who are the candidates?

Wadagni, 49, a former Deloitte executive, has campaigned on continuity, highlighting economic gains under Talon’s leadership. “I had the honour of managing one of your most precious assets: your money,” he told supporters during the campaign, pledging to govern with the same “seriousness and dedication.” He has promised to expand healthcare and build on  infrastructure  and economic reforms.

His opponent, Paul Hounkpe, 56, represents the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin (FCBE). A former teacher and culture minister, he has positioned himself as a moderate alternative, promising to lower the cost of  living  and secure the release of political detainees.

The main opposition party, the Democrats, is absent from the race after failing to secure the required backing to field a candidate, leaving Hounkpe as the only challenger. Read more .

Elections background

Benin’s president is elected through a two-round voting system and now serves a seven-year term following a 2025 constitutional amendment.

If no candidate wins more than half of the votes in the first round, the top two candidates face each other in a run-off held within 15 days. Presidents may serve a maximum of two terms, even if those terms are not consecutive.

Under changes introduced in 2019, every presidential candidate must run with a vice-presidential partner. The vice president serves the same seven-year term and is expected to complete the president’s tenure if the office becomes vacant.

To qualify, candidates must be Beninese citizens, either by birth or by having lived in the country for at least 10 years, and must be between 40 and 70 years old. They must also be of “good character and great probity”, enjoy full civil and political rights, pass physical and mental assessments, and secure nominations from at least 10% of all MPs and mayors.

This is the end of our live coverage of the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary election. Follow all Global South World Channels for more updates.

01:43 GMT : After 16 years of Orbán, Hungary votes for change as Magyar vows return to Europe

H ungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has lost power after 16 years following a decisive election defeat , with more than 98% of votes counted in a result expected to have political implications beyond Hungary.

Near-final results from the National Election Office show that Orbán’s ruling Fidesz-KDNP alliance suffered a heavy loss in the 199-seat parliament, while opposition challenger Péter Magyar and his TISZA movement secured a commanding lead.

With 98.89% of the vote counted, TISZA won 138 seats, Fidesz-KDNP secured 55 seats, and Mi Hazánk obtained 6 seats.

In his speech to supporters, Magyar promised to return Hungary to the main fold of European politics, pledging a pro-European Union and pro-NATO direction for the country.

20:50 GMT : Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has conceded defeat in key parliamentary elections, marking a significant political shift after 16 years in power. Orban lost to his rival, conservative Peter Magyar, a former government insider and political newcomer who has promised “system change.” The election outcome signals a challenge to Orban’s long-standing leadership in the central European country. “The election results, though not yet final, are clear and understandable; for us, they are painful but unambiguous. We have not been entrusted with the responsibility and opportunity to govern. I congratulated the winning party,” Orban said.

19:51 GMT : After 16 years in power, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is on course to lose by a wide margin in Sunday’s vote. With more than 53 % of the vote counted, his opponent Péter Magyar was projected to win 136 seats in the 199-seat parliament, while Orbán’s Fidesz party was on track to secure 56 seats. Magyar stated on his official social media account that Orbán had called to congratulate him.

17:43 GMT : Polling stations across Hungary have closed following the national parliament election held today. The National Election Office (NVI) is expected to begin the official vote count, with preliminary results scheduled to be released later tonight.

17:40 GMT : Voter turnout in Hungary’s national parliament election reached 77.80% by 18:30 (1630 GMT) in 2026, according to data from the National Election Office. The figure marks an increase compared to previous election years. In 2022, turnout at the same time stood at 67.80%, while in 2018 it was recorded at 68.13%. The data indicates a rise of 10 percentage points from 2022 to 2026, and a 9.67 percentage point increase from 2018 to 2026.

16:26 GMT : Less than an hour to go before polls close. Over 5.5 million voters had already cast their ballots as of 17:00 (1500 GMT). According to the National Election Office, the current voter turnout is at 74.23% of eligible voters, with 25.77% yet to vote.

14:42 GMT : Voters in Budapest expressed mixed views on Sunday as they queued outside polling stations for Hungary’s parliamentary elections, following a campaign marked by allegations of foreign interference.

"We have never encountered such a disgusting campaign before," one voter said.

13:52 GMT : Less than 4 hours to go before polls close, and the voter turnout data remains high. According to the National Election Office, more than 4.9 million, representing 66.01% of eligible voters, had already cast their vote at 15:00 (1300 GMT).

13:02 GMT : Turnout in Hungary’s closely watched parliamentary election reached record levels by midday on Sunday, April 12, according to figures from the National Election Office.

More than 4 million voters had cast their ballots by 13:00 (1100 GMT), representing 54.14% of eligible voters. Authorities reported that turnout hit 54% by noon, which is more than 14 percentage points higher than at the same stage in the 2022 election.

Opinion polls suggest that the Tisza party, led by pro-European conservative Peter Magyar, is performing ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party. Magyar, a former government insider, has pledged a “system change,” and analysts say the high turnout could work in his favour.

11:33 GMT : 7 hours of voting done, 6 hours more until polls close in the pivotal Hungarian parliamentary elections. Voter turnout continues to remain high, according to the figures from the National Election Office, with over 4 million voters (54.14% of eligible voters) as at 13:00 (1100 GMT).

10:52 GMT : Magyar has described the country’s parliamentary election as a decisive moment for political change, positioning it as a choice on governance and public communication. After casting his vote, Magyar, who is the main rival of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, said the election could mark a turning point in Hungary’s political system. He stated that “today, there will be a change of system in Hungary.”

10:02 GMT : Peter Magyar, leader of the pro-European conservative TISZA party, has cast his ballot in Hungary’s closely watched parliamentary elections. The vote is being seen as a significant political moment that could bring an end to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year period in power. Magyar’s participation comes as voters decide whether to continue with the current leadership or support a shift in direction.

09:53 GMT : 5 hours since polls opened, recorded voter turnout as at 11:00 (0900 GMT) is 37.98%, representing over 2.8 million voters. The turnout so far from this year's vote stands higher than the last 4 elections.

09:27 GMT : Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban spoke to journalists at a polling centre as voters went to the polls in Budapest for the parliamentary elections, outlining his position on Hungary’s relationship with the European Union and responding to a question about Ukraine.

He responded to reports that officials in Brussels could challenge the outcome if he secured victory, stating, “To deny? No, they have to accept the intention and the will and express the opinion of the people.”

“We are members of the European Union, and this is the right which belongs to the member states,” he added. “We firmly stand on the basis of the national rights and sovereignty.”

When asked whether he would consider ceding territory to Russia in a hypothetical peace deal if he were leading Ukraine, Orban replied, “I'm lucky enough not to be Zelensky.”

08:37 GMT : Orban cast his ballot on Sunday as he faces his most significant electoral challenge in more than ten years. Footage showed Orban arriving in a van alongside his wife, Anikó Lévai, entering a polling station surrounded by journalists, voting, and then leaving the premises.

08:16 GMT : Voter turnout recorded as at 09:00 (0700 GMT) is 16.89%, representing 1,271,768 of registered voters, according to the National Election Office. Voting has been ongoing for over 3 hours since polls opened at 0400 GMT. The turnout so far has exceeded the last 4 elections

06:31 GMT : Over 2 hours since polls officially opened at 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) across the various voting centres in the country. The voting is expected to end at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT), with results expected later in the evening.

06:18 GMT : As at 07:00 local time, the voter turnout recorded was 3.46%, representing 260,556 of registered voters, according to the National Election Office.

06:02 GMT : US Vice President JD Vance accused the EU of interfering in Hungary’s elections, describing it as one of the most serious cases he has seen. Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Orban in Budapest on Tuesday, Vance said the EU had taken actions that negatively affected Hungary.

05:43 GMT : During a final campaign address in Budapest, Orban described the country’s election as a defining moment for national sovereignty, warning of foreign interference and outlining his government’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

He said Hungary would not support Ukraine with resources or military assistance. “We will not give our children to Ukraine, we will not give our money, and we will not give our weapons,” he said. “Hungary will remain an island of peace and will continue to be the safest country in Europe after the elections.”

05:06 GMT : In the lead-up to the polls, the ruling Fidesz party saturated Hungarian streets with posters that frame the upcoming election as an existential choice between "war or peace" by depicting foreign leaders and the domestic opposition as menacing threats. Prominent billboards feature "harshly lit" and unflattering portraits of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, portraying them as the faces of a "pro-war lobby" in Brussels intent on dragging Hungary into the conflict. At the same time, opposition leader Magyar is branded as an “agent of Brussels”.

04:53 GMT : Magyar, 45, is not a typical opposition figure. He comes from Orbán’s inner circle and broke away after a corruption and pardon scandal. Since then, his Tisza Party has gained momentum. His focus is different. He talks about the economy, corruption, and the rule of law, what he calls everyday issues. He has also promised to unlock between €18 billion and €22.5 billion in frozen EU funds by restoring Hungary’s alignment with European standards. Unlike past challengers, Magyar connects with voters in rural areas through retail politics, and his right-leaning background makes him harder to dismiss. Read more

04:43 GMT : Ahead of Sunday's election, Prime Minister Orbán urged voters to back his ruling Fidesz party, warning that Hungary could lose key achievements on migration, energy protection and its confrontational stance toward Brussels if the opposition prevails.

04:29 GMT : Why Hungary's election could change more than just its government

Hungary heads to the polls in what many are calling its most important election since the end of communism in 1989.

For the first time in 16 years, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is facing a serious challenge not from the usual opposition but from someone who once stood beside him.

That challenger is Péter Magyar, a former Fidesz insider who now leads the Tisza (Respect and Freedom) Party. What looks like a domestic political contest is also being watched closely far beyond Hungary, with implications for the EU, the US, Russia, and Ukraine.

Orbán’s campaign has focused heavily on the idea of “war or peace.” He has positioned himself as Hungary’s protector, warning that “progressive forces” in the West and Ukraine are trying to pull the country into conflict. Read more

04:00 GMT : Polls open in Hungary

Polling stations open at 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) and close at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT), with results expected later in the evening. According to the National Election Office, there are over 8.1 million eligible voters.

What to know about the election and possible outcomes

The election is being hailed as the most pivotal moment for the country since the collapse of communism in 1989. Opinion polls suggest that Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his nationalist Fidesz party could lose power after 16 years to the centre-right, pro-European Union Tisza party, led by former Orban loyalist Peter Magyar.

The Key Players

How the voting works

Exactly 8,114,688 registered voters will elect 199 members of parliament. Of these, 106 are chosen in single-member constituencies under a first-past-the-post system, while 93 are selected from national party and ethnic minority lists.

Since 2010, Orbán has rewritten election laws, including gerrymandering districts and making it easier for Hungarians living abroad to vote. Ethnic Hungarians living abroad have the right to citizenship and can vote on party lists by letter. According to National Election Office data, close to 500,000 such citizens have registered for the 2026 election, and most have traditionally supported Fidesz.

The Tisza Party may need to lead Fidesz by at least six percentage points nationally just to secure a simple majority. Voters with a registered Hungarian address must vote in person, either at polling stations in Hungary or at official representations abroad.

Parties must secure at least 5% of the vote to enter parliament.

What happens after the election

President Tamas Sulyok will convene the new parliament within 30 days of the election, likely in May.

Parliament elects the prime minister by a simple majority vote. The president proposes a candidate, usually from the winning party, and parliament votes on the nomination.

If the proposed candidate is not elected, the president must submit a new proposal within 15 days. If parliament fails again to elect a prime minister, the president can dissolve parliament and call a new election.

Core campaign issues

International and geopolitical stakes

Potential scenarios

This concludes our live coverage of the February 12 Bangladesh elections. Vote counting is currently in progress. Follow Global South World for further updates as we await the official results from the Bangladesh Election Commission.

10:59 GMT: Polls close in first election after 15 years

Vote counting is underway in Bangladesh following the nation’s first election since student-led protests led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.

10:10 GMT: What time do polls close?

Polls in Bangladesh’s general election will close at 4:30 p.m. local time (10:30 a.m. GMT). While voting began at 7:30 a.m., voters already in line at closing time will still be allowed to cast their ballots.

9:45 GMT: Voting continues across Bangladesh as election day progresses

8:00 GMT: Over 1.12 million postal ballots received

By 7:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 p.m. local time), the Bangladesh Election Commission reported that 1,125,382 postal ballots had reached returning officers under the country’s first technology-supported postal voting system. In total, over 1.528 million voters were approved to vote by post in this election.

7:48 GMT: Voting is currently underway in Bangladesh’s general election, with polling stations open across the country as citizens continue to cast their ballots.

7:44 GMT: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus cast his ballot in the 13th general election and referendum on the July National Charter at the Gulshan Model School and College centre in Dhaka.

7:38 GMT: Around 540 foreign observers and journalists from major global organisations and media outlets, including BBC, Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera English, the European Union delegation, the Commonwealth Secretariat, ANFREL, IRI, among others, are monitoring the elections across the country.

5:20 GMT: BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said the moment was long anticipated as he cast his ballot in Bangladesh’s defining 2026 general election. "People of Bangladesh have been waiting for this day," he said.

3:40 GMT: Tarique Rahman casts his vote in Bangladesh’s pivotal 13th parliamentary elections, marking a high-profile return to frontline politics for the BNP leader. The son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia voted at a Dhaka polling centre.

3:20 GMT: After casting his vote, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman expressed hope that his party would establish a government genuinely selected by the people. “If the voting is held in a free and fair manner, we will accept the results. Others should also accept the verdict of the people,” he said.

2:50 GMT: Almost 1 million security personnel are on the ground today across Bangladesh, with surveillance cameras also installed in multiple sites to ensure the security of voters. These tight measures come as precincts remain “vulnerable to violence,” according to the electoral body.

2:30 GMT: Apart from the polls becoming the first to be held since Hasina was ousted, this year also marks the first time Bangladesh conducts a general election and a national referendum side by side. Thus, two ballots are used: white for the parliamentary elections and pink for the referendum.

1:50 GMT : While many voters are upbeat about the polls, considering it is the first to be held since the fall of the Hasina regime, some still express reservation over the shallow pool of candidates.

1:35GMT: Security is tight in Bangladesh, with reports from the ground indicating the deployment of striking teams to ensure voters can cast their ballots securely.

1:30 GMT: Voting opens in Bangladesh, in one of the most awaited and consequential polls for Asia in 2026, considering the size of the voting population and the political backdrop of the election.

Polls open at 7:30 a.m. (01:30 GMT) and close at 4:30 p.m. (10:30 GMT).

The Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) extended the polling time by one hour overall—up from the previous 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. window—to accommodate the increased voting workload. This extra time is necessary because voters will be processing two separate ballots: a white ballot for the parliamentary election and a pink ballot for the national referendum.

Background

Bangladesh's 2026 elections mark the first vote since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. An interim government will oversee the parliamentary polls and a national referendum on constitutional reforms. Key rivals include the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, while the Awami League remains barred.

How many voters are eligible?

A final voter list released by the Election Commission of Bangladesh indicates that approximately 127.7 million eligible citizens will participate in this election. Of these voters:

This is one of the largest electorates in South Asia . Many voters are also participating for the first time, including millions who turned 18 since the last election.

How many parties are contesting?

Candidates are contesting across 299 constituencies (after one constituency election was cancelled due to a candidate’s death). At least 51 political parties are participating, alongside independent candidates.

Major political players in this election include:

Electoral system and process

Voters are casting ballots in the 13th National Parliamentary Election (Jatiya Sangsad) to elect members of parliament. Alongside the general election, a national referendum on political reforms, covering issues like executive limits and governance accountability, is also being held.

Bangladesh uses a first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system. Each of the 300 seats in parliament is contested in a single-member constituency: the candidate with the most votes in each wins the seat. After the election, 50 additional seats are reserved for women and allocated to parties based on their share of the elected seats, in line with constitutional provisions.

Polling is taking place simultaneously nationwide from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on election day, with transparent ballot boxes used at each centre.

Polling stations and logistics

The Election Commission has finalised over 42,700 polling centres across the country, each serving roughly 3,000 voters on average. In total, there are more than 247,000 polling booths staffed by thousands of electoral officials to ensure the voting process runs smoothly.

For the first time, Bangladesh has introduced a digital postal voting platform (“Postal Vote BD” app) to facilitate voting by citizens living abroad, government officials on duty outside the country, and others eligible for postal ballots

When will results be announced?

Counting of votes typically begins soon after polling stations close at 4:30 p.m. on election day. Preliminary results are expected to begin emerging later that evening and may continue into the early hours of the following day.

The official and full results are usually announced over the next 24–48 hours as constituencies report in. (This pattern reflects recent practice in Bangladeshi elections; specific times are set by the Election Commission.

Absence of Awami League

Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in 2024, the party's registration and electoral activities were suspended. The party has been banned from all political activities and will not participate in the upcoming elections under its electoral symbol.

The absence of the Awami League—historically one of Bangladesh's largest and most influential political parties—is considered a highly significant shift in the country's political landscape. Experts note that a central challenge for the next government will be determining the future of the party and how long the substantial segment of the electorate aligned with it can remain politically excluded.

Brief history of elections in Bangladesh

The country’s first general election was held on 7 March 1973, just two years after independence, with the Awami League winning an overwhelming majority of seats in the new national parliament, the Jatiya Sangsad. That election helped establish the foundations of parliamentary democracy in the young nation.

A key turning point came with the 1991 general election, widely viewed as a return from military rule to civilian parliamentary democracy. That election brought the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power and established a pattern of alternating rule between BNP and the Awami League, which would shape politics into the 2000s.

The January 2024 election, held under Hasina’s administration, saw the Awami League win a large majority amid low turnout and a boycott by major opposition parties. This period culminated in nationwide protests and unrest that ultimately led to her removal from power later that year.

Now, the 2026 election is the first major vote after the end of long-term dominance by a single leader and in a political environment shaped by mass protest, calls for reform, and efforts to strengthen democratic legitimacy.

This concludes our live coverage of Costa Rica’s general election, a closely watched vote shaped by concerns over security, political fragmentation and institutional trust. Follow Global South World for continued updates as results are finalised and the country moves into the next phase of the electoral process.

01:00 GMT: Vote counting continues across multiple precincts as ballots are tallied.

00:00 GMT: Polls close across Costa Rica, marking the end of voting in a closely watched presidential and legislative election as the vote count begins.

22:40 GMT: Polling stations reported heavy turnout as ballot boxes filled up with only hours left before voting closed.

20:45 GMT: Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves cast his ballot as voting continued nationwide.

20:32 GMT: Children take part in a symbolic election at the Children's Museum during Costa Rica's general election day in San Jose.

20:15 GMT: Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal said voting was proceeding normally, adding there were no reports of violence at polling stations so far.

19:00 GMT: Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves was seen surrounded by supporters of the Sovereign People’s Party, reacting with gestures amid cheers and boos, in a moment captured on video.

17:35 GMT: The election observation mission deployed across designated monitoring routes nationwide as voting continued.

17:10 GMT: Presidential candidate Álvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party (PLN) casts his ballot during Costa Rica’s general election.

16:30 GMT: Ariel Robles, presidential candidate of the Broad Front (Frente Amplio), cast his vote in Pérez Zeledón and is moving toward Cartago.

15:50 GMT: Claudia Dobles, presidential candidate of the Citizen Agenda Coalition (CAC), cast her vote and urged Costa Ricans to go out early and participate in the democratic process, saying the future of the country is in their hands. She also noted early reports from voting stations in Australia showed her winning at some polls there.

15:20 GMT: José Aguilar Berrocal, presidential candidate for the Avanza Costa Rica Party, cast his vote and said his campaign had been a success, urging voters to back unity, change, and support for entrepreneurs while rejecting higher taxes and bureaucracy.

14:50 GMT: Former Costa Rican president José María Figueres cast his vote and spoke about national unity in defending the country’s democracy.

13:40 GMT: Costa Rican presidential candidate Laura Fernández called on voters to back the country’s “project of change”.

13:30 GMT: Presidential candidate Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO) casts her vote at a polling station.

12:00 GMT: Voting begins across Costa Rica

The voting process is set to run for 12 hours on election day, with polls expected to open at 6 AM local time (12 PM GMT) and close at 6 PM local time (12 AM GMT).

What to know

On February 1, Costa Rica holds its general election where voters choose a new president, two vice-presidents and all 57 members of the Legislative Assembly. If no presidential candidate wins at least 40 % of the vote in the first round, a runoff is expected on 5 April 2026. Voting is voluntary, but turnout has traditionally been high compared with regional averages. Eligible voting age is 18 and above.

The election comes amid rising public concern over security, driven by increases in homicide rates and organised crime, issues once rare in what’s been seen as one of Latin America’s most stable democracies. Security, economic pressures, and confidence in political institutions are central themes shaping voter attitudes.

The political landscape is highly fragmented. Around 20 presidential candidates compete, but only a few gain significant traction, leaving a large share of undecided voters and making outcomes uncertain.

Front-running candidates & proposals

According to the country’s constitution, voting is defined as a “ compulsory civic function .” However, there are no legal penalties for individuals who choose not to participate in the electoral process.

More than 3.7 million Costa Ricans are eligible to vote. Despite this, public sentiment toward the election appears muted. A poll conducted on January 21 by the University of Costa Rica’s Centre for Political Research and Studies (CIEP) reported that nearly 79% of respondents felt little or no enthusiasm about the campaigns.

However, the same survey revealed a more nuanced outlook on voter participation. Over 57% of those surveyed indicated they were motivated to vote, while 19.5% expressed no desire to participate.

The most recent CIEP poll, released on January 28, shows that 43.8% of respondents intend to vote for Fernandez. This level of support could allow him to secure a first-round victory, avoiding a runoff. Such outcomes are rare in Costa Rica’s recent electoral history.

Ramos ranks second in the poll with 9.2% support, followed by Dobles at 8.6%. Robles is in fourth place with 3.8%. Meanwhile, the percentage of undecided voters stands at approximately 26%, a decrease from 32% the previous week.

Although Fernandez leads by a significant margin, political analysts note that upsets remain possible due to the high number of undecided voters and the weakening of traditional political alliances. In 2022, Chaves won the presidency despite having only 7% support in pre-election polling.

Political climate & stakes

Costa Rica’s fragmented political options and high levels of voter indecision reflect broader scepticism toward traditional parties and political leadership, as well as frustration over persistent economic pressures and rising insecurity. Campaign debates have been dominated by security policy, including controversial proposals such as expanding prison capacity, strengthening police powers and tightening criminal controls, measures that have also raised concerns about civil liberties and institutional balance.

Institutionally, the election will test Costa Rica’s consensus-oriented democratic model. With no party expected to secure a legislative majority, the next president is likely to face a fragmented Legislative Assembly, potentially limiting the government’s ability to pass reforms without broad cross-party negotiation. As a result, the composition of parliament and post-election alliances are expected to be as consequential as the presidential outcome itself.

Crime remains a major concern for many voters, as criminal groups compete for control over key cocaine trafficking routes to Europe and the United States. This growing violence has cast a shadow over the Central American country, long known for its appeal as a wildlife tourism destination.

The campaign focused largely on President Chaves, a controversial leader who is ineligible for re-election due to constitutional limits on consecutive terms.

The 2022 election marked a turning point in Costa Rican politics. Chaves, an economist and former World Bank official who left the institution following sexual harassment allegations, won the presidency after tapping into public frustration with corrupt political elites.

Since taking office, Chaves has sought to boost the economy with mixed results, while often clashing with political institutions. His leadership style has been marked by a rejection of established norms and an abrasive tone.

Legal attempts to prosecute Chaves on corruption and election interference charges were blocked by Congress, preserving his presidential immunity. Fernández has stated she would appoint Chaves to her cabinet if elected, which would allow him to maintain immunity beyond his term.

Traditional political parties have faced difficulties in reshaping their platforms. Despite a rise in organised crime and violence during his presidency, Chaves maintains an approval rating of around 50%.

Costa Rica, once considered one of the region’s safest countries, now reports a homicide rate of 16.7 per 100,000 people – the third highest in Central America. Last year, authorities dismantled the so-called South Caribbean Cartel, Costa Rica’s first identified transnational crime group, and arrested a former security minister on U.S. drug trafficking charges.

In response to the violence, Chaves has referenced the security policies of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. He invited Bukele to attend the inauguration of a new prison modelled after El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Centre.

This brings our live coverage of Uganda’s 2026 general election to an end. The vote is widely expected to extend President Yoweri Museveni’s four-decade rule. Follow Global South World for ongoing updates as the process continues, with final results expected from the Electoral Commission within the next 48 hours.

18:00 GMT: Yoweri Museveni takes early lead

15:00 GMT: Vote counting commences in several parts of the country

14:30 GMT: No "serious violations" detected during voting in Kampala, Russian election observer reports

14:00 GMT: Polls officially close at most polling stations across the country

1:30 GMT: Opposition leader Bobi Wine allege incidents of ballot stuffing

1:00 GMT: Uganda's National Tally Center in Lubowa is ready for first round of result later this evening

12:30 GMT: Polling hours have been extended from the earlier communicated 4:00pm to 5:00pm

12:00 GMT: Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng casts her vote

11:00 GMT: Voting underway at Kampala Road

10: 30 GMT: Presidential candidate Yvonne Mpambara raises concerns over technical failures on election day

10:30 GMT: Common Man’s Party Presidential flagbearer Mubarak Munyagwa votes

10:00 GMT: Opposition leader Bobi Wine votes in the company of his wife

9:30 GMT: President Yoweri Museveni speaks after voting

President Museveni has addressed the nation after casting his ballot on matters relating to election rigging, delays in opening polls, malfunctioning biometric machines, amongst others.

9:00 GMT: Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni votes

9:00 GMT: President Yoweri Museveni arrives at Rwakitura to vote

8:30 GMT: The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate, Major General Gregory Mugisha Muntu (Rtd) casts ballot

8:00 GMT: Electoral Commission orders voting process to commence immediately despite machine malfunctions

Uganda’s Electoral Commission chief, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama has ordered the immediate commencement of polls across all polling stations. This comes after reported delays and biometric machine malfunction in several polling stations across the country.

7:30 GMT: Polls delay and biometric machines malfunction

Polls was expected to open by 7am however reports from several parts of the capital, Kampala, and the city of Jinja said voting had yet to begin by 9am (0600 GMT), with reports that ballot papers had not been delivered and biometric machines used to check voters' identities were not working. "Nobody is here to tell us what is happening," said Abuza Monica Christine, a 56-year-old businesswoman in central Jinja, told AFP.

7:00 GMT: Voting begins across Uganda

Voting officially commenced at 7:00 am in various polling station across the country

Campaign Season

In the months leading up to the campaign, the Ugandan government stepped up actions against the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), with arrests and charges against its members. In October 2025, ten NUP members were arrested in northern Uganda, and in November at least 95 more were charged with minor offences. After campaigning began, the pressure continued, including an incident on 6 December 2025 in Gulu where Bobi Wine and several supporters and staff were attacked and beaten by security forces while on the trail. President Yoweri Museveni, in a New Year’s Eve address on 31 December 2025, urged security forces to use more tear gas to disperse crowds, describing the opposition as “criminal” and arguing that tear gas was preferable to live ammunition.

Key Issues

Electoral System

Uganda’s president is elected under a two-round system, meaning a candidate must win 50% plus one vote to take the presidency in the first round. The law requires presidential candidates to be Ugandan citizens by birth, eligible to be an MP, and of sound mind, and it bars anyone with a formal connection to the Electoral Commission from running; term limits were removed in 2005, and elections are overseen by the Electoral Commission of Uganda.

Parliament has 529 seats: 353 are elected in single-member constituencies using first-past-the-post, and 146 district-based seats are reserved for women (one per district) and filled the same way. The remaining 30 seats are filled indirectly through special electoral colleges, 10 for the army and 5 each for youths, elders, unions and people with disabilities with requirements to ensure women are represented in each group.

The Candidates

A total of seven candidates were nominated during the two-day exercise held on 23rd and 24th September 2025 at the Electoral Commission grounds in Lweza-Lubowa, Wakiso District. Among those nominated is President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, standing on the ticket of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Now in power for nearly four decades, Museveni first took office in 1986 after leading a guerrilla war that promised to restore democracy following years of instability. The opposition field is led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the candidate of the National Unity Platform (NUP). A former pop star turned politician, Bobi Wine, is widely viewed as Museveni’s strongest challenger. Read more

Background and Electoral History

Uganda’s first national election was the 1962 Uganda National Assembly vote, which produced a post-independence government after an alliance between the Uganda People ’s Congress (UPC) and Kabaka Yekka (KY) won a parliamentary majority and made Milton Obote executive prime minister. Elections then stalled for years amid dictatorship and political turmoil, including the eras of Idi Amin, Yusuf Lule and Godfrey Binaisa, until a disputed presidential election in December 1980 returned Obote to power amid allegations of fraud. One of the contenders, Yoweri Museveni, rejected the outcome and launched an armed rebellion, and his National Resistance Army eventually took power in 1986 after the short-lived government of Gen Tito Okello.

Under Museveni, Uganda introduced a “no-party” system that barred parties from fielding candidates directly, and the country held nonparty elections in 1996, its first popular presidential election since 1962, when Museveni won while formally running without a party, despite the existence of parties such as the Democratic Party, UPC and later the Forum for Democratic Change. Museveni also won again in 2001, in a vote challenged by his main rival Kizza Besigye but ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court. In 2005, Ugandans voted in a referendum to restore multiparty politics, setting up the 2006 general election as the first multiparty contest in 25 years, which Museveni and the NRM won; he later defeated opposition challenger Bobi Wine in the 2021 presidential election.

Voter Statistics

According to the Ugandan Electoral Commission in its latest voter statistics, the country currently has 146 districts, 312 counties, 353 constituencies, 2,191 sub-counties/towns/municipal divisions, 10,717 parishes and 71,214 villages, while the scale of election administration has expanded since the last general cycle. The number of polling stations has risen from 34,684 in 2021 to 50,739 as of 13 November 2025, and the registered voter roll has grown from 18,103,603 (2021) to 21,681,491 (as of 13 November 2025).

This concludes our live coverage of Honduras’s 2025 general elections. After a tense and closely contested voting day, the ballot count is now under way as the country awaits clarity on its next president. Provisional results are expected in the coming hours. Follow Global South World for continued updates and post-election analysis from Honduras.

01:13 GMT: An international observer was expelled from a vote-counting centre amid tensions during the tallying process. The incident comes as conflicts and allegations of possible fraud emerged while ballots were being counted in several polling stations.

00:00 GMT: Polls have now closed and the vote count is under way.

23:00 GMT: Polling stations were originally set to close at 5:00 p.m. local time, but authorities have indicated they may remain open until 6:00 p.m. because of long queues. The extension aims to ensure that everyone already in line can vote as part of the general election.

22:30 GMT: Honduran President Xiomara Castro cast her vote, accompanied by her grandson José Manuel, during the country’s general election.

18:55 GMT: Honduran President Xiomara Castro said: “The satisfaction we feel goes beyond what I personally think — it reflects the sentiment of the people. We have intervened in all areas,” in her remarks on today’s elections.

17:25 GMT: The EU Election Observation Mission has deployed 138 observers across the country for today’s vote. Teams are visiting polling centres in every department, filing reports through a dedicated app that forwards their assessments to the mission’s central team in Tegucigalpa.

17:05 GMT: Nasry Asfura, the National Party’s presidential candidate, has arrived at the polling centre where he is set to cast his vote.

15:45 GMT: Tensions rose near a polling centre when some supporters of Salvador Nasralla confronted journalists covering Sunday’s presidential election. Several reporters were attacked while documenting the incident, underscoring the growing friction between media crews and Nasralla’s sympathisers.

15:15 GMT: Salvador Nasralla, the Liberal Party (PLH) presidential candidate, cast his vote in Tegucigalpa, accompanied by his wife, Iroshka Elvir.

14:15 GMT: Libre’s presidential candidate, Rixi Moncada, cast her vote, arriving at the polling station accompanied by political allies.

13:30 GMT: “The only results that count are those issued by the CNE,” said Ana Paola Hall, the council’s presiding member, on Sunday morning. With that statement, Honduras enters its most tense election day in a decade, as voters decide who will succeed President Xiomara Castro.

13:00 GMT:  Honduras’s polls open as voters begin a decisive day for the country’s political future.

11:47 GMT: Honduras’s Armed Forces have reiterated their commitment to remain strictly impartial throughout the electoral process. They emphasised what is set out in Article 284 of the Electoral Law, which makes clear that the final declaration of results is the exclusive responsibility of the National Electoral Council (CNE).

10:26 GMT : Electoral Commission confirms that the use of the biometric device is mandatory

10:15 GMT : Ahead of the polls, the head of the Electoral Mission of the Organisation of American States (OAS) urges Hondurans to go out in their numbers to vote in a peaceful manner and calls on all actors to respect the citizens' right to choose while awaiting the results that will be delivered by the CNE

09:45 GMT : Honduras rejects US 'interference' as Trump wades into election debate

Honduran Vice Foreign Minister Gerardo Torres Zelaya sharply criticised US President Donald Trump for interfering in the country’s internal affairs ahead of the 30 November elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Tegucigalpa, he argued that Washington’s recent moves show clear double standards in its public stance on drug trafficking. Torres Zelaya condemned what he described as external pressure, warning that Honduras would not accept actions that could pave the way for a return to the “narco-state” the country fought to overcome. More here

09:38 GMT : Trump to pardon Honduras’ former leader Hernández, serving time for narcotrafficking

Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will grant a full pardon to former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, who is currently serving a 45-year sentence in the United States after being convicted of drug-trafficking and weapons-related offences.

The announcement, made just two days before Honduras goes to the polls , immediately sent shockwaves through the country. In his statement, Trump insisted that Hernández had been “treated very harshly and unfairly,” framing the pardon as a corrective measure rather than a political intervention. Read more

Polls open at 7:00 AM local time (13:00 GMT) and close at 5:00 PM local time (23:00 GMT).

What to know

Overview of the main contenders

The contest centres on three figures who represent different political blocs and visions for the country:

Key issues in the election

Voting and electoral context

Historical background

Honduras arrives at this vote after a politically charged decade marked by contested elections, corruption scandals tied to past administrations, and persistent security challenges. Outgoing president Xiomara Castro’s government emphasised social spending and a tougher posture on gangs; her endorsement of Moncada frames the vote partly as a referendum on those policies . International players, including the U.S., are paying close attention to both the substance of the campaigns and the conduct of the vote.

This concludes our live coverage of Guinea-Bissau's 2025 general elections. With fierce competition between the candidates, counting is underway to determine the country's next president. Polling stations opened at 0700 GMT and are expected to close at 1700 GMT. Provisional results are expected within 48 hours. Follow Global South World for continued updates about Guinea-Bissau post-election.

18:15 GMT: Polling stations end voting processes, counting begins

After 10 hours of voting, Guinea-Bissau has officially closed its polls, and counting is currently underway.

16:32 GMT: Mozambique's Philip Nyusi and Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan oversee elections

As part of a measure of transparency, the African Union sent its Chief of the Mission of Election Observers, Mozambique's former President, Filipe Nyusi, along with the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, to monitor the ongoing elections.

Filipe's inclusion, however, is being questioned due to the belief that he ruled as Mozambique's president through fraudulent electoral means.

12:40 GMT: “Bissau-Guineans want only solutions and not slogans”

Journalist Samba M. Baldé, explains in an interview with Global South World, that, despite the many campaign messages spread by the various candidates, the citizens need practical solutions to their problems.

11:51 GMT: Voting continues in Guinea-Bissau

10:34 GMT: Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo votes

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo cast his vote this morning at a polling station in Umaro Djabula in Gabu. The president is seeking to make history as the only president to be given a second term in 3 decades.

9:47 GMT: People queue to vote in Mansôa

Bissau-Guineans in Mansôa are taking turns in casting their votes. Fernando Dias is expected to vote in this town. Citizens, however, remain committed to their desire to have a different economic climate and hope the results reflect that.

What you need to know

Candidates

Embalo is competing against 11 other candidates, including Fernando Dias, a relatively new figure in politics.

Right at his heels is 47-year-old Fernando Dias , backed by a powerful figure from the disqualified opposition leader, Domingos Simões Pereira, of PAIGC. This party led the country to independence in 1973.

Other contenders on the ballot include José Mário Vaz, who served as president from 2014 to 2020 and became the first post-independence leader to finish a full term. Baciro Dja, 52, a former defence minister who briefly occupied the prime minister’s office twice under President Vaz, first in 2015 and again in 2016.

Also in the race is 48-year-old Joao Bernardo Vieira, the namesake and nephew of Guinea-Bissau’s longest-serving president, who held power for most of the years between 1980 and 1999 and returned to office from 2005 to 2009.

The polls are expected to open at 7:00 am GMT and close at 5:00 pm GMT.

What citizens expect

During a conversation with Global South World's Abigail Johnson Boakye, a Bissau-Guinean journalist, Samba M. Baldé, shared that despite the hype around the upcoming elections, electorates seem to be less engaged as they are tired of slogans or manifestos and want real solutions.

"Engagement exists, but it's uneven because voters react to something that has certain benefits than to only promises, because for voters, when candidates fail to translate to voters their proposals into real impact or how they can really impact society , public interest quickly drops. ...But people are, for example, no longer satisfied with slogans. They want clear plans and measurable results in Guinea-Bissau," Samba said.

This concludes our live coverage of Chile’s 2025 general elections. With a highly competitive first round and no candidate securing the majority needed for an outright victory, the country now moves toward a runoff that will determine its next president. Follow Global South World for continued updates as Chile heads into a decisive second round.

23:30 GMT: Early results show tight race between Jara and Kast with 52% of votes counted

With 52% of the first-round ballots tallied, Jeannette Jara leads with 26% while José Antonio Kast follows closely with 24%. As no candidate reached the 50% threshold, Chile is headed toward a second-round showdown next month between two sharply contrasting political projects, one on the left and one on the right, if these results hold.

21:40 GMT: Vote counting begins across Chile.

Polling stations have started opening ballot boxes and tallying votes, kicking off the official counting process after the close of Chile’s election day.

21:20 GMT: Poll workers begin preparing ballot materials for the count.

21:00 GMT: Polling stations begin closing across Chile.

19:20 GMT: Former Interior Minister Carolina Tohá arrives at Estación Mapocho to cast her vote.

17:29 GMT: All eight presidential candidates have now cast their votes.

16:10 GMT: Jeannette Jara casts her vote as supporters celebrate outside the polling station.

Jeannette Jara, presidential candidate of the ruling left-wing coalition and member of the Communist Party, has cast her vote, drawing cheers and reactions from supporters gathered outside the polling station during Chile’s general election.

15:54 GMT: Candidate Jeannette Jara arrives to vote, greeted by supporters.

Presidential candidate Jeannette Jara has just arrived at her polling station, accompanied by supporters who gathered to back her as she casts her vote. Her arrival adds to the busy electoral atmosphere as Chile’s voting day continues.

14:50 GMT: Candidate Franco Parisi casts his vote, comments on Chile’s political divide.

After voting, presidential candidate Franco Parisi expressed his view on the election dynamics, stating: “The Communist candidate should be going through, and we to a second round, because of the division. At the last moment, people will realize that the far right harms Chile.” His remarks underline the tension and polarization present in today’s electoral process.

14:40 GMT: Jeannette Jara steps into election day with her dog and a suitcase in hand.

Seen leaving home accompanied by her dog and carrying a small suitcase, Jeannette Jara prepared for a long election day ahead. The moment added a casual, human touch to the political morning, drawing attention as candidates and officials begin to move across the country.

13:40 GMT: Candidate Evelyn Matthei emphasizes her record of cross-party teamwork.

After casting her vote, presidential candidate Evelyn Matthei highlighted her experience working across political lines, noting: “I have a long trajectory of working with all teams. When I was mayor, there were many people from the left with whom we worked very well.” Her message seeks to project cooperation and stability as key pillars of her candidacy.

13:30 GMT: Former President Bachelet urges unity: “May the next government build on all that came before”.

After casting her vote, ex-President Michelle Bachelet called for continuity and collaboration, urging the incoming administration to construct its legacy on the foundations laid by all previous governments. Her message resonates as a plea for unity amid a deeply polarized political environment.

13:10 GMT: Jose Antonio Kast, presidential candidate of the far-right Republican Party, votes in the presidential election.

He said that if he does not reach the second round, he will support a candidate who is not from the current government. He also added that if he does not win in the runoff, this will be the last election he takes part in.

13:00 GMT: Boric calls on Chileans to shape the country’s future through their vote.

After casting his ballot, President Gabriel Boric reminded voters of the profound meaning of democracy: “It is you, Chilean men and women, who determine the future of Chile. Each of you has the same right to choose, regardless of birthplace, wealth, or political idea — that is the essence of democracy expressed today.”

12:50 GMT: Johannes Kaiser, presidential candidate of the far-right National Libertarian Party, votes in the presidential election.

12:30 GMT: Global South Election Live

12:00 GMT: Boric arrives at the polls accompanied by his daughter

President Gabriel Boric has just shown up to cast his vote, walking into the polling station alongside his daughter — a symbolic moment that underscores both his personal commitment to the democratic process and the familial legacy at stake in today’s election.

11:30 GMT: Early turnout builds as Chileans head to the polls under mandatory voting rules

As voting gets underway across the country, Chileans are already arriving steadily at polling stations, driven in part by the country's mandatory voting system. In Chile's 2025 elections, all Chilean citizens are required to vote or face a financial penalty. The rule is designed to increase participation and ensure results that better reflect the full electorate. Exceptions apply for people who are ill, far from their polling place, abroad, or have a certified disability and foreign residents with voting rights are not subject to mandatory voting.

11:00 GMT: Chile’s polls open as voters begin a decisive day for the country’s political future.

09:35 GMT : What is at stake for Chile’s democracy

The 2025 election will determine whether Chile moves toward a renewed social-democratic model or shifts to a more conservative and security-driven agenda. The outcome will influence major policy debates: the role of the state in pensions and healthcare, the country’s response to inequality, its migration strategy and its long-term energy transition. With economic uncertainty and public dissatisfaction still high, voters are evaluating not only policies but also trust in political institutions.

Chile’s democratic resilience is also being tested. A fragmented Congress will likely force the next president—regardless of ideology—to negotiate complex alliances, raising concerns about governability. The election is therefore not only about leadership but about defining the country’s political direction after years of instability. Whichever candidate wins, they will face the challenge of restoring confidence in institutions and delivering credible reforms in a divided nation.

You can read more about the current state of its democracy here.

November 15, 19:13 GMT: Preparations and inspections are made for the election

Polls are expected to open at 8 am local time (11 am GMT) and close at 6 pm local time (9 pm GMT).

What to know

Overview of the eight candidates

The race features eight key contenders: Jeannette Jara, José Antonio Kast, Carolina Tohá, Evelyn Matthei, Franco Parisi, Ximena Rincón, Marco Enríquez-Ominami, and Rodolfo Carter. They present sharply different visions for Chile’s economic and political future.

On the left, Jeannette Jara proposes expanding social welfare, strengthening public healthcare and promoting labour rights. Carolina Tohá and Marco Enríquez-Ominami also support progressive taxation, gender equality initiatives and environmental transitions, aiming to respond to the social demands that emerged after the 2019 unrest.

On the right, José Antonio Kast leads a bloc prioritising security, strict immigration control and market-friendly reforms. Evelyn Matthei and Rodolfo Carter emphasise institutional modernisation, police reinforcement and incentives for private investment.

Meanwhile, centrist candidates such as Ximena Rincón and Franco Parisi promote technocratic reforms, public-private partnerships and economic stability. Together, the eight contenders reflect a fragmented electorate seeking both stability and significant political change.

Among the eight contenders, José Antonio Kast and Jeannette Jara have emerged as the leading candidates, representing the clearest ideological contrast in the race. Current polling and expert analysis suggest that neither is likely to secure an outright majority in the first round, making a second-round runoff the most probable scenario. You can see more about these candidates here.

Key issues in the election

Crime and immigration dominate voter concerns. According to an October poll by Activa, these issues rank highest among the electorate, followed by unemployment and healthcare. Although Chile has traditionally experienced lower violent crime rates than other countries in the region, recent increases in organised crime, theft, and corruption have shifted public perception.

“I had to install remote surveillance cameras [and] chain the tables, and on weekends I hired a security guard to help keep watch,” Leidy Paredes, a nightclub owner in Santiago, told The Associated Press.

In response to public pressure, all major candidates have proposed tough-on-crime policies. Kast and Kaiser have focused on punitive measures, while Jara has advocated expanding the prison system and improving border security using advanced technology.

The issue of immigration has also taken centre stage. Between 2018 and 2024, migration to Chile increased by 46.8%. Although the rate slowed between 2022 and 2024, candidates across the spectrum have addressed the topic. While Kast supports mass deportations, Jara has proposed a temporary registration system for undocumented migrants.

Chile's economic challenges are another significant issue. The country is experiencing an economic slowdown, with unemployment at approximately 9%—among the highest in Latin America. Candidates have presented various strategies to address affordability, with Jara focusing on wage increases and housing, and Kast proposing business incentives.

Voting and electoral context

Voter turnout is expected to be higher than in 2021, when only 47% of eligible voters participated. As of 2024, there are 15,450,377 registered voters in Chile.

The November 16 vote will also determine the composition of the legislature, with all 155 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 23 out of 50 Senate seats up for election.

Jeannette Jara is currently projected to win the first round by a narrow margin. However, if she proceeds to the runoff, she may face a consolidated right-wing challenge.

Historical background

Chile enters the 2025 presidential election after a turbulent political decade marked by social unrest, constitutional debates and growing public frustration with inequality and insecurity. The 2019 protests revealed deep structural tensions, pushing issues such as pensions, healthcare, wages and public services to the centre of national debate. Although the constitutional reform process ultimately failed twice, it changed the political landscape and intensified demands for long-term reforms.

At the same time, crime and migration have become top voter concerns, reshaping political narratives across the spectrum. The return to mandatory voting is expected to bring millions of additional voters to the polls, potentially altering traditional turnout patterns. With eight candidates and no clear majority, analysts widely expect the election to move into a second round, where alliances and negotiation will become decisive. You can read more about Chile’s historical political context here .

This concludes our coverage of the October 29 elections in Tanzania, where incumbent leader President Samia Suluhu Hassan prepares to begin a fresh five-year term amid growing unrest and violence. Follow Global South World's official social media pages for more post-election updates from Tanzania.

Hassan declared winner by 98%

Tanzania's electoral commission declared on Saturday that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had won, with nearly 98% of the votes, an election that set off violent protests across the country this week.

The result hands Hassan, who took power in 2021 after the death in office of her predecessor, a five-year term to govern the East African country of 68 million people.

Protests erupted during Wednesday's vote for president and parliament, with some demonstrators tearing down banners of Hassan and setting fire to government buildings and police firing tear gas and gunshots, according to witnesses.

Demonstrators are angry about the electoral commission's exclusion of Hassan's two biggest challengers from the race and what they described as widespread repression.

Tanzania's main opposition party said on Friday that hundreds of people had been killed in the protests, while the U.N. human rights office said credible reports indicated at least 10 people were killed in three cities.

The government dismissed the opposition's death toll as "hugely exaggerated" and has rejected criticism of its human rights record.

Reuters could not independently verify casualty figures.

COMMISSION SAYS TURNOUT WAS 87%

The electoral commission said that Hassan received more than 31.9 million votes, or 97.66% of the total, with turnout nearing 87% of the country's 37.6 million registered voters.

Turnout appeared low on election day, according to witnesses, with some polling stations disrupted by the protests.

The Tanzanian authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew for the past three nights and restricted access to the internet.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo on Friday denied allegations that security services had used excessive force, saying there had only been a "very few small pockets of incidents" caused by criminal elements.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, called "for a thorough and impartial investigation into all allegations of excessive use of force" and deplored the loss of life.

RECENT CRITICISM FOR HASSAN

Hassan, 65, won praise after taking office in 2021 from predecessor John Magufuli for easing repression that increased under his tenure but has more recently faced criticism from opposition parties and activists after a series of arrests and alleged abductions of opponents.

She has denied allegations of widespread rights abuses. Last year, she said she had ordered an investigation into reports of abductions, but no official findings have been released.

During the campaign, she touted accomplishments expanding road and railway networks and increasing power generation capacity.

The main opposition party CHADEMA had called for protests during the election, which it said amounted to a "coronation".

CHADEMA was disqualified in April from the election after it refused to sign a code of conduct, and its leader Tundu Lissu was charged with treason.

The commission also disqualified the candidate for opposition party ACT-Wazalendo, leaving only minor parties to take on Hassan.

Violence breaks out in Tanzania's biggest city

Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, descended into chaos on Wednesday, October 29, as protests broke out during the country’s general elections.

Demonstrators clashed with police, reportedly setting a police station ablaze and damaging public property.

A video by Viory showed a column of smoke rising over the city. The protests, led by opposition supporters, called for political reforms and transparency in the electoral process.

Police used tear gas to disperse crowds, and authorities have imposed a curfew. Internet disruptions were also reported nationwide.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, expected to secure re-election, has faced accusations of stifling dissent after key opposition candidates were disqualified. Human rights groups have condemned recent crackdowns on free speech and political activity.

Ballots destroyed and officials flee as protests escalate

Reports from local sources describe ballots being destroyed and scattered on the streets as protests intensified. Election officials allegedly abandoned polling stations amid the unrest, raising further doubts about the credibility of the electoral process and the government’s ability to maintain control.

Police stations torched in Dar es Salaam and Arusha

Protesters burned police stations in both Dar es Salaam and Arusha, and a police patrol vehicle was also set alight in Dar es Salaam. The attacks on security infrastructure signal rising anger on the streets and a growing breakdown of public order.

Defiance on the streets as protests continue despite curfew

Demonstrations persist across Tanzania even after police enforced a nationwide curfew. Crowds have defied restrictions, demanding accountability and transparency following the country’s disputed election.

Influx of wounded patients at Muhimbili Hospital

Muhimbili National Hospital is witnessing an influx of injured patients following post-election violence across the city, hospital sources told the BBC. The surge in casualties comes as protesters took to the streets demanding electoral reforms and the restoration of free political activity. Demonstrators set vehicles ablaze and damaged public infrastructure in various parts of Dar es Salaam, prompting a swift response from authorities.

Tanzania’s police chief, Camillus Wambura, imposed a citywide curfew starting from 6:00 p.m. local time (15:00 GMT), urging residents to remain indoors. No end date for the curfew has been provided.

Dar es Salaam’s Regional Commissioner, Alfred Chalamila, warned earlier that the government would take firm action against anyone disturbing public order. Protests were also reported in other parts of the country, including Mbeya and Tunduma. “We are tired,” a protester told the BBC. “We want an independent electoral commission so that every Tanzanian can choose the leader they want.”

Opposition suppression, new promises, chaos – Tanzania’s incumbent president readies for another term?

Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), are widely expected to secure another term in office, as the country has wrapped up the nationwide vote.

But the path to re-election has been marked by the suppression of opposition voices, raising new concerns over the country’s democratic course.

Now there are widespread demonstrations across the country following the close of polls.

President Samia, who took office in 2021 following the death of former leader John Magufuli, is seeking her first full term. Since then, she has positioned herself as a reformer and bridge-builder, especially in  international  circles, but at home, her government has been criticised for systematically sidelining opposition figures and dissent. Read more .

US Embassy issues security alert over post election unrest

The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania has issued a security alert to American citizens and embassy staff following reports of demonstrations and unrest in several parts of the country after the elections.

According to the advisory, Tanzanian police have imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam beginning at 6:00 p.m. on October 29, as security forces respond to protests in multiple locations. The embassy warned that the situation remains fluid, with reports of ongoing demonstrations and an increased security presence across major cities.

The embassy instructed U.S. government personnel to shelter in place at their residences and announced that, for October 30, operations at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam will be limited to emergency consular services only.

Social media reactions to curfew, alleged internet shutdown in Tanzania

Many Tanzanian netizens are reporting difficulties accessing platforms like X without resorting to VPNs. Digital rights commentators say these shutdowns curtail freedom of expression and limit democratic dialogue. For example, scholars warn that internet blackouts reduce the available space for political debate, activist organising, and citizen oversight. Some social media users are expressing frustration and fear - citing that restrictions may signal an attempt to limit dissent ahead of election results.

Unrest spreads across Tanzania as protests turn violent

In the hours following the vote, Tanzania has descended into turmoil.

Protesters have taken to the streets, torching buildings and destroying property in several regions, as anger over the electoral process intensifies. Police forces have been deployed nationwide, attempting to contain the chaos and restore order. But with demonstrations spreading and communication networks disrupted, the scale of unrest now threatens to overshadow the very legitimacy of Tanzania’s election.

President Samia cast her vote, urged Tanzanians to turn out peacefully

President Samia Suluhu Hassan began the day by expressing gratitude to Almighty God after joining fellow citizens of Chamwino to cast her vote. The Head of State described it as “a blessed morning,” commending the sense of unity and civic responsibility shown by voters who turned up early across the country.

President Samia encouraged all Tanzanians to continue turning out in large numbers to vote peacefully and calmly, noting that millions had already participated in an orderly manner. She emphasized that maintaining peace and stability during the election process was vital to strengthening democracy and ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard.

Silence and tension mark Tanzania’s election day

In Tanzania, the right to vote has collided with the struggle to be heard.

As the country heads to the polls, violent clashes and an internet blackout have plunged the electoral process into uncertainty. Reports from local media describe streets under tight security, opposition leaders detained, and voters struggling to access information or communicate online. With most social networks blocked and news outlets operating under pressure, Tanzania’s election unfolds in a climate of fear and silence - one where the flow of information may prove as decisive as the vote itself.

Tanzania’s 2025 elections face a crisis of information control 

In Tanzania today, truth itself has become a battleground.

As the country approaches its general elections on October 29, 2025, it is not the ballot box but the control of information that may decide the nation’s future. Across newsrooms, churches, and social media, fear and censorship are reshaping the space for public debate and democracy.

Over recent years, the government has steadily tightened control over what citizens can read, post, or even discuss. Key online platforms once central to public conversation -Twitter (now X), Clubhouse, Telegram, and the influential Tanzanian forum JamiiForums - have been  blocked or restricted. Read more here .

Elections without opposition?

As Tanzanians prepare to vote in presidential, parliamentary, and local elections on Wednesday, October 29, much of the opposition has been pushed to the margins, with leading parties boycotting the race and several candidates disqualified or silenced.

The election is officially set to feature 17 presidential contenders, but only one, incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), enjoys national recognition and institutional backing. 

The imbalance has prompted critics to question whether the poll represents a genuine democratic contest or simply a formality to extend CCM’s near five-decade rule. More here .

Blind political loyalty 

In Tanzania, as in many African democracies, politics has become less about reform and more about political loyalty. 

Politics in Tanzania is now less about policy and more about belonging – cheering for a team instead of striving for better governance. And when loyalty overshadows ideas, meaningful change disappears.

Once political identity becomes part of who we are – “I am CCM” or “I am Chadema” –  the goal shifts. People stop comparing policies and start defending their side while attacking the other. Political scientists call this  affective polarisation :  when people become emotionally attached to one camp and hostile toward another, no matter the issues. More here .

Controversial promises ahead of the elections

As Tanzanians vote in the 2025 general election, the campaign period closed with promises made over the past two months taking centre stage – some attracting attention for their controversy. The October 29 polls will elect the president, members of the National Assembly, and ward councillors. Campaigning officially began on 28 August and has been marked less by policy debate than by a series of unconventional pledges that have sparked both amusement and debate. While some of these promises appear light-hearted, analysts  suggest  their prominence reflects the limited participation of major opposition figures in this year’s race. Read more here .

Tanzania heads to the polls today in a high-stakes vote that could cement the ruling CCM party’s seven-decade grip on power.

With opposition candidates sidelined by arrests and intimidation, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appears poised to secure another term amid calls for fair competition and political reform.

Meet the candidates for next Tanzanian president

Over 37 million Tanzanian voters head to the polls today to select their new leader under a tense political climate marked by limited media access and growing state control.

Who among them will prevail?

Polls opened at 4 am GMT and closed at 1 pm GMT — vote counting is underway, and results will be made public within three days, according to the election commission.

BACKGROUND

Post-election protests turn violent

Violent protests broke out in Tanzania's biggest city, Dar es Salaam, on Wednesday during an election, President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to win following the disqualification of the leading opposition candidates.

Internet service was disrupted across the country, monitor group NetBlocks said, as unverified videos of young protesters throwing rocks at security forces and a petrol station in flames circulated on social media.

Hundreds of protesters were marching towards the Selander Bridge that leads to Dar es Salaam's centre, said a witness who asked not to be named.

Witnesses reported violent protests in at least four neighbourhoods of Dar es Salaam, while video from BBC Swahili showed police using tear gas to disperse protesters in another part of the city.

Who’s in

The incumbent president and the first woman to lead Tanzania, Suluhu Hassan has years of experience in government and initially projected herself as a moderate reformer. Running with Emmanuel Nchimbi as her vice-presidential candidate, she remains the dominant political figure in the race. Her strongest potential challengers, particularly from the Chadema opposition party, have been weakened by systematic state pressure. Opposition leaders have faced legal restrictions, arrests, and in some cases, violent intimidation. This has left Tanzania’s political opposition fragmented and largely unable to mount an effective national campaign.

Masoud, the former First Vice President of Zanzibar, has emerged as the main opposition figure in the campaign. Known for his legal background and measured political style, he has positioned himself as a reformist voice advocating for stronger governance , youth empowerment, and greater autonomy for Zanzibar within the union.

Although the National Electoral Commission reportedly barred his candidacy earlier this year, ACT Wazalendo continued to campaign with him as its symbolic presidential representative, drawing significant crowds, particularly in Zanzibar. His prominence underscores the frustration among opposition supporters over shrinking political space.

Kadege’s campaign centres on youth employment and vocational training, aiming to expand opportunities for young Tanzanians.

Mulumbe advocates for the use of satellite technology to boost sectors like agriculture, mining , and justice, and supports introducing dual citizenship to strengthen economic ties.

Mwiru focuses on agricultural reform, proposing zonal markets, fixed crop and livestock prices, and 24-hour access to essential public services.

Who’s out

Much of the opposition in Tanzania has been pushed to the margins in the presidential, parliamentary and local elections, with leading parties boycotting the race and several candidates disqualified or silenced.

The election is officially set to feature 17 presidential contenders, but only one, incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), enjoys national recognition and institutional backing.

The imbalance has prompted critics to question whether the poll represents a genuine democratic contest or simply a formality to extend CCM’s near five-decade rule.

Tanzania’s two largest opposition parties, CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo, are not taking part after accusing the government of orchestrating a systematic crackdown on dissent. Several of their key leaders have been barred from running, while others face ongoing court cases or arbitrary detention.

In April, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disqualified CHADEMA’s presidential candidate on what the party described as “manufactured technicalities.” International news agency Reuters later confirmed that other opposition figures were similarly struck off ballots at local and parliamentary levels.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have reported a “climate of fear”, citing arbitrary arrests, media restrictions, and enforced disappearances in the lead-up to the vote.

“Authorities have intensified repression ahead of the elections, instilling fear among activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens,” Amnesty said in an October report.

When Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, she was initially praised for loosening restrictions on the opposition and reopening civic space. But over time, that image has faded.

Opposition activists say the state has perfected a softer, procedural form of authoritarianism — one that relies less on overt violence and more on bureaucratic obstacles, judicial harassment, and control of the media landscape.

What’s at stake

Beyond the political contest, Tanzanians continue to grapple with everyday struggles; unreliable electricity, water shortages, unemployment, and poor healthcare.

Still, many voters feel there is little space for genuine alternatives, with the ruling party dominating the political narrative and state machinery.

Dearth of information

There are 17 candidates, but reliable information about most of them remains scarce. The campaign has been dominated by the ruling party’s candidate, while smaller contenders have struggled to gain visibility in a political environment marked by limited media access and growing state control.

The political climate is tense, with reports of repression, arrests, and intimidation targeting opposition figures. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, entered power promising reform and reconciliation. However, critics argue that her government has since tightened its grip on the political system, leaving little room for genuine competition.

While smaller candidates remain part of the electoral process, there is very little publicly available information about most of them, and their campaigns receive limited coverage, giving them minimal capacity to challenge CCM’s entrenched dominance. Their participation, however, serves as a reminder of Tanzania’s multi-party structure, one that exists more in form than in genuine political balance.

This concludes our live coverage of the October 25 Côte d’Ivoire elections. Vote counting is currently in progress. Follow Global South World for further updates as we await the official results from the Independent Electoral Commission.

18:05 GMT: Polls close in Côte d'Ivoire presidential election, with Ouattara eyeing a fourth term amid global scrutiny.

17:14 GMT: Polls are expected to close at 18:00 GMT

16:40 GMT: Ballot boxes have been destroyed and electoral materials vandalized in several polling stations in the sub-prefecture of Zaguiéta, particularly in Biegon, Dianoufla, Tofla, Bounantinfla, and Banonfla.

15:42 GMT: The CEI provisionally bans polling stations from the media

15:36 GMT: Presidential Candidate and sitting president Alassane Ouattara addresses the media after casting his vote

15:30 GMT: Electoral Observers monitor the voting process across several polling stations.

14:03 GMT: Presidential candidates Jean-Louis Billon and Henriette Lagou cast their votes. 60-year-old Louis Billon served as minister under President Ouattara’s first two terms. First as Minister of Trade, Crafts and SME between 2012 and 2016 and then as Minister of Commerce from 2016 to 2017. Alongside Jacqueline-Claire Kouangoua, Lagou, 66, a well-known advocate for women's rights and a former minister under former President Gbagbo, was one of the first two women to run for president of Côte d'Ivoire in the 2015 presidential election.

13:40 GMT : At a polling station of the Lycee Saint-Marie de Cocody in Abidjan, presidential candidate Ahoua Don Mello casts his ballot

13:27 GMT: The entire country is set up to enable "voters to exercise their right to vote in complete safety," says Ivorian Minister of the Interior, Vagondo Diomande

12:40 GMT : Members of the Ivorian diaspora gathered at polling stations in Paris to vote. Footage captured officials from the Independent Electoral Commission assisting voters amid large crowds both inside and outside the venue. One voter described participating as a civic duty.

12:15 GMT :  83-year-old President Ouattara, seeking a fourth consecutive term, votes alongside his wife Dominique Ouattara at a polling station at the Lycee Saint-Marie de Cocody in Abidjan

12:07 GMT: Simone Gbagbo, candidate of the Movement of Skilled Generations and wife of former President Laurent Gbagbo, casts her vote at a polling station inside a school in Abidjan

12:00 GMT : 5 hours since polls were officially opened, although voting at most centres commenced later than the stipulated time, polls are expected to officially be closed by 18:00 GMT , according to the CEI.

11:52 GMT : Ivorian women's rights advocate Laetitia Carelle Goli urges the new administration to put women's rights first, create a framework to stop femicide, and open up public space

10:43 GMT: Will Ivorians choose continuity or change at the polls today?

10:05 GMT: 3 hours after polls opened, voting continues smoothly with no reports of violence or electoral malpractice. The first voters have already cast their ballots.

9:26 GMT: Polls open in neighbouring West African countries as Ivorian expats vote at foreign embassies

8:58 GMT: Representatives of the African Union and ECOWAS visit first polling station

8:15 GMT: The ghost of 2020: Will Ivory Coast avoid another election crisis?

Many Ivorians are haunted by memories of 2020, a year that reignited violent divisions, cost dozens of lives, and cast a long shadow over the country’s democratic future. Today, the same patterns are emerging again: disputed candidacies, allegations of a corrupted voter list, arrests of protestors and journalists, and a president pushing past term limits.

“People are supposed to be in the streets for three or four days until the guy changes position...But some people are afraid,” an Ivorian journalist told Global South World .

7:44 GMT: Ivorians in France queue in their numbers at the Embassy to cast their votes

7:11 GMT: Over 66 African Union observers have been deployed to witness the election

7:00 GMT: Polls open across various polling centres nationwide as voters line up to cast their ballots

00:22 GMT: Electoral materials at one of the polling station storage facilities a few hours prior to the opening of polling stations on election day

22:44 GMT October 24: A computer programmer responsible for managing the server for publishing Côte d'Ivoire’s presidential election results on Abidjan.net was urgently summoned by the Presidency’s communication unit after an error revealed details of a prearranged plan allegedly linked to President Alassane Dramane Ouattara. The mistake occurred when the programmer entered Friday, October 24, 2025, instead of Saturday, October 25, 2025, the official election date. Following the incident, Ouattara reportedly contacted the president of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) for clarification regarding the error.

19:42 GMT October 24: On the eve of the presidential election, the president of Côte d’Ivoire’s Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), Coulibaly-Kuibiert Ibrahime, addressed the nation, urging citizens to exercise their civic duty with calm, discipline, and confidence

17:55 GMT October 24: Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice-President of Nigeria and Head of the Joint ECOWAS-African Union Election Observation Mission (EOM), meets with President Ouattara.

Prof. Osinbajo also held a series of meetings from 21 to 23 October in Abidjan with key electoral stakeholders, including Ivorian officials, political party representatives, African ambassadors, and ECOWAS observers. He met with members of the Independent Electoral Commission, the Constitutional Council, and other national institutions to assess the electoral process and security preparations.

Polls are expected to open at 07:00 GMT and close at 18:00 GMT across all polling stations.

What you need to know

The vote comes at a time when the country is balancing rapid economic growth with persistent political divisions, and the outcome could redefine both its democratic trajectory and its regional role.

At the centre of this year’s race is President Alassane Ouattara, who has led the country since 2011. His  decision  to seek a fourth term has reignited debate over constitutional limits and political succession. Supporters argue that his leadership has brought stability and economic progress, while critics say his continued presence risks undermining democratic norms in a country still haunted by memories of the 2010–2011 post-electoral crisis, which left thousands dead.

Electoral system and voter roll

Under Côte d’Ivoire’s two-round electoral system, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright. If no one achieves that threshold, the top two contenders advance to a runoff.

Over 20,000 polling stations are expected nationwide; however, questions remain about voter registration accuracy and access for displaced or rural populations.

When will the results be announced?

The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) is managing the process and is expected to release provisional results within five days, after which the Constitutional Council will certify the final outcome.

Who’s on the ballot — and who isn’t

The final candidate list has been sharply reduced after the electoral court validated just five contenders out of roughly sixty submissions. Among those cleared to run are Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, the former first lady, and several lesser-known opposition figures.

However, two of the most prominent figures,  Laurent Gbagbo , the former president, and  Tidjane Thiam,  ex-Credit Suisse CEO, have been barred from contesting. Authorities cited legal and nationality issues, but the disqualifications have deepened claims that the political space is being narrowed. Both men command significant popular support, and their exclusion could shape voter turnout and legitimacy perceptions.

High stakes for democracy

For many Ivorians, this election is not only about leadership but also about trust in the democratic process. The  2020 vote  was marred by boycotts and sporadic violence, and observers fear similar tensions if opposition candidates or their supporters feel sidelined. With the memory of past unrest still vivid, maintaining peace will be a critical challenge for the government and security forces.

Economic backdrop

Côte d’Ivoire’s election also matters beyond its borders. The country is a major economic hub and the  world’s top cocoa producer,  serving as a bellwether for West Africa’s political and economic health. A credible and peaceful election would reinforce investor confidence and regional stability. Conversely, a disputed process could add to the wave of uncertainty already rippling across the sub-region, where coups and contested polls have become more common.

While the government touts strong GDP growth and major infrastructure projects, many Ivorians remain frustrated by rising living costs and persistent unemployment, particularly among youth. Rural voters, especially in cocoa-producing areas, have voiced concerns about uneven development and limited access to basic services. For them, the election represents a chance to push for policies that feel more inclusive and grounded in daily realities.

These socioeconomic issues could ultimately drive voter sentiment more than partisan loyalty. Whoever wins will inherit the task of balancing investment-driven growth with equitable development, in a country where prosperity and inequality often coexist uneasily.

Ivorians are hoping this election can consolidate two decades of hard-won peace and stability.

This concludes our live coverage of the October 12, 2025, Cameroon elections. Polls have been closed for over 4 hours across various centres in the country as vote counting continues. According to reports, the Constitutional Council will declare the official outcome by October 26.

21:08 GMT+1 : 3 hours after polls closed, vote counting still continues across the various polling stations

20:39 GMT+1 : At Buea's St. Therese Nursery and Primary School, where the results from all ten polling places have not yet been signed, dozens of voters are still camped out. According to reports, officials have offered opposition representatives blank sheets to sign instead of allowing them to sign result sheets. Voters declare that until the results are signed, they will not depart.

19:25 GMT+1 : Half an hour after polls close, reports of voter exclusion in multiple polling centres surface, casting doubt on vote counting transparency

18:00 GMT+1: Voting ends. Counting — and waiting — begins for the people of Cameroon.

17:30 GMT+1 : Unofficial results from overseas polling stations show Issa Tchiroma Bakary securing a sizable lead over other contenders. Counts that have been reported so far were from Saudi Arabia, Kenya and UAE.

17:00 GMT+1: Cameroon National Citizens’ Movement candidate Jacques Bouhga Hagbe keys in his vote at the Government Bilingual Primary School Essos voting centre in Yaounde. He ran on a platform of solving Cameroon's economic woes, considering his experience as an economist with the International Monetary Fund.

16:50 GMT+1 : UNIVERSE party's Akere Muna Tabeng votes at the Government Bilingual Primary School Bastos in Yaounde. His candidacy had been cut short when he decided to back Bouba weeks before the election in an attempt to front a "consensus candidate" against Biya.

16:40 GMT+1 : Allegations of electoral fraud and ghost voters are swirling online. This is crucial in a country that has been described by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems as practicing "electoral autocracy," or when a government conducts elections regularly but fails to meet standards for democracy, freedom and fairness.

16:30 GMT+1: Situation in voting stations abroad, as some voters allege irregularities and rue strict rules at the embassy.

16:20 GMT+1 : Presidential bet Cabral Libii Li Ngue Ngue of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation casts his vote. A former journalist, Libii is a member of the Cameroonian parliament and is one of the youngest candidates at 45.

15:10 GMT+1 : Hiram Iyodi, the youngest presidential candidate this year at 38, casts his ballot in New Bell, Douala II Municipality. Running under the banner of the Cameroonian Democrats Front, Iyodi brings youth to the presidential race, whose median age is nearly 60.

14:50 GMT+1 : Lone female contender Hermine Njoya casts her vote at Njinka Public School in Foumban. Her candidacy marks only the third time a female has eyed the highest government position in Cameroon.

14:20 GMT+1: Presidential candidate Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front votes at Lycée Joss in Douala. At 56 years old, Osih is one of the leaders of Cameroon's main opposition party. He is also the first Anglophone Cameroonian to serve as a Parliamentarian in Douala, the country's economic capital.

14:10 GMT+1 : Voters share their experiences and hopes after casting their votes. More than 8 million have registered to vote this year, which equates to less than 30% of Cameroon's 29 million population.

13:50 GMT+1 : Lawyer and politician Maurice Kamto casts his vote. He had been widely considered the strongest challenger to Biya but was excluded from this year's list of candidates after his party, the Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon, fell into disarray due to internal disputes that led to rival endorsements.

13:20 GMT+1 : Donning his signature blue suit, longtime President Paul Biya, who is also in the running this year, casts his vote at a polling station in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon. Biya is accompanied by his wife, Chantal.

13:00 GMT+1: Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary of the Cameroon National Salvation Front votes in Garoua. A former Biya ally, the 76-year-old former Cameroonian employment chief is seen as one of the most formidable opposition figures in the election, with a number of political parties backing his candidacy.

12:50 GMT+1: Presidential candidate Cabral Libii sounds the alarm over an alleged election violence incident in Hile Alifa B Public School, where a mayor supposedly smashed the phone of a representative from the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation, who "opposes fraud."

11:20 GMT+1 : Opposition candidate Bella Bouba Maigari seals his vote at the polling station in Bascheo. A former Cameroonian prime minister, Bouba has had a close relationship with Biya, until he resigned in June to launch his candidacy against the incumbent leader. He is considered to have one of the strongest chances to topple Biya as candidates Akere Muna and Ateki Seta Caxton both withdrew from the race to back him.

11:20 GMT+1 : Bernard Okalia Bilai, the governor of Cameroon's southwest region, casts his vote. Bilai has been a key figure in managing the conflict between the country's Anglophone and Francophone regions, as well as in addressing separatist movements.

11:15 GMT+1 : Presidential candidate Serge Espoir Matomba of the United People for Social Renovation party casts his vote.

11:00 GMT+1: Reports from the ground indicate less than favorable weather conditions hounding Cameroon's elections. Despite this, no changes are expected or have been announced by the Elecam.

09:30 GMT+1: Biya is expected to vote today at the Government Bilingual Primary School Bastos in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde. He is registered there with his wife, Chantal Biya. 

08:00 GMT+1: Cameroon officially begins one of the most consequential elections in its history. Polling precincts will be open until 6 p.m. for the more than 8 million voters to cast their ballots.

Last-minute support for Biya, Tchiroma

Hours before polls opened, both President Paul Biya and opposition contender Issa Tchiroma secured crucial last-minute endorsements, as several political groups from across Cameroon’s spectrum declared their backing.

Tchiroma, one of the opposition’s “consensus candidates” running under the Cameroon National Salvation Front, gained the support of seven more parties after they withdrew their endorsement of the lone female contender, Hermine Njoya, on the evening of October 11.

“We believe he has genuinely repented and now embodies the change Cameroonians seek,” coalition spokesperson Shewa Jestel said.

But the endorsement underscored divisions within the opposition. The coalition criticised fellow opposition candidate Bella Bouba — also a former Biya ally — calling him an “extension of the regime.” Bouba had earlier won the backing of Akere Muna and Ateki Seta Caxton, who both pulled out of the race to support him.

Biya also drew fresh backing from 48 political parties, bolstering his push for another seven-year term — one that would extend his rule to half a century.

Cameroon warns opposition against ‘illegal’ election result announcements

Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, warned that any attempt by opposition candidates to independently publish election results will be treated as “high treason” and will be addressed through “retaliatory measures.” 

Nji made the remarks on Friday, 2 days before the October 12 vote.

Background

ELECAM, Cameroon's independent electoral body, reports that 8,010,464 voters, including 3,716,567 women and 4,293,897 men, are eligible to cast ballots at 31,653 polling stations.

34,411 out of the total registered voters are citizens abroad, dispersed across 108 polling stations.

Contenders and outcasts

This year’s election pits Biya against 11 candidates, drawn from a record 81 hopefuls. The Constitutional Court disqualified several bids, including that of Hilaire Marcaire Dzipan of the Progressive Movement (MP), whose initial approval by the election body was later revoked.

Another major exclusion was Maurice Kamto of the Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon, widely regarded as Biya’s strongest challenger. Kamto, who came second in 2018 with 14% of the vote to Biya’s 71%, was barred from running.

Last month, the divided opposition pulled together behind two former ministers: Bello Bouba Maigari, once prime minister, and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former employment chief. Both men were once allies of President Paul Biya, the 92-year-old who is seeking an eighth term that would extend his rule into its 50th year. Despite questions about the integrity of the vote, Biya remains among the leading contenders.

Bouba’s candidacy is backed by the UNIVERSE Party and the Liberal Alliance Party (PAL), alongside his own National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP). Tchiroma, meanwhile, has won support from other opposition figures, including Anicet Ekane of the Manidem Party.

Consolidation has long been seen as key to unseating Biya. Yet the loose unity now emerging has also raised concerns: rather than concentrating support, two northern candidates may divide it.

“Both say they will fight corruption and introduce structural reforms, but their strongest attribute seems to be their origins,” Cameroonian journalist Tony Vinyoh told Global South World. “They’re both from Cameroon’s three northern regions, the biggest voting bloc in the country. That has also led to fears they’ll split the vote and offer Biya victory.”

Bouba’s coalition only came together after Akere Muna and Seta Carson withdrew their own candidacies to back him. It is the first serious attempt in years to rally the opposition behind one figure after repeated failures to find a consensus.

The following candidates have been confirmed and validated for the October 12 vote:

Paul Biya (Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement)

Ateki Seta Caxton (Alliance Liberal Party)

Bella Bouba Magari (National Union for Democracy and Progress)

Jacques Bougha Hagbe (Cameroon National Citizen Movement)

Issa Tchiroma Bakary (Cameroon National Salvation Front)

Hiram Samuel Iyodi (Cameroonian Democrats Front)

Pierre Kwemo (Union of Socialist Movements)

Cabral Libii Li Ngue Ngue (Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation)

Serge Espoir Matomba (United People for Social Renovation)

Akere Tabeng Muna (Independent)

Joshua Nambangi Osih (Social Democratic Front)

Hermine Patricia Tomaino Epse Ndam Njoya (Cameroon Democratic Union)

Since the list’s release in July, the race has shifted. Akere and Seta have withdrawn to back Bouba, one of the leading opposition figures to have consolidated support. Another contender, Tchiroma, secured backing from the Manidem Party.

Both Bouba and Tchiroma are now seen as the top opposition candidates.

Biya’s dominance

To grasp the scale of Biya’s dominance, one must look to Cameroon’s history.

Biya is only the country’s second president, succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo, who led from independence in 1960 until resigning in 1982. Ahidjo’s decision to appoint Biya as his successor backfired when the new president later had him tried and sentenced to death — a penalty later commuted to life imprisonment.

Cameroon has never held a presidential election without Biya on the ballot. In 1984, he ran unopposed when Cameroon was still a one-party state. When multiparty elections were introduced in 1992, Biya won with 40% — his narrowest margin. His vote share has not fallen below 70% since.

The world's oldest president, Cameroon's Paul Biya, is chasing an eighth seven-year term. But, there's a renewed opposition blocking his way.

Here’s how Biya won in all the elections he has participated in:

1984 - 100% of votes

1992 - 39.98% of votes

1997 - 92.57% of votes

2004 - 70.92% of votes

2011 - 77.99% of votes

2018 - 71.28% of votes

However, these numbers aren’t to be taken at face value. Nearly all elections have been mired in allegations of vote-rigging. As the International Crisis Group noted, “Given the likely magnitude of the election irregularities, it is almost impossible to determine what percentage of the vote each candidate really won.”

Cameroonian journalist Tony Vinyoh said such allegations have deepened public mistrust in the process.

“People don't trust the process,” he told Global South World. “I’ve talked to some parents, and they don't even want to register their kids.”

Out of a population of 28.3 million, only 8.2 million are registered to vote. Turnout has steadily declined: from 80% in 2004 to 68% in 2011, and just 54% in 2018, according to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

What’s at stake

For many, the October vote is about more than leadership — it’s about ending a culture that stifles dissent, discourages meritocracy, and sustains political dynasties as enduring as Biya’s.

“Stability, in Cameroon’s current context, is a deeply misleading term,” Cameroonian journalist Amindeh Atabong wrote in his column for Global South World. “It masks the profound erosion of civil liberties , the stifling of political dissent, and the lack of political will to reform electoral norms in order to sustain one man’s grip on power.”

Cameroon’s population is young, but its leadership is ageing. As problems in education, infrastructure, and the economy deepen, public frustration grows.

“People are worried about the state of their roads, the standards of education. There are parents who are worried about feeding their kids and sending them to school. They are worried about the training they will get in university and whether the training will be useful,” he said.

Elections like that of October 12 give Cameroon the appearance of democracy, but many say the reality remains far removed from its promise.

“Cameroon holds regular elections. It maintains a multiparty system. It boasts a constitutional council and an independent electoral body. But these structures have been hollowed out, their purpose repurposed to preserve a singular political dynasty. There is no viable path to power that doesn’t first pass through the gate Biya has locked shut,” Atabong said.

“Unless opposition leaders find a way to unify, unless citizens reclaim the democratic space stolen from them, Biya’s eighth term will not be his last.”

As Cameroonians prepare to cast their votes, the stakes extend far beyond the ballot box. The election has become a reckoning with decades of stagnation — a test of whether a new generation can reclaim the promise of democracy from the world’s oldest ruler, or whether the familiar machinery of power will once again tighten its hold.

14:33 GMT: Malawians are waiting to find out who their next president will be as polls have closed in most parts of the country and counting has started.

Thousands of people are still queued outside polling stations to vote for a president, MPs and local councillors, keenly hoping to effect change in a country swamped by economic troubles. Some are still voting in areas where polling started late.

14:25 GMT: Malawi Defense Force soldiers have apprehended and handed over to Police a man who was wearing military uniform and was causing havoc around polling centers at Chimwala in Mangochi.

14:03 GMT: Vote counting begins in most centre

13:11 GMT: Polls will close in less than an hour

13:06 GMT: Former President Bakili Muluzi speaks to the media after casting his vote.

12:57 GMT: President Chakwera casts his vote while citizens share their expectations.

11:52 GMT: Voters detect some electoral malpractices

11:50 GMT: Opposition leader and former president Peter Mutharika casts his vote

11:48 GMT: 57% of registered voters have voted so far

8:11 GMT: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, has expressed satisfaction with voter turnout at polling centres monitored by Commissioners and staff.

She, however, reminded Malawians who have not yet voted to take advantage of the remaining hours before polls close at 4 p.m. today.

“We continue appealing to every voter to go and vote because it is their right,” said Mtalimanja.

7:24 GMT: Voting ongoing in the west of the capital, Lilongwe, Malawi.

5:29 GMT: Press briefing by the Malawi Electoral Commission

5:19 GMT: 'We don’t expect any candidate to pass 50%', Malawi political scientist says

Speaking to  Global South  World, a Malawian political scientist, Wonderful Mkhutche, said the mood on the ground is far less enthusiastic than in past elections. “People are excited to vote, but when it comes to thinking about the country beyond the elections, there’s not much hope among most voters,” he observed.

5:10 GMT: Smartmatic technology having some challenges in verifying voters in some parts of the country.

5:03 GMT: Vice President Michael Usi casts his vote at Mamatete Primary School in Blantyre Michiru-Chirimba Constituency

4:53 GMT: Polls open as voters wait in line to cast their votes for the President, Members of Parliament and Councillors in the Lilongwe Council.

Polls are expected to open at 04:00 GMT and close at 16:00 GMT across all polling stations in all 3 regions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

History

Malawi was under the rule of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) from independence in 1964 until the country held its first multi-party elections in 1994.

Since then, power has shifted among several parties, including the United Democratic Front, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the People’s Party, and the MCP.

Chakwera’s victory for the MCP in 2020 was seen as a landmark in Malawi’s political history. The year before, then-president Peter Mutharika had been declared the winner of the general election.

The Constitutional Court, however, annulled that result, pointing to serious irregularities such as the use of Tipp-Ex correction fluid on tally sheets. Judges ordered a re-run in 2020, which Chakwera won with 59% of the vote after forming an alliance with Saulos Chilima.

Mutharika rejected the re-run as “unacceptable,” but the court’s decision was widely praised as a rare and powerful defence of democracy and judicial independence in the region.

Who are the main candidates?

President Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi Congress Party, MCP): Elected in 2020 after the annulment of the 2019 polls, he is seeking a second term. Chakwera has  framed  his campaign around continuity, arguing that his government has laid the foundation for reform despite setbacks.

Peter Mutharika (Democratic Progressive Party, DPP): The 85-year-old former president is attempting a comeback. He was ousted after the court-sanctioned rerun in 2020 and remains a divisive figure. Supporters see him as a seasoned leader; critics recall the protests that ended his rule.

Joyce Banda (People’s Party, PP): A former president (2012–2014) running again, Banda is emphasising women’s empowerment and youth inclusion. Her return adds weight to an already crowded field.

In total, 17 candidates have been cleared by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), though  analysts say  only five or six are serious contenders.

Electoral system & voter roll

Malawi’s president is elected by an absolute majority (50% + 1), which almost guarantees a runoff in a fragmented race. Members of the National Assembly are chosen under the first-past-the-post system in 193 single-member constituencies.

According to the MEC, 7.2 million voters are registered, representing about 66% of eligible adults. Women account for a majority of registered voters at 57%.

When will results be announced?

The presidential election will be announced by the end of 24 September and the parliamentary results will be announced by the end of 30 September.

The economic backdrop

The election comes amid one of Malawi’s toughest economic periods in decades. Inflation has consistently ranked among the highest in Africa, hovering above 25% since early 2024. By May 2025, it stood at 27.7%, with food inflation even higher at 31.6%.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi has revised its  2025 forecast , now expecting inflation to close at 32.4%. Growth projections were cut in February as protests over rising prices and shortages spread in major cities.

Public debt is another pressing concern, estimated at 86–88% of GDP by late 2024. Hopes for stabilisation collapsed in May 2025 when the IMF terminated its $175 million Extended Credit Facility, having disbursed only $35 million.

Credibility and institutions

After the 2019 annulment, Malawians expect nothing less than transparent and accountable elections. The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has received technical support from the African Union, COMESA, and International IDEA, and at least six observer missions have been accredited.

Still,  scepticism  remains. In 2019, the EU Observer Mission endorsed elections that were later overturned by the courts. This has raised doubts about the effectiveness of international monitoring this year.

Campaign issues

While the race is wide open, many voters feel trapped between familiar but uninspiring choices.

This is the end of our live coverage of the 2025 Bolivia general elections. Preliminary results released by the TSE, shows that no candidate secured enough to be declared winner of the the presidential. After 90% of the vote count, Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the PDC led with 32.08% followed by Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the Libre party with 26.94%. Follow Global South World’s news updates as the South American nation heads to a runoff to elect a new president in October.

02:45 GMT: Doria Medina concedes defeat, pledges support for Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia’s elections

Opposition leader Samuel Doria Medina, candidate of Alianza Unidad, conceded defeat after finishing third in Bolivia’s 2025 presidential race. In a statement on Sunday night, he acknowledged the preliminary results and pledged his full support to Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), who will face Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga in the October 19 runoff. Doria Medina’s endorsement is expected to play a key role in shaping alliances ahead of the decisive second round.

02:31 GMT: Bolivia’s presidential race heads to runoff as preliminary results announced

According to preliminary results released by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), Bolivia’s 2025 presidential election will go to a runoff on October 19. With over 90% of votes counted, Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) leads with 32.08%, followed by Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the Libre party with 26.94%. Businessman Samuel Doria Medina of Alianza Unidad, once a frontrunner in polls, finished third and conceded, pledging support for Paz.

00:32 GMT: Preliminary results place Rodrigo Paz of PDC in the lead, followed by Tuto Quiroga

Early vote counts from Bolivia’s 2025 general elections show Rodrigo Paz, candidate of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), as a surprise frontrunner. He is trailed by former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, running under the Libre banner. These preliminary figures suggest an unexpected shift in voter preferences.

21:44 GMT: Bolivia’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) convenes plenary session

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal officially opened its plenary session. Authorities announced that preliminary results from overseas voting are expected to be released around 01:00 GMT, marking the first official updates of Bolivia’s 2025 general elections.

21:06 GMT: Electoral jurors begin ballot counting in Bolivia

Electoral jurors have entered the final stretch of their duties, starting the ballot counting phase after completing their work at the polling stations. This marks the beginning of the meticulous process to ensure transparency and accuracy in Bolivia’s 2025 general elections.

20:00 GMT: Polls close in Bolivia’s 2025 elections

Polling stations across Bolivia closed at the scheduled time of 4:00 p.m. local, officially marking the end of voting in the 2025 general elections. The country now enters the vote-counting phase, with electoral authorities overseeing the process. Turnout was reported to be high, and observers highlighted a generally peaceful election day.

19:02 GMT: Presidential candidate Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga casts his vote in La Paz

Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, presidential candidate for the LIBRE alliance, voted in La Paz this afternoon amid strong citizen expectation. His participation drew attention from both supporters and observers, marking a significant moment in the capital during election day.

18:35 GMT: Departmental Electoral Tribunal reports smooth voting process

The Departmental Electoral Tribunal (TED) issued a positive mid-day assessment of Bolivia’s general elections, noting that the process has been carried out normally across 6,346 polling tables. Authorities reported only one incident in the Tropic region, which they described as isolated and under control.

17:44 GMT: COPPPAL mission hails high voter turnout in Bolivia’s elections.

Gerardo Morris, representing the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted the massive participation as a clear sign of democratic commitment.

17:04 GMT: Manfred Reyes Villa (APB-Súmate) vows close monitoring of election process

Presidential candidate Manfred Reyes Villa of the APB-Súmate alliance expressed concerns about potential irregularities during the voting process. “Be careful that there’s nothing slightly off going on. We will be doing a full follow-up,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to closely overseeing the election.

16:48 GMT: Andrónico Rodríguez attacked with stones after voting

Presidential candidate of the Alianza Popular, Andrónico Rodríguez, was reportedly attacked with stones immediately after casting his vote. The incident took place amid a tense atmosphere at the polling station, highlighting the high political stakes of the day.

16:50 GMT: Johnny Fernández heckled while voting in Santa Cruz

The mayor of Santa Cruz and presidential candidate, Johnny Fernández, was heckled by a group of neighbors when he went to vote at Villa Fátima School, located in the Fátima neighborhood of the city. Footage shows that some of the people accompanying the mayor almost came to blows with those confronting Fernández. The incident occurred when the mayor defended a woman who was being insulted by other attendees. After the altercation, Fernández described the situation as a “commotion” caused by his intervention in defense of the woman.

16:25 GMT: VP candidate Lupo casts his vote, dismisses “last-ditch efforts” from Evo supporters

Vice-presidential candidate Luis Lupo, representing Unidad Nacional, cast his vote and described the behavior of Evo Morales’s supporters as “patadas de ahogado,” a Spanish expression meaning desperate last-ditch efforts.

15:40 GMT: EU observers call Bolivia’s election day peaceful and well-organised.

The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission described the first half of Bolivia’s election day as calm, orderly, and free of major incidents.

Mission chief Davor Stier, speaking from La Paz, said that the 120 EU observers deployed across the country’s nine departments reported polling stations opened on time, with voting materials delivered promptly and logistics handled effectively by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and departmental courts.

“So far, the impression is that it has been a well-organized, peaceful day, where Bolivian citizens can freely and safely exercise their right to vote,” Stier noted .

15:36 GMT: Peaceful voting underway in Santa Cruz.

Election day in Santa Cruz began at 8:00 a.m., with steady voter turnout reported through the morning. By nearly noon, citizens continued arriving at polling stations to cast their ballots, and no incidents had been reported.

The department of Santa Cruz has 2,071,967 eligible voters, distributed across 9,115 polling tables and 1,124 polling stations.

14:39 GMT: APB-Súmate vice-presidential candidate Juan Carlos Medrano votes in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

Juan Carlos Medrano, vice-presidential candidate for the APB-Súmate party, cast his ballot at the UE 24 de Septiembre polling station in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. He arrived with his wife, both maintaining a calm demeanor as they greeted fellow voters.

After voting, Medrano called for integrity in the electoral process. “We ask for transparency from all candidates. We ask the electoral body to ensure that people’s votes are not manipulated today and that Bolivians can freely choose,” he told reporters.

14:36 GMT: OAS electoral observers monitor Bolivia’s vote.

The OAS Electoral Observation Mission in Bolivia, led by Juan Fernando Cristo Bustos, began its work on Sunday, monitoring the opening and development of the elections at precincts across the country. Cristo Bustos also attended the official opening ceremony organized by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) in La Paz, where he reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and democratic process.

The mission is composed of 87 international observers from 19 countries, who are tasked with monitoring election day as more than 7.9 million Bolivians head to the polls.

14:20 GMT: Former president Evo Morales votes in Chapare without a press statement.

Former president Evo Morales cast his vote in his coca-growing stronghold of Chapare, central Bolivia, accompanied by just over fifty of his so-called “union police.” He left the polling station quietly, without speaking to the press. The vote took place peacefully despite earlier threats of disruption from Morales’ supporters. Notably, there was no official police presence at the site. Morales, who has urged Bolivians to cast null ballots as a form of “democratic rebellion,” had actively campaigned for null votes in the run-up to the election.

13:00 GMT: Unidad Alliance presidential candidate Samuel Doria Medina votes in La Paz.

Businessman and Unidad Alliance presidential candidate Samuel Doria Medina cast his ballot at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday at the Franco Boliviano School in southern La Paz.

After voting, Doria Medina alleged that on Saturday his party’s computing center had been targeted by Evo Morales supporters. “Yesterday they tried to break into our computing center, claiming that fraud was being prepared when in fact it is public knowledge that all parties carry out electoral monitoring,” he said.

12:45 GMT: Alianza Libre’s Branko Marinković votes in Santa Cruz de la Sierra alongside family and party leaders.

Branko Marinković, candidate for first senator with the Alianza Libre party, cast his vote in Santa Cruz de la Sierra accompanied by his wife, Nicole Daulsberg, and their son. He was also joined by his party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga and Juan Pablo Velasco, who came to show their support.

Meanwhile, at the American School polling station, where judges were missing, Marinković’s son stepped in as a volunteer judge. “We voted at the same polling station, and he’s volunteering to be a polling station judge. These are the kinds of surprises that happen, but what matters is the civility, the family-oriented civility, to support the vote,” Marinković said.

12:30 GMT: MAS-IPSP presidential candidate Carlos Eduardo del Castillo casts his vote in Santa Cruz de la Sierra amid protests.

Presidential candidate Carlos Eduardo del Castillo del Carpio of the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS-IPSP) arrived shortly after polls opened to cast his ballot at the Caritas Union (UE) polling station in southern Santa Cruz de la Sierra. He appeared calm and composed as he entered alone, but the atmosphere quickly turned tense when some citizens at the site began booing him. Confronted with shouts and protests, Del Castillo chose not to give any statements to the press.

12:15 GMT : Vice-presidential candidate Juan Pablo Velasco votes in Santa Cruz de la Sierra alongside presidential hopeful Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga.

Vice-presidential candidate Juan Pablo Velasco of the Alianza Libre party arrived a little after 8am at the Colegio Nacional Salesiano in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, his designated polling station. He was accompanied by Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, the party’s presidential candidate. “We’re starting early, exercising this right,” Velasco told reporters. “We invite Bolivians to go out and vote, to do so peacefully, so this is a calm day. Bolivia needs democracy, Bolivia needs results. We are confident and at peace.”

12:15 GMT: President Luis Arce cast his vote at the Miguel de Cervantes school in La Paz’s Miraflores district.

"Despite those who believed we wouldn't reach this day and despite those who didn't want this election day to come, we have happily achieved it thanks to all the efforts we have made from the government," Arce told reporters.

12:00 GMT: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) officially opened Bolivia’s election day.

The interim president of the TSE stressed transparency and trust in the process. “Let there be no doubt about our honesty and our good faith,” said TSE president Óscar Hassenteufel, joined by authorities and international observers at the opening ceremony. Rejecting allegations of “fraud or manipulation” as “unfair,” Hassenteufel urged political actors to respect the outcome of the vote. “Democracy is honored when it is won and when the sovereign decision of the people is respected,” he said, calling on all candidates to accept the results “with nobility.”

12:00 GMT: Voting has officially begun in the first round of Bolivia’s presidential election, with early voters already queuing to cast their ballots in La Paz.

Polls are expected to open at 8:00 a.m. (1200 GMT) and close at 4:00 p.m. local time across all polling centres.

Background

More than 7 million voters head to the polls across the country’s nine departments to elect the President and Vice President of Bolivia, 130 members of the Chamber of Deputies, and 36 members of the Chamber of Senators, making up the 166-seat Plurinational Legislative Assembly. The elections could mark the potential end of nearly 20 years of rule by the leftist Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS).

A new direction for Bolivia: leading VP candidates set out agendas to Global South World

Bolivia enters its 2025 election under the weight of fuel shortages, a distorted currency market, and rising prices that have strained households and deepened frustration. For the first time in over two decades, economically liberal candidates lead the race, which indicates a potential break from the socialist governments of Evo Morales and Luis Arce. The contest has narrowed around two alliances: Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga’s LIBRE bloc, running on promises of radical change and a pro-business agenda, and Samuel Doria Medina’s Unidad coalition, which presents itself as a pragmatic “radical center” alternative. Both camps offer sharply different faces of economic liberalism but agree on the urgency of stabilizing Bolivia’s economy and redefining its place in the region.

Quiroga’s running mate, tech entrepreneur Juan Pablo Velasco, embodies LIBRE’s appeal to younger voters and pledges to modernize the state through digital reforms, export liberalization, and renewed ties with multilateral lenders. Meanwhile, Unidad’s vice-presidential pick, economist José Luis Lupo, brings decades of experience in international finance and government, proposing a $5 billion stabilisation plan, judicial reform, and investment-friendly laws. Together, these tickets represent a realignment in Bolivia’s political compass, with voters facing a choice not between left and right, but between two competing visions of market-oriented reform.

Last Election (October 18, 2020):

Luis Arce of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) secured a decisive first-round victory with 55.1% of the vote. Former president Carlos Mesa, representing Comunidad Ciudadana, came second with 28.8%, while right-wing candidate Luis Fernando Camacho of Creemos placed third with 14%. Voter turnout was exceptionally high at 88%.

Presidential candidates

A total of 10 presidential candidates registered to contest for the presidency. However, only about seven have made an impression thus far. Leading in the polls is Samuel Doria Medina, a wealthy businessman and three-time presidential candidate running as a pro-business alternative.

Also prominent is Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, a former president with deep ties to international policy circles and decades of experience in right-wing politics. They are joined by Manfred Reyes Villa, the mayor of Cochabamba whose political comeback has overcome past legal controversies, and Rodrigo Paz Pereira, a senator from Tarija and son of a former president, who represents the Christian Democrats.

The left and MAS-aligned camp is represented by younger candidates seeking to extend the party’s influence. Andrónico Rodríguez, 36, a cocalero leader and Senate president, is running under the Alianza Popular banner and appeals to MAS’s younger base. The official MAS candidate is Eduardo del Castillo, a former interior minister known for hardline security policies . Meanwhile, Eva Copa, the mayor of El Alto and a former MAS senator, is challenging her old party with the National Renovation Movement (Morena), leveraging her grassroots popularity and independent image.

Electoral process

The president and vice president of Bolivia are elected together on a single ballot. To win outright, a candidate must secure either more than 50% of the vote, or at least 40% with a 10-point lead over the nearest rival. If neither threshold is reached, a runoff election is held. Both offices carry five-year terms. In May 2025, the Constitutional Court upheld a ruling barring former President Evo Morales from running again, affirming a two-term limit for the presidency.

The Chamber of Deputies is elected through a mixed system for five-year terms, renewable once. Half of the deputies are chosen directly from single-member districts, while the other half are allocated through proportional representation based on national party lists headed by presidential, vice-presidential, and senatorial candidates. Seven seats are reserved for representatives of Indigenous peoples.

The Chamber of Senators is elected entirely through proportional representation. Senators also serve five-year terms, renewable once.

Declaration of votes

The electoral tribunal plans to release around 80% of preliminary results on election night, with the full official results expected within seven days.

Featuring iconic destinations and hidden gems alike, the 2025 rankings, compiled by global travel experts and beach enthusiasts, celebrate natural beauty, accessibility, sustainability, and overall wow factor.

Let’s dive into some of the standout destinations that made waves this year, as visualised by World Visualized .

Cala Goloritzé (Italy)

A UNESCO-listed natural monument in Sardinia, Cala Goloritzé is famed for its jagged cliffs, bright blue waters, and hiking access. It’s a beach lover’s dream with an adventurous twist.

Entalula Beach ( Philippines )

A crown jewel of El Nido, Palawan, Entalula Beach captivates with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush limestone cliffs, and pristine white sands. Often accessible only by boat, this beach offers a secluded tropical paradise perfect for snorkelling and photography.

PK 9 Beach (French Polynesia)

PK 9 Beach, near Fakarava Atoll , stuns with its line of swaying palms and gentle lagoon tides. Renowned for its untouched beauty and biodiversity , this beach is a favourite for eco-tourists and snorkelers exploring French Polynesia’s marine sanctuaries.

At 92, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has announced his bid for an eighth term in the October 12 election, aiming to extend his 43-year rule. In a post on X, Biya cited “insistent calls” from citizens to run again. In power since 1982, he scrapped term limits in 2008 and has never lost an election. His bid comes amid growing criticism over alleged corruption, embezzlement, and poor governance. If re-elected, Biya would remain in office until nearly 100.

Cameroon’s economic update: Harnessing forests and natural wealth for sustainable growth

The World Bank has released its 2025 Cameroon Economic Update, titled “Cameroon’s Green Gold: Unlocking the Value of Forests and Natural Capital.” The report emphasises sustainable forest and resource management as drivers of inclusive, resilient growth, while offering a detailed analysis of recent economic trends and outlook. In 2024, Cameroon’s GDP grew by 3.5% (up from 3.2% in 2023), boosted by cocoa prices, cotton yields, and power supply improvements. Inflation dropped sharply from 7.4% to 4.5%, aided by tighter monetary policy and price controls. The current account deficit narrowed to 3.4% of GDP, though the fiscal deficit widened to 1.5% due to rising expenditures and weaker revenues. Public debt inched up to 46.8%, mainly from external borrowing.

Société Générale signs agreement with Cameroon to sell Société Générale Cameroun

Société Générale has agreed to sell its 58.08% stake in Société Générale Cameroun to the State of Cameroon, which would raise its ownership to 83.68%. The state will assume all operations, clients, and employees of the subsidiary. The deal, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close by end-2025 and boost Societe Generale’s CET1 ratio by about 6 basis points.

Cameroon LGBTQI groups host "impactful" cultural event

On July 3, Yaoundé’s Kyriakides Park came alive with “Spectacle Culturel,” a vibrant event celebrating diversity in the arts under the theme “For an inclusive and non-discriminatory artistic environment.” Organised by the Unity platform, a coalition of 39 civil society groups, and coordinated by CAMFAIDS, the show featured theatre, music, slam, and dance to highlight LGBTQI rights and fight stigma in the cultural sector. Unity president Michel Engama stressed the event’s goal to amplify silenced voices, while CAMFAIDS' Ebenezer Munkam called it a vital step toward building a more inclusive and equitable artistic world in Cameroon.

Cameroon priest says synodality counters ‘nauseating’ politics

In sharp contrast to the “nauseating” and divisive nature of Cameroon’s electoral politics, Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy is calling for a renewed focus on synodality, a path rooted in unity, listening, and inclusion, as the nation prepares for its 2025 elections and Jubilee Year of Hope. Mbuy described synodality as a “spiritual renewal” that prioritises truth, honesty, and fraternity, unlike election tactics marked by manipulation and exclusion. He noted the challenge facing Christian politicians caught between political strategy and the Church’s call for inclusive, Christ-centred leadership. As both politics and the Church demand action in 2025, Mbuy stressed that synodality offers a hopeful alternative where “no one is left behind” in building a unified people of God.

This is the end of GSW’s live election coverage of Ghana’s December 7, 2024, election. Follow for more updates as we await the release of the certified results from the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

09:46 GMT: NPP candidate Bawumia concedes.

Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says he has congratulated former President John Dramani Mahama for winning the general elections.

In his concession address on Sunday, December 8, Bawumia said he assured Mahama of full support in the transition process so that the government business would continue seamlessly.

Mahama also confirmed that the NPP presidential candidate called to congratulate him on his victory in an election he described as an “emphatic victory.”

The EC is yet to release official results.

09:36 GMT: The NDC says its candidate, John Mahama, has secured about 56% of the votes and has over 1.5 million more votes than NPP candidate Mahamudu Bawumia.

09:22 GMT: NDC calls on Bawumia to concede defeat.

08:34 GMT: Results continue to trickle in from the various constituencies pending announcement from the EC.

Provisional results from 34 out of the 276 constituencies, pending certified results from the EC, project NDC’s Mahama ahead of NPP’s Bawumia. 

The results show Mahama leads with 50.63% against Bawumia’s 47.48%. Each candidate needs to secure 50% + 1 of the total votes cast to be declared winner of the results.

05:50: Official provisional presidential and parliamentary results trickle in.

The Electoral Commission has started publishing the certified results from polling stations nationwide.

These numbers indicate a big win with a wide margin for John Dramani Mahama of the NDC. The party's Member of Parliament candidates are also smashing it. So far, the NDC has 17 seats and the NPP 4 seats out of 276 constituencies.

05:35: Ghanaians are unrelenting as some sleep on bare floors, others still on their feet awaiting official presidential and parliamentary results.

05:20: Main opposition leader John Mahama captured in his 'strong room' crunching the numbers.

23:50: Police arrest 4 suspects in connection with a shooting incident at Awutu Senya East Constituency.

The Ghana Police Service has announced it has arrested 4 individuals connected to a shooting incident in the Central Region that claimed a life and injured one.

The Police added that an AK47 with 69 rounds of ammunition was retrieved from the suspects. So far, 2 deaths have been recorded throughout Ghana's 2024 elections.

The other death occurred earlier in the day in the Northern Region after a shootout at Nyankpala.

22:55: EC opens National Collation Centre to the media

The National Collation Centre has been opened to the media for the first time under the Fourth Republic.

Fax machines for each of the 16 regions have been set up at the centre, ready to receive the transmission of regional collated results. Officials state that this is a move to enhance transparency.

“Granting media access to the centre will allow all Ghanaians to participate in the collation of the presidential results to erase all doubts," Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey said.

On the other hand, the commission has warned that the Centre is a restricted area hence no need for party members, agents or unaccredited persons to troop in.

22:00: An unidentified party agent attacked for attempting to smuggle unsealed ballot boxes from Ablekuma West, a constituency in the Greater Accra Region to a collation centre.

21:35: Early results project main opposition leader John Mahama as the winner.

Current polling station results show John Mahama (NDC) leading in 31 constituencies and Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP) leading in 14 constituencies. Mahama has 45,872 votes (51.25%), while Bawumia has 38.11%.

The NDC has, however, cautioned its supporters from celebrating until official results are announced.

20:10: Opposition party, NDC supporters jubilate over 'victory'

19:55: All polling stations closed

The Electoral Commission of Ghana has announced the closure of all polling stations and the halting of all voting activities. The commission told the media during its 3rd press briefing for the day that 95% of polling stations closed at exactly 17:00 GMT.

https://x.com/tv3_ghana/status/1865476346350109087

19:35: Parts of Accra experience blackouts during vote counting.

"We have given money out to our officers to hire generators at each of the collation centres. Even in the event of the lights not coming on now, the standby generators will be used to complete the exercise," EC tells the media.

19:05: Voting continues at polling stations despite the official closing time.

Although polls have officially closed, voting is taking place at some polling stations where the voting process faced challenges such as logistics and malfunctions in biometric identification machines among others.

Also, the EC has indicated that electorates present at polling stations before the close of polls at 17:00 GMT will be allowed to vote.

18:34: Electoral Commission clarifies issues surrounding validating stamp swaps

At the 16:00 GMT press briefing, Electoral Commission officials reported instances of validating stamp swaps at some voting centres, where presidential stamps were used for parliamentary ballots and vice versa. However, they assured that these actions do not invalidate the ballot papers.

17:21: Polls officially closed for 2024 elections

At exactly 17:00 GMT, polling ended across various voting centres in the country. Voters await the outcome of the elections which is likely to be announced within 72 hours by the Electoral Commission.

17:01: Political newcomer Nana Kwame Bediako claims sabotage

After casting his vote at the Korley Klottey Constituency, the New Force Party's presidential candidate, Nana Kwame Bediako, told journalists he felt his work and campaign were looked down upon, alleging sabotage in the ongoing elections.

16:22: The streets of Accra have remained empty for seven hours since the 2024 polls commenced.

With less than an hour to close the polls, the streets of Accra remain deserted. Many constituencies have reported unprecedentedly low numbers at polling stations even after seven hours.

Ghana has recorded one of the highest voter turnouts in Africa since 1996. In 2020, the percentage stood at 79%. The reverse seems to be the case this time.

15:46: Ghana Police addresses the arrest of four persons concerning the shooting incident leading to the death of an individual.

15:43: President Akufo-Addo urges Ghanaians to go out and cast their votes.   

15:24: Shooting incident recorded in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, involving military officers.

A shooting incident was recorded in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region after members of the opposition party NDC tried to prevent military personnel from entering a polling station.

The military officers, in retaliation, fired warning shots, causing apprehension among voters. 

In a press statement released yesterday by the Ghana Armed Forces, it was indicated that no military personnel will be stationed at polling stations, with the primary responsibility for election security in the hands of the Ghana Police Service.

15:14: The Electoral Commission, in a second briefing to the press, addresses several voting challenges across the various polling stations.

15:08: Police arrest four suspects concerning a shooting incident that led to the death of an individual at a polling station in Nyankpala in the Northern Region.

14:22: Voting at a polling station in Ablekuma, Greater Accra, interrupted by heavy rains—several electoral materials become soaking wet.

14:05: President Akufo-Addo expresses satisfaction with voting conduct so far.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed satisfaction at the peaceful way the general election is being conducted.

“I have monitored all the reports from across the country, and everything seems to be going well.

“We thank God for that,” he told reporters after casting his ballot at the Rock of Ages Polling Station in the Abuakwa-South Constituency of the Eastern Region on Saturday.

President Akufo-Addo won Ghana’s last two elections in 2016 and 2020 against the former president and 2024 presidential candidate of the NDC, John Mahama.

14:00 GMT: Voting continues with only 3 hours to go before polls close.

About 3 hours to go before polls officially close, and voting is still ongoing at various polling stations. The two main presidential candidates—Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP and John Mahama of the NDC—have all cast their ballots at their respective polling stations. The electoral process has been relatively peaceful; a few security issues have been reported in some polling stations, with a couple of individuals arrested for malpractice.

1 3:42 GMT: Political newcomer and independent presidential candidate Nana Kwame Bediako casts his vote at a polling station in the Korley Klottey constituency, Greater Accra Region.

13:38 GMT: Outgoing president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo casts his vote in Kyebi, eastern Ghana.

13:03 GMT: Electorates at the Ankwa Dobro, Nsawam-Adoagyiri polling station in the Eastern Region tell local reporters that no security officials have been stationed at the voting centre since polls opened at 07:00 GMT.

12:57 GMT: An individual detained by the police for double voting at a polling station in the Western Region.

12:45 GMT: Police arrest an individual for possession of a pistol at a polling station in the Okaikwei South constituency, Accra.

12:31 GMT: John Mahama, presidential candidate of Ghana’s main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), casts his vote at a polling station in Bole, northern Ghana.

12:23 GMT: Ruler of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, casts his vote at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.

1 2:05 GMT: EC official apprehended by police after allegedly distributing about 15 ballot papers to voters that omitted the first presidential candidate at a polling station.

The suspect, identified as Dery Joseph, is under investigation for distributing approximately 15 ballot papers at the Ampesika-Bayere Polling Station in the Kintampo South Constituency in the Bono East Region that allegedly omitted the name of the first presidential candidate.

The police confirmed the arrest in a statement and assured that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the motive behind the act.

"We are committed to ensuring a free, fair and transparent election process and will address any instances of malpractice swiftly," the statement added.

12:00 GMT: 5 hours after polls opened, voting continues to take place at various polling stations.

11 :34 GMT: Head of the Electoral Commission says it is not involved in security arrangements.

In an emergency address to the press, the EC chair, Jean Mensa stated that the body is not involved in any security arrangements that have been made in the ongoing election after she was asked about the security challenges in some polling stations.

11:05 GMT: After its earlier decision to restrict access to the collation centres, the EC chairperson Jean Mensa says media will now be granted access to all centres.

The EC chair stated that since the beginning of the 1992 constitution, the media has only been granted access to collation centres during the declaration of results. She added that for the first time, media will be granted access to all centres across the country.

1 0:30 GMT: Scenes outside the EC headquarters—security checkpoints, armed personnel stationed outside.

10:19 GMT: The Electoral Commission speaks to the press about the voting process at its headquarters in Accra.

10:10 GMT: Security gets involved as a heated exchange ensues after ruling NPP party officials accuse opposition NDC of setting up cameras at polling stations in the Tema East constituency, in the Greater Accra Region. The constituency hosts 12 polling stations.

10:06 GMT: Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who is part of the election observers, speaks to the press about the voting process so far.

10:01 GMT: A young voter detained for possessing 76 ballot papers at a polling station in the Ashanti region.

09:49 GMT: Members of the opposition NDC accuse EC officials of beginning the voting process before filling the Statement of Poll and Declaration of Results Form at a polling station in Kasoa, central region.

09:47 GMT: Presidential candidate for the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Christian Andrews, cast his vote at a polling station in Accra.

09:33 GMT: Some early voters cast their ballots as voting continues to take place smoothly across various polling stations.

09:12 GMT: Vice president and presidential candidate of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, casts his vote at a polling station in the northern region.

09:00 GMT: Voters share experience and expectations after casting votes.

08:27 GMT: Vice presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh casts his vote in the Ashanti Region.

08:06 GMT: Voting takes place at the headquarters of the Electoral Commission in Accra.

07:48 GMT: Voting at some polling stations is yet to start due to delayed electoral materials and malfunctions with the biometric voting machine.

07:37 GMT: Voters begin to cast ballots in some polling stations.

07:25 GMT : Polls open as electorates wait in line to cast their votes at a polling station in Jamestown, Accra.

06:55 GMT: Ghanaians share concerns over economic situation.

Many Ghanaians are united by concerns over the cost of living. Conversations are dominated by complaints about soaring inflation, unemployment, and business closures, with a strong expectation that the new government will tackle these pressing issues.

06:51 GMT: Presidential candidate John Mahama on his plan to reset Ghana's economy.

John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s former president and presidential candidate of the main opposition party, the NDC, pledged a "total reset" of the country’s economy, which he described as being in crisis.

"We've hit a dead end. Our economy is in crisis, and everything else has a linkage to the economy. Inflation is up. We have a depreciating currency, and our whole macroeconomic framework is unbalanced," he told Global South World.

Polls are expected to open at 07:00 GMT and close at 17:00 GMT across all polling stations in all 16 regions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

History

The country returned to multi-party  democracy in 1992  under former president Jerry John Rawlings through the 1992 constitution, which established the Fourth Republic.

Ghana holds its presidential and parliamentary elections every four years, as outlined in the 1992 Constitution. Although not required by law, both elections have been held on the same day since December 1996. All citizens aged 18 and above can register to vote.

Since the Fourth Republic was instituted, Ghana has held eight peaceful elections and seen seamless transitions—this will be the ninth. 

Historically, voter turnout has been high, with 79% participation recorded in the December 2020 elections.

Voter Registration

According to Ghana's Electoral Commission, 18,774,159 voters are registered out of an estimated population of 35 million. All voters will cast their ballots at 40,975 polling stations spread across the 16 regions in Ghana.

Special voters

Over 130,000 voters, or 0.07% of the total registered electorate, have already cast their votes on December 2 in a special voting process. The special voters included electoral officers, security personnel, and media workers who will be on duty during election day.

Presidential candidates

Ghanaians will be choosing the sovereign leader from 12 candidates. These candidates include incumbent Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the main opposition leader and ex-President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who is contesting for the fourth time in the 4th republic.

On the candidature list is also a former trade minister, Alan Kojo Kyerematen, who broke away from the ruling NPP to become an independent. There is also the real estate magnate and political newcomer, Nana Kwame Bediako, who is running as an independent.

Other candidates include Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Kumankuma of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the only female candidate. Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Party (APP), Christian Kwabena Andrews of Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Mohammed Frimpong of National Democratic Party (NDP), Daniel Augustus Lartey of Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Kofi Koranteng, an independent candidate, George Twum Barim-Adu, an independent candidate, and Akua Donkor.

Despite her recent passing, Akua Donkor remains on the ballot, with votes for her to be declared invalid by the Electoral Commission.

Electoral process

Ghana’s presidential elections use a two-round system: if no candidate secures a majority in the first round, a runoff is held between the top two candidates. Parliamentary seats are decided by whoever gets the most votes in each constituency.

Declaration of votes

Parliamentary results are announced immediately after counting at the constituency level, usually on the same day. Presidential results, however, are first announced at the 16 Regional Collation Centres before the final declaration at the Electoral Commission's National Headquarters, typically within 72 hours after polls close.