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.

Celebrating with supporters in San José, Fernández framed her victory as a decisive break with the political order established after the 1948 civil war. A close ally of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, she campaigned on a platform focused on public security and economic pressures, as Costa Rica faces rising homicides linked to organised crime alongside high living costs, unemployment and inflation.

The country is currently governed by President Rodrigo Chaves, who took office in 2022 and is constitutionally barred from seeking another consecutive term. His administration has operated without a stable majority in the Legislative Assembly, reflecting a broader pattern in Costa Rican politics in which fragmented parliaments limit executive power and force negotiation across party lines. This institutional design makes legislative results as important as the presidential contest itself.

Polling ahead of the election suggests that the candidate, Laura Fernández, linked to the current governing camp, is leading the race and approaching the threshold required to win outright in the first round. Opposition parties, meanwhile, remain divided among multiple contenders, making it difficult to consolidate support behind a single alternative. A large share of undecided voters means the outcome is still not guaranteed, but the current polling landscape points to continuity rather than a sharp political rupture.

This dynamic matters because the presidency in Costa Rica holds key responsibilities, including directing public policy, overseeing security strategy and representing the country internationally. At the same time, a fragmented legislature can constrain the next president’s ability to pass reforms, making the balance of power between the executive and parliament central to how effectively the next government can govern.

The election takes place against a backdrop of growing public concern over crime, economic pressures and confidence in institutions. While Costa Rica remains one of Latin America ’s most stable democracies, these issues have intensified political debate and tested the traditional consensus-driven model that long defined the country’s politics.

For Costa Rica, the 2026 vote is not only about choosing a new leader, but about how its democratic system functions in a more fragmented and demanding political environment . The result will indicate whether the current governing approach retains voter backing and how the country’s long-standing institutional framework adapts to changing political realities.

The report also claims that traditional leaders, religious figures, teachers and other civil servants were transported to state residences in major cities, where they allegedly received cash payments of about 50,000 kwacha each, along with meals, during the campaign period.

Beyond state resources, the commission documented direct inducements to voters. In one constituency, a candidate was observed distributing bags of maize to residents, while other areas saw widespread cash handouts. Several of these cases are now the subject of court disputes.

The watchdog said Ma law i’s laws remain unclear on what constitutes an illegal “handout”, allowing politicians to disguise vote-buying as charity. It has urged lawmakers to tighten the law to prevent abuse.

The commission also expressed alarm over the involvement of children in campaigns. It reported seeing children as young as six wearing party regalia and performing for candidates, raising concerns about child protection and safeguarding.

Gender inequality in politics was another key issue highlighted in the report. Only one woman contested the presidency out of 17 candidates, while women made up just 22 percent of parliamentary candidates.

The Human Rights Commission has called for reforms to strengthen the independence of the state broadcaster, improve access to national identification services, and create a more transparent electoral system.

Hondurans were voting not only for a new president, but also to renew Congress and more than 290 municipal governments. The choice seemed to pivot around two visions: continuity under a leftist approach, prioritising social justice and state-led reforms, or a shift toward conservative promises of economic growth, security and reestablishing ties with foreign investors.

The left’s setback appears rooted in deep disenchantment with the current government’s mixed record. While President Castro’s administration made modest progress on reducing violence and pursuing some social policies, many Hondurans remain frustrated by persistent poverty, weak public services, and unmet promises of meaningful reform. The rhetoric around crime, economic decline and corruption dominated, reflecting widespread demand for tangible change rather than ideological continuity.

On the right, Asfura capitalised on this frustration and on international backing. As a former mayor of the capital and a pro-business candidate, he pledged infrastructure development, foreign investment and job creation. His campaign gained additional traction after he was publicly supported by Donald Trump , a factor that stirred international attention and could reshape Honduras’ foreign alliances.

But the narrow margin and the presence of just-under-20 % for Moncada leave Honduras at a political crossroads. With Congress and local governments also up for grabs, the final outcome could reshape power balances for years. The results reflect not just a defeat for the left but a broader rejection of the political status quo and unmet promises. For a country battered by economic inequality, violence and political disillusionment, the vote seems to reflect a desire for pragmatic solutions over ideological loyalties.

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.

Poverty remains one of the country’s most severe challenges. Large segments of the population continue to depend on informal or unstable work, and many families struggle to cover basic needs. This economic strain fuels broader disillusionment: as living costs rise and social support systems remain weak, confidence in the country’s leadership erodes further. For many households, the election arrives at a time of acute financial uncertainty.

Violence adds another layer of pressure. Honduras is among the region’s most affected countries when it comes to crime, gang activity and organised criminal networks. Extortion, territorial control and forced displacement have become common in many communities, compounding fear and insecurity. Reports of political violence have also increased, contributing to an atmosphere of unease as campaigning intensifies. In this environment, trust in state institutions, particularly security and justice systems, remains low.

Corruption is a central concern for voters and a recurring theme in national debates. Years of scandals, political disputes and public accusations have weakened confidence in the political class. The current electoral season has exposed deep divisions between parties, raising fears that the country could once again face instability or contested results. This uncertainty is heightened by widespread dissatisfaction with the government's ability to address long-standing issues such as unemployment, social inequality and the influence of criminal groups.

As Hondurans prepare to cast their ballots, many see the election as a test of the country’s democratic resilience. Beyond choosing new leaders, citizens are hoping for meaningful responses to structural problems that have shaped daily life for decades. Whether the next government can deliver reforms, restore trust and address the root causes of the crisis will determine whether Honduras moves towards greater stability or remains caught in a cycle of political and social turbulence.

Rixi Moncada is a veteran of public service: former teacher, lawyer, magistrate, finance minister and, until recently, defence minister. She is the official candidate of the ruling party, seeking to carry forward a “refoundational” project for the state.

Her platform centres on strengthening public institutions, defending state-controlled services and natural resources, and pushing for social justice . She frames her campaign as a defence of the “public good” against privatisation pressures.

Nasry "Tito" Asfura (Partido Nacional — Right / Conservative)

Nasry Asfura, 67, is a businessman and former mayor of Tegucigalpa, with a track record in infrastructure and urban administration. He runs as the candidate of the conservative National Party, pursuing a pro-business, free-market agenda.

His plan emphasises legal certainty, investment in energy and infrastructure, and job creation through public-private partnerships. Asfura pitches himself as a pragmatic “executor”, someone who can deliver stability, economic growth and institutional order.

Salvador Nasralla (Partido Liberal — Centrist / Reformist)

Salvador Nasralla is perhaps the most internationally familiar of the trio, a former television presenter turned politician, who previously served as vice-president. Now 72, he again enters the presidential race under the banner of the Liberal Party.

His proposal centres on tackling corruption, modernising the state and reviving the economy through support for small and medium enterprises, improved infrastructure, formal employment and social investments. He promises sweeping institutional reforms, including a revamped labour code, streamlined regulations and support for migrants and Hondurans abroad.

Chile is a presidential democracy. Every four years, citizens elect a president and members of Congress, the full Chamber of Deputies and half of the Senate. The president governs for a single four-year term and cannot run for immediate re-election, which is why Gabriel Boric, elected in 2021, will not appear on the ballot this time.

Elections take place in two rounds: if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, the top two contenders face each other in a runoff. Since 2022, voting has been compulsory, turning participation into both a right and a civic duty. Congress, elected through a proportional system, holds significant power, shaping laws, negotiating coalitions, and often determining how much a president can actually achieve.

This balance of power defines Chile’s democracy: stable, institutional, and built on negotiation. The system has helped preserve democratic norms and prevent political dominance, though it can also slow major reforms — a challenge that has become evident since the 2019 protests and the unsuccessful attempt to draft a new constitution.

As Chile heads to the polls, key issues such as security , the cost of living, and trust in institutions shape the national debate. Voters will not only choose a new president but also signal the priorities and expectations for the next stage of Chile’s democratic path.

The outcome could shift the legislative landscape substantially. Milei’s coalition is seeking to secure at least a third of the Congress, giving it the power to block or shape legislation and protect its vetoes. At the same time, opposition groups are aiming to roll back what they describe as the government ’s “destabilising” economic and political agenda.

Beyond mere numbers, these elections are being viewed as a referendum on direction and stability. The result may affect Argentina’s ability to pass major reforms, influence the country’s economic recovery path, and set the tone for the next presidential contest. With a highly polarised electorate and rising economic pressures, the stakes are high not just for Argentina, but for regional observers assessing the strength of liberal versus populist trends across Latin America .

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.

Simion, a hard-right figure known for his admiration of U.S. President Donald Trump, opposes Romania’s continued military support for Ukraine and has frequently criticised the European Union’s leadership. He has aligned himself with far-right ideologies and advocates for a foreign policy shift that would draw Romania closer to Russia.

His opponent, Nicușor Dan, has positioned himself as a centrist and pro-European candidate. A strong supporter of NATO and Ukraine, Dan has pledged to combat corruption and safeguard Romania's existing alliances. 

“The intention of continuing the path that Romania has had so far, I voted with hope in the future for my child to grow up in a world where he can say what he wants, what he wants. I voted for membership of the European family,” one voter told AFP.

Another voter emphasised a nationalist vision, stating, “We have come to vote for a sovereign Romania. Dignified, prosperous, in which Romanians, all Romanians from small to large, from all social classes, in the country and abroad, feel proud to be Romanians.”

Simion led the first round of voting with 40.96% of the vote. Dan advanced to the runoff after narrowly defeating Crin Antonescu, the candidate representing the governing coalition, who received just under 21%.

The rerun follows a controversial annulment of the initial election results by Romania’s Constitutional Court in December. The court cited allegations of electoral fraud and external interference, particularly related to Calin Georgescu, a pro-Russian far-right candidate. 

Georgescu, who had initially won the first round, was accused of benefiting from a coordinated social media campaign on TikTok that included algorithm manipulation and paid promotions.

In March, Georgescu lost a legal appeal challenging his disqualification from the current election. Despite being barred from the ballot, he has maintained influence in the race. 

Georgescu, who voted alongside Simion on the outskirts of Bucharest, has publicly referred to him as his "protégé." 

Simon has pledged to appoint Georgescu as prime minister if elected, signalling an intent to pivot Romania’s foreign policy toward closer ties with Moscow.

Gonzalez's claims of fraud arise in the context of her coalition's diminishing strength, as evidenced by the RETO Movement, a significant ally, acknowledging Noboa's triumph. This fracture in her coalition limits her support, rendering her challenge more precarious. Additionally, major election observers, including representatives from the European Union and the Organization of American States, have rejected allegations of electoral misconduct.

Adding complexity to the situation, a scandal involving unused ballots meant for Venezuelan voters surfaced, with reports of armed men stealing these ballots. This incident, condemned by authorities in Ecuador, has been dismissed by Venezuela, further intensifying the political tension. As Noboa strives to consolidate authority within the National Assembly, the potential ramifications for Ecuador's political landscape remain significant.

The elections took place during a time of global instability, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and a cost-of-living crisis driven by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic: rising inflation and supply chain issues added to the pressure.

It was a tough year for incumbents and traditional political parties. Faced with soaring prices, cultural divides, and frustration with the political system, voters sent a clear message for change. As we look toward 2025, the decisions made at the ballot box in 2024 will have a lasting impact on the world stage.

Here are some of the top photos from elections around the world:

John Mahama, who will challenge Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in the December 7, 2024, election, says the economy is in crisis and needs urgent fiscal reforms and a “total reset” to get a fresh start.

“I'm going to give it my all. My purpose for going back into office is to establish a legacy. And once I do that, I will hand over to the next generation and go to my farm,” he told Global South World in an exclusive interview.

Watch the full interview below :

Americans aged 18 and above are eligible to vote, and many have already done so. By October 30, over 52 million voters had cast ballots through early or mail-in voting. This trend aligns with 2020, when only 27% of voters went to the polls on Election Day, while the majority voted early or by mail. Additionally, U.S. citizens living abroad can participate by absentee ballot.

Nominees

The presidential race is led by two major party nominees. The Democratic candidate, 60-year-old Vice President Kamala Harris would make history as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first Asian woman to serve as president. On the Republican side, 78-year-old former President Donald Trump is making another bid for office, aiming to be the oldest person to assume the presidency.

Independent Candidates

In many states, voters also have the option to support third-party or independent candidates, including Jill Stein (Green Party), Chase Oliver (Libertarian Party), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Independent), and Cornel West (Independent).

Congressional and Gubernatorial Election

Besides the presidential race, all 435 House of Representatives seats and 34 Senate seats are on the ballot. Eleven states will elect new governors, while thousands of other local, state, and federal positions are being contested.

Voter Registration

With more than 186 million Americans registered to vote as of September 2024, nearly 80% of eligible Americans are set to participate in this election cycle.

The Electoral College

The U.S. presidential election relies on the Electoral College system, where 538 electors—allocated by state based on population—ultimately select the president. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win. If no candidate reaches this threshold, the House of Representatives will decide the outcome.

Key Swing States

States with close partisan divides, often referred to as battlegrounds or swing states, include Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These states will be crucial in determining the final outcome.

Election Night Calls

In the U.S., news outlets project winners rather than a government agency. The Associated Press and major television networks consider vote tallies, exit polls, and historical data to “call” the race for a candidate.

Vote Counting

Vote counting may take several days or weeks. States are expected to certify results by December 11, and the 538 electors will convene on December 17 to cast their official votes. Certification in Congress is set for January 6, 2025.

Challenges and Disputes

Candidates have a limited window post-election to challenge results if needed, with dispute resolution possible at the local, state, or federal level, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

With just a day left until Election Day, all eyes are on the candidates and swing states as Americans decide their next president.

Following Wednesday’s parliamentary vote, which also decides the next president, the BDP expressed confidence in its ability to retain control in the diamond-rich nation.

However, early results from local council elections indicated a strong showing by the left-leaning Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), raising speculation about the potential outcome of the parliamentary race. Election authorities are expected to announce results later in the day.

Voting proceeded smoothly in a country that prides itself on its democratic tradition since gaining independence from Britain in 1966, making it the oldest democracy in the region despite being consistently governed by the BDP.

Under Botswana's first-past-the-post electoral system, the party that secures 31 of the 61 parliamentary seats will be declared the winner and install its candidate as president.

Masisi, 63, who was elected in 2019 with 52 per cent of the vote, declared after voting that "victory is certain" for his second term. He faces competition from UDC leader Duma Boko, a 54-year-old human rights lawyer, Dumelang Saleshando of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF).

The UDC raised concerns about irregularities during voting, reminiscent of the 2019 elections when their attempts to contest results were dismissed in court.

Analysts suggest that the new government will need to address Botswana's economic dependence on diamonds. "The first priority for the next government would be to stabilize the economy and create strategic certainty in the mining sector," said independent political commentator Olopeng Rabasimane.

Polls opened at 6:30 AM local time for over a million registered voters, with four presidential candidates vying for leadership in the region’s oldest democracy, established after independence from Britain in 1966.

Lone Kobe, a 38-year-old self-employed woman, expressed her eagerness to vote, stating, "I can't wait to voice my opinion. I want to see a new Botswana."

She emphasised concerns about economic inequality, noting that many feel like mere spectators in their country’s development.

Muthisi Kemo, a 56-year-old unemployed man, echoed calls for true democracy and raised concerns about irregularities within the Independent Electoral Authority (IEC), which he claimed favoured the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

Voter apprehensions were heightened by allegations of mismanagement and corruption, coupled with an unemployment rate reaching 27%. Opposition groups criticized the IEC for not providing a digital version of the voters' roll and reported shortages of ballot papers during early voting.

President Masisi, 63, wrapped up his campaign with a rally of about 400 supporters, promising to "polish" his initiatives if re-elected. Many loyalists, like Queen Mosiane, 34, spoke of the government's support during personal hardships, asserting that stability under the BDP is crucial.

The main opposition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), faced challenges due to fragmentation, losing key allies who are now fielding their own candidates.

This division has left voters like Ookeditse Letshwenyo, 23, feeling disillusioned, as he believes unity is essential to challenge the BDP’s long-standing rule.

The elections are being closely watched, with 61 parliamentary seats up for grabs. A party needs to secure 31 seats to claim victory and appoint its candidate as president. Counting will commence after polls close at 7:00 PM local time, with results expected by late Thursday.

The revocation of Kashmir’s special status in 2019 by the Hindu-nationalist government under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left many in the Muslim-majority region frustrated. The decision brought the area under tighter control from New Delhi, eroding local governance power.

Ahead of the elections, some residents have voiced tempered expectations. Mukhtar Ahmad Tantray, a 65-year-old retired government officer, told AFP: “It won't make that much difference since the local government doesn't have a lot of power now. But still, with a representative government, people can go and plead with their local representatives and tell them their grievances. Even if the representatives cannot do anything, they can still at least raise the issues."

Sharing these sentiments, 73-year-old trader Navin Kotwal said, “You see the kind of system that has been formed; until statehood is restored, we'll have to work within the system the government in Delhi has pushed us into.”

However, some locals view the elections as a step toward easing the bureaucratic stranglehold on the region. Syed Ali Choudhary, a 38-year-old dairy farmer and activist, commented, "I agree that the government that will be formed won't have as much power as before, but at least the people of Jammu and Kashmir will have some relief. There are a lot of apprehensions regarding the government that will be formed, but there is a saying: something is better than nothing. I feel it will be the end of ten years of excess bureaucratic rule in Jammu and Kashmir."

The elections will be held in three phases , starting on September 18, followed by additional voting on September 25 and October 1. The results are set to be announced on October 8.

"What’s in these much-talked-about records that have caused such hysteria? They could even make a Netflix series: 'The Records in Venezuela: Collective Hysteria,'" Rodriguez remarked, mocking the global attention. 

She went on to apologise to the French ambassador, jesting that the controversy over the records has even "overshadowed the Olympics in France."

Rodriguez’s comments come amid widespread criticism and scepticism from foreign governments regarding the transparency and legitimacy of Venezuela’s recent electoral process.

The presidential election, held on Sunday, July 28, saw President Nicolás Maduro declared the winner by the National Electoral Council. According to the council, Maduro secured 51.2% of the vote, while González received 44.2%.

However, these results have been met with scepticism and outright rejection by the opposition, citizens and many international observers.

Edmundo González, alongside opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, addressed supporters and the media, claiming they have obtained more than 70% of the tally sheets from polling stations nationwide. These documents, they assert, show González with a significant lead over Maduro.

"We have in our hands the tally sheets that demonstrate our victory," González stated confidently.

"Today, we have great news to share with all Venezuelans. It's a miracle, it's a miracle. But today, I want to tell all Venezuelans, both inside and outside the country, all Venezuelans around the world, that we now have the means to prove the truth of what happened yesterday (July 28) in Venezuela," Maria Corina also told the media and supporters.

Maduro's victory announcement has sparked massive protests across Venezuela. Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets, demanding a transparent recount and the recognition of González's victory.

The protests have been largely peaceful, though there have been instances of clashes with security forces, who have used tear gas to disperse crowds.

"We can't continue like this," said Maria Fernandez, a teacher in Caracas. "We need new leadership to rebuild our nation."

The opposition, united under the Democratic Unitary Platform, has rallied behind Edmundo González Urrutia, a former diplomat. González has promised to restore economic stability and address corruption, resonating with voters disillusioned by years of hardship.

"This election is our chance to reclaim our future," said Juan Carlos, a university student. "We are determined to vote Maduro out."

Despite the enthusiasm, the opposition faces significant challenges. The Maduro government has been accused of creating obstacles to hinder the opposition's campaign, including roadblocks and restricted access to fuel.

Additionally, prominent opposition leader María Corina Machado was barred from running, a move seen by many as an attempt to weaken the opposition.

The international community is closely watching the election, with many countries expressing concerns about the fairness of the process. The United States and European Union have called for free and fair elections, emphasising the importance of respecting democratic principles.

Stay tuned to GSW's live updates on Venezuela's 2024 Presidential Election, a crucial event shaping the nation's future after the significant 2018 elections.

This is the end of our live coverage. Thank you for following. Follow GSW for updates and final declaration of the election results by the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela.

1120 GMT: Preliminary and official vote results are yet to be released. However, election exit polls from international research firm Edison Research which operates in more than 66 countries globally indicate a 61% vote lead for Edmundo González and 31% for Nicolás Maduro.

1119 GMT: Polls in Venezuela are officially closed.

1105 GMT: Here are some photos from various voting centres and stations including those abroad where Venezuelans voted.

1055 GMT: There were allegations of voters getting stranded and refused a chance to vote at some polling stations including the Concentrada #54 in the municipality of José Maria Vargas just hours before closing the voting day.

1049 GMT: Some voters remained stranded at Agustín Tovar y Tovar School, unable to cast their votes earlier in the day.

1040 GMT: Vice President of the Electoral Power, Carlos Quintero earlier assured that respect for the popular will is guaranteed in the Presidential Election.

0957 GMT: According to Agencia Venezuela News, an international observer has confirmed free and fair elections amidst firm security.

"I have never seen anything like this, a lot of transparency and protection that is nothing like what we have in the US, the elections were stolen there while here there are fair and free elections," Jackson Hinkle was quoted.

0930 GMT: Polling stations including the José Ávalos, Pedro Emilio Coll, Fray Pedro de Agreda and Luis Cárdenas Saavedra high schools in the El Valle and Coche parishes recorded very low number of voters around 0930 GMT after high participation earlier.

0924 GMT: "Go out and vote," Maduro urges citizens as elections near closing.

0812 GMT: Bolivarian National Guard of Venezuela (GNB) officials arrived at the CEI Prados del Sol, in Araure to picket at the entrance of the voting centre.

0718 GMT: Here are some photos of Machado from her voting centre.

0713 GMT: “We need everyone to remain present at their voting centres. Let the witnesses know that they are not alone, that the community is around them,” Machado as she addressed the crowd after voting.

0640 GMT: The moment when former Opposition Candidate Maria Corina Machado cast her vote in Los Chorros, Caracas.

0630 GMT: A citizen is captured on video writing down voters' ID numbers at a polling centre. Security team Plan República arrests her for committing this crime.

0536 GMT: Earlier reports suggest that the doors at José Carrillo Moreno EBP in the municipality of #Tinaco were closed; voters were left stranded for hours.

0524 GMT: Venezuelans gather during Venezuela's election voting day in Bogota, Colombia.

0520 GMT: People cast their votes at the Venezuelan Embassy in Santiago, Chile.

0502 GMT: Former Opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado visited selected voting centres in Caracas earlier.

0453 GMT: Earlier reports from the Boca Caneyes Educational Unit in the Guasimos municipality indicate that there was a halt of the voting process with allegations that voters were asked to hand over their ID to the Plan República when entering the voting centre.

0449 GMT: Gonzalez announced his vote on his X page. "I already voted for each and every one of you. Go Venezuela!".

0443 GMT: Opposition candidate Edmundo González and candidate of the Democratic Unitary Platform has cast his vote at the Colegio Santo Tomás de Villanueva. He arrived in his yellow Volkswagen to exercise his right to vote.

0421 GMT: Some Venezuelans who have voted take to social media to share their sentiments. Here are a few tweets:

0424 GMT: Scores gather in El Hatillo municipality in Venezuela to cast their votes

0355 GMT: People wait to vote in Venezuela Tachira state bordering Colombia

People form long queues outside polling stations in the state of Tachira, as Venezuelans vote between the continuity of President Nicolas Maduro or change with rival Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia amid high tension after the incumbent threatened a "bloodbath" if he loses.

0257 GMT: Venezuelans wait outside the consulate to vote in Mexico City

0250 GMT: Opposition candidate is booed at voting centre

As presidential candidate Daniel Ceballos arrived to vote at a school in downtown Caracas, a large group of opposition supporters shouted, “Get out! Get out! Get out! Traitor!”

Ceballos, who led anti-Maduro protests in 2014 demanding the president’s resignation shortly after his election and was imprisoned for his strong opposition to the government, is now running as a presidential candidate.

0246 GMT: The only requirement for voting is an identity card

President of the National Electoral Council, Elvis Amoroso reiterates that no dress code or use of masks is required to exercise the right to vote. "The only requirement is the identity card, even if it has expired."

0203 GMT: 95% of polling stations are open

President of the National Electoral Council, Elvis Amoroso, announced that 95% of voting centres across Venezuela are currently open.

0158 GMT: Venezuelans destroy Chavista placed near polling stations as a form of intimidation and shout, “Freedom! Freedom!”

0138 GMT: Volunteers from the pro-government and opposition parties confront electoral centre in Caracas

0122 GMT: Maduro apologizes for denying entry to former presidents who would observe elections

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro apologised on Saturday for vetoing the group of former presidents, congressmen and former parliamentarians who were prevented from entering the country to observe Sunday's presidential elections after being invited by the opposition.

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino on Friday accused the Venezuelan authorities of blocking a flight carrying a group of former Latin American presidents hoping to observe Venezuela's weekend elections.

1243 GMT: Venezuelans vote in the country's presidential election

1230 GMT: A group arrives on motorbikes, and tries to intimidate voters

1218 GMT: Government officials block Party representatives from observing at voting centre

More than an hour after polling stations were supposed to open, at least eight party representatives authorized by the National Electoral Council to oversee operations at the largest voting centre in Caracas were denied entry.

The government officials at the door claimed that all necessary personnel were already inside.

Marlyn Hernandez, the voting centre coordinator, said she “did not know” why the authorized party representatives were being denied entry to the school, where over 11,000 people are registered to vote.

1210 GMT: Venezuelans vote in the country's presidential election

1206 GMT: Maduro says he will respect election results

“No one is going to create chaos in Venezuela. I recognize and will recognize the electoral referee, the official announcements and I will make sure they are recognized," Maduro said after casting his vote.

He also urged the other nine candidates to respect and publicly declare their commitment to accepting the official announcement of the election winner.

1200 GMT: Some polling stations are yet to open

Polling stations in Venezuela were scheduled to open at 6 a.m. today, but reports indicate that some locations have yet to begin operations.

1131 GMT: Venezuelans are set on voting Maduro out

As Venezuelans head to the polls to cast their votes, many do so with the hope of ending President Nicolás Maduro's 11-year tenure.

The country has struggled with a severe economic crisis, marked by hyperinflation, food and medicine shortages, and mass emigration. For many Venezuelans, the upcoming election represents a critical opportunity to change the country's trajectory.

"We can't continue like this," said Maria Fernandez, a teacher in Caracas. "We need new leadership to rebuild our nation."

1127 GMT: Maduro addresses the media after casting his vote

"The day arrived, I said it was going to arrive in peace and it arrived in peace. Today must be a day, in the name of God, in Venezuela good triumphs, by doing good," Maduro said.

1045 GMT: Maduro casts his vote

Shortly after the polls opened, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and presidential candidate accompanied by his wife cast his vote at Fort Tiuna in Caracas, the largest military base in the country.

1039 GMT: Polls open in Venezuela

Venezuelans who had queued up hours before polls were scheduled to open can now cast their votes.

1033 GMT: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has urged Venezuelans to vote.

1004 GMT: Expatriates participate in a protest

Expatriates participate in a protest asking for freedom to vote during the Venezuelan presidential election, outside the Cultural Center Fernando de los Rios, in Madrid, Spain.

0931 GMT: Venezuelans hold vigil at voting centres

Thousands of Venezuelans across the country are holding vigils for democracy at voting centres. These vigils reflect the enthusiasm and commitment of citizens at a crucial moment for the future of Venezuela.

0737 GMT : Venezuelan expatriates participate in the elections.

0451 GMT : Venezuelans wait outside a closed voting station to vote.

July 27 1957 GMT: Venezuelans express their views on the upcoming election.

July 26 1729 GMT : The CNE prepares voting stations ahead of the presidential election.

Polls are expected to open at 6:00 a.m. local time (1000 GMT) and to close at 6:00 p.m. local time (2200 GMT on Sunday).

ELECTIONS BACKGROUND

Venezuelans are going to vote for a leader in the presidential elections. This follows the over 11-year rule of incumbent president Nicolas Maduro who assumed his position as president in 2013, following the sudden death of his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

This election follows the last election in the country which came off in 2018, during which Maduro won 67.8% of the votes amid a significant opposition boycott.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) has confirmed 10 candidates are running for the presidency.

The outcome of the elections will determine the South American country’s political and economic landscape over the next six years. It is also vital for the future of the close to 8 million Venezuelans who have fled the country since 2013 over the economic crisis in the country.

President Maduro’s name appears 13 times on the ballot for Sunday’s elections, each appearance signifies every political group he represents in the election. He takes up the first four rows and leaves the rest of the slots for other candidates to share. His closest contender Eduardo González appears three times on the ballot while Luis Eduardo Martinez who represents Democratic Action and is considered a government ally shows up six times.

Polls are expected to open at 6 am (GMT-4) and close when the last person casts their votes. Polls have closed around 6 pm (GMT-4) in previous times but this may differ depending on how the process goes during the day.

Candidates

10 candidates are vying for the presidency in the upcoming elections.

The main candidates in the election are Nicolas Maduro 61, who is the current president and represents the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, 74, who is a candidate for Plataforma Unitaria Democratica (PUD) and represents the opposition. He is an academic and former diplomat and became a replacement for María Corina Machado who was the party’s previous candidate chosen to unseat Maduro.

Other candidates include Luis Eduardo Martinez who represents Democratic Action, Daniel Ceballos of the AREPA party, Antonio Ecarri of LAPIZ, Benjamin Rausseo of the CONDE Party, and Jose Brito Rodriguez who represents Venezuela First. The others are Claudio Fermin of Solutions for Venezuela, Javier Bertucci from Hope for Change, and Enrique Marquez of CENNTRADOS.

Electoral system

The President of Venezuela is elected by a simple majority vote and serves a six-year term. Voting in Venezuela is digital and can be audited at all stages. According to the National Electoral Commission, the voting process is fully automated. The Comprehensive Authentication System (SAI) allows the voter to activate a voting machine with their fingerprints after which the voter can cast their vote directly by pressing the VOTE option on the machine’s screen or the electronic ballot.

The individual’s vote is stored randomly in the machine’s memory and is recorded subsequently in the printed tally sheets. Voters also get physical receipts that confirm their voting choice. These receipts are supposed to be put in a provided ballot box to be used for comparison with the data on the tally sheets.

At the end of the day, the machine prints a record of results — in front of electoral witnesses — and then sends the data by telephone or satellite to the counting centre.

Voter eligibility

Citizens who are 18 years old and above are eligible to vote in Venezuela if they are registered on the voters' register and are not subjected to disenfranchisement. This includes nationals residing both in the country and abroad. However, there have been concerns about the registration of nationals abroad for the voting exercise. Out of the close to 8 million Venezuelans living outside the country, official figures from the country's electoral authority show just under 68,000 are registered to vote abroad. Their inability to register, according to voter advocacy groups is a result of closed consulates and high demands for documents.

Security

According to the National Electoral Council, more than 380 thousand officials of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) will be deployed throughout the national territory to fulfil their duty to guard and ensure security during the electoral process.

This is the end of our live coverage. Thank you for following. Follow GSW for updates and final declaration of the election results by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Rwanda.

2000 GMT : Preliminary results from the National Electoral Commission (NEC), after counting 79% of the votes, indicate another resounding victory for Paul Kagame. NEC announced that Paul Kagame received 99.15% of the votes, while Dr. Frank Habineza secured 0.53%, and Philippe Mpayimana garnered 0.32%.

1900 GMT: The preliminary results of the presidential election will be announced on the national radio and television at 10:00pm, NEC says.

1621 GMT : Rwandans share expectations after voting.

1630 GMT : Kagame and his party, RPF Inkotanyi, lead the vote count at a polling station in Kabeza, Kicukiro, Kigali.

1500 GMT : Counting officially commences as polls close in many polling stations across the country. Many polling stations were reported to have completed the exercise by 3 p.m., the time officially set by the National Electoral Commission (NEC). However, in some areas, an extension was granted to allow people still in the queues a chance to cast their ballots.

1400 GMT : Partial results to be announced by evening of July 15, the NEC says.

1300 GMT : Polls are expected to have officially closed by now, according to the NEC. Vote counting should begin right after voting stops.

1245 GMT: Persons with disability are assisted to vote in the ongoing process.

1234 GMT: Less than an hour to go before polls close. Voters continue to wait in line to cast their votes.

1107 GMT: President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame cast their votes.

1100 GMT : Voters continue to wait in line to cast their votes some two hours before polls officially close.

0920 GMT: Voting has passed the halfway mark as Rwandans continue to cast their votes at various polling stations across the nation. Voter turnout is high.

0912 GMT: Presidential candidate Frank Habineza after casting his vote, tells the press he is confident of securing a win in the elections. He added that the voting process "is a very good show of the level of growth and democracy" in Rwanda.

0855 GMT : Some voters encounter challenges updating their location in the online voter registry system.

0836 GMT : Presidential candidate Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda casts his vote.

0826 GMT : Independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana casts his vote at a polling station in Kigali.

0814 GMT: 3 hours on and voting continues across polling stations nationwide.

0746 GMT : Sisters of President Kagame voted at a polling station in Gasabo a district in Kigali.

0745 GMT : Voters line up at the SOS Kinyinya Polling Station where President Paul Kagame, the RPF presidential candidate is expected to cast his vote.

0740 GMT : Ian Kagame, first son of President Paul Kagame casts his vote at the SOS Kinyinya Polling Station where his father is also expected to vote.

0714 GMT : Over two hours of voting have taken place with no sign of violence in any of the polling stations. Elections carry on peacefully as Rwandans continue to cast votes.

0643 GMT : Voting takes place peacefully at a polling station in Gasabo, a district in the capital city of Kigali.

0652 GMT : Some polling stations provide breakfast to voters.

0636 GMT : Voting continues to take place an hour and a half since polls officially opened.

0616 GMT : First-time voters and early voters share their experiences.

0551 GMT : Some voters have cast their ballots as others line to vote less than an hour after polls opened.

0500 GMT : Voting is expected to start at this time nationwide as polls officially open.

0400 GMT : Rwandans arrive early at polling stations to vote.

July 14 : Rwandans abroad cast their votes.

Polls open at 7:00 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and close at 3:00 p.m. local time (1300 GMT on Monday).

ELECTIONS BACKGROUND

Rwanda has had five presidents since the establishment of the office. The current president, Paul Kagame of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), who has been in power since 2000 after having played a pivotal role in ending the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, is seeking a fourth term.

Following a constitutional referendum in December 2015, the previous two-term limit on the presidency was lifted, allowing Kagame to run for a third seven-year term and potentially for two additional five-year terms.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has confirmed two other candidates to run alongside Kagame: Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR) and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.

In addition to the presidential race, up to 589 candidates are competing for 80 seats in the Chamber of Deputies. Over nine million Rwandans are registered to vote in these elections, with two million being first-time voters. The NEC has set up about 2,600 polling stations, including 160 stations for Rwandans in the diaspora who cast their votes on Sunday, July 14.

Special interest groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, will have their parliamentary elections on Tuesday, July 16.

Preparation for the elections began on Friday, July 12, with the distribution of voter materials. The NEC dispatched ballot papers, voter lists, and electoral ink to all districts across the country. Additionally, more than 1,000 local and foreign election observers have been accredited by the NEC.

Vote counting is scheduled to commence immediately after voting concludes.

Candidates

Paul Kagame

President Paul Kagame, leader of the RPF and a dominant figure in Rwandan politics, is expected to secure a fourth term. He has faced criticism from opposition groups and international watchdogs for his administration's crackdown on dissent. Kagame was Rwanda's vice president and de facto leader from 1994 to 2000, after which he officially became president. He has been re-elected multiple times (2000, 2003, 2010, and 2017) and is largely unchallenged in his leadership.

Frank Habineza

Frank Habineza, the founder and president of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), is one of Kagame's opposition. Habineza has a history of political activism and has faced major challenges, including fleeing to Sweden in 2010 due to safety concerns. Despite these, he successfully registered the DGPR in 2013.

Philippe Mpayimana

Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate and journalist, is also running against Kagame after having lived in exile since the 1994 genocide, primarily in France and Belgium. Mpayimana is hopeful about garnering support from the Rwandan diaspora.

Electoral system

The President of Rwanda is elected by a simple majority vote and serves a seven-year term. Initially limited to two terms, the constitution was amended in 2015 to allow for extended tenure, drawing international criticism.

Rwanda's bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, with both chambers representing the people, passing laws, and overseeing executive actions.

Voter eligibility

Every Rwandan aged 18 and above, who is registered on the voters' register and not subjected to disenfranchisement, is eligible to vote. This includes Rwandans residing both in the country and abroad. However, certain individuals, such as those convicted of serious crimes or those with mental illness, are prohibited from voting as per the electoral law.

President Paul Kagame

Incumbent President Paul Kagame , who has been in power since 2000 and played a pivotal role in ending the 1994 genocide, is seeking a fourth term. Kagame, a dominant figure in Rwandan politics, has faced criticism from opposition groups and international watchdogs for his administration's crackdown on dissent. In 1990, as commander of the forces of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), he led the struggle to liberate the country.

Frank Habineza

Frank Habineza, the founder and president of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), is one of Kagame's opposition. Habineza has a history of political activism and has faced major challenges, including fleeing to Sweden in 2010 due to safety concerns. Despite these, he successfully registered the DGPR in 2013. 

Habineza’s campaign focuses on addressing unemployment and ending government-imposed monoculture. He has also condemned human rights violations and pledged to review cases of political prisoners. 

Philippe Mpayimana

Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate and journalist , also joins the race. Having lived in exile since the 1994 genocide, primarily in France and Belgium, Mpayimana is hopeful about garnering support from the Rwandan diaspora. 

His campaign promises include continuing Kagame's agricultural policies, improving living standards, providing free water, and imposing a controversial three-child policy to control population growth. 

Exclusion of Diane Rwigara

Notably absent from the race is outspoken Kagame critic Diane Rwigara, who was barred from running after failing to provide the necessary documentation and demonstrating sufficient nationwide support. 

Rwigara expressed her frustration on social media, criticizing the electoral process and accusing the government of denying her the right to campaign.“Why won't you let me run? This is the second time you [have] cheat[ed] me out of my right to campaign,” she is quoted. 

Concerns Over Electoral Fairness

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns about the fairness of the upcoming elections, citing a crackdown on opposition, media, and civil society. HRW has urged the Rwandan authorities to ensure that all citizens can freely express their views and vote without intimidation. “The threat of physical harm, arbitrary judicial proceedings, and long prison sentences, which can often lead to torture, have effectively deterred many Rwandans from engaging in opposition activities and demanding accountability from their political leaders,” said Clémentine de Montjoye, senior researcher in the Africa division at HRW.

Distribution of Ballot Materials

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Rwanda has commenced the distribution of electoral materials nationwide ahead of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. Starting on Friday, July 12, three days before the elections, NEC will dispatch ballot papers, voter lists, and electoral ink to all districts across the country. 

NEC spokesperson Moise Bukasa assured that each district has a dedicated vehicle for transporting these materials, ensuring timely delivery and readiness by July 13. Additionally, polling stations abroad have already received the necessary materials to facilitate voting for Rwandans living overseas.

"We ensured that each district has a dedicated vehicle for transporting electoral materials, so everything will be in place before the voting day. This ensures that all districts are fully equipped and prepared maybe two days before elections," he told The New Times . 

Diaspora voting

Rwandans in the diaspora will cast their votes on July 14. The NEC has established 160 polling stations in 70 countries, coordinated by 44 Rwandan diplomatic missions. These measures are aimed at ensuring that Rwandans abroad can participate in both the presidential and parliamentary elections. 

Charles Munyaneza, the NEC executive secretary, told  The New Times  on July 11, "Some of our foreign missions are serving other polling stations in other countries. For example, the embassy in France is coordinating with countries like Spain and Italy, appointing representatives to oversee the elections there. Our High Commission in South Africa is also coordinating with neighbouring countries, including Lesotho and Mauritius.”

How about visually impaired voters?

To ensure inclusivity, NEC has introduced braille ballot papers for visually impaired voters. These voters can cast their ballots independently and confidentially. 

For those unfamiliar with braille, NEC permits assistance from a child aged 14 to 18, ensuring the voter's choices remain uninfluenced. 

Who are the candidates? 

Among the nine presidential candidacy applications, only President Paul Kagame, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana have been cleared to run. Kagame, who has been in power since 2000, is seeking a fourth term. Habineza, a seasoned political activist, has faced some challenges, including a period of exile. Mpayimana, a journalist who has lived in exile since the 1994 genocide, is hopeful of garnering support from the diaspora.

The electoral system 

The president of Rwanda is elected by a simple majority vote and serves a seven-year term. Initially limited to two terms, the constitution was amended in 2015 to allow for extended tenure, drawing international criticism. 

Rwanda's bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, with both chambers representing the people, passing laws, and overseeing executive actions.

Eligibility to vote

Every Rwandan aged 18 and above, who is registered on the voters' register and not subjected to disenfranchisement, is eligible to vote. This includes Rwandans residing both in the country and abroad. However, certain individuals, such as those convicted of serious crimes or those with mental illness, are prohibited from voting as per the electoral law.

Subject to the electoral law , the following persons are thus prohibited from voting;

Illegal Venezuelan migrant Bernardo Raul Castro Mata allegedly shot two NYPD officers at "point-blank range" during a struggle. He was held without bail on charges including attempted murder and possession of a weapon. The officers were investigating a robbery pattern when they confronted Castro Mata, who then allegedly shot them before being apprehended, as reported by Fox News . Authorities believe Castro Mata is a member of the "bloodthirsty" Tren de Aragua gang and was found in possession of a firearm connected to gunpoint robberies. After the shooting, police conducted a crackdown on illegal vehicles in the area.

Monumental rock art discovery along Colombia-Venezuela river

British and Colombian archaeologists discovered monumental rock art along the Colombia-Venezuela Orinoco River, one of the longest rivers in South America. The engravings, some over 40 meters long, are believed to mark the territorial boundaries of prehistoric indigenous peoples, The City Paper Bogota reports. The researchers used advanced drone photography to map the extensive rock art, uncovering several new sites that are at least 2,000 years old. The engravings, including a 42-metre-long snake, served to mark territory and assert dominance over the landscape, according to reports. The researchers plan to deepen their collaboration with local communities and authorities to develop sustainable preservation strategies.

84 illegal mining structures destroyed

The Venezuelan military destroyed 84 illegal mining structures as part of Operation Caura 2024 in the southern part of the country. The structures served as clandestine lodgings and logistical depots for environmental depredation, according to Latin American news agency TeleSur. In a separate operation, the military also seized fuel and dismantled illegal mining equipment in Caura National Park, the largest park in the country. The military continues to conduct operations to control illegal activities in national parks, forest reserves, and watersheds, TeleSur reports.

https://www.telesurenglish.net/venezuelan-military-destroys-84-illegal-mining-structures/

Brazil urges Venezuela to allow election observers

Brazilian President Lula da Silva has urged Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro to allow international election observers for upcoming presidential elections. This comes after Venezuela withdrew an invitation for EU observers, accusing them of interventionist practices. Lula also expressed support for the Barbados agreement and discussed lifting international sanctions on Venezuela, Agencia Brasil reports. The July elections will see President Maduro run for a third term.

50 years of bilateral ties with China celebrated

Venezuela and China celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations and reaffirmed their strategic partnership following the meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto in Beijing on June 5. The visit aimed to deepen cooperation in various areas including trade, technology, and space exploration, according to CGTN . Venezuela expressed support for China's one-China principle and its right to national sovereignty. China pledged to broaden cooperation to contribute to Venezuela's industrialisation and economic diversification

This is the end of our live coverage. Thank you for following. Follow GSW for updates and final declaration of the election results by the Mexican electoral authority.

0200 GMT: The IEC's preliminary election results shows Morena Party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum in an early lead as voter count continues across the nation.

0128 GMT: President of the IEC announces that publication of the Preliminary Electoral Results Program (PREP) will begin at 8:00 p.m. local time with the Recording and Computing Minutes of each of the polling stations.

0125 GMT: Morena Party president Mario Delgado declares candidate Claudia Sheinbaum as winner of the winner election.

0115 GMT: Opposition presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez addresses supporters after polls closed.

0052 GMT: Voter count is underway in some polling stations.

0025 GMT: Moments after polls officially closed, of the the national leaders of Morena and PAN declared themselves winners in Yucatán.

The national leaders of the National Action Party (PAN), Marko Cortes, and Morena, Mario Delgado ,   declared themselves winners in Yucatán, minutes after the polls had closed in some parts.

Based on exit polls and without having closed all the boxes, Mario Delgado assured that Morena won the 9 governorships at stake, including Yucatán.

0000 GMT: Polls officially closes across the country as many wait in line to cast their votes. The IEC annouced that those already in line before closing time will be allowed to cast their votes.

2333 GMT: The Attorney General's Office of the State of Oaxaca has initiated 11 investigation files related to the June 2 election day. The files were initiated in various regions, including cases for threats, injuries and purchase and coercion of votes.

2320 GMT: Less than an hour to go before polls are officially closed. Several voters at various polling stations yet to cast votes.

2305 GMT: Polling area in Oaxaca de Juárez remains closed for the installation of boxes.

2304 GMT: Hooded and armed men destroy a polling station in San Juan del Río, Querétaro. No injuries recorded.

2243 GMT: Reports of a fire at a polling station located in San Antonio, Cuautitlán Izcalli, with one person detained.

2222 GMT: Election observers in Veracruz confirm alleged intimidation of voters and delays in installation of boxes.

The Uruguayan, Sebastian Hagobian, Chief of Observers of the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAL) in Veracruz, confirmed that they have had complaints about the alleged abuse of police authorities "Allegedly intimidating" Citizens, in municipalities such as: Acayucan, Santiago Tuxtla, San Andrés Tuxtla, Veracruz, Boca del Río, Tihuatlán, Coatzintla, Poza Rica, Orizaba, Córdoba, Tezonapa, Omealca, Ciudad Mendoza and Hueyapan de Ocampo. The group of 20 observers assigned to Veracruz stated that there were delays of up to three hours for the installation of various boxes.

2206 GMT: 6 people arrested for intimidating voters in the La Preciosa neighbourhood.

2205 GMT: Polls are expected to close at 18:00 local time, however, voters already in line before closing time will be allowed to vote.

2200 GMT: 8 hours after polls opened, voters continue to come out to cast their votes amid hot weather conditions.

2138 GMT: Complaints of illegal influence in box 131 of Berriozábal, Chiapas as unknown individuals try to bribe voters.

2128 GMT: One man is shot and another wounded while voting in San Fernando and Pichucalco, Chiapas.

In two different actions , two people were injured during the election day on Sunday, June 2 in Chiapas. One of the actions was carried out in the municipality of San Fernando, where armed individuals arrived inside a municipal market where a booth was installed.

It was in this place that a man identified as Daniel “N” was intimidated and deprived of his liberty and then was abandoned in another place with injuries to his body, according to the Chiapas Attorney General's Office.

For his part, in the municipality of Pichucalco, the director of the Municipal Police reported that in the Napana neighbourhood, a person was injured by a gunshot. People from the Investigative Police of the state prosecutor's office went to the site. In this case, the victim was identified as Luis Felipe “N”, 25 years old.

2113 GMT: The president of the local board of the IEC, Edgar Humberto Arias Alba, confirmed the death of a party representative in one of the polling stations in the municipality of Eloxochitlán.

2111 GMT: Moments as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was accompanied by his wife Beatriz Gutierrez to cast his vote at a polling station in Mexico City.

2110 GMT: Three ballot boxes could not be installed in Colima due to the wave of insecurity in the area.

2037 GMT: Acts of violence have been reported in Querétaro, Guanajuato and Puebla.

Since the early hours of the morning, the citizens of Guanajuato, Querétaro and Puebla have experienced episodes of violence that have generated concern among voters and local authorities. At 12:00 p.m. local time, several incidents were confirmed that highlight the persistent insecurity in some regions of the country.

2036 GMT: The State Security Board of the State of Sonora, reports that alleged detonations in the place were false.

The security authorities detained people with alleged weapons, in the Habitat Centre of the Real de Minas neighbourhood, which turned out to be toys.

2016 GMT: High influx of people in the special box located in the periplaza on the ecological peripheral south of the City of Puebla.

2015 GMT: The Independent Electoral Commission reports that 81.89% of the polling stations have been installed.

2011 GMT : Municipal police arrested a man who attempted to remove the president of a polling station for alleged vote-buying

The authorities reached basic and contiguous box 2069 1 of the federal and local District 04, located on Acapulco Street, between Ayuntamiento and San Diego streets, at the request of an official from the National Electoral Institute (INE) who requested the withdrawal of the citizen.

Supposedly the representatives of the PRI and the PAN denounced the purchase of a citizen's votes and the polling station president questioned the accused, who became upset and shouted that someone else be appointed as polling station president.

Activities returned to normal after the withdrawal of the patrols.

1938 GMT: The three presidential candidates cast their votes in the early hours at their respective polling stations in Mexico City.

Claudia Sheinbaum

The presidential candidate of the "Let's Keep Making History" coalition went to vote accompanied by her husband Jesús María Tarriba, at the polling station in section 3960, in Tlalpan. Sheinbaum told the media that this vote would be a "historic day." She cast her vote after standing in line and waiting for just over an hour.

Xóchitl Gálvez

The opposition presidential candidate, accompanied by her children Diana Gálvez and Juan Pablo Gálvez, pointed out that these elections were the most violent in the history of Mexico which has witnessed more than 25 candidates being murdered. After voting, Xóchitl Gálvez called on citizens to go out without fear to vote and said that there was an opportunity to keep democracy alive.

Jorge Álvarez Máynez

The presidential candidate for the Citizen Movement, Jorge Álvarez Máynez, went to vote, accompanied by his son, at the polling station in section 4533, in the Condesa neighbourhood. After casting his vote, Máynez showed the indelible ink on his finger shortly before 9:30 in the morning.

1845 GMT: Mexicans outside the Mexican Embassy in Madrid protest against outgoing president Manuel Lopez Obrador.

1840 GMT : Shooting breaks out in Coyomeapan, Puebla.

In Santa María Coyomeapan, Puebla, a group of people carried out detonations in a booth. As a result, two people were injured, one of them died. Humberto Arias, executive member of the INE, pointed out that despite the violent events, the polls continue to function.

1838 GMT: Cases of vans with hooded people have been reported in Huejutla with some reported to have been spotted while the PAN candidate, Micaela Torres, was voting and also in nearby neighbourhoods.

1700 GMT: More candidates continue to cast their votes across various polling stations in the country as voting continues.

1530 GMT: Presidential candidate of the Citizen Movement, Jorge Álvarez Máynez, cast his with his wife and children at a poll in the Cuauhtémoc Mayor's Office.

1511 GMT: Opposition presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez is accompanied by her children to cast her vote.

1509 GMT: The gubernatorial candidate for Puebla, Alejandro Armenta, cast his vote.

1500 GMT: Claudia Sheimbaum arrives to vote at poll 3960 installed in San Andrés Totoltepec, Tlalpan.

1445 GMT: There are some delays to the opening of polls at some stations as IEC officials continue working to set up polling booths. Voters are anxiously waiting in long lines to cast their ballots.

1431 GMT: Queues have been spotted in New York City where Mexicans are voting at the Mexican Consulate.

1430 GMT: Outgoing president Andrés Manuel López Obrador has cast his ballot with his wife.

1420 GMT: Security has been heightened at several polling stations and the presidential security details have secured the station where the president is expected to vote. More than 4,000 police personnel have already been deployed to ensure peace at the stations.

1416 GMT: Election observer teams from various civil society organisations have been deployed to observe the voter processes across the country. They also call for calm and respect for the electoral process.

1415 GMT: Polls open a few minutes late in some provinces. Many government and political party officials vote early at some stations.

1412 GMT: There are fears that the ballots would not be sufficient hence early queues by voters to cast their ballot, some voters tell the media. Officials of the election commission call for patience.

1406 GMT: The only male presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez plays football with his son as he walks to cast his ballot.

1400 GMT: 170,000 polling stations open in Mexico and Mexican consulates and embassies around the world for the nearly 100 million registered voters to elect a new president, congress and governors.

A flag-raising ceremony is held at the IEC headquarters in Mexico City ahead of the opening of polls.

Polls open in Puebla

1200 GMT: Voters in Mexico and at embassies outside the country form long queues hours ahead of the opening of polls to cast their ballots.

Veracruz residents join long lines patiently anticipating the opening of polls.

Polls open at 8:00 a.m. local time (1400 GMT) and closes at 6:00 p.m. local time (0000 GMT on Monday).

ELECTIONS BACKGROUND

Mexico is almost certain to see the country's first female president elected as both the leading candidate, Claudia Sheinbaum, and her main rival, Xóchitl Gálvez, are far ahead in the polls beating the late entrant male candidate, Jorge Álvarez Máynez.

The June 2, 2024 polls supervised by the National Electoral Institute (INE) open at 8:00 a.m. local time (1400 GMT) for nearly 100 million registered voters and closes at 6:00 p.m. local time (0000 GMT on Monday).

There are more than 20,000 positions to fill and an estimated 70,000 candidates are vying for those offices, including 128 senate seats and 500 deputy seats; the mayorship of Mexico City; and governor’s offices in Chiapas, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, Puebla, Tabasco, Veracruz and Yucatán.

So far, 37 local candidates have been murdered during campaigns across the country with hundreds under police protection.

Electoral System

The president is elected by plurality voting in a single round; there is no provision for a second run-off round in the country with a population of 131 million.

300 deputies are elected in single-member constituencies by plurality vote, and the remaining 200 are elected by proportional representation in five multi-member districts, with seats divided according to Hamilton's method. No party is permitted to hold more than 300 seats.

The Senate is elected in two ways: 96 in 32 three-seat constituencies corresponding to the nation's states, and the remaining 32 in a single national constituency using proportional representation. In the three-seat constituencies, two seats are assigned to the party with the highest number of votes, and one seat to the party with the second-highest number of votes.

Candidates

The frontrunner, Claudia Sheinbaum, is a 61-year-old former environmental scientist and Mexico City mayor from 2018 to 2023. She is vying as the candidate for the ruling National Regeneration Movement (Morena) coalition and has the backing of the outgoing president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Her main opposition rival is 61-year-old Xóchitl Gálvez, a successful tech entrepreneur and former senator supported by an alliance of opposition parties called the Strength and Heart for Mexico coalition.

The only man in the race is 38-year-old Jorge Álvarez Máynez, the Movimiento Ciudadano (Citizens’ Movement) party candidate. The late entrant in the race shot to international attention in May when a stage collapsed at his campaign event in the northeastern city of San Pedro Garza García, killing nine people and leaving at least 121 people injured.

The candidates seek to replace outgoing president López Obrador, who has been in power since 2018 and cannot run for the top office again as under Mexico's constitution presidents are limited to a single six-year term.

Results Declaration

The first official preliminary results are expected around 10 pm local time after the polls close. The new president is set to begin a six-year term on October 1, 2024.

This is the end of our live coverage. Thank you for following. Follow GSW for updates on the results and final declaration on June 2.

22:15 GMT +2: Vote counting is underway and the IEC has announced the first batch of results. The delayed voting process is ongoing simultaneously with vote counting. The final election results are expected to be announced by the IEC on June 2.

19:00 GMT +2: Polls officially close in South Africa as hundreds queue to cast their votes due to widespread delay in the delivery of voting materials. The IEC tells presiding officers to drop faulty scanners, use manual voting and assist long queues. Those already in the line by 21:00 local time can still vote.

18:25 GMT +2: Warning shots fired in Thokoza after voters attempted to storm a polling station. Calm is restored.

18:00 GMT +2: One hour to the close of polls and the queues are getting longer. IEC addresses the media.

"We are experiencing a late surge and are processing a large number of voters in certain areas, particularly the metropolitan areas in Gauteng, Western Cape, KZN, and the Eastern Cape" - Chief Electoral Officer of the Electoral Commission Sy Mamabolo. The IEC added that those in the queue before the close of the polls would be allowed to vote and they have beefed up their staff numbers to attend to all voters in the queue.

16:20 GMT +2: It is already dark and temperatures are dropping while people are in long queues waiting to vote.

16:00 GMT +2: Three hours to the close of polls at 9 pm and there are long lines of people in Kwazulu Natal and other provinces waiting to vote. The IEC has announced that people who are in queues at 21:00 will be allowed to vote.

16:00 GMT +2: Voting papers sent late by boat to a community in North Kwazulu Natal.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has sent voting papers by boat to the community of ENKovukeni in North Kwazulu Natal to ensure that people vote.

15:00 GMT +2: Five Eastern Cape voting stations closed due to protests

The Eastern Cape saw some voting stations closed down due to protests over electricity outages and lack of water, the IEC said. were some of the issues that delayed and, in some cases, prevented some voters from casting their votes at voting stations in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday.

Eastern Cape electoral officer, Kayakazi Magudumana, said five voting stations remained closed due to residents protesting over service delivery issues. The stations are Nokhatshile in the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality's Ward 2; Buhlambu in the Ntabankulu Local Municipality's Ward 17; Maggie in the Port St Johns Municipality's Ward 1; Sidanda in the Nyandeni Local Municipality's Ward 28; and Mavundleni in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality's Ward 28.

14:20 GMT +2: Several stores in the Johannesburg area are giving out gifts to voters as a token of appreciation.

Hudsons Burgers in Johannesburg is among the long list of stores that are offering free gifts and treats as a token of appreciation to those who take the time to cast their votes. Krispy Kreme said it had given 80 dozen (960) donuts to people who have voted so far. Lush was handing out bath bombs which ran out at 09:00. Others that are offering free gifts include Wimpy, Spur, Doppio Zero, Motherland Coffee and Sorbet.

14:15 GMT +2: International election observers have lauded the IEC for a smooth electoral process.

14:01 GMT +2: Concerns of voters roll machine failures in several regions raised. IEC urged to fix it to avoid delays.

14:00 GMT +2: Julius Malema speaks against extension of the election by a day.

14:00 GMT +2: Julius Malema of the EFF casts his vote.

13:56 GMT +2: International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor speaks to the press after casting her vote.

13:24 GMT +2: Voters still in queues by the close of polls will be assisted to vote.

12:57 GMT +2: Some voters share their election expectations.

12:07 GMT +2: Reports of a polling station located in western Cape Town running out of ballot boxes as voting continues in other parts.

11:57 GMT +2: Voters with special needs who were unable to vote on May 27 and 28 are allowed to vote.

11:16 GMT +2: Former President Jacob Zuma votes at a polling station in KwaZulu-Natal.

11:00 GMT +2: The Electoral Commission briefs the media on the progress of the elections.

10:31 GMT +2: Police Minister Bheki Cele says voting is going well in the country except in some parts of the Eastern Cape.

10:20 GMT +2: Julius Malema, leader of the opposition party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) arrives at a polling station in Limpopo province to cast his vote.

10:02 GMT +2: Former President Thabo Mbeki votes in Johannesburg.

09:11 GMT +2: First-time voters share their experience.

09:07 GMT +2: Voting is still ongoing as queues move along.

08:24 GMT +2: President Cyril Ramaphosa and First Lady Tshepo Motsepe vote at a polling station in Soweto.

08:03 GMT +2: Wife of former President Jacob Zuma, Sizakele Zuma votes.

07:57 GMT+2: Voting continues 2 hours after polls opened.

07:53 GMT+2: John Steenhuisen, leader of the opposition party Democratic Alliance (DA) votes.

07:46 GMT +2: Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan among election observers visiting polling stations in Soweto.

07:35 GMT +2: Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrives at his polling station in Sandton to cast his vote.

07:25 GMT +2: South Africa's Justice and Correctional Services Minister, Ronald Lamola, reports that 17,129 inmates have registered to vote, with Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria having the highest number.

07:11 GMT +2: Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile is expected to cast his vote at a polling station in Sandton.

06:30 GMT +2: Ballots have still not arrived at a polling station in Craighall, a suburb of Johannesburg.

06:27 GMT +2: Long queues in Sandton, a residence in the northern part of Johannesburg where former mayor Herman Mashaba is expected to vote.

06:14 GMT +2: Locals in Keiskammahoek, Eastern Cape Town, are halting voting at Wolf River Primary School due to a protest over a land claim.

06:06 GMT +2: South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to cast his vote at a primary school in Soweto at 08:00 GMT +2.

06:00 GMT +2: Voters at South Africa’s largest voting station at Joubert Park in Johannesburg queue as voting stations remain unopened.

05:45 GMT +2: Voting is underway in some regions as voters take to the polls to cast their votes.

05:00 GMT +2: Voting is expected to start at this time as voters wait at some voting centres.

Polls are expected to open from 7 am (0500 GMT) to 9 pm (1900 GMT) across the country’s nine provinces.

ELECTIONS BACKGROUND

South Africa has had 5 black presidents; Nelson Mandela (1994-1999), Thabo Mbeki (1999-2008), Kgalema Motlanthe (2008-2009), Jacob Zuma (2009-2018), Cyril Ramaphosa (2018-present) all from the dominant African National Congress (ANC).

However, the governing African National Congress (ANC) is projected to lose its parliament majority for the first time, possibly paving the way for the country’s first coalition government.

Contesting are 14,889 candidates, including 70 political parties and 11 independents vying for 887 seats in the election to be conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC ).

Voters with special needs, such as expectant mothers and individuals with disabilities, cast their ballots two days before election day on May 27 and 28, while registered voters residing overseas cast their ballots on May 17 and 18, according to the IEC.

South Africa employs a proportional representation system, with voters receiving three ballots - National Compensatory Ballot, National Regional Ballot, and Provincial Legislature Ballot - to elect representatives to the National Assembly, Regional National Assembly and Provincial Legislature.

Voters are allowed to vote for different contestants on each ballot and are not compelled to vote for the same party across all the ballot papers. All ballot papers are Universal Braille Template compliant for the blind and partially sighted.

Polls open from 7 am (0500 GMT) to 9 pm (1900 GMT) across the country’s nine provinces, where electorates will cast ballots for national and provincial governments.

The final results of the election are expected to be announced by the IEC on June 2.

KEY FIGURES

This historic amendment led to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) clearing 14,889 candidates, including 70 political parties and 11 independents, to contest 887 seats in the 2024 election.

According to the IEC, 27.79 million South Africans aged 18 and above have registered for the elections this year up from 26.74 million in 2019.

Voters with special needs, such as expectant mothers and individuals with disabilities, cast their ballots two days before election day on May 27 and 28, while registered voters residing overseas cast their ballots on May 17 and 18, according to the IEC.

Here is a step-by-step guide to the voting process for the 2024 South African elections:

Voting

The first step in the voting process is verification , where voters' names are checked against the voters' roll. Following verification, voters proceed to ink marking. Here, indelible ink is applied to the thumbnail of each voter. This measure is taken to prevent double voting and serves as a physical token of a citizen's participation in the democratic process

Voters are then presented with three distinct ballots. The National Ballot, coloured blue, is for electing political parties to the National Assembly. The Regional National Assembly ballot, orange in hue, is unique to each province, allowing voters to elect a political party or an independent candidate within their region. Lastly, the Provincial Legislature ballot, pink in colour, is also unique to each province, where voters choose political parties and independent candidates for the provincial legislature.

Election results

The election results are promptly made available online on the official IEC website following the ballot count. At the polling stations, results are shown on the station doors after the count.

To facilitate voter access to information, a Voter app. Available on major mobile app stores has been introduced, according to the IEC , this application has detailed resources for all election-related information, ensuring voters are well-informed and prepared.

The final results of the election are expected to be announced by the IEC on June 2.

While recent reports have been centred on the potential end to the ANC’s dominance and ex-president Jacob Zuma’s eligibility to run for office , there are 14,889 candidates , including 70 political parties and 11 independents contesting 887 seats in this landmark 2024 election.

Here is a brief history of the elections that have taken place in the country since 1994:

1994 election

The 1994 South African general election marked a significant event, ending apartheid and allowing citizens of all races to participate. With over 19 million votes counted, the ANC led by Nelson Mandela won 62.5% of the vote becoming the country's first black president, symbolising a new era for South Africa. Freedom Day, a public holiday on April 27 commemorates the election's significance.

1999 election

The 1999 South African general election, held on June 2nd, resulted in a landslide victory for the ANC, which increased its majority by over 66%. This election was particularly notable as Nelson Mandela, the incumbent President, chose not to seek re-election due to his age and was succeeded by Thabo Mbeki. The election saw a high voter turnout, with over 89% of registered voters participating, reflecting the citizens' engagement in the democratic process.

2004 election

The 2004 South African general election, held on April 14, marked the third democratic election since the end of apartheid. The ANC, led by President Thabo Mbeki, secured a significant victory, obtaining 69.7% of the votes and an increased majority in the National Assembly. This election was notable for the ANC's ability to potentially amend the constitution due to its large majority.

2009 election

In 2009 , under the new presidency of Jacob Zuma, the ANC's share dropped to 65.9%. This election was also notable for the breakaway of former ANC members to form the Congress of the People (COPE).

2014 election

The 2014 South African general election, held on May 7, was the first following the passing of Nelson Mandela. The elections saw the ANC’s share reduce further to 62.15%, amid growing public dissatisfaction under the leadership of Jacob Zuma and the emergence of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) , a party formed in 2013 by former ANC member and 2024 presidential candidate Julius Malema as a significant political force.

2019 election

In 2019 , under President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC's majority dipped below 60% for the first time, securing 57.5% of the vote. This election highlighted the increasing fragmentation of the South African political landscape and the rise of opposition parties.

2024 election

The upcoming 2024 election has been described as potentially transformative, with the ANC facing its toughest challenge yet. For the first time, independent candidates were allowed to stand, and the ANC's dominance was threatened amid concerns over unemployment, crime rates, and economic management. The election employed a proportional representation system , with voters receiving three ballots to elect the National Assembly and provincial legislatures.

Each election has been conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC ), which has been praised for its management of the electoral process. However, the IEC has also faced challenges , including logistical issues and allegations of irregularities. Despite these challenges, South Africa's electoral process has been largely peaceful and is considered a model for other emerging democracies.

Recent reports by the Johannesburg-based  Brenthurst Foundation on the election on March 8 suggest that the ANC could receive less than 50% of the national vote for the first time.

Candidates

Independent candidates are permitted to compete for seats in both the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. A total of 14,889 candidates, nominated by 70 political parties (excluding 11 independents), have been cleared by the election commission to contest 887 seats. 31 political parties will participate in the national elections for the first time.

The electoral system

South Africa holds elections every five years under a proportional representation system, where parties and candidates  vie for 400 seats in the National Assembly. Of these, 200 seats are contested nationally, while the remaining 200 are divided among the nine provinces, contested by parties and independent candidates. Provincial legislature seats are allocated based on population size in each province.

On election day, voters will be issued with three ballots instead of the usual two. Each ballot requires voters to select either one party or one candidate. Two of these ballots will be used to determine the composition of the National Assembly, while the third will be designated for the election of members to the provincial legislature in each province.

What's at stake?

Even though the ANC replaced former President Jacob Zuma with Cyril Ramaphosa as the leader of the ANC in 2018, enabling him to lead the party into the 2019 elections, internal divisions continue to plague the ANC.

While President Ramaphosa has gradually garnered more backing within the party and is set to represent the party in the 2024 elections, there is a growing division within the party. Zuma's support for a new party, uMkhonto weSizwe, poses a direct challenge to Ramaphosa's leadership.

The ANC party faces mounting pressure due to issues such as high unemployment, economic disparities, corruption allegations, and ongoing internal divisions. Rising violent crime rates, an average of 130 rapes and 80 murders a day in the last three months of 2023 have further strained public confidence in the authorities. The election will be closely watched as a test of the ANC's ability to address these pressing issues and maintain its political dominance.

What they said

Interim president Mahamat Idriss Deby during his campaign in Chad's capital N'Djamena in April said "Today we are at the final turn on the road to constitutional return… You know me, I am a soldier and I hold my promises. We will strengthen internal security to guarantee peace and stability in our country." Junta-installed prime minister, Succes Masra during the declaration of his candidacy in March also said "We are here as candidates to serve the Chadian people, Chadian men and women… Yes, I am a candidate, and we are candidates to become the next leaders of the country."

The inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup , a joint venture between the International Boxing Association (IBA), the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC), and the South African Boxing Organization (SANABO), will take place from 15 to 21 April. The tournament will feature 12 women's and 13 men's weight categories and will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban. The tournament is named after former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela who trained in boxing during his time in prison during apartheid South Africa. The prize fund for the tournament is $500,000. The tournament coincides with South Africa's commemoration of 30 years of freedom and democracy since the historic election of 27 April 1994.

Printing of Ballot papers for 2024 elections

The South African Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that 27.79 million registered voters will receive three ballot papers for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024). The National Ballot will consist of a list of political parties vying for 200 seats in the National Assembly, with 52 parties currently on the dual-column configuration, SA News reports.  According to IEC Chief Sy Mamabolo, The Regional or Province-to-National Ballots will have political parties and independent candidates contesting for seats reserved for each province in the National Assembly, with contestants ranging from 30 to 44 on regional ballots. The Provincial Ballots are unique to each province and include parties and independent candidates competing for seats in each respective provincial legislature.

Starlink to terminate services

Satellite internet service provider Starlink has warned its South African users that their services will be terminated on April 30 due to violating its terms and conditions. The company, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, operates low-earth orbit satellites that offer high-speed internet globally. However, Starlink has been unable to obtain a license from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), which requires 30% ownership from historically disadvantaged groups. The company has clarified that its Mobile–Regional plans are meant for temporary travel and transit, not permanent use, Africanews reports.

Meta establishes resource centre for elections

Meta, the parent company of Facebook has created an election resource centre to support the integrity of the 2024 South African elections across its online platforms. The centre provides government, political, and non-profit information on what politicians should consider when planning their election campaigns on Facebook, Messenger, Threads, and Instagram before, during, and after the elections. “Over many years, Meta has developed a comprehensive approach to elections on our platforms. But we know that no two elections are the same. That’s why our team is developing a tailored approach to help preserve the integrity of the South African elections on our platforms, drawing on lessons learnt from the previous election in the country, and our involvement in over 200 elections globally,” said Balkissa Idé Siddo, Meta’s public policy director for Sub-Saharan Africa. On May 29, South Africans will go to the polls to choose a new leader.

Ban on plant-based meat terms overturned

The Johannesburg High Court has overturned the South African government's decision to seize all plant-based meat alternatives from shelves, allowing "meaty" names like sausage, burger, and steak to be on used faux-meat products. In 2022, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) moved to ban the use of the word "meat" and other words referring to products of animal origin to market meat-alternative items. The alt-meat industry won a court reprieve from plans to seize the items, pending the full hearing of an appeal. The Johannesburg High Court prohibited the ban on the use of the terms and the seizure of products indefinitely while a review was conducted into the government's plans.

What they said

The State Department said in a statement, "We note President Sall's announcement that he will fully implement the Constitutional Council's decision and take the necessary steps to organize the election as quickly as possible. We urge all stakeholders to come together in the spirit of Senegal's strong democratic tradition to support a free and fair election conducted in a peaceful and timely manner," Reuters quotes.  According to a statement from the presidency on Friday, President Macky Sall acknowledged and accepted the decision of the constitutional council regarding the timing of the upcoming election. The council has requested that the election be conducted as soon as possible, and President Sall intends to fully comply with the council's decision, as stated in the official communication.

However, in 2018, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law the “Not Too Young To Run” bill that reduced the age limit for presidential aspirants from 40 to 35. This quickly drew the interest of then 35-year-old Chike Ukaegbu who was based in the United States to apply for a slot on the ballot.

The ambitious young man went through the process, contested under the ticket of his newly formed Advanced Allied Party and secured a little over 8,900 votes out of the millions of votes in Nigeria’s 2019 presidential election. He shared his election experiences in an interview with GSW's Ismail Akwei.

“I think one of the lessons we learned as part of my 2019 experience, or at least one of the strategies we had going in, was let's try to avoid the Godfathers, godfatherism. In fact, I remember my very first interview in Nigeria when I returned. I was on a show called Your View, and the ladies asked me, who's your godfather? And, you know, coming with the American mentality, [I said] the Okada man on the street, with his hundred naira. And they laughed. They fell out and laughed and by the end of the election, we definitely understood the importance of godfatherism or sponsors.

“One of the things that came out of that understanding is making sure that you have people who are sold into your vision of moving the country forward, not people who loan you money such that when you get there, you become indebted to them. And that repeats the cycle of embezzlement, you know, that affects the welfare of the people,” he said.

He outlined five things that are needed before anyone could run an effective election campaign in Nigeria which include security, finance, media and “of course having this right sponsor or the Godfathers”.

“Now the fifth one is having your insiders in the Electoral Commission because we are still talking about Nigeria here. Now of those five things, your responsibility as a candidate is media. You should be able to communicate your vision both locally and internationally to woo people to come along with you. You should be able to convince your sponsors, godfathers or whatever you call them to buy into your vision and give them a role in that administration, a role that enhances the welfare of the people, not the other way.

“…Now when it comes to security apparatus, when it comes to INEC, those are now where you need your godfathers who have better access into these institutions to take the lead in making sure that you have the right support system within those institutions for your candidacy,” he explained.

On the cost involved in preparation and contesting the elections in 2019, Chike painted a picture of his expenditure and how to raise funds.

“So the truth is, 2019 is not 2023, 2027 will not be 2023, and so on and so forth. So saying how much it costs me is not going to help anybody as opposed to saying what's important in how to prepare for that. Organising is important. Having the right ideology that can pull people into your vision that are willing to support. So I probably spent the least amount of money of all the candidates in that election, partly because we had people who were spending their own money to do things right. We had young people who were organising, like in the north, for instance, we had a group of young people in Kano who put other young leaders from 11 northern states to come meet with me in Kano, and they spent their own money galvanising and campaigning in their states. There were people who printed books, who printed posters or printed banners of their own accord.

“So it's not about how much it costs. It's if you have the right vision. Do you have the right people? And how are you able to communicate that vision so that it brings other people on board? So getting the right people also means finding the right people who can help you fundraise and manage the financial expenses of running a credible campaign,” he said.

Africans continue to elect leaders who are above 60 with a few exceptions. Nigeria's recent elections resulted in a win for President Bola Tinubu who is 71. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was recently elected and he is 69. Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo is 60 and Liberia's presidency moved from a 57-year-old George Weah to Joseph Boakai who turns 80 in November 2024.

As a transgender, Sanjana is the first person from her community to secure a government job in the state and was posted in the Social Justice and Disabled Welfare Department in 2018. Additionally, she also serves as a para-legal volunteer in the Civil Legal Services Authority and is a member of the division bench in Lok Adalat or People’s Courts where she participates in the arbitration of cases.

The State Election Commission has designated her as the state icon for the upcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh so that she may encourage people to participate in the democratic process by casting votes.

On the occasion of Transgender Awareness Week celebrated from November 13 to November 19, she told Global South World, “I reach out among the people and my aim is to inspire them to vote.”

LOW NUMBER OF REGISTERED TRANSGENDER VOTERS

According to Sanjana, there are merely 1,373 voters from the transgender community in the state although their population here is about 30,000

While the highest numbers of transgender voters are in Bhopal Central seat, there are 16 such assembly seats in the state where there is not even a single registered voter from the community.

Explaining the low numbers of registered voters in her community, Sanjana said, “Establishing oneself as transgender is challenging and the lengthy procedure discourages many from obtaining a transgender identity card.”

Belonging to a community that earns its livelihood by dancing, singing and begging, Sanjana has carved out a distinct identity for herself and serves as a role model for other members of her society as she is not only holding a government job but also participating in social service. 

Although she believes that the status of transgender is changing in society, still there is a lack of awareness among the people. She says, “The attitude of the people, who are initially helpful and caring, changes once they discover that she is a transgender.”

Sanjana believes that the life of transgender is not very easy; they have to face bias throughout their life.

FAMILIES DISCARD TRANSGENDER PEOPLE AGAINST THEIR WILL

Sanjana explains families have to throw out transgender individuals due to societal pressure often against their will.

Sanjana rues that political parties do not prioritize her community but she wants more and more people of her class to come forward and make their mark as she has done.

She says, “If the government wants to bring about equality then we should be provided education and job opportunities to help us move ahead.”

FIRST TRANSGENDER MLA ELECTED IN 2000

Madhya Pradesh elected the first transgender MLA Shabnam Mausi in 2000. She won the election from Sohagpur assembly seat by 18,000 votes. Her victory was perceived as a new beginning and an extraordinary event in Indian politics. Later, another transgender Kamla Jaan was also elected Mayor from Katni in Madhya Pradesh, but soon people became disillusioned with this community in politics.

In April this year, the Madhya Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, included transgenders in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category to grant them reservation and other benefits. But not only the OBC members but also the transgender community protested against this.

Transgender people themselves were also unhappy with this decision, arguing that their community encompasses people from all sections, making it unrealistic to put them in a single category.

The bloc also stated that an election observer mission was ready to be deployed to the DRC however, the request to carry out the mission was not granted.

“This is to notify EAC Partner States, Development Partners and all other Stakeholders that EAC will not physically be present in DRC to observe her 2023 General Elections as provided for in the Treaty Establishing the East African Community and as it has been the practice since the inception of the EAC. This development is due to the fact that although EAC was ready, the request to undertake the exercise has not been granted by the relevant authorities,” said the EAC in the press release.

“The EAC wishes the Government and the people of DRC peaceful elections and remains committed to discharge our mandate to all Partner States,” they added.

The DRC general election is scheduled to take place on December 20 amid recent violent activities that resulted in the death of two parliamentary candidates .

What they said

Sergio Massa, in a television interview on November 15 said, “Argentina has a problem, the programme with the IMF, which is inflationary, which needs to be re-discussed. We want to re-discuss the programme on the basis of the result of exports." Javier Milei in a speech in August also said, “We will put an end to the parasitic, stupid, useless political caste that is sinking this country."

Boakai is so far on 50.71% of the vote, while Weah has 49.29%, the commission said, based on results tallied from 22.33% of polling stations.

Weah has asked voters for more time to make good on his first-term promises to root out corruption and improve livelihoods. Liberia is still suffering the fallout from two civil wars between 1989 and 2003, and the 2013-16 Ebola epidemic that killed thousands.

Boakai, 78, who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, has campaigned on the need to rescue the nation from what he calls mismanagement by Weah's administration.

A previous election held on October 10, 2023, saw both candidates of the Congress for Democratic Change and Unity Party respectively, polling less than 50 percent of the votes needed to secure an outright victory.

Pockets of violence were recorded in some districts including 8 and 16 following allegations of voting malpractices and manipulation from some party candidates.

The elections were determined by one major thing, numbers.

Poor turnout

Local news outlet Front Page Africa reports that the runoff was characterized by low turnout as many Liberians stayed at home and polling stations were almost empty as the voters were just a handful.

This has been linked to several factors.

Poor living conditions of nationals and failure or rather, less patriotism, and transportation issues.  

According to Front Page Africa , some nationals revealed that the severe hardship currently being endured by the country was a major contributor to their reluctance to sacrifice their financial resources to transport themselves to polling stations.

Chairman of the Nelson Mandela Intellectual Forum, Abubakar Dukuly told the media that the failure of previous candidates for other positions including senatorial, failed to play leadership roles by bussing people to vote for their preferred presidential candidate like it was done in the first round in October.

Other factors including the perception that votes don’t determine the outcome of elections, according to Dukuly also accounted for the low numbers.

“Many of the people do not have interest because they believe that whether they vote or not, the people will still make their decision. There is this perception in Liberia that ‘it is their business; whether we go there or not, the people will still decide for us.’ This is very wrong and this is one of the reasons why people are not coming to vote,” he was quoted.

Unfulfilled promises and devastating economic conditions over time were also mentioned as reasons for the lackadaisical attitude of voters in Tuesday’s polls.

George Weah

President George Weah, a 57-year-old football icon, represents the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). He assumed office in 2018 after a historic democratic transfer of power. Weah's main promises during his 2017 campaign included poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and the fight against corruption.

Joseph Boakai

78-year-old Joseph Boakai is a seasoned politician affiliated with the Unity Party (UP). He served as Vice President from 2006 to 2018 under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first elected female head of state.

With decades of experience in Liberia’s public sector, Joseph Boakai has widespread name recognition and is now aiming for the presidency, under the Unity Party (UP). He was previously minister of agriculture from 1983 to 1985.

What they said

"CENI has a very bad reputation. The 2011 elections, followed by the 2018 elections, have left many people so disappointed with the institution," said Kadima. "It will be an improved process in terms of inclusiveness first of all," said Denis Kadima on his rebranding tour in Washington. A few of the 24 presidential candidates were prevented from taking part in the 2018 elections, he added.

October 30 was declared a holiday to make way for the elections, which will decide the next set of barangay and youth officials.

The elections were supposed to take place in December 2022. However, in October last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law a bill moving the polls to October 2023.

In the Sangguniang Kabataan polls, individuals between the ages of 15 and 17 are eligible to vote. Those aged 18 to 30 will receive two ballots and can participate in both the SK and barangay elections. However, for voters aged 31 and above, their voting options are limited to the barangay polls exclusively.

In contrast to the automated national elections, voters in the Philippines today will manually inscribe the names of their chosen candidates on the ballots given to them by election personnel.

Last June, the Supreme Court ruled that the BSKE postponement was unconstitutional, arguing that the power to postpone elections on a nationwide basis rested only with the Congress, not the Commission on Elections (Comelec); and that the law infringed on freedom of suffrage.

On October 24, the high court rejected with finality the Office of the Solicitor General’s motion to reconsider its ruling declaring the BSKE postponement law unconstitutional. However, the SC said that the polls should still continue as planned.

The Comelec introduced early voting hours for vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and heavily pregnant women, in specific areas, starting from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. But those who don't vote during this period can still do so during the regular hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

As of September 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority recorded 42,001 barangays, which are the country’s smallest administrative division, across the nation.

A gun ban was implemented at the start of the election period on August 28 and will last until November 29.

A day before the BSKE, all campaigning activities were banned, and a liquor ban was also implemented nationwide until after the end of the polls, pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 10924.

Meanwhile, over 31,000 persons deprived of liberty would also be allowed to cast their vote, the Department of Interior and Local Government said. Inmates will exercise their right to vote either through special polling precincts established by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, or they will be escorted by authorities to their respective voting precincts.

Ariel Avila, Senator from the Green Alliance, explained, "There's a combination of factors. The opposition and traditional political sectors have tried to sell the elections as a referendum on the president, and I believe that a lot of votes will be like that." He added, "There's going to be a big rap on the knuckles for (Petro's movement) Pacto Historico."

The majority of candidates in Sunday's elections have received endorsements from coalitions involving multiple political parties or have gathered signatures from citizens, allowing them to run as independent candidates.

Ariel Avila highlighted the ongoing power struggle: "There's a very big dispute between traditional elites and new political forces. Most of the historic bosses have returned to the regions. Without a doubt, what's at stake here is the 2026 presidential campaign."

Nearly 39 million eligible Colombian voters will participate in Sunday's election.

Campaigning has been marked by security concerns due to illegal armed groups, despite President Petro's efforts to negotiate peace, and threats against candidates.

According to a recent report by the human rights ombudsman's office, over 36% of municipalities are facing extreme or high risks of violence during the elections, a significant increase from 23% during the regional elections in 2019.