Severe flooding and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais have left at least 64 people confirmed dead, with more still missing and emergency crews continuing search and rescue operations. The cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá have been hardest hit, with large swathes of residential areas inundated and infrastructure damaged including roads and bridges. Authorities reported that heavy rainfall since earlier this week has forced more than 4,700 residents to evacuate their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

President promises free housing and financial aid for flood victims in Minas Gerais

During his visit to Juiz de Fora, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced immediate assistance measures for families impacted by torrential rains that have killed at least 70 people in Minas Gerais. Addressing residents in the worst-affected city, he pledged free housing for those who lost their homes and access to funds from employment guarantee schemes. The president outlined a purchase assistance system allowing families to choose replacement homes anywhere in the state. Stressing that no victim would be left unsupported, Lula urged authorities to avoid bureaucratic delays in responding to the crisis. According to the state fire brigade, the majority of fatalities occurred in Juiz de Fora, with additional deaths reported in nearby Uba.

Bolsonaro’s son draws level with Lula in new presidential poll

A new electoral survey published by El Pais shows one of Jair Bolsonaro’s sons statistically tied with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for the first time in a hypothetical presidential race. The poll marks a significant shift in Brazil’s political landscape, suggesting the Bolsonaro family retains strong support despite ongoing legal and political challenges. Analysts cited by the newspaper point to growing polarisation and dissatisfaction among segments of the electorate as factors behind the narrowing gap. While Lula remains a central figure in Brazilian politics, the emergence of a Bolsonaro heir as a competitive contender underscores the enduring influence of the former president’s political movement ahead of future elections.

Lula hails Women’s World Cup, calls for greater recognition of women’s football

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has publicly praised the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, which Brazil will host, and called for the sport to receive greater institutional and cultural recognition. Speaking at an event tied to the Women’s World Cup trophy tour in Brasília, Lula underscored the importance of elevating women’s football in Brazil and globally, linking the tournament to broader efforts for gender equality in sport. He said the heightened visibility offered by the World Cup presents an opportunity to address longstanding disparities, including in pay and professional support, between male and female athletes. Brazilian officials and sports representatives at the ceremony echoed his remarks, highlighting how the tournament could inspire future generations and advance recognition of women’s achievements on the pitch.

São Paulo initiative offers hygiene and legal aid to crack cocaine users

A programme in São Paulo is providing free showers, legal advice and social support to people struggling with crack cocaine addiction. The initiative operates in areas long associated with open drug use and seeks to restore dignity while connecting individuals with public services . By offering basic hygiene facilities and access to lawyers, organisers aim to rebuild trust between vulnerable populations and authorities. The scheme reflects a harm-reduction approach that prioritises social reintegration over punitive measures, amid ongoing debate in Brazil over how best to address chronic drug dependency and urban marginalisation.

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the country’s growing economic influence after presenting the Union Budget 2026–27, noting India contributes about 17 % of global GDP growth, second only to China and ahead of the United States , based on IMF-projected data shared by Elon Musk. She said this reflects India’s resilience and structural strength amid global headwinds, including trade uncertainty and geopolitical risk, urging critics to acknowledge this shift. Sitharaman argued that continued reforms, infrastructure investment and productivity expansion will help close the gap with China. The remarks also served a domestic political message to the opposition, underscoring growth as a point of national pride.

Telangana’s KTR slams Congress after SIT questioning of former CM

In Telangana, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) accused the Congress-led state government of political vendetta and diversionary tactics after his father and former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) was questioned for hours by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in an alleged phone-tapping case. KTR described the government’s actions as an attempt to distract from administrative failures ahead of the upcoming local elections. He claimed the SIT did not follow legal norms and urged the media not to rely on unofficial leaks, emphasising that KCR cooperated out of respect for the law. BRS leaders framed the probe as politically motivated rather than a genuine investigation, heightening tensions in state politics.

Assam poll battle takes shape amid polarisation and fractured opposition

In the poll-bound state of Assam, political analysts say Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is leveraging polarisation, especially around fears about “Miya” Muslims of Bengali origin, to strengthen the ruling BJP’s electoral base. The Congress and other opposition parties remain divided and struggle to present a cohesive alternative, even as welfare schemes and infrastructure development play in Sarma’s favour. Critics argue this early polarising tone might entrench social divisions around ethnicity and religion rather than focus solely on policy. Allegations of manipulation of electoral rolls have also surfaced, adding to the contested political context.

Rare BJP–Congress local front reshapes Malegaon civic politics

Ahead of the mayoral and deputy mayoral election in Malegaon Municipal Corporation (Maharashtra), corporators from traditional rivals the BJP and Congress formed an independent group called Bharatiya Vikas Aghadi to influence the civic body where no party has a clear majority. The largest party in the corporation, the ISLAM (Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra) Party, holds 35 seats but needs allies to secure power. The unexpected cooperation between BJP and Congress councillors could tilt the power dynamics in the 84-member body and affect who becomes mayor. This unusual alliance highlights evolving local political strategies.

Sunetra Pawar faces party leadership challenge after Ajit Pawar’s death

In Maharashtra national politics, opinion columnists note that Sunetra Pawar, following the sudden death of her husband Ajit Pawar (a senior leader in the Nationalist Congress Party), faces significant tests in holding the party together amid a competitive political environment. Analysts argue that beyond the symbolic moment of her elevation, the real challenge lies in how male party figures and rival alliances respond within the state’s complex power landscape. These dynamics come as regional parties adjust strategies ahead of future elections .

Official figures showed 92% turnout with 89% approval, though opposition groups and civil society organisations disputed the numbers, citing empty polling stations and alleged fraud.

The new constitution extends presidential terms from five to seven years, permits one re-election, creates a Senate with presidential appointees, and establishes a special court to try senior officials. It also allows independent candidates to contest for the first time, but crucially removes earlier restrictions barring junta members from running.

Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in 2021 by ousting then-president Alpha Condé, has not declared whether he will run. Analysts note, however, that the timing and content of the constitutional changes suggest he may seek to remain in power.

The country holds the world ’s largest bauxite reserves and vast iron ore deposits at Simandou, making political stability vital for global supply chains. Multinational mining companies, including Rio Tinto and China’s Chinalco, have major stakes in the sector.

The outcome will also test the credibility of West Africa’s response to military takeovers. ECOWAS has pressured juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to restore civilian rule, and its stance on Guinea’s vote may set a precedent.

For Guineans, hopes for stability are tempered by scepticism after years of authoritarian rule and unfulfilled promises. A credible, transparent election could mark a turning point; a disputed one risks cementing military power under a democratic facade.

Post-coup paths in Africa: recent returns to civilian rule and the juntas that remain

Several African states have transitioned, unevenly, between military and civilian rule in recent years. Where some transitions yielded elections and a nominal return to civilian government, others remain firmly under junta control. The pattern matters for regional stability, investment and international policy toward the continent.

Key recent returns to civilian rule

States still effectively under military rule

Recent years show no single path from coup to stable democracy. For a successful democracy to operate smoothly, it requires credible, inclusive elections, institutional checks on armed actors and sustained regional and international support. Where those elements are absent, elections or constitutional changes often become mechanisms for legitimising extended military influence rather than restoring accountable civilian governance .

Concerning the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant deported to El Salvador against a court order, respondents exhibited a preference for his return to the U.S. over his continued imprisonment in El Salvador, with support for return at 42% compared to 26% favoring his current situation. However, a notable 30% stated they lacked sufficient information to make a judgment about the case.

When addressing the general issue of deportations, public sentiment appears bifurcated. Approximately 48% of those surveyed believe Trump is "going too far" with deportations, whereas 50% expressed satisfaction with his actions, asserting that he is handling the situation either appropriately (34%) or not aggressively enough (16%).

On the specific topic of deporting undocumented immigrants accused of gang affiliation to El Salvador without judicial hearings, 47% voiced support, but opposition remains at 51%. Interestingly, support drops significantly to 39% for the deportation of international students who have criticized U.S. policy in the Middle East , with a majority, 59%, opposed to such action.

The poll further uncovers distinct partisan divides. Approximately 90% of Republicans approve of Trump's immigration policies, whereas only about 10% of Democrats agree. Among independents, 45% express approval. The survey also indicates that a substantial 85% of Democrats feel that Trump is overreaching regarding deportation actions, whereas 60% of Republicans believe he is managing it correctly.

Demographic trends emerge as well. Hispanic respondents exhibited a clear disapproval of Trump's immigration stance at 67%, while gender divisions are present; a significant number of women disapprove (58%) as compared to men (nearly equal views). Age differences also play a role, with younger citizens (under 40) disapproving at a rate of 59%, versus 48% among those aged 50 and older.

Conducted from April 18-22, 2025, this online poll surveyed 2,464 adults in both English and Spanish. It is part of a broader investigation into how American views on immigration remain fluid and highly variable based on various factors, including political affiliation, demographics, and personal experiences. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points, with larger error margins for individual subgroups.

Economic concerns remain at the forefront for American voters, as reflected in a Gallup poll that identified economic pressures as the predominant reason behind their support for Trump in the upcoming November 2024 election. Although he campaigned on a promise to reduce inflation, public confidence in his economic policies has drastically fluctuated. Recent YouGov research for CBS News highlights a growing disapproval, suggesting more individuals now condemn Trump’s financial management than support it.

The introduction and subsequent pause of tariffs on international trading partners have created volatility within the markets, leaving many Americans apprehensive about potential economic implications. Furthermore, 49% of the respondents in the CNBC poll believe that the economy will decline over the next year, illustrating the highest level of pessimism since 2023. Accompanying data from a CBS News poll found that 44% approved of Trump's economic strategies, while 56% expressed disapproval.

Experts in political analysis have voiced concerns over Trump's handling of tariffs and their negative impact on his public image. Jay Campbell, a Democratic pollster at Hart Associates, emphasized that voters expected improvements in the economy from Trump, indicating dissatisfaction with his current performance. Thomas Gift, a political science professor at University College London, noted that the disarray surrounding the tariff policies and erratic decision-making could alienate potential supporters.

Despite the disappointing poll results, Trump presented a contrasting narrative on social media , claiming to have achieved his "best poll numbers ever" without providing any specific data to substantiate this assertion. The ongoing fluctuation in public opinion concerning economic policies could significantly affect the Republican Party's prospects in the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for November 2026.

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.

Supporters of Saied celebrated his likely landslide victory, chanting slogans such as "People want Kais Saied back!" as they gathered in the streets.

Saied, 66, has maintained strong support despite widespread concerns about his 2021 power grab, which led to his control over Tunisia’s political system.

Rights groups have expressed fears that Saied's re-election will further empower his rule, pushing Tunisia away from the democracy it became after the Arab Spring uprisings.

Tunisia, once seen as a success story for democracy in the region, has experienced significant political changes since Saied’s initial election in 2019.

Despite criticism, Saied's supporters view his re-election as an opportunity to rebuild the country. They see his leadership as essential in navigating Tunisia’s ongoing economic and political challenges.

Gallup, a global analytics and advisory firm reported that sub-Saharan Africa has long struggled with low safety perceptions, with confidence in police being below the global average and perceptions of safety have decreased more in this region than anywhere else.

Athlenda Mathe, spokesperson for the South African Police Services, acknowledged these concerns and mentioned efforts to increase police visibility and combat crime.

“We are making inroads in clamping down on all forms of criminality and the main goal is to ensure that we make South Africa a much better and safer place to live in so that people can walk freely,” Mathe was quoted by Voice of America .

The country’s crime statistics are alarming, with over 6,000 murders and 9,000 rapes reported between April and June 2024.

Bartender Gugu Xakaza, 32, shared her experience of being mugged while walking home from the grocery store, which led her to avoid walking alone.

“I’d never walk around these streets, firstly you know because South Africa’s crime status is very high, and also it’s not just safe for a woman to be walking alone at night, because obviously we might be taken advantage of…. so rather be safe than sorry," she said .

Women in South Africa often report feeling less safe than men, adding to the concerns.

Tebboune won with a landslide of nearly 95 percent of the vote on Saturday, according to the country's electoral authority, ANIE.

Following the elections, Hassani and Aouchiche have described the results as a ‘fraud’.

“ANIE bears full responsibility for these dangerous deviations that undermine the election," Aouchiche said.

He vowed to appeal the results at the Constitutional Court.  The court is expected to review all appeals and validate the final results. Hassani also described the figures announced by the ANIE as ‘false’, adding that they did not correspond to the statements presented by the polling stations to the candidates’ representatives.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

Why it is important

This election is significant because there’s the need to replace the late president who died in a plane crash, creating a power vacuum.

The election is also projected to play a significant role in the determination of a new Supreme Leader who is the highest authority in Iran. The new president is likely to contribute to the selection process for a new successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader who is now 85. It is also key as the rest of the world keenly looks forward to the outcome of this election.

Raisi’s sudden death has sparked a race for the succession of the highest position in the land. He was until his death widely seen as a potential successor.

Main candidates

After the withdrawal of two candidates ahead of polls, the main candidates in the presidential race are:

What to look out for

After low voter turnout in the country’s March elections, there will be an interest in how many Iranians go to the polls to vote. Key issues in this election include the economy, with voters looking for candidates who can address inflation and unemployment. The nuclear deal with world powers is another major topic, as candidates' positions on this will impact Iran's foreign policy and international standing. Human rights and social freedoms are also significant issues, with many Iranians seeking greater personal freedoms and political reform.

Votes might be tallied by June 30. A simple majority for any of the candidates will mean that individual is the winner of the election and will be declared the next president of Iran. A runoff election will have to be held in July if more than one candidate gets similar numbers.

Instead, members of the National Assembly are elected and the party which wins the majority will go on to vote for a president within 30 days of the general elections.

The country’s Electoral Commission (IEC) voting concluded at 3 am on May 29 with all queued voters assisted by 9 pm. Voter turnout was 58.48%.

The first result was announced just after midnight in Eastern Cape. This is the country’s 7 th election since 1994 when the first elections were held with black participation.

Who is leading? Who is losing?

Vote counting is ongoing with complete results from 20% of voting districts. This means vote counting in 4,838 of 23293 voting districts is completed according to IEC.  

Per the provisional results, the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s biggest party is leading by 43.37% with 971963 votes for members of the National Assembly. They are followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and the latest party to join the race, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK).

Below are the figures of the top 10 as provided by the Electoral Commission

ANC – 971963 votes – 43.37% support

DA    -  555813 votes – 24.8%

EFF    - 199449 votes – 8.9%

M.K. – 180143 votes – 8.04%

PA – 91329 votes – 4.08%

IFP – 43712 votes – 1.95%

VF PLUS – 41464 votes – 1.85%

ACTIONSA – 18180 votes – 0.81%

ACDP – 13951 – 0.62%

UDM – 11801 – 0.53%

What the Constitution says about a ‘no majority’ result

This is the first time the ANC appears to be getting less than 50% votes after an election. Projections from analysts including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) predict a less than 50% win for ANC, which is a drop from the 57% it obtained in the 2019 election. The IEC’s provisional results indicate a heavy loss for ANC in Kwa Aulu-Natal, Zuma’s home province where the latter is leading with 43% of the votes. The South African Constitution does not make provision for how a coalition should be in the face of a less than 50% vote for the leading party but there are a few options.

Smaller groups could agree to support the leading party to achieve its 50% mark on a vote-by-vote basis in return for some concessions, the BBC reports.

Otherwise, the leading party will have to engage in a formal coalition with some parties, including a written agreement with legislative plans and the distribution of cabinet posts.  

Biggest contenders?

The ANC is South Africa’s biggest party having come into power 30 years ago in 1994. From Nelson Mandela’s regime through to ruling president Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC has dominated elections in South Africa, forming the majority in the National Assembly consistently.

Cyril Ramaphosa of the ANC is going up against his closest rivals John Steenhuisen of the DA and Julius Malema of the EFF. A new dynamic that added to the race this year is the emergence of MK’s Jacob Zuma. The former president’s presidential aspirations did not come without controversy. Zuma who was ousted by Ramaphosa amidst corruption allegations which he denies was taken to court and jailed over the use of its name which was taken from the ANC’s former armed wing. A court ruling said the former president could not run for parliament because of his 15-month prison sentence but he still appeared on the ballot paper. Zuma is said to be a contending force in his home province KwaZulu-natal.

When will the results be announced?

Vote counting is ongoing, and the Electoral Commission is expected to announce final results by June 2.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called on the Election Commission of Pakistan to extend the polling time by an hour, citing hurdles like internet shutdowns and mobile phone service suspensions. PTI's chief organizer Umar Ayub urged party polling agents to request the extension formally. The party said it had received complaints about the slow voting process, reports local media The Nation . The ECP has however refused to extend the polling time. The voting started at 8 am and will continue till 5 pm on February 8.

Suspension of mobile phone services

The government of Pakistan suspended mobile phone services nationwide on February 8 amid the ongoing general elections to ensure law and order. The Interior Ministry spokesperson said previous lives have been lost citing recent militant attacks and hence the need for security measures and to deal with potential threats, local media The News reported. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja stated that the Election Commission of Pakistan would not instruct the interior ministry to resume services, emphasizing that the ECP's system does not depend on the Internet.

Pakistan-Germany partnership

On February 7, Pakistan and Germany signed assistance agreements worth Euro 45 million on Technical Development Cooperation for initiating new bilateral cooperation projects. Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary for Economic Affairs Pakistan, and Alfred Grannas, German Ambassador to Pakistan, witnessed the signing ceremony, local media Tribune reported. These agreements are a result of the continuation of a longstanding and trustful partnership between the two nations. The newly commissioned projects focus on various areas including climate and energy, sustainable economic development, training, and employment, as well as health, social protection, and population policy, aligning with German development cooperation thematic areas.

Election city

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set up an Election City within its premises, equipped with advanced technology to rapidly distribute the election results of 855 constituencies to the media. Muhammad Khizer Aziz, Director of Information Technology, stated that a comprehensive strategy is in place to receive election results via WhatsApp, email, and fax. Additionally, an alternative website has been set up to ensure continuous dissemination of results in case of disruptions. The Election Management System (EMS) will operate even without internet connectivity, with satellite communication deployed in areas facing connectivity issues, local media Pakistan Today reports.

Border closure between Afghanistan and Iran

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch announced that border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran would be closed for cargo and pedestrians on February 8 due to security concerns for Pakistan's general election. Operations are expected to resume on February 9, local media The News reports. Responding to remarks from the United Nations regarding the elections, Baloch stated that Pakistan has finalized security plans per its electoral laws. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern about violent incidents preceding the elections and urged authorities to uphold fundamental freedoms for an inclusive democratic process.