This concludes our live coverage of Colombia’s 2026 general election. Stay with Global South World for more updates and information on Colombia’s presidential runoff.

23:30 GMT: Paloma Valencia officially announces her support for presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of Colombia’s runoff election.

22:30 GMT: With nearly 100% of votes counted in Colombia’s presidential election, Abelardo de la Espriella leads with over 43%, followed by Iván Cepeda with close to 41%, sending both candidates to a runoff to decide the country’s next president.

21:00 GMT: Polls close in Colombia’s 2026 presidential election.

20:05 GMT: After accompanying former president Álvaro Uribe during his voting in Rionegro, presidential candidate Paloma Valencia arrives at her polling station in Bogotá, where she casts her vote in Colombia’s presidential election.

18:05 GMT: Esteban González Pons, head of the European Union’s election observation mission, highlights the international monitoring effort in Colombia’s presidential vote, with more than 140 observers from Norway, Switzerland and Canada deployed across all regions to assess the process under democratic standards.

17:10 GMT: Interior Minister Armando Benedetti oversees the national monitoring centre as authorities track the presidential vote in real time, coordinating with regional governments and overseeing security, mobility and emergency response. More than 122,000 polling stations have been set up to serve over 41 million registered voters nationwide.

16:55 GMT: Presidential candidate Claudia López votes in Bogotá, urging Colombians to turn out in large numbers. Accompanied by her dog “Dulce”, she says she voted “with hope and optimism” for a country with more opportunities for young people and women, adding that the ballot remains the strongest tool to protect democracy and shape the future.

16:45 GMT: Senator Iván Cepeda, from the ruling Pacto Histórico party, casts his vote at Colegio San Lucas in Bogotá’s Kennedy district, where he is joined by dozens of supporters.

16:35 GMT: Journalist and former presidential pre-candidate Vicky Dávila casts her vote in Colombia’s presidential election.

15:00 GMT: Colombia’s Interior Ministry reports 443 complaints of electoral offences registered so far during Sunday’s vote.

14:30 GMT: Vice President Francia Márquez calls on Colombians to head to the polls and exercise their right to vote.

14:25 GMT: Presidential candidate Paloma Valencia calls on Colombian women to make history by electing the country’s first female president, saying “it is our time,” as she appears alongside former president Álvaro Uribe.

14:20 GMT: Presidential candidate Iván Cepeda, in a message to the nation, urged voters to back a future focused on reducing poverty and inequality, protecting natural resources and building a modern, diversified economy. He also emphasised hope over fear and unity over division, calling on Colombians to turn out and vote.

14:10 GMT: Presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella votes in Barranquilla, saying “we will defeat tyranny”.

13:45 GMT: Gustavo Petro casts his vote in Colombia’s presidential election, which will determine his successor for the 2026–2030 term.

13:30 GMT: President Gustavo Petro casts his vote in Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar, highlighting the ballot as a popular mandate to choose the leader who will guide Colombia for the next four years. He also reaffirmed electoral guarantees and dismissed past claims about seeking to remain in power or establish a dictatorship.

13:20 GMT: Córdoba Governor Erasmo Zuleta officially opens the electoral day, urging citizens to participate massively, freely and democratically in the presidential vote.

13:00 GMT: Voting gets underway in Colombia, with early lines reported at some of the country’s largest polling stations.

12:30 GMT: Colombia prepares to head to the polls as Bogotá readies key voting sites.

Polls are expected to open in Colombia’s presidential election at 8:00 am local time (13:00 GMT) and close at 4:00 pm local time (21:00 GMT).

What to know

Colombia is heading to the polls this Sunday, May 31, for its presidential election, where voters will choose a new president and vice president. More than 41 million citizens are eligible to vote. If no candidate secures over 50% of the valid vote, a runoff between the top two contenders will take place in the following weeks. Voting is not compulsory, but turnout remains a key factor in determining the outcome.

The election unfolds in a highly polarised political climate, with voters choosing between sharply different visions for the country. Issues such as security , education, economic stability and national sovereignty are at the centre of public debate, reflecting broader concerns about the country’s direction.

Colombian authorities have introduced several restrictions and security measures ahead of the election weekend, including a “ley seca” that bans alcohol sales in many areas, temporary border closures for Colombian nationals on election day, and increased deployments of police and military forces nationwide.

More than 13,000 voting sites have been established across the country, with approximately 800,000 citizens assigned as election jurors and vote counters.

Current polling indicates that three candidates are leading the race: Iván Cepeda from the left, Abelardo de la Espriella representing an anti-establishment right platform, and centre-right candidate Paloma Valencia. Analysts expect Cepeda to qualify for the second round, while competition for the second runoff position remains close between De la Espriella and Valencia.

The campaign period has included allegations of electoral fraud from President Gustavo Petro, alongside criticism of the election management system. However, Colombia’s electoral authorities, including the National Electoral Council (CNE), the Registraduría, and election observer groups, have rejected claims that the voting process lacks transparency.

Authorities have identified more than 200 municipalities as facing elevated risks of electoral violence or fraud, with concerns particularly focused on rural areas. Security concerns remain heightened following the assassination attempt on presidential pre-candidate Miguel Uribe last year.

Voters will also have the option to cast a “voto en blanco”, which is recognised as a formal protest vote rather than a spoiled ballot.

Key candidates & support

Iván Cepeda (Historic Pact)

A prominent left-wing figure, Cepeda has built his campaign around social justice, human rights and structural reform. His candidacy draws on the broader political movement associated with progressive forces in Colombia, appealing particularly to younger voters, urban sectors and those who support a stronger role for the state in addressing inequality. His supporters often frame his campaign within a long history of social struggles, positioning him as part of a project aimed at deepening democratic inclusion. Cepeda is considered one of the leading contenders, with a solid base but facing challenges in expanding his appeal among more conservative and undecided voters.

Abelardo de la Espriella (Defenders of the Homeland)

A right-leaning candidate and well-known lawyer, de la Espriella has centred his campaign on security, institutional order and a tougher stance on crime. He appeals to voters concerned about rising insecurity and those who favour stronger enforcement policies and a more conservative political direction. His message also resonates with sectors calling for balance in governance and sceptical of left-wing reforms. He has gained visibility and support among conservative voters, positioning himself as a competitive candidate in a fragmented field.

Paloma Valencia (Conservative Party)

She gained momentum after securing around 3.2 million votes in a March primary. Positioned as a more “moderate” conservative, she appeals to centre-right voters with a focus on security, institutional order and economic stability. A vocal critic of President Gustavo Petro and supporter of the “No” vote in the 2016 peace deal, she has a solid conservative base, though her polarising profile may limit broader appeal.

Debates and campaign dynamics

The absence of major televised debates in Colombia’s presidential race reflects both strategic decisions by candidates and the highly polarised political environment. Leading contenders have largely prioritised direct campaigning and controlled media appearances over open confrontation, seeking to avoid risks in a fragmented race with no clear frontrunner. At the same time, deep ideological divisions and mutual distrust between political camps have made consensus around debate formats more difficult, limiting opportunities for head-to-head exchanges ahead of the vote.

Political climate and stakes

This election is seen as a crucial moment for Colombia’s democracy, as it navigates deep divisions and competing narratives about its future. Campaign rhetoric has reflected these tensions, with candidates mobilising support around themes of change, stability and national identity.

Security remains a central concern for many voters, alongside economic challenges and questions about governance. The outcome will likely shape Colombia’s domestic and foreign policy direction, particularly in relation to international partnerships and internal reforms.

With no clear consensus among voters and a divided electorate, analysts expect a competitive race that could extend to a second round. The next administration will face the challenge of governing in a fragmented political environment while addressing key issues such as security, inequality and institutional trust.

Ultimately, the election will serve as a test of Colombia’s democratic resilience and its ability to navigate political polarisation while maintaining stability.

Peru is heading toward a runoff election marked by strong political polarisation and what analysts describe as a persistent “anti-vote” dynamic, where many voters are motivated more by opposition to candidates than genuine support for them. The runoff environment reflects years of political instability, institutional distrust, and public frustration that have repeatedly reshaped Peruvian politics. Analysts note that the current campaign atmosphere differs from the highly confrontational 2021 election cycle, although divisions remain severe across ideological, regional, and socioeconomic lines. Political analyst Román Cendoya stated that candidate Keiko Fujimori has managed to reduce some of the anti-vote sentiment that strongly affected her previous campaigns. According to Cendoya, the political climate “no longer resembles 2021”, suggesting a shift in voter behaviour and campaign dynamics. Even so, the election continues to expose deep tensions within Peruvian society, particularly over governance, corruption, economic inequality, and political legitimacy.

Social Front launches ‘Dialogues for Peru’ initiative ahead of elections

The Peru Social Front has launched a new initiative titled “Dialogues for Peru” , aimed at unifying social demands and building consensus ahead of the country’s upcoming elections. The initiative reflects growing concern that Peru’s fragmented political landscape is leaving large sectors of society disconnected from national decision-making. Organisers argue that social movements, labour groups, and community organisations must coordinate more effectively to ensure that public concerns are not overshadowed by elite political competition. The dialogues are expected to focus on economic inequality, social protection, democratic participation, and regional development. The effort also highlights broader attempts within Peru to reduce political fragmentation and rebuild social trust after years of recurring institutional crises, protests, and leadership instability.

Roberto Sánchez calls for ‘social peace’ and youth unity during election meeting

Peruvian political figure Roberto Sánchez called for unity and “social peace” during a meeting with young people as part of the 2026 election campaign environment. His message reflects wider concerns among political leaders about escalating tensions and political fatigue within the country. Youth engagement has become increasingly important in Peruvian politics, particularly as younger voters express frustration with corruption scandals, unstable governments, and limited economic opportunities. Sánchez’s emphasis on social peace suggests an attempt to position dialogue and stability as central campaign themes at a time when political rhetoric across Latin America has become increasingly confrontational. Calls for unity also underline fears that continued polarisation could deepen social divisions and weaken confidence in democratic institutions.

Government intensifies anti-drug operations with destruction of 11 tons of narcotics

The Peruvian government has strengthened its fight against drug trafficking through the destruction of 11 tons of drugs, underscoring the scale of narcotics activity affecting the country. Peru remains one of the world’s major cocaine-producing countries, making anti-drug enforcement a longstanding national and international security priority. The destruction operation signals continued efforts by authorities to disrupt trafficking networks, reduce organised criminal activity, and strengthen cooperation with international anti-narcotics partners. Drug trafficking continues to affect multiple regions of Peru, particularly rural and border areas where criminal organisations exploit economic vulnerability, weak infrastructure, and difficult terrain. Government anti-drug campaigns are therefore tied not only to policing but also to broader questions of regional development, state presence, and economic alternatives for local communities.

Peru reaffirms commitment to person-centred health reform in Switzerland

Peru has reaffirmed its commitment to person-centred health reform during discussions in Switzerland, signalling continued efforts to improve healthcare delivery and public health policy. The reform approach focuses on strengthening healthcare systems around the needs of individuals and communities rather than relying solely on institution-driven models. Person-centred healthcare has become increasingly prominent globally as governments seek to improve access, equity, prevention, and patient outcomes. Peru’s participation in international health discussions also reflects the growing importance of healthcare reform in Latin America following the pressures exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers across the region continue to face challenges involving unequal healthcare access, underfunded systems, and regional disparities in medical services. The government’s reaffirmation of reform commitments suggests Peru is attempting to position healthcare modernisation as part of a broader national development agenda.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to know

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

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

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

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

Front-running candidates & proposals

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

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

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

Political climate & stakes

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

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

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

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

This brings our live coverage of Djibouti’s 2026 general election to an end. The vote is widely expected to extend President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh's rule for over two decades. Follow Global South World for ongoing updates as the process continues, with final results expected from the Electoral Commission within the next 48 hours.

15:30 GMT: IGAD perspective on Djibouti elections

12:30 GMT: Online reactions trail the elections

12:00 GMT: President Guelleh casts his vote

The leader said, "Everything went well thanks to God, I have fulfilled my duty as a citizen, and I hope that the citizens of Djibouti will do the same," after casting his ballot.

7:50 GMT: Voting continues in Djibouti

7:02 GMT: Guelleh promises prosperity

During the final campaign run, sitting President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh assured Djiboutians that his party would continue to promote prosperity.

6:16 GMT: Voting begins in Djibouti

Djibouti heads to the polls on Friday, April 10, 2026, but few observers expect surprises.

At the centre is President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, widely known as “IOG”, who has ruled Djibouti since 1999 after succeeding his uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, the country’s first president. If re-elected, Guelleh would extend his tenure to nearly three decades in power.

His dominance is backed by the  ruling party, the People’s Rally for Progress  (RPP), which leads the broader governing coalition, the Union for the Presidential Majority (UMP).

A 2010 constitutional amendment removed presidential term limits, allowing Guelleh to run indefinitely. More recently, in 2025, Djibouti’s parliament eliminated the 75-year age cap for presidential candidates, a move widely interpreted as designed to ensure Guelleh, now 78, could stand again.

Who is contesting IOG?

Mohamed Farah Samatar stands as the sole challenger to President Guelleh, though his candidacy carries its own complexities. A former insider of the ruling establishment, he is now contesting the presidency under the banner of the Unified Democratic Centre (CDU).

During the lead-up to the votes, Samatar took his campaign to the Tadjourah and Obock regions, where he addressed supporters and attempted to project an alternative vision for the country, insisting that “another Djibouti is possible”.

Even so, analysts remain sceptical about the broader significance of the race. Sonia Le Gouriellec, a specialist on the Horn of Africa at Lille Catholic University, told AFP: “There’s not much at stake. It’s just a token competition.”

Who can vote?

Roughly  243,000 voters are registered for Djibouti’s 2026 presidential election , according to data from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, out of a national population estimated at just over one million.

Polling stations are expected to open in the morning and close later in the day, after which counting is expected to begin.

Despite being labelled an “electoral autocracy” by international monitors, Djibouti is hosting a regional observer mission from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with 17 observers from Ethiopia, Kenya , Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda deployed nationwide.

The bloc is expected to release its initial assessment after the vote, followed by a formal statement on 12 April.

The timeline shows that Finland was the first European country to grant women full voting rights in 1906, while Liechtenstein became the last in 1984, highlighting the long and uneven path toward political equality.

Finland made history in 1906 when it granted women both the right to vote and the right to stand for election. According to the European Parliament’s historical archives, Finland was also the first European country to elect women to parliament, with 19 women elected in the 1907 parliamentary elections.

This milestone positioned Finland as a global pioneer in democratic participation and women’s political rights.

Shortly afterwards, other Nordic nations followed:

World War I accelerated suffrage across Europe

A major wave of reform occurred following World War I , when many European governments expanded democratic rights amid social and political change.

Several countries granted women voting rights during this period:

Historians note that women’s contributions to wartime labour and public life helped strengthen the case for political equality.

According to Britannica, the suffrage movement across Europe had been growing since the late 19th century, but the war accelerated political reforms.

In contrast to Northern and Central Europe, several countries in Southern Europe introduced women’s suffrage later in the 20th century.

Key milestones include:

France’s decision came after decades of debate. Women first voted in French municipal elections in 1945, shortly after the end of World War II, following a decree issued by the provisional government led by Charles de Gaulle.

Italy followed shortly after, allowing women to vote in a 1946 referendum that abolished the monarchy and established the Italian Republic.

Despite Europe’s democratic reputation, some countries introduced women’s suffrage much later.

Switzerland granted women the right to vote at the federal level in 1971, after a national referendum approved the reform.

Even more striking, Liechtenstein did not allow women to vote until 1984 , when male voters narrowly approved the measure in a national referendum. The vote passed by a margin of just 51%.

The gradual expansion of suffrage across Europe reflects broader social and political transformations throughout the 20th century.

Women’s suffrage movements were driven by decades of activism, including demonstrations, petitions, and campaigns led by suffragists across Europe.

Today, universal suffrage is widely recognised as a fundamental pillar of democracy. Yet historians often note that the path to equal political rights varied dramatically across countries.

This week, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s office said the government will invite opposition leaders under the Somalia Future Council (SFC) to a national conference in Mogadishu starting February 1 to discuss disputes over constitutional amendments and the election model.

“The conference… is intended to strengthen national unity and social cohesion,” the government said.

The opposition signalled it would attend, raising hopes that dialogue could prevent a political breakdown.

Somalia has long used an indirect, clan-based voting system, but the government has pushed for one-person-one-vote elections. A trial run of local polls in Mogadishu in December went well, but doubts remain about whether universal suffrage can be implemented nationwide amid insecurity and weak institutions.

Lawmakers exchanged blows in parliament this week during heated arguments over constitutional changes, prompting condemnation from former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

“Any attempt to further alter the Provisional Constitution that generates violence is a sign of bad intention,” he warned.

International partners, including the UN, UK and EU have welcomed the planned conference, calling it a positive step toward easing tensions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12:00 GMT: Voting begins across Costa Rica

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

What to know

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

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

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

Front-running candidates & proposals

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

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

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

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

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

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

Political climate & stakes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fernández’s platform emphasises continuity of President Rodrigo Chaves’s policies, including a tough stance on organised crime, bolstering national security and justice systems, and measures to attract foreign investment and modernise infrastructure. She has proposed stronger territorial control, support for the extradition of serious criminals, and improvements to logistics and public spending efficiency.

Alongside Fernández, Álvaro Ramos represents the National Liberation Party (PLN), one of Costa Rica’s traditional parties. An economist and experienced public administrator, Ramos has pitched his campaign around security reform and public services. His proposals include a “smart-security nerve centre” using technology to prevent crime, the recruitment of additional police officers, and initiatives to strengthen the healthcare and social security system, including community mental health centres. Ramos also seeks to modernise the legal framework to support public-private partnerships and sustainable economic activities.

On the centre‑left and progressive side, Ariel Robles of the Broad Front (Frente Amplio) focuses on equity, justice and social solidarity. His platform highlights policies to reduce inequality, expand access to quality education, and promote environmental sustainability integrated with urban and rural development. Robles seeks to mobilise voters looking for structural change and greater social protections.

Former first lady Claudia Dobles, of the Citizen Agenda Coalition (CAC), has also been a visible candidate, proposing increased education spending, technological modernisation of schools, and a National Police task force to bolster public security alongside cultural and community initiatives.

While Laura Fernández currently leads in polls and could secure a first‑round victory if she surpasses the required vote share, a large undecided bloc of voters remains, leaving the race open and unpredictable. Analysts note that fragmented support among opposition candidates and high levels of voter uncertainty could influence whether an outright win is possible or whether a runoff on 5 April will be needed.

The upcoming election features an unusually crowded field, with around 20 presidential candidates, but only a few have gained significant traction in opinion polls . Surveys show that a large proportion of the electorate, nearly half, has not yet cemented support for a candidate, creating an unpredictable race that could result in a second round if no contender reaches the 40 per cent threshold required to win outright.

Security policy has emerged as a central theme in the campaign. Costa Rica, once known as one of Latin America ’s safest countries, has experienced rising homicide rates and public concern over organised crime. In this context, initiatives such as the inauguration of a new high-security prison modelled on El Salvador’s controversial CECOT facility have been spotlighted, with President Rodrigo Chaves and visiting leaders emphasising tough-on-crime approaches.

But alongside policy debates, the campaign has been marked by heightened political confrontation and public frustration. Observers note that traditional party structures are weak, many voters express apathy or disillusionment, and personalistic leadership styles have dominated discourse, potentially overshadowing substantive policy discussion. Some analysts warn that the often aggressive tone of the campaign — amplified on social media — poses a challenge to Costa Rica’s reputation as a stable and highly regarded democratic system in the region.

In response to calls for greater voter information, the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones has launched initiatives such as the “Votante Informado” programme, designed to provide candidates’ plans and profiles to citizens ahead of election day. As Costa Ricans prepare to cast ballots both at home and abroad, these efforts aim to improve engagement and understanding in a contest where the outcome remains far from certain.

Bangladesh — February 12

Bangladesh’s 2026 national election is one of the most significant tests of democratic resilience in South Asia. After mass student protests in 2024 toppled long-time leader Sheikh Hasina, the country has been governed by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Scheduled for February 12, the election will determine all 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) and will be accompanied by a constitutional referendum. Over 127 million voters are registered, making it one of the largest electorates in the world.

With the ruling Awami League previously barred from contesting and major opposition parties such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) re-entering the fray, this election represents a dramatic realignment of political forces.

At stake are fundamental questions about civil liberties, judicial independence, and the role of the military in governance, issues highlighted by analysts who note deep public mistrust and the need for credible electoral processes to prevent renewed instability.

Nepal — March 5

Nepal is preparing for one of the most consequential elections against the backdrop of major political unrest. In September 2025, Gen Z-led protests spread nationwide, driven by discontent with corruption, authoritarian governance, and a controversial social media ban. The protests became the most intense political movement in years, leading to violent clashes and dozens of deaths.

Following the unrest, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, and the federal Parliament was dissolved. In response, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, making her Nepal’s first female head of government. The interim government’s primary task is to oversee a stable transition toward the March elections.

Republic of the Congo — March 22

The Republic of the Congo will hold its presidential election on March 22, 2026, with long-time incumbent Denis Sassou Nguesso seeking another term after decades in power.

Nguesso, who has governed since 1997 and previously served from 1979 to 1992, remains a polarising figure. Critics argue his extended rule has eroded democratic norms, and freedom indices rate the polity among the lowest in political rights.

The election is significant for domestic governance, but also because Congo holds key natural resources and strategic importance in Central Africa. Opposition coalitions are attempting to unify against Nguesso’s longstanding rule, and the 2026 vote could signal either continuity or a breakthrough for alternative leadership.

Colombia — May 31

Colombia will hold its presidential election on May 31 , following parliamentary elections earlier in March. The contest comes at a critical juncture for the Andean nation as it tackles issues like narcotics-driven violence, economic inequality, and peace process implementation.

The 2026 vote will test the durability of reforms initiated under previous administrations and will shape Bogotá’s diplomatic posture toward neighbouring Venezuela and broader Western Hemisphere cooperation on security and migration challenges.

The country is also expected to elect a new leader as the incumbent President Gustavo Petro has been banned from recontesting.

Ethiopian General Election — June 1

Scheduled for June 1, 2026, Ethiopia’s general election will be the first major vote since ongoing internal conflicts deeply disrupted the nation’s political landscape.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party will seek to extend its hold on power in a country still grappling with security challenges, a fragile economy, and questions about electoral credibility.

As East Africa’s second-largest country by population, Ethiopia’s political direction will resonate across the region, particularly in how it handles ethnic tensions, federal governance, and economic reform been high in recent years.

Brazil — October 4

Brazil’s general election, set for October 4, will be closely watched across Latin America and beyond.

Brazil’s election will determine the presidency as well as the composition of both chambers of Congress. With Brazil being the largest democracy in Latin America, influential in regional trade, climate policy, and global diplomatic forums, political shifts here could affect Mercosur, climate cooperation (especially Amazon preservation), and relations with major powers such as the United States, China, and the EU.

Sitting President Lula da Silva is seeking a second term and will be going head-to-head with the son of jailed former President Jair Bolsonaro, Flavio Bolsonaro.

Luis Redondo, president of the National Congress, said the situation requires an immediate investigation into both the primary elections held in March and the subsequent general election process. He explained that a special commission appointed in March has been instructed to examine and document irregularities linked to the conduct of the vote.

The recount follows controversy surrounding the 9 March primary elections, which were affected by widespread logistical failures in the distribution of voting materials. In several polling stations, delays reportedly exceeded 16 hours, fuelling voter frustration and raising concerns that the disruptions may have influenced participation and the integrity of the process.

Redondo pointed to Honduras’ electoral law , which requires the CNE to formally declare election results within 30 days of voting and to order their publication in the Official Gazette, La Gaceta . He noted that the Constitution grants Congress the authority to step in and oversee the count and declaration of results if the electoral body fails to fulfil its legal obligations.

“We want transparency, and if it reaches this branch of the State, if there is no declaration, the constitutional process will be applied and we will carry out the count and the tally, vote by vote,” Redondo said, referring to the review of results from more than 19,000 polling stations nationwide. Lawmakers supporting the recount argue the move is essential to restoring public trust in the electoral system amid fears of institutional failure and broader political pressure.

Security, migration and the economy as decisive issues

Castillo explained that the campaign was shaped by a narrow set of issues that dominated public debate. “This campaign was dominated by two or three strong issues on the agenda,” she said, highlighting security, particularly organised crime, alongside migration and the economy . While these concerns are shared across society, Castillo stressed that Kast was especially effective in placing them at the centre of the political conversation and framing them as urgent priorities.

Post-pandemic fatigue and a sense of national decline

According to Castillo, the prominence of these issues cannot be separated from the aftermath of the social unrest and the pandemic. Economic pressures, increased migration and the failure of progressive agendas in the constitutional process generated widespread exhaustion. Although she acknowledged that “all economic indicators have tended to stabilise,” she pointed out that the dominant perception during the campaign was that “the country was in a bad direction,” a narrative that Kast successfully capitalised on.

A campaign focused on rejecting the government

Rather than promoting a broad ideological programme, Kast centred his campaign on criticism of the government. “That was the centre of the Kast campaign,” Castillo explained, adding that it “focused mainly on attacking the government.” Issues on which he lacks majority support were consciously avoided. Castillo noted that this was Kast’s third presidential campaign and that his approach reflects a learning process, particularly in sidelining topics such as gender, abortion and same-sex marriage, where Chilean society broadly supports existing rights.

Strategic moderation and a narrow governing agenda

This selective focus allowed Kast to present what Castillo described as an “emergency government”. According to her analysis, the campaign outlined a tight agenda aimed at reducing public spending, strengthening security and addressing migration . By avoiding divisive cultural debates, Kast was able to expand his appeal without directly confronting widely held social positions.

Punishment vote rather than ideological endorsement

Castillo cautioned against interpreting the election outcome as a clear ideological mandate. She underlined the difficulty of separating genuine support for Kast from a broader tendency to vote against the incumbent administration, noting that his decisive second-round result does not reflect his actual level of backing. Kast, she recalled, secured only “23 or 24 percent” in the first round, meaning that the 58% he obtained in the runoff was largely the product of electoral dynamics rather than broad ideological support. When asked whether the result reflected right-wing conviction or voter punishment, she concluded that “it is difficult to say,” pointing to dissatisfaction with the government as a decisive factor.

A victory shaped by context, not consensus

Overall, Castillo’s analysis points to a victory driven more by circumstance than by consensus. Kast’s success was shaped by effective agenda-setting, strategic restraint and widespread discontent, rather than enthusiastic alignment with his ideas. The election result, she concluded, reflects a political moment defined by rejection and fatigue, rather than a unified ideological shift within Chilean society.

As unrest intensified, CNE councillor Cossette López warned that the situation at the Electoral Logistics Centre had become “critical”. The protest formed part of a broader wave of demonstrations in the capital, with tyres also set alight earlier on Monday along a key road linking Tegucigalpa to northern Honduras. Similar scenes were reported last week outside CNE headquarters.

The protests come amid repeated delays in the vote count, which has been halted several times and accompanied by accusations of irregularities. With 99.80 per cent of polling stations counted, National Party candidate Nasry Asfura, backed by Donald Trump , is leading with 40.54 per cent of the vote, followed by Liberal Party candidate Salvador Nasralla on 39.19 per cent, and Libre’s Rixi Moncada on 19.29 per cent.

An example of this trend is Chile, where José Antonio Kast , a right-wing conservative, won the December 2025 presidential runoff with about 58% of the vote, defeating leftist candidate Jeannette Jara.

His victory marks one of the clearest rightward political shifts in the country since its transition to democracy in 1990, and places Chile alongside other South American states now governed by conservative leaders.

Kast joins leaders such as Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, and Argentina’s Javier Milei to show a regional shift away from leftist dominance.

The trend was further highlighted in October, when Bolivia elected centrist Rodrigo Paz, bringing nearly 20 years of socialist rule to an end.

Yet this rightward shift is not without its challenges and critics. Scholars like Ken Roberts, a professor at Cornell University, warned of potential political polarisation and institutional strains as new administrations push their agendas amid divided electorates ahead of the run-off.

“A Kast victory would reinforce the recent surge of right and far-right political actors in Latin America, who are strongly supported by the Trump Administration in the US. But it would also continue a much longer pattern of volatile anti-incumbent voting in Latin America's turbulent democratic waters. This latter pattern suggests that any political shift to the right in Chile and neighbouring countries is likely to encounter strong political headwinds and underlying fragilities in a regional context of acute polarisation and severely atrophied political institutions,” Roberts said.

The continent's electoral calendar continues with significant votes ahead in countries like Peru, Colombia and Brazil, and observers will be watching closely to see whether the current momentum carries forward or stalls.

Kast, leader of the Republican Party, secured the presidency after winning 58 per cent of the vote, defeating his rival Jeanette Jara, who received 41 per cent. The result marks a clear shift in Chile’s political landscape following a closely watched election.

The president-elect is set to assume office on 11 March 2026, ushering in a new political cycle. His victory comes with high expectations among supporters, alongside significant challenges as he prepares to govern in a Congress that remains fragmented.

Although Kast’s party does not hold an absolute majority, the transition process is now underway, with both outgoing and incoming administrations signalling continuity in institutional procedures as Chile moves toward its next chapter in leadership.

While public opinion has long been split over issues like gun control and voting access, fresh scrutiny on these freedoms is bringing an old debate back to the forefront: Which right do Americans consider more vital — the right to vote or the right to bear arms?

According to recent findings from the Pew Research Centre , Americans remain deeply divided over firearms, yet a consistent majority, about 58% as of 2023, say gun laws should be stricter. Despite that, many still describe gun ownership as an essential personal freedom.

The Johns Hopkins Centre for Gun Violence Solutions adds that even among gun owners, support for gun-safety policies such as universal background checks and mandatory secure storage remains overwhelmingly strong.

"Safe and secure gun storage policies are shown to prevent mass shootings, suicide, theft, and unintentional shootings. Responsible gun ownership is not only about how, where, and when a person uses their firearm; it’s also about how they store it when not in use. 74% of Americans support laws that require a person to lock up the guns in their home when not in use," the Johns Hopkins study reveals.

On the other side of the constitutional balance, support for voting rights remains huge. After years of disputes over mail-in ballots, redistricting battles, and claims of election interference, most Americans agree on one point that voting should be both accessible and secure . Yet how states interpret “access” and “security” has widened political gaps.

The national climate in 2025 makes these questions impossible to ignore. The U.S. continues to grapple with persistently high rates of gun violence, including school shootings and community-level tragedies that dominate headlines.

An example of such cases is a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during morning Mass, which killed two children (ages 8 and 10) and wounded 17 others before the gunman killed himself in August 2025.

And on November 29, 2025, a family event at a children’s birthday party in Stockton, California, turned tragic as four people, three of them children, were killed and at least 13were injured in a mass shooting.

At the same time, sweeping changes to voting laws, from expanded early voting in some states to tightened ID requirements in others, shape how Americans view their access to the ballot box.

Brennan Centre for Justice reports that by October 2025, at least 16 states had enacted 29 restrictive voting laws, nearly matching the level of post-2020-election enactments, signalling a continuing trend, not a one-time spike.

For instance, in Ohio, a 2023 law eliminated alternatives to government-issued photo ID that had previously allowed a wider range of ID types, such as utility bills or pay stubs. This made Ohio’s voter-ID law among the strictest in the country; observers estimate the change disenfranchised thousands who lacked a compliant ID.

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.

Jara emphasised that nearly half the electorate had cast a ballot for neither of the two leading candidates. She pledged to spend the coming days “listening carefully” to those voters and bringing a broader spectrum of Chileans into her proposals for the second round.

The candidate also sharpened her contrast with Kast, delivering one of her strongest criticisms of the Republican leader to date. “I regret that in the 16 years Kast served as a deputy, no one can recall a single law or agreement he passed for the good of the country. That is the reality, that is the reality,” she said. She added that her campaign would work to ensure Chileans understood “the differences between what it means for Chile’s future to be led by the far-right versus by progressivism”, arguing that the latter had historically secured advances in social, political and economic rights.

Electoral authorities will publish detailed results in the coming days, including regional and municipal breakdowns, as part of efforts to guarantee transparency. With no candidate surpassing the required 50 per cent threshold, the race will now move to a decisive runoff scheduled for 14 December.

The most significant defeat came with the rejection of a proposal to convene a Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution, with about 61.5 per cent voting against it. Voters also rejected attempts to lift the ban on foreign military bases, reduce public funding for political parties, and cut the number of legislators.

Turnout was high: more than 80 per cent of the 13.9 million eligible Ecuadorians cast their ballots. The results reflect growing public distrust towards Noboa’s reform agenda, which critics have framed as a centralisation of power.

President Noboa responded by acknowledging the outcome and pledging to respect the will of the people . “We consulted Ecuadorians, and they have spoken,” he tweeted, adding that his commitment to the country remains “strengthened.”

Political observers suggest that this outcome could reshape Ecuador’s political climate, limiting Noboa’s capacity to push through controversial reforms and signalling a strong mandate from citizens to preserve existing democratic institutions.

Police officers continued security operations on public transport in Tegucigalpa on Thursday, November 13, even as campaign materials from presidential contenders filled the capital ahead of the 30 November 2025 elections. The timing of the renewed emergency decree has sparked criticism, with residents arguing that it restricts constitutional freedoms, including movement, assembly, and association, at a crucial moment in the electoral calendar.

“People won’t be able to go out and protest or anything. They won’t be able to do many things at night. It benefits them, not us,” said merchant César Molina, reflecting widespread unease among voters. Others voiced deeper distrust of the authorities. “Security in this country is useless because they are the ones playing tricks. That’s why we are the way we are,” said taxi driver César García.

The government defends the extension, pointing to reductions in crime as evidence that the security strategy is working. For its part, the National Electoral Council (CNE), the body responsible for overseeing and ensuring the transparency of Honduran elections , insists it is guaranteeing a fair process in the upcoming vote.

One of the most controversial items on the ballot would lift Ecuador’s constitutional ban on foreign military bases, allowing international forces to establish installations on its soil. Supporters argue this could help the country fight organised crime more effectively, while critics warn it risks compromising Ecuador’s sovereignty and dragging it into geopolitical rivalries.

Another proposal calls for a new Asamblea Constituyente , or constituent assembly, to draft an entirely new constitution. This would give ordinary Ecuadorians a direct role in rewriting the country’s foundational laws, but the process also raises questions about how much influence the president and current political forces will wield in shaping the future legal framework.

The other two questions focus on political finance reform and reducing the size of the national legislature. One asks voters if public funding for political parties should be eliminated, forcing parties to rely solely on private contributions. The second seeks to cut the number of members in the National Assembly roughly in half, from 151 down to 73.

The outcome could carry major international implications. Any decision to open the door to foreign military bases may shift regional security dynamics, especially given Ecuador’s strategic location. Meanwhile, transforming the constitution and reforming political finance could fundamentally change how power is distributed and how governance works in the Andean nation.

Bangladesh’s interim government is under pressure as political parties continue to clash over the July National Charter, a framework meant to guide the country’s transition. The rift has widened over how and when a national referendum on the Charter should be held. Despite repeated calls for unity, the stalemate threatens to delay vital reforms and further test the credibility of the interim administration.

Government faces test as parties spar over referendum timing

The government’s biggest test now lies in navigating growing partisan tensions. Several political parties are unwilling to compromise on the referendum’s timing, accusing the interim government of trying to dictate the process. Officials, however, warn that if talks fail, the government may move ahead unilaterally to keep the transition on track. Analysts suggest that such a move could spark political unrest at a sensitive time for the nation.

Can political parties reach an agreement through discussion? What history says

Observers remain sceptical that the warring political camps will voluntarily engage in meaningful dialogue. Historical precedents show that major political agreements in Bangladesh have often required mediation or external pressure rather than self-initiated consensus. Political scientists argue that unless this dynamic changes, the July Charter dispute risks becoming another protracted impasse in the country’s democratic evolution.

Is the July Charter drive losing its way?

Efforts to secure broad-based agreement on the Charter appear to be faltering. Major parties have refused to participate in government-led discussions, accusing the administration of lacking transparency. Critics worry that the government’s top-down approach and political brinkmanship are eroding public confidence in what was supposed to be a unifying reform process. Without renewed dialogue, the Charter’s legitimacy could come under question both domestically and internationally.

Cabinet likely to take up issue in next meeting

In a bid to break the deadlock, the interim government plans to bring the July Charter and referendum timeline before its advisory council at the next cabinet meeting. The move signals that officials are aware of the growing urgency but remain divided on the strategy. Political analysts believe the cabinet’s decision could determine whether the country moves toward reconciliation or sinks deeper into political uncertainty.

Hassan urged "unity and solidarity" in her speech, but she also claimed that some of the young demonstrators were from "outside Tanzania."

"Our defence and security agencies continue to investigate and examine in detail what happened," she added.

The election, held on 29 October 2025, has attracted significant global attention due to the exclusion of major opposition parties and reports of unrest in key cities. Concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of the process have sparked debate among international observers.

Suluhu, who initially assumed the presidency in 2021, now faces the challenge of addressing criticism regarding democratic practices while consolidating her mandate. Her leadership will be closely scrutinised as she navigates these political pressures.

For investors and the international community, the election outcome raises questions about Tanzania’s political stability, governance, and the broader implications for democracy in East Africa . The president’s call for unity seeks to reassure citizens and external stakeholders alike.

Candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who placed second with 35.2% of the vote, claimed civilians outside his Garoua home were being shot at hours before the proclamation, triggering widespread concern.

“Urgent: Currently at my home in Garoua, they are shooting at civilians who are camping in front of my house,” Tchiroma wrote on Facebook on Monday. “The assault is on.” 

Reports from the ground relayed to Global South World indicate growing fear among Cameroonians.

While allegations of vote rigging are not new in the country — nearly every election has been accused of favouring Biya — sources say his government is now responding to these claims not with restraint, but with force.

Biya’s victory was confirmed after Cameroon’s Constitutional Council dismissed all eight petitions alleging electoral irregularities, any of which could have led to the partial or total cancellation of the polls .

Opposition groups, including Tchiroma, have rejected the results. The former Biya ally claimed on social media that he was the real winner and accused the council of being “complicit in a breach of trust.”

Biya, meanwhile, sought to present himself as a magnanimous victor and unifying leader, acknowledging the “weight of the responsibility” and the “great expectations” of his “compatriots.”

“At this point in time when the sovereign people have once again placed their trust in me for a new term of office, my first thoughts are with all those who have unnecessarily lost their lives, as well with their families, as a result of the post-election violence.”

According to the Wikipedia overview of voting ages, most nations use 18 as the legal voting threshold. A handful lower it to 16 or 17, and the United Arab Emirates remains an outlier with a voting age of 25. That data is echoed in broader surveys: nearly 202 countries hold 18 as their standard voting age, while only 10 use 16, and 4 use 17.

In recent decades, some democracies have experimented with earlier enfranchisement, either nationally or for specific elections. For example:

A landmark move: United Kingdom to lower voting age to 16

In 2025, the U.K. announced sweeping electoral reforms that include lowering the voting age from 18 to 16 in all national elections, a move expected to take effect ahead of the next general election.

This change will bring England and Northern Ireland in line with Scotland and Wales, where 16- and 17-year-olds already vote in devolved elections.

Analysts cited by the House of Commons project that lowering the age will unlikely alter election outcomes, and in some cases, 16-year-olds have shown a higher propensity to vote than those just reaching 18.

The reform also comes alongside measures to simplify voter ID rules and strengthen campaign finance oversight to guard against foreign interference.

Biya is seeking an eighth, seven-year term. To call him a fixture in Cameroonian politics is an understatement — he is only the second president the country has had since gaining independence from France and Britain in the 1960s.

The October 12 race pits Biya against 11 challengers, though past elections have been dogged by allegations of fraud and irregularities widely seen as designed to keep him in power. For many Cameroonians, that has eroded faith in the system.

“People don't trust the process,” said Tony Vinyoh, a Cameroonian journalist, in an interview with Global South World. “I’ve talked to some parents, and they don't even want to register their kids.”

Then there’s the elephant in the room that is Biya’s health . Last year, the ageing president vanished from public view for 42 days, sparking debate over whether he remains fit to lead a nation grappling with an armed insurgency and lagging behind many of its African neighbours in development.

For many Cameroonians, the solution is simple: change. Any change.

“There's a sense among the general population that anybody who comes next will be better,” Vinyoh said. “We want change, and we don't care who gets to lead the country.”

Stasis and stagnation

In more than four decades in power, Biya has survived attempted coups, Boko Haram attacks, and the ongoing conflict between Cameroon’s French- and English-speaking regions, a crisis that traces back to the country’s colonial past.

But his government has struggled to resolve many of Cameroon’s most pressing problems. The country’s poverty rate has barely budged in 20 years, with four in ten Cameroonians still living below the poverty line. Economic growth is slowing, leaving households struggling with rising food prices.

For a country known as an agricultural producer, Cameroon is also increasingly dependent on imports. In 2021, food imports made up nearly a quarter of consumption, and rice imports alone accounted for an astonishing 75%.

Vinyoh said this sense of stagnation has left many Cameroonians feeling left behind.

“Cameroonians are scared that they are getting left behind while the rest of the world is moving forward, advancing in infrastructure, technology, trade, and opening up to other African countries,” he said. 

Biya’s hands-off approach to governance has done little to ease those fears. The president rarely convenes his cabinet; during his current term, there was a period of nearly three years without a single cabinet meeting.

But perhaps the most intractable problem in Cameroon is corruption, a force arguably more enduring than Biya himself. In 2024, Cameroon ranked 140th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, making it one of the most corrupt nations in the world.

“I wish there was a better way to describe it,” Vinyoh said, “but corruption is just part of Cameroonian life.”

The man and the myth

Cameroon is a young country: more than 60 per cent of its population is under 25. Many have never known life without Biya in control, a fact that fuels speculation about what might follow his eventual departure.

For Vinyoh, this and Biya’s elusive nature have contributed to his mythology among Cameroonians.

“He’s a bit of a god,” the journalist said. “You don’t get to see and meet the man.”

“I think people don't give him enough credit. He's a very brilliant man. He's smart. You don't stay in power for 50 years if you're not a very smart man,” he said. “He's good at knocking heads together.”

Now the pressure is on for the opposition to break that myth, and for Biya to prove that he is still capable of leading a nation on edge.

Observers say the opposition’s best chance lies in uniting behind a single candidate, but so far it has failed to do so. On September 13, opposition parties were expected to announce a consensus candidate, but the effort collapsed.

The opposition has also been weakened by the exclusion of Maurice Kamto, widely seen as Biya’s strongest rival. Barred due to alleged irregularities in party nominations, Kamto is now urging the remaining opposition parties to unite behind one contender.

“That shows you just how divided the opposition is,” Vinyoh said. “They have not been able to sit down and vote. They don't talk among themselves, that's a uniquely Cameroonian thing.”

The October 12 election could decide whether Biya’s 42-year grip on power remains unbroken, or whether a splintered opposition can finally shatter it. For many Cameroonians, however, the stakes go far beyond politics.

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

“It's a country that's worried about its future.”

This stems from the late arrival of ballot papers. Initially printed in Port Moresby, the final shipment of ballots was delayed until September 2, well past the original August 23 delivery date.

This compressed timeframe left insufficient margin for packing and distributing the materials for polling on 4 September.

Additionally, quality control concerns emerged regarding the serial numbers printed on the ballots, an essential safeguard against fraud , and prompted officials to take corrective measures before proceeding.

Electoral Commissioner Desmond Tsianai emphasised that the decision was not taken lightly but deemed necessary to uphold a fair and transparent process.

“Every eligible voter should have the opportunity to cast their ballots. Rescheduling polling at this stage is the most responsible decision to ensure that all ballot papers are delivered securely so that all Bougainvilleans can vote on the same day. This step protects the rights of voters and upholds the integrity of the election,” Commissioner Tsianai said.

The Atolls constituency remains an exception, as its ballots were already on track for delivery in time, and hence its polling proceeds as planned on Thursday.

Global South World reported that this year’s general election marks the first-ever one-day polling model for Bougainville. With 46 seats in the House of Representatives up for grabs—including newly added constituencies—and a competitive presidential race, the region is poised for a crucial junction in its political journey.

Over 404 candidates are vying for parliamentary seats, including a record 34 women across both reserved and open-competition seats, while the presidential contest features seven candidates challenging incumbent Ishmael Toroama.

On Friday, 5 September, polling stations across the Autonomous Region will open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Bougainville Standard Time. With over 3,000 electoral staff mobilised to ensure smooth operations, the election is expected to proceed with minimal disruption.

Saturday’s outcome effectively seals the phaseout of nuclear power on the island, once a cornerstone of its electricity mix, and fulfils the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s pledge to create a “nuclear-free homeland.” 

What happens next remains uncertain. For some analysts, the strong but insufficient support for nuclear power could prompt policymakers to rethink their hardline stance.

“The result sends a very strong signal to the government that more Taiwanese people, in fact, are not in favour of the government's current stance of completely ruling out nuclear power as one of the sources of energy for Taiwan,” William Hao-Wei Yang, a Taiwanese analyst with the International Crisis Group, told Global South World .

“This result has already pushed the government to come out and positively respond to the more than 4.3 million Taiwanese people's votes,” he added. “I believe that this could lead to further reconsideration for the ruling party regarding its longstanding opposition to nuclear power.”

Turnout, more than the arguments from the anti-nuclear camp, proved decisive in the referendum. Only about a quarter of Taiwan’s nearly 20 million eligible voters cast their ballots, leading to the sub-threshold result.

Yang argues that limited public engagement stemmed from poor communication and a lack of emphasis from political leaders.

“This issue hasn't really been the defining topic that has mobilised a large number of Taiwanese people to come out and participate in voting,” he said. “Neither the opposition parties nor the ruling party has put enough emphasis on this particular topic.”

“This remains an issue that needs more public discussion and perhaps more, you know, grassroots level public education so that Taiwanese people have a broader understanding about where they might want to stand on this particular issue going forward,” he added. 

Nuclear not gone for good

Doing away with nuclear power has long been a signature promise of the Democratic Progressive Party, giving the August referendum undeniable political undertones.

“In Taiwan, relevant conversations oftentimes become too politicised, and that overshadows the necessary scientific factors and elements that should be included in the discussion and debate," Yang said.

While the outcome bolstered the party’s credibility in pursuing its “nuclear-free homeland” policy, it also exposed growing unease with its uncompromising stance, according to Yang.

“(Saturday’s) outcome means more than just their energy policy,” he said. “(It reflects the) public's discontent with the approach that the ruling party has adopted since President Lai Ching-te came to power in May 2024,” 

“I think we might in fact see a fundamental shift — or at least an adjustment — from the ruling party when it comes to their policies on energy,” he added. “It could set off a re-evaluation within the ruling party about the validity of its political slogan (nuclear-free homeland).”

After the vote, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, a staunch opponent of nuclear power, acknowledged what he called “society’s expectations for diverse energy options.”

"If in the future, the technology becomes safer, nuclear waste is reduced, and societal acceptance increases, we will not rule out advanced nuclear energy," he told reporters on Saturday.

That tentative opening could leave a path forward for nuclear power in Taiwan, Yang noted.

“Based on the consensus and the government's positive response to the outcome, it could probably help find that path for civil society, but also Taiwan as a whole, to move forward when it comes to resolving the current dilemma that Taiwan faces when it comes to improving energy resilienc in a scientific and safe way,” the analyst said.

A path forward

Debates over nuclear power in Taiwan have largely focused on health concerns, energy security, and the economy, and arguments for nuclear power have mostly centred on restarting decades-old plants . 

Pro-nuclear groups often point to Taiwan’s reliance on imports for about 98% of its energy, a vulnerability for the world’s leading semiconductor maker. Before its shutdown, nuclear power provided about 5.3% of the island’s electricity supply.

Yang warned that without a serious policy rethink, this dependence will persist.

“Before the government really adjusts its energy policy and makes a public commitment to pursue advanced nuclear-based energy solutions, Taiwan, unfortunately, will continue to have to rely on 98% of its energy imported from abroad,” he said. 

Yang also underscored the need for a more nuanced approach to Taiwan’s energy problems.

“At this point, the majority of the Taiwanese public's understanding about different types of nuclear energy solutions remains very limited, and that is not going to help push relevant conversations forward,” he said. 

“The government will have to genuinely consider taking the initiative to organise nationwide local-level information sessions to raise public awareness about relevant issues, and then that can lead to a better-informed public and also a better-informed policymaking process.” 

While Saturday’s referendum failed to overturn the standing nuclear-free homeland policy, Yang believes it could mark the beginning of a broader discussion in Taiwan. 

“I think it will accelerate the domestic discussion, and it really sends a sense of urgency that will push politicians, both the government but also lawmakers in the parliament, to try to come together and determine a path forward for maintaining Taiwan's energy resilience and at the same time ensuring its ability to provide a stable energy supply.”

“I do believe that the decision of not continuing that decades-old power plant for the safety risk reasons and the sustainability reasons, and also the nuclear waste processing issues are valid,” Yang told Global South World.  

Bringing an ageing facility back online is not a long-term solution, he added. 

“When it comes back to the particular issue of whether restarting a decommissioned nuclear power plant is the solution or not, I hold some doubt against the argument that restarting that should be the primary solution that Taiwan needs to consider.”

Taiwan once operated three nuclear facilities with six total reactors, but the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) pledged to phase out nuclear power after coming to office in 2016.

The Chinshan plant, the country’s first, saw its two reactors closed in December 2018 and July 2019. At the Kuosheng site, the first unit was expected to run until late 2021 but was shut down months earlier because of limited storage space for spent fuel, while the second unit ceased operation in March 2023.

Work on the Lungmen power station, launched in 1999, was repeatedly delayed by political and legal disputes. Unit 1 was placed in long-term storage in 2015, while construction of Unit 2 was halted the year before.

Yang said Saturday’s referendum would be critical both to Taiwan’s future energy resilience and the Democratic Progressive Party’s promise of a nuclear-free homeland .

“The current government's legitimacy and credibility as an advocate for a nuclear-free Taiwan hinges on the outcome of this referendum,” he said. “But of course, I think there are other realistic steps that will be taken before an actual restart of the nuclear power plant.” 

“It's not a very easy process to just say if the referendum's outcome favours restarting the nuclear power plan, then that would then immediately lead to the restart of that power plant,” Yang added. 

Dependence on imports

Another factor shaping the debate is Taiwan’s reliance on imported energy, which accounts for more than 97% of supply. 

Pro-nuclear groups argue this leaves the island vulnerable to global market shifts and geopolitical risks.

“That (importing) would basically force the country to be in a vulnerable position if the supply gets disrupted by commercial reasons or there are disputes between Taiwan and the source of the country that it usually imports those energy sources,” Yang said. 

“If one day China decided to disrupt the shipping of those energy sources into Taiwan, then that would suddenly make Taiwan very vulnerable and exposed,” he added. 

Concerns about a potential Chinese blockade, however, were unlikely to weigh heavily on voters in this referendum, according to Yang. 

“If Taiwan is able to ensure its imported energy supply remains steady, and also ensures that it has the ability to try to deal with potential challenges that could disrupt these energy import schedules, then whether to restart the nuclear power plant or not will have little to do with Taiwan's current status or state of energy supply.”

Saturday’s vote will also be crucial to Taiwan’s flagship semiconductor industry. 

As the world’s biggest manufacturer of advanced chips, the country’s Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) alone accounts for about 8% of total usage, a figure projected to rise to 24% by 2030.

“As Taiwan continues to attract more high-end semiconductor chip manufacturing and tries to increase its pivot toward the AI chip production becoming a hub, the energy supply, both the stability of that and also the sustainability, has come into question,” Yang said. 

Looking beyond the referendum, Yang said Taiwan must prepare for the future rather than the past. 

“In order for Taiwan to become more resilient, it is necessary to consider other, much safer and more advanced and developed new power that might involve some type of safer nuclear source,” he said.

The power plant located in Pingtung County's Hengchun Township, in southern Taiwan, began operations in 1985. It was one of three operational nuclear sites in Taiwan, which started building nuclear plants in the 1970s.

In 1985, after Maanshan came online, nuclear power accounted for a significant 52.4% of the island's electricity generation.

Key points about the referendum

The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) proposed the referendum on April 18, with support from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), and it is seen by some as a "direct-democracy counteroffensive" by the KMT after a mass recall vote, where voters are allowed to remove elected officials from office, which threatened their parliamentary majority. Allegations were made that the KMT had close ties to China.

The referendum will specifically ask voters if they agree that the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operation upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns.

Arguments for restarting

Supporters of the referendum, including TPP and KMT, argue that nuclear power provides stable electricity with low carbon emissions, unlike weather-dependent solar and wind. They highlight Taiwan's reliance on imported fossil fuels and potential national security risks in the event of a Chinese blockade. The semiconductor industry, a world leader in Taiwan, requires large amounts of stable electricity, and there have been recent power outages.

Arguments against restarting 

Opponents, such as the National Nuclear Abolition Action Platform and the Pingtung County government, warn of seismic risks due to the plant's location near a fault line above the Manila Trench, an area with a high earthquake risk. They also cite unresolved nuclear waste issues and the high cost of extending operations. Opponents also argue that the decommissioning of the plant reflected social consensus and that the sudden referendum challenges procedural justice and local rights.

Nuclear phase-out plan

The Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant’s second reactor (Maanshan-2) was shut down in May 2025, after 40 years of service. Its first reactor was turned off in 2024. This shutdown was in line with the "nuclear-free homeland" policy announced in 2016 by the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Following the decommissioning of Chinshan in 2019 and Kuosheng in 2022, Maanshan was Taiwan's last nuclear power plant reactor to be shut down. As of May 2025, none of Taiwan's energy is generated domestically using nuclear power.

Historical context

While Taiwan once relied on nuclear power for over half its electricity in the 1980s, this share fell to about 6% in 2023. Anti-nuclear sentiment grew after events like the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which led to significant public opposition and protests. 

Previous nuclear-related referendums include a 2018 proposal on using nuclear to support green energy, which passed, and a 2021 proposal on "restarting the Lungmen Nuclear Power Plant", which failed.

Threshold for passage

For the proposal to pass , "agree" votes must exceed "disagree" votes and make up at least one-quarter of Taiwan’s 5 million eligible voters. If rejected, the same question cannot be raised again for two years.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is widely seen as his father's likely successor, made the remarks in a series of posts on social media on May 17.

He warned that those who do not support the president “wholeheartedly” should be “very careful” and went on to say that “traitors” would be deported “in public view.”

The comments come just months before Uganda’s general election, set for January, and as the government intensifies its clampdown on opposition voices.

Earlier this month, Kainerugaba claimed he was responsible for the capture and beating of Eddie Mutwe, the bodyguard of opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Mutwe later appeared in court with visible injuries. Uganda’s Justice Minister Norbert Mao confirmed the incident, saying Mutwe had been tortured.

Kainerugaba also wrote online that he took “full responsibility” for the actions of his soldiers, calling the assault on Mutwe “an appetiser.”

In another post, the general ordered that female soldiers must now wear skirts instead of trousers during parades.

“Trousers are for men, not for women,” he said. “Anyone who forces our sisters to put on trousers on parade again will have a very bad day.”

The Uganda People ’s Defence Force includes a small number of female soldiers. While skirts are worn on ceremonial occasions, they are normally given the same uniform as men.

The general’s remarks have raised concerns both in Uganda and abroad, with critics accusing him of abusing his power and undermining democratic values.

The law was created by a national commission established in December 2024 by transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema.

It includes 383 provisions aimed at reforming how elections are conducted in the country, local reports say.

These provisions include the introduction of two parliamentary seats reserved for Gabonese citizens living abroad.

This move is seen as an effort to include the diaspora in Gabon’s political process.

The new law also allows dual nationals to run for office in all elections except the presidency without being required to renounce their other nationality.

The legislation also shifts the responsibility for organising elections from local governments to the interior ministry. This move is aimed at streamlining the electoral process.

"All the regime has left is fear," Machado stated in a phone interview with AFP on Monday, January 6, asserting that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is the rightful president-elect. "The whole world knows," she added.

Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chavez in 2013, faces limited international recognition for his electoral victory. The United States, G7 nations, and several Latin American countries have backed Gonzalez Urrutia, a 75-year-old ex-diplomat who replaced Machado as the opposition candidate after she was barred from running.

Gonzalez Urrutia fled to Spain in September following threats of arrest after the opposition released election results claiming his victory. 

On Monday, he met with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington to rally international support against Maduro's administration.

Machado, who has remained in hiding since the election, has called for mass protests on Thursday, a day before Maduro's inauguration. She pledged to join the demonstrations herself, urging Venezuelans to confront their fears.

"If we all come out, millions, how can a few hundred or a few thousand armed people prevail against 30 million Venezuelans? In the end, the only way to be free is to overcome fear," she told AFP.

However, mobilising large-scale protests may prove challenging. In July, riots erupted after Maduro declared victory, leaving 26 people dead and nearly 200 injured. 

Authorities arrested over 2,400 individuals during the crackdown, with nearly half still in custody, according to official records.

Croatia Presidential Elections - Second Round

The first round of Croatia’s presidential elections took place on December 29, 2024, setting the stage for an intense runoff. Incumbent president Zoran Milanovic, representing the opposition Social Democrats, garnered 49.1% of the vote—just shy of an outright majority. His closest rival, Dragan Primorac of the centre-right Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), secured 19.35% of the vote.

The decisive second round is scheduled for January 12, 2025. Milanovic’s strong showing positions him as the favourite, but the final outcome will depend on voter turnout and alliances.

Ecuador General Elections

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who became the world’s youngest democratically elected leader at age 35 after a snap general election in 2023, is seeking reelection on February 9, 2025. Noboa, the son of billionaire Álvaro Noboa, secured victory in a second-round vote on October 15, 2023, after no candidate secured a majority in the first round of voting on August 20, 2023.

Romania Presidential Elections

Romania’s 2025 presidential election is set for April, following the annulment of the November 24, 2024, election results. The Romanian Constitutional Court voided the elections on December 6, citing suspected Russian interference in favour of far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, who unexpectedly led in the first round.

This rerun is expected to test Romania’s democratic resilience and its ability to safeguard electoral integrity in the face of external influences.

Philippines General Election

The Philippines will hold its midterm general election on May 12, 2025, an event critical for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as he navigates his presidency. This election will determine all 317 seats in the House of Representatives, 12 of the 24 Senate seats, and numerous local government positions.

Marcos Jr. faces a challenging political environment, marked by a public feud with Vice President Sara Duterte. Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has publicly expressed regret over her past support for Marcos, creating political tension that could influence the election.

Ivory Coast Presidential Elections

Scheduled for October 2025, the Ivory Coast presidential election could mark the return of former president Laurent Gbagbo to the political stage. Gbagbo, who led the country from 2000 to 2011, is expected to challenge for the presidency alongside Pascal Affi N'Guessan, a former prime minister.

Incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, who won reelections in 2015 and 2020, has yet to confirm whether he will seek a fourth term, adding further intrigue to this critical election.

Chile General Elections

Chile’s presidential election is scheduled for November 16, 2025, with a likely runoff on December 14. Incumbent President Gabriel Boric, elected in 2021 at age 35, is barred from seeking consecutive terms.

Evelyn Matthei, former mayor of Providencia and a prominent figure in the right-wing coalition Chile Vamos, has emerged as a frontrunner. Matthei previously ran for president in 2013, losing in the second round to former president Michelle Bachelet. Her candidacy promises a competitive race as Chileans prepare for a change in leadership.

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:

While some political figures made surprising comebacks, hitting their opponents hard where they least expected, others made history, becoming the first with unique personalities in their respective roles.

In countries including Venezuela, incumbent presidents maintained their positions after voting. These were either criticised or praised for their retainment of their leadership.

In this piece, we present a breakdown of global elections as they happened in 2024, outlining the winners, losers, biggest shocks and surprises and other pertinent details.

Incumbents who were re-elected

India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party was re-elected for a third term, for a 5-year term in government in the world’s largest democratic elections. He however lost his parliamentary majority for the first time in a decade.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured her fourth straight term in a controversial election in January 2024. After a series of protests, however, she resigned on August 5.

El Salvador

Credited with transforming one of the most violent countries in Latin America to one of the safest, President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador retained his presidency, securing a second term with 83% of votes in the February elections.

Russia

In March, President Vladimir Putin won another six-year term without much contest from opposition candidates.

Algeria

Algeria’s Abdelmadjid Tebboune was re-elected president in the September 7 polls. The Constitutional Court says the 78-year-old incumbent held his seat by securing 84.3 percent of the votes.

South Africa

South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa is still president of the country although without ultimate power. The president is required to share power in a coalition government. because his party, the African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure a majority in parliament during the April 2024 elections. The ANC lost its majority for the first time since apartheid ended in 1994.

Venezuela

Venezuela's presidential election on July 28 ended in contention with both incumbent President Nicolás Maduro and the main opposition candidate, Edmundo González, declaring victory. However, the country’s electoral body eventually announced Maduro was re-elected and the winner of the presidential elections.

Mauritania

Mauritania re-elected its incumbent president Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani for a second term. According to the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Ghazouani won ahead of his rival Biram Dah Abeid with 56.12 percent votes in the first round of the polls.

Mozambique

Mozambique’s ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo was declared the winner of the country’s presidential election amid claims of rigging by the opposition. Chapo, from the Frelimo party which has been in power for almost half a century, secured more than 70 percent of the votes, the National Election Commission (CNE) confirmed.

Incumbents who lost

United States

In a keenly contested election between former president Donald Trump of the Republican Party and incumbent Vice President, Kamala Harris, of the Democratic Party, Donald Trump won, making a comeback after his term ended in 2021.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, a former general who was once banned from entering the U.S., defeated his opponent and son of outgoing leader Joko Widodo to be elected as president of the world’s third-biggest democracy in February 2024.

Ghana

Similarly to the U.S. elections, the incumbent vice president of Ghana, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party lost by over one million votes to his contender and former president, John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress.

Senegal

After protests against a decision by incumbent president Macky Sall to postpone elections, Senegal voted in a highly anticipated presidential election to produce its first and youngest-ever president in the history of the country. Bassirou Diomay Faye became president at the age of 44.

Biggest surprises

Beyond the winners and the losers, there were wins in the 2024 global elections that shocked the world. Here are a few.

Mexico

Claudia Sheinbaum became Mexico’s first female president after a landslide victory in the country’s biggest election so far. Sheinbaum will succeed her mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, after seeing off the challenge of Xóchitl Gálvez, who represents a coalition of PRI-PAN-PRD, and Jorge Álvarez Máynez of the newer Movimiento Ciudadano party.

United States

President Kamala Harris’s re-election was a close contest that surprised analysts, particularly as the campaign faced significant economic and political headwinds. Her victory reflects shifts in U.S. voter dynamics.

Taiwan

Taiwan’s pro-independence candidate from the Democratic Progress Party, William Lai, won the country’s elections despite warnings from China which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. The current vice president, was in a three-way race with Hou Yu-ih from the conservative Kuomintang (KMT) and former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), which was only founded in 2019. He polled 40.1 percent, ahead of Hou’s 33.5 percent.

Indonesia

Prabowo Subianto’s win the Indonesian elections was a significant global surprise particularly because of his past credentials. The controversial ex-general once banned from entering the U.S., was elected president despite his past human rights record and close ties to political elites.

Rightists and Leftists, who is who?

These political leaders either represent left-wing (leftists) or right-wing (rightists) ideologies depending on their priorities. Leftists, ' ideologies focus more on equality and government support, while rightist ideologies emphasise personal freedom, tradition, and limited government control.

Here is a breakdown of which leader represents which ideology.

Rightists

Donald Trump (United States) – Rightist. Represents the Republican Party, which aligns with conservative and right-wing policies.

Prabowo Subianto (Indonesia) – Rightist. Known for his nationalist, military-focused platform and ties to conservative elements.

Daniel Chapo (Mozambique) – Rightist. Represents FRELIMO, a party that, while historically left-wing, has moved toward centrist or right-leaning economic policies.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Algeria) – Rightist. His policies focus on conservative governance and maintaining traditional state structures.

Mauritania's Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani (Mauritania) – Rightist. Known for continuity with traditional, conservative leadership in the country.

Leftists

Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico) – Leftist. She represents MORENA, a left-wing populist party with progressive and social welfare-focused policies.

John Mahama (Ghana) – Leftist. Represents the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a center-left political party focused on social democracy.

William Lai (Taiwan) – Leftist. Represents the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which champions progressive and pro-independence stances.

Nayib Bukele (El Salvador) – Leftist. Though his policies sometimes cross ideological lines, he has been associated with progressive reforms, particularly on security and social issues.

Luis Arce (Bolivia) – Leftist. Continues the socialist legacy of his predecessor, Evo Morales, focusing on social welfare and anti-neoliberal policies.

Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) – Leftist. Represents the African National Congress (ANC), historically aligned with social democracy and leftist policies.

Nicolás Maduro (Venezuela) – Leftist. A staunch socialist who continues the policies of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela.

Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh) – Leftist. Known for her policies promoting social welfare and state-led development under the Awami League.

Indonesia and France have held the 9th Steering Committee meeting to enhance aviation safety through a technical cooperation agreement . The meeting, led by M. Mauludin from Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation, focused on activities involving air transportation standardisation, risk management, and the implementation of a National Aviation Safety Program. It includes collaboration with Airbus and Bureau Veritas. Both parties expressed commitment to improving aviation safety and emphasised the importance of ongoing strategic cooperation. The French government, represented by Thibaut Lallemand, reaffirmed support for Indonesia’s safety monitoring capabilities. 

Indonesian medic forced to leave north Gaza

Indonesian medics from the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee were forced to leave the Kamal Adwan Hospital in north Gaza by Israeli troops after receiving warnings. The team, which arrived on December 1, was the first emergency medical group at the facility in 60 days, as the hospital had been cut off from supplies and endured multiple Israeli strikes. Following their departure, the hospital's director reported a critical shortage of medical personnel and supplies, with scores of casualties from ongoing attacks. The team evacuated to the nearby Indonesia Hospital amid ongoing bombings, hoping for the safe evacuation of remaining patients. Since the start of the conflict in October, the Israeli military's actions have led to over 44,600 reported deaths and numerous injuries in Gaza. 

Devastating landslides, flash floods on Java island

In Indonesia's Java island, torrential rains have triggered devastating landslides and flash floods, leading to the recovery of 10 bodies, including three children, with two individuals still missing. Over 170 villages in Sukabumi district have been affected, forcing more than 3,000 residents into temporary shelters. The extreme weather has destroyed 31 bridges, damaged 81 roads, and flooded around 1,170 houses.

Opposition wins Jakarta governorship

Opposition candidate Pramono Anung won the Jakarta governor race with 50.07% of the vote, securing victory for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, the country's sole opposition party. This unexpected win allows the party to control Jakarta, which represents one-fifth of Indonesia's economic output. The result is a setback for Prabowo, who has just begun his five-year term and is preparing to implement key national programs. 

Repatriation of death-row convict to the Philippines

Indonesia will repatriate death-row convict Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines after years of international pressure. Indonesia's law minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated the decision follows a meeting with Philippine officials and clarified that this does not involve clemency or a pardon. Veloso was sentenced to death in 2010 for attempting to smuggle drugs, but her supporters claim she was a victim of human trafficking. The responsibility for her rehabilitation will now rest with the Philippine government.

However, in a move described as unprecedented in Ghana’s history, Dr. Bawumia congratulated his opponent, former President John Mahama, even before the final announcement by the Commission.

“I have just called His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him as president-elect of the Republic of Ghana,” Bawumia said in a televised address. “I said during the signing of the peace pact that I was sure of two things: Ghana will win, and peace will reign. The people of Ghana have spoken; they have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”

This marks the first time in Ghana’s history that a presidential candidate has conceded before an official declaration. Traditionally, candidates wait until the Electoral Commission announces the final certified results.

According to Dr Bawumia, his decision to concede reflects his commitment to protecting the country’s peace and democracy.

“I am making this concession speech before the official declaration of the Electoral Commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of the country. It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana. These are our most important assets. Ghana is more important than our individual political ambitions, and we must always put Ghana first,” he added.

Provisional results show John Mahama leading with 56.73% of the votes, representing 1,451,839 votes. Dr. Bawumia trails with 42.21%, which amounts to 1,080,248 votes. Under Ghana’s electoral system, a candidate must secure over 50% of the total votes cast to be declared the winner.

The Electoral Commission is expected to confirm these provisional results in its final declaration.

“In my final year in office in 2016, we did zero central bank financing. We funded most of the budget from our own resources,” he told Global South World in an exclusive interview.

He noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program Ghana is under has stopped central bank borrowing, which he sees as a good step. However, he said more fiscal reforms are needed to improve the economy.

The former leader also suggested cutting government spending and finding alternative ways to raise revenue.

Mahama further stressed the need to avoid increasing public debt and called for a focus on non-tax revenues and efficient borrowing.

“A combination of all of that would make things much better,” he said.

John Mahama is contesting in the upcoming elections in Ghana on December 7. He is one of 15 candidates hoping to win the votes of the populace and become president.

Here is the full interview:

Participants from 14 regions are voting today, with the Eastern and Western regions scheduled to vote on December 5 after a recall of their ballots.

Over 130,000 voters, or 0.07% of the total registered electorate, are expected to take part. Polling runs from 0700 to 1700 hours.

Ballots will be sealed and stored securely at local police stations until counting after the main election day.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has assured of transparent, credible, and peaceful polls.

Over 18 million Ghanaians will vote on December 7 to elect new members of parliament and a president.

A total of 15 political parties are participating in the elections, and voting will take place in about 40,976 polling stations across 275 constituencies nationwide.

In Windhoek, residents voiced their concerns about irregularities during the elections. Felix Komeheke, a resident, lamented missing ballot papers, saying,

"On the ballot papers that just got missing at the polling station, we are saying our system is failing the nation, and to tell you the truth, we are not happy at all. So what do we want? What we want is fairness, " he told the AFP.

Elifas Kambariua described the elections as unprecedentedly problematic, highlighting the abnormality of extending voting days.

" We cannot say that this election at all was free and fair because there were a lot of hiccups, a lot a lot a lot. It is the first time elections have been extended to three days or two days to hold again; it is abnormal. And we feel that these elections must start fresh. It is not fair at all,” he said.

However, not all sentiments were negative, as another resident, Henrick Dywne, acknowledged that while the process was peaceful, improvements were necessary.

" The voting process in Namibia was good, but next time, they must give us two days to vote because the queues were so long," he suggested.

Meanwhile, Panduleni Itula, leader of the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), declared that his party would not accept the election results. Speaking on the final day of voting, Itula accused the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) of undermining the rule of law.

" The rule of law has been grossly violated, and we cannot call these elections free, fair, or legitimate," Itula stated. The IPC is seeking to end SWAPO's 34-year dominance in Namibian politics.

Partial results from 10 out of 121 constituencies show SWAPO's candidate, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, leading with 48% of the vote, followed by Itula with 29%.

This election is particularly notable as Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the ruling SWAPO party's candidate, could become Namibia's first female president . Her candidacy marks a potential milestone for gender equality in the nation.

Additionally, she was among the first to cast her vote, showcasing her dedication to everything.

Namibia's ruling party, SWAPO, has been in power since its independence in 1990, but it faces its toughest challenge yet. Increasing dissatisfaction among the electorate, particularly the youth, has led to a surge in support for opposition parties.

The election will determine whether SWAPO can maintain its grip on power or if Namibia will see a significant political shift.

Approximately 1.45 million Namibians are registered to vote in this election. Voters will select both the president and members of the National Assembly, with 15 presidential candidates and 21 parties competing for 96 parliamentary seats.

Early voting results , including those from citizens overseas and the armed forces, have shown strong support for Nandi-Ndaitwah However, the outcome remains uncertain as opposition parties gain traction.

At a rally in Maputo, Frelimo supporters gathered to back Chapo while calling for an end to the protests.

Antonio Niquisse, a party spokesman, described the event as "a peaceful march" and condemned the protests.

"We cannot and should not instigate the population to hatred, violence, looting, and destruction of our city."

The protests saw clashes with security forces which left dozens dead.

Rights groups have accused authorities of using excessive force, with reports of live ammunition fired at protesters. Human Rights Watch has called on the government to respect the right to peaceful demonstrations.

Frelimo member Flavia Cumbane appealed to Mondlane to engage in talks, saying, "Come back home, Venancio. Come collaborate with us with all your intelligence."

Meanwhile, Mondlane has expressed willingness to negotiate but has set conditions, including holding virtual talks and dropping legal cases against him.

The Somaliland National Electoral Commission is expected to release provisional results on 20th November 2024 at 6PM local time.

Meanwhile, Somaliland’s Supreme Court will confirm results as official on 21st November 2024 at 10am local time.

8:19 GMT:

Ballot boxes being delivered to district centres in Somaliland this morning after vote counting.

18:48 GMT: Incumbent president and presidential candidate for the Waddani party speaks

In his speech after voting, President Muse Bihi Abdi said he is ready to accept whatever results emerge from the voting process.

16:57 GMT: Previous highlights

Two Vice presidential candidates from the Waddani Party and the Kulmiye Party exchanged greetings as they walked in to cast votes earlier in the day.

15:36 GMT: Polls officially close, vote counting begins

Polling stations in Somaliland have officially closed at 6 p.m. local time. Voters who were in line at the time of closing will still be permitted to cast their ballots. The vote-counting process has now begun.

15:08 GMT:

Meanwhile, voters earlier expressed optimism about a peaceful election, highlighting the role of the elections in promoting the democracy of Somaliland and positioning it for possible recognition by international bodies.

15:25 GMT: NEC meets international observers

International Election Observers met with the Electoral Commission earlier in the morning.

15:03 GMT: Electoral officers at work

Altogether, 7,500 core staff are working across the over 2,000 polling stations nationwide, with 5000 subordinate staff assisting to ensure a smooth, & transparent elections.

14:41 GMT: Police force rally together to ensure peace

The Somaliland Police Commissioner & NEC Chairman Musa Hassan met ahead of the elections on Tuesday, to offer guidance to police forces and ensure peace and security.

14:09 GMT: Some women were captured with food being carried to some polling stations.

14:00 GMT: Provision made for the sick and physically challenged

Videos have emerged of how some sick persons and physically challenged persons were given an advantage to participate in the voting process at some polling stations.

13:56 GMT: Voting continues in many parts of the country.

13:43 GMT: Electoral officers across several polling stations are captured working

Source: Twitter/@HMATimCole

13:36 GMT: President's mother votes

Mother of President Muse Bihi Abdi earlier cast her vote in a private process.

13:26 GMT: Incumbent President votes

President Muse Bihi Abdi voted earlier in the morning after his facial recognition details were obtained.

13:20 GMT: Voters queue to vote

Long queues of voters are seen at various polling centres across the Republic.

13:17 GMT: Traffic movement curfew

National Chairman of the Electoral Commission announced the implementation of a comprehensive vehicle movement restriction, extending from 12:00 midnight, Tuesday November 12 to midnight Wednesday. The 24-hour curfew exempts vehicles displaying official NEC identification plates, emergency services, medical personnel, and essential service providers carrying special permits.

Polling stations in Somaliland opened early. Voting began at 7 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) and is set to run until 6 p.m. More than 1 million registered voters are expected to participate, according to the Somaliland National Electoral Commission.

KEY FACTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Who is voting?

About one million citizens are expected to cast their votes at over 2,000 polling stations in the ongoing Somaliland elections.

This is the state’s fourth general election since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991.

While it operates with its own government and institutions, Somaliland is not internationally recognised as a sovereign state, it is still considered a country under the Somalian territory.

The elections which were originally scheduled for 2022 were pushed after legislators extended the ruling President Muse Bihi Abdi’s term by two years.

Voter registration process

The voter registration process requires scanning Iris images (two eyes of registrants),  a picture (facial recognition), and demographic data like name, age, mother’s name, date of birth etc. This system was introduced and used for the very first time in 2014.

Candidates

Three candidates from Somaliland's three main political parties, Kulmiye, Waddani, and UCID are contesting in the race.

The ruling Kulmiye (Peace, Unity and Development) Party is being represented by incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi who is seeking to renew his mandate after seven years in office.

His main contender is former parliament speaker and opposition candidate Abdirahman “Irro” Mohamed Abdullahi of the Somaliland National Party, also known as the Waddani party, which has promised more roles for women and young people in his government.

The third candidate, Faisal Ali Warabe of the Justice and Welfare Party (UCID) is also in the race with his message for a national unity government.

Why the election is important

The elections are a crucial one as the country’s leader and aspiring presidential candidates advocate for the sovereignty and international recognition of Somaliland.

The country hopes to demonstrate its commitment to democratic processes which is in contrast with Somalia’s political and security issues. Since breaking away from Somalia, Somaliland has held regular elections and peaceful transitions of power.

The process which is closely watched by international observers may determine the country’s reputation of stability in the region.

Key issues

Push for international recognition

All three parties are dwelling on their focus on the longstanding quest for international recognition as an independent . While Kulmiye has advocated over the years for support from Western nations, including the U.S. and U.K., his main opponent Waddani aims to extend diplomatic engagement to African countries and other Global South states. ​

Somaliland-Ethiopia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

The recent standoff between Somaliland and Ethiopia over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2024, is also crucial in this election. The agreement includes economic cooperation, with Ethiopia gaining access to Somaliland's Berbera port, which some see as a step toward formal recognition by a neighbouring state. However, Somalia has strongly opposed the deal, describing it as Ethiopian interference in Somali affairs. The deal has sparked tension with Somalia and neighbouring countries like Djibouti, who view Ethiopia’s access to Berbera as potentially disruptive to their economic interests​

Regional stability and conflicts

Somaliland has suffered internal conflicts over the years. Since February 6, 2023, there has been fighting in the disputed city of Las Anod between forces in the self-declared state of Somaliland and local militia from the Dhulbahante clan in northern Somalia. The city, also known as Laascaanood, is located between Somaliland and Puntland, a nearby semi-autonomous region in Somalia’s northeast. Both regions are laying claim to the city. Thousands have been displaced as a result of the crisis. A peaceful election outcome could strengthen Somaliland’s reputation as a stable democracy, reinforcing its case for recognition​. It could also differentiate itself from Somalia, where political unrest is more common​

This year won’t be different, the emerging winner in the elections will largely determine the way forward as far as major policies regarding Africa and the rest of the world are concerned.

According to Ghanaian Political Analyst, Prof. Etse Sikanku, each candidate’s win could either promote a stronger international partnership or a more self-focused America.

A win by Republican candidate Donald Trump will mean his “America First” agenda will come into play and all other cooperation be limited and a Harris win also has dynamics leaning more towards international cooperation, he noted.

If Donald Trump wins, Prof. Sikanku says America is “going to return to its isolationism. America is going to turn back to nativism. America is going to take a backward seat, when it comes to global affairs. They'll be less interested in internationalism, less interested in international cooperation, less interested in multiculturalism”.

A Kamala Harris Administration on the other hand is expected to be more open to global engagement on the international front, he noted.

“Harris' presidency is going to be more internationalist in its perspective. It's going to be more multicultural. They'll be more interested in pursuing international cooperation agreements.”

What are the expectations from Africans?

There are expectations from African countries in major policy areas.

Trade

The next U.S. administration will have to decide on the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade deal, which lets African countries export duty-free to the U.S. The deal is due to expire in 2025 but many African nations are hoping that the act is expanded to cover more countries. However, a Harris administration could add strict requirements, while a Trump presidency might face pressure to limit African participation, especially for nations like South Africa.

Immigration

This has been a big area for Africans many of whom migrate to the U.S. to seek better opportunities. Immigration rules under the next U.S. president could affect African countries significantly. Trump has been known for his non-tolerance of undocumented immigrants and a travel ban on certain African nations during his first term. A renewed ban could target more African nations facing security issues. A Harris administration might keep vetting measures but may ease some restrictions.

Climate

Climate policy is another big issue for Africa, as the continent is vulnerable to climate impacts. African leaders want support for both fossil fuels and renewables to boost energy access. Trump could support fewer restrictions and Africa’s demand for fossil fuel financing. Harris on the other hand might prioritise renewables.

Military Cooperation

African leaders are watching U.S. military plans closely, especially after many U.S. troops have left  Africa in recent times. A Trump administration may reduce U.S. forces even further, as his “America First” strategy questions U.S. interests in Africa. Harris, however, could keep current military support while focusing on local solutions to counter extremism. This approach aims to help Africa build its own security .

Ukraine

Africa has faced economic hardship due to the Ukraine war and sanctions on Russia. Trump promises a quick end to the war, which could ease Africa’s inflation issues. Harris might keep supporting Ukraine, risking further strain on African economies. Many African nations want to avoid choosing sides, but the U.S. stance could make neutrality difficult.

Social Issues

U.S. policies on social values, like LGBTQ rights, have affected African relations with Washington. Trump is likely to cut foreign aid linked to social values, while Harris who is a human rights advocate and prosecutor would likely continue Biden’s approach of supporting LGBTQ rights in Africa. Some African leaders see these conditions as “ideological colonialism” and support aid without strings.

Abortion rights

Under the Biden administration, Harris has backed reproductive health programs, including support for abortion rights, with U.S. funding going to global initiatives on women’s health. This approach is in contrast to Trump, who cut funding for such programs in his first term.

Watch the full interview here:

Prof. Sikanku noted that regardless of who wins the election, the U.S. is expected to maintain or expand partnerships with African nations in regions facing high levels of terrorism.

Citing countries like Niger, Kenya, and Somalia, he noted that these regions could benefit from military cooperation agreements with the U.S. aimed at reducing threats from groups such as Al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda, and ISIS.

“There will be military agreements in order to curb the effect of Al Shabaab, al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist organisations,” he added.

Prof. Sikanku further suggested that Africa’s security situation, particularly in the Sahel region, could remain a priority in U.S.-Africa relations, with collaborations between the two parties to address terrorist threats.

All about the U.S. elections

The United States is gearing up for Election Day on November 5, 2024. Following tradition, the election is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

Voting Process

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.

Watch the full interview here:

However, Harris's entry into the race changed her mind. "I wasn't going to vote this year," Cardi B confessed, "but Kamala Harris joining the race, she changed my mind completely"

Throughout her address, Cardi B highlighted Harris's policies and the need to keep her in power for a long time.

"Are we ready to change these four years? No, are we ready to change the next eight years because we are going to make sure we have Kamala Harris in office for eight years," Cardi told a cheering crowd.

Adding that Kamala needed to be voted for because the latter "recognises that this country is at risk, that the economy needs to get stronger, that the cost of food and the cost of living is too high."

Kamala Harris who is going toe-to-toe with Donald Trump in the November 5 elections has received a lot of endorsements from several celebrities including Beyoncé .

At a campaign rally in Houston on Friday, October 25, Beyoncé voiced her strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris's abortion rights policy.

"I'm not here as a celebrity. I'm not here as a politician. I'm here as a mother. A mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in. A world where we have the freedom to control our bodies," she said.

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.

This will be the first time since the 2022 economic crisis that Sri Lankans will be voting. The 2022 event saw widespread protests and the ousting of the previous president.

Meanwhile, Ranil Wickremesinghe, the incumbent president and former six-time prime minister, is also seeking re-election.

Wickremesinghe began his term in 2022 after the resignation of his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa amid economic collapse.

His $2.9 billion IMF bailout programme has positioned him as a figure that seeks to guide Sri Lanka out of its financial problems.

Over 800,000 Algerians abroad are also scheduled to cast their ballots overseas with polling stations opened on September 2.

Tebboune faces no real challenger although he is being challenged by other opposition candidates, Abdelaali Hassani and Youssef Aouchiche.

These two emerged from the initial 16 candidates who submitted their documents, providing the minimum number of signatures required.

The National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE) required that prospective candidates provide  600 individual signatures from elected members of municipal, provincial, or parliamentary councils, or at least 50,000 signatures from eligible voters across at least 29 provinces, with a minimum of 1,200 signatures in each province.

Here is a brief profile of all three candidates vying to be Algeria’s president in the upcoming elections.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune

The 78-year-old incumbent is gunning for a second term as an independent candidate but is being backed by all major political parties in the country including the National Liberation Front (FLN) the first Algerian political party until other parties were legalised.

Tebboune’s campaign has mostly focused on correcting past wrongs and restoring Algeria’s economic fortunes as Africa’s third-largest economy. The incumbent is also expected to tackle issues of political deficit and a clamp down on media freedom. Unemployment and continuous gas export flow are also areas of focus for the government which appears to have the backing of the EU and neighbouring countries.

Abdeli Hassani Cherif

The 57-year-old civil engineer is the leader of the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), Algeria's main Islamist party. Aside from advocating for freedoms, Abdeli preaches a society where equal rights are exercised and the tenets of Islam are upheld. He has also advocated that his administration will focus on the devaluation of Algeria’s currency, the dinar, which has affected purchasing power and average wages of citizens. He also hopes to tackle the country's unemployment issue.

Youcef Aouchiche

Aouchiche is 41 years old. The former journalist and parliamentarian is the leader of the Socialist Forces Front (FFS), Algeria's oldest opposition party with a historic stronghold in the Berber-majority Kabylie region. The FFS has boycotted elections in Algeria since 1999. This year, Aouchiche is hopeful to win the votes of citizens to focus on the release of prisoners of conscience and to review unjust laws, particularly on media and tourism. Similar to his other contenders, Aouchiche hopes to change the fortunes of Algerians by altering economic reforms and tackling social challenges that will improve the living conditions of Algerians. His projects include the Forsa (Opportunity) project which seeks to provide equal income generation opportunities to the poor and most vulnerable.