Sir John Curtice: Which issues will decide the elections in Scotland and Wales?
A poll carried out for the BBC examines the issues which will influence how people plan to vote on 7 May. [Continue Reading]
Maria Corina Machado to Return to Venezuela After Three-Month Exile Ahead of Upcoming Elections
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has declared her intention to return to Venezuela in the coming weeks after a three-month exile. In a recent social media message, she emphasized her goal of preparing for "a new and gigantic electoral victory," highlighting the forthcoming elections that are critical in the ongoing struggle against the Nicolás Maduro administration. Machado's statement marks a significant moment in Venezuelan politics, particularly following her success in the recent primaries aimed at uniting the opposition under a single candidate. Machado, who has been living outside the country since her departure earlier in the year, did not... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela’s opposition leader Machado ‘will return to the country in the coming weeks’
Venezuelan opposition leader and winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Maria Corina Machado said on Sunday that she will return to Venezuela in the coming weeks and that elections will be held in the South American country. Machado did not set a date for her return but said one of the objectives will be to prepare “for a new and gigantic electoral victory”. In a message shared on social media, the politician called on her supporters to “strengthen the unity of Venezuelans that began with the... [Continue Reading]
Supporters of ex-president Bolsonaro rally across Brazil against Lula
Thousands of supporters of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro demonstrated in cities across the South American nation on Sunday, as organisers hoped to build momentum for a right-wing victory in the coming presidential elections. Protesters draped in yellow and green – the colours of the national flag – took to the streets in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and the capital Brasilia to voice their opposition to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who faces a tough re-election bid in... [Continue Reading]
Trump appears to link Iran attack to his 2020 election loss
President says in social media post that Iran tried to ‘stop Trump’ and now ‘faces renewed war with United States’US-Israel war on Iran – latest updatesDonald Trump on Saturday appeared to link the massive attack he ordered against Iran to his persistent claims about his 2020 election loss to former president Joe Biden, in a social media post about allegations that Tehran’s government interfered in the US president elections.“Iran tried to interfere in 2020, 2024 elections to stop Trump,” his Truth Social post said, “and now faces renewed war with United States”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Nigel Farage says he would only allow British citizens to vote in UK elections
Reform UK has unveiled plans for electoral reform. [Continue Reading]
Ex-minister adds to UK calls for ban on political donations in cryptocurrency
Exclusive: Labour’s Rushanara Ali plans to intervene in elections bill amid warnings of foreign interferenceA former Labour minister has added her voice to those of a growing list of experts and senior MPs calling for a ban on political donations in cryptocurrency as concerns grow over foreign interference in British elections.Rushanara Ali, the Labour MP who helped draft the elections bill when she was a minister in the communities department, called for the government to strengthen the legislation with an outright ban on donations in digital currencies. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Iran Faces Political Uncertainty Following Death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The recent death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has plunged the country into a state of political uncertainty. His demise marks a pivotal moment in a regime historically built to endure beyond individual leadership. Analysts suggest that Khamenei's absence could catalyze a dangerous power struggle, potentially leading to a military takeover. This poses grave implications not only for Iran but also for its regional adversaries, particularly Israel and the United States, which have long viewed Khamenei as a key figure in Iran's defiance against Western influences. Official reports confirmed that Khamenei passed away in a Tehran hospital following... [Continue Reading]
US and Israel conduct military strikes; reports suggest death of Iranian leader Khamenei, claims remain unconfirmed
Recent coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel have reportedly resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, although this claim remains unconfirmed by Iranian authorities. US President Donald Trump proclaimed the strikes a success, asserting that they were aimed at eliminating significant threats posed by Iran's missile capabilities and naval forces. Following the attacks, which Mr Trump announced while at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, he expressed a commitment to continuing military efforts against Iran if it proceeds with its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. However, Iranian news outlets maintain that Khamenei remains in... [Continue Reading]
‘This is round two’: Attacks on Iran have broad support among unsurprised Israelis
Air strikes halt bitter political feuding ahead of elections as prominent Israelis call for a broad open-ended warUS-Israeli attack on Iran – live updatesUS and Israel strikes on Iran – what we know so farAir raid sirens emptied Israel’s streets on Saturday and filled its bomb shelters, as the country braced for waves of Iranian attacks.But individual fear and resignation did not temper broad political and popular support for the country’s second regional war in less than a year. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
US hails progress on Haiti's anti-gang force, but elections face steep hurdles
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that progress had been made in assembling an international anti-gang force for Haiti, raising hopes that improved security could allow long-delayed elections to go ahead this year. Yet with armed groups controlling much of the capital, the prospect of a credible vote remains uncertain. [Continue Reading]
Donald Trump indicted on 34 felony counts in New York state court during arraignment
Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has been indicted on 34 felony counts, marking a significant moment in U.S. legal history. This unprecedented indictment was announced in a New York state court, where Trump appeared for his arraignment. The case stems from allegations concerning hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential election campaign. Trump has publicly proclaimed his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The indictment details charges related to efforts to silence allegations about personal conduct during the election. Trump's legal representatives have argued that the charges are politically motivated, part of a... [Continue Reading]
Rhun ap Iorwerth: Plaid Cymru is ready to ‘lead the charge’ in Wales
Leader launches ‘roadmap’ of first 100 days in power to show party is ready to govern if it wins Senedd electionsThe leader of Plaid Cymru has described the prospect of leading the next government in Wales as “a heck of a task” but that he senses voters are increasingly driven by their Welsh identity and may be ready for Britain to be “redesigned”.Speaking to the Guardian as he published a glossy 60-page “roadmap” for his party’s first 100 days in government, if it takes power in May, Rhun ap Iorwerth said he was ready to lead the devolved administration in... [Continue Reading]
Joe Biden warns that Donald Trump will try to ‘steal’ midterm elections
In a rare public address, former president said US is experiencing ‘dark days’ and urged Americans to voteSign up for This week in Trumpland, a free newsletter on the latest from the Trump administrationJoe Biden has warned that his presidential successor, Donald Trump, will attempt to “steal” the midterm elections, in what for him is a rare public address.Speaking in South Carolina, where he was being honored for his lifetime achievement in politics, Biden also asserted that the US is experiencing “dark days”, in a speech made hours before the Trump administration launched attacks on Iran. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Concerns Grow Over Launceston Public-Private Hospital Project Amid State Government Conditions
Concerns are mounting about the future of a significant healthcare project in Tasmania, as recent conditions imposed by the state government could halt plans for a new public-private hospital in Launceston. The Liberals had pledged a $35 million investment for a 50 percent ownership stake during the ongoing election campaign, but the Launceston Health Hub, intended to partner in the initiative, now claims it is unable to secure necessary financing due to these unexpected requirements. Dr Jerome Muir Wilson, a prominent local healthcare professional, voiced his alarm over the conditions, which he believes may jeopardize the overall project. He pointed... [Continue Reading]
Green Party wins first Westminster by-election in Gorton and Denton, unseating Labour with over 4,000 vote majority
In a stunning turn of events, the Green Party has achieved its first-ever Westminster by-election victory in Gorton and Denton, a Greater Manchester constituency. On the back of widespread dissatisfaction with Labour's policies, local plumber Hannah Spencer secured the seat, unseating Labour and propelling her party into a significant political position. This outcome marks a watershed moment for the Greens, as they emerged with a majority exceeding 4,000 votes, demonstrating a shift in voter allegiance among the progressive left. Spencer's win is attributed to Labour's miscalculation in addressing the needs and sentiments of its core base. Previously, the Labour Party... [Continue Reading]
Hillary Clinton Denies Allegations of Ties to Jeffrey Epstein During House Oversight Committee Testimony
In a recent appearance before the House of Representatives' oversight committee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton vehemently refuted claims regarding her alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein, labeling the proceedings a "fishing expedition." Clinton's testimony, which took place on Thursday, was framed by her as an attempt by Republican members to draw attention away from former President Donald Trump, who is also under scrutiny for ties to Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in 2019. During her opening statement, Clinton characterized the inquiry as “partisan political theatre” and an “insult to the American people,” insisting she never met Epstein.... [Continue Reading]
Green Party wins Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election, marking its first victory in party history
The UK's Green Party has marked a significant milestone by winning the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election, becoming the first party in its history to achieve this feat. The victory, led by candidate Hannah Spencer, not only highlights the shifting political landscape but also poses critical challenges for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, which suffered a disappointing third-place finish in a constituency it previously dominated. In the by-election results, Spencer garnered a total of 14,980 votes, establishing a commanding majority of 4,402 votes over her nearest competitor, Matt Goodwin of Reform UK, who received 10,578 votes. Labour’s... [Continue Reading]
Green Party wins first parliamentary by-election, signaling discontent among left-leaning voters with Labour leadership
In a stunning development for British politics, the Green Party has secured its first victory in a parliamentary by-election, indicating significant discontent among left-leaning voters with the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This unprecedented win, occurring in a district that had traditionally voted for Labour, has sparked discussions around the shifting political landscape in the United Kingdom, particularly among progressive constituencies. Confirming the result, the Green Party's candidate achieved a notable margin over Labour, reflecting growing frustrations with Starmer's direction. Many analysts suggest this outcome demonstrates discontent within the Labour base, particularly in how the party under Starmer has... [Continue Reading]
AEC proposes significant changes to federal voting boundaries in Tasmania affecting a quarter of the population
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has recently unveiled proposals that would significantly alter federal voting boundaries in Tasmania. Approximately a quarter of the Tasmanian population will be affected as these new boundaries seek to reshape electoral representation within the state. The proposed changes will adjust four out of the five current electorates in Tasmania, with the most notable modification being Sorell’s shift from the Lyons electorate to the Franklin electorate. The AEC's draft changes, announced today, highlight the dynamic nature of electoral boundaries in response to population distributions and demographics. The Lyons area will see a reduction in its geographical... [Continue Reading]
Danish Prime Minister announces snap election for March 24 amid rising concerns over Greenland and upcoming constitutional deadline
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently announced a snap election set for March 24, aiming to capitalize on rising domestic concerns over the Arctic territory of Greenland. This move comes just seven months before a constitutional deadline, reflecting both political urgency and strategic calculation as Frederiksen seeks to secure a third term in office. In her recent address to parliament, Frederiksen characterized the upcoming election as "decisive" for Denmark's future, emphasizing the need for the nation to "define our relationship with the United States" and to "stand on our own feet" as both Danes and Europeans. Her statements underline the... [Continue Reading]
Myanmar military air strikes in Rakhine state kill at least 17 and injure 14, targeting village market in Ponnagyun township
Recent military air strikes conducted by the Myanmar military in Rakhine state have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people, with 14 more wounded, according to local media reports. The attack targeted a village market in Yoengu, located in Ponnagyun township, around 33 kilometers northeast of Sittwe, the regional capital of Rakhine. The ensuing devastation has drawn significant international attention, marking a grim escalation in the ongoing civil conflict that has gripped the nation. The air strikes occurred on a Tuesday, amidst a backdrop of intensified conflict in Myanmar following the controversial election victory of a military-backed party,... [Continue Reading]
Tasmanian public sector workers resume strikes over unmet pay deal commitments by state government
Public sector workers in Tasmania have resumed industrial action in response to claims that the state government has not upheld its commitments regarding a pay deal. The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU), representing workers in the sector, expressed that the current situation leaves them without alternatives except to strike. The action signifies growing discontent among public workers who seek to hold the government accountable for earlier negotiations. The unions allege that the Tasmanian government reneged on a previously agreed-upon pay proposal, prompting the industrial action. This represents a significant escalation in tensions between the government and public sector unions,... [Continue Reading]
