Page 953 - Politics
Federal election in Australia to be held on May 18
Australia will vote in a general election on May 18, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Thursday.The polls would decide whether Morrison's centre-right Liberal-National Coalition government will retain power or the opposition Labor Party led by Bill Shorten wins. If the Labour party wins, then Australia would see its seventh leader in just over a decade, CNN reported.Morrison's coalition government is seeking re-election in the backdrop of slashing of tax rates and economic stability."At this election, there is a clear choice. It is a choice that will determine the economy that Australians live in, not just for the next three years but for the next decade," Morrison told reporters after meeting with Governor-General Peter Cosgrove at his residence here.Morrison's administration has become a minority government after it lost multiple seats due to resignations. The Liberal-National Coalition government is seeking to win additional seats in the crucial federal election to ...
Dantewada: Surrendered Naxals all set vote
Many former Naxals who have surrendered before the government are all set to participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.Naxals are known for boycotting the elections and hence, it will be the first time many of these individuals will cast their votes.District administration has also given them basic knowledge on how to cast their votes.Sannu, a former Naxal, told ANI, "I surrendered in 2018, I have never voted before, I wasn't even aware of the process but this time I will cast my vote."Another former Naxal, Sundri, said, "We are feeling good to get associated with the democratic exercise."Lauding these individuals, District magistrate Topeshwar Verma said it is great that they are making an effort to contribute towards the strengthening of democracy."We have displayed the functioning of EVM at almost all polling stations and it is really easy to do. They have surrendered to be a part of the mainstream and it is good that they are voting to be part of democracy," said Verma.The ..
Puttaparthi: TDP leader Palle Raghunatha Reddy collapses, rushed to hospital
A day before the state is set to go to polls, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Palle Raghunatha Reddy was rushed to the hospital after he collapsed here.Reddy, who is TDP's candidate from Puttaparthi assembly constituency, had visited a burial ground here to pay tributes to his late wife, where he collapsed on Wednesday.The TDP leader's kin and followers immediately took him to a nearby hospital. His condition is said to be stable and is under observation.Further details are awaited.Elections to the 175-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly are scheduled to be held on April 11 simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.
Chandrashekhar Azad announces support for Congress, NCP in Maharashtra
Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan has pledged support for different political parties in Maharashtra, ahead of the commencement of Lok Sabha elections in the country.He has announced to support Congress, NCP, Republican Party of India (Khobragade) (RPI-K), Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathan and People's Republican party, in the state.Chandrashekhar has announced to contest Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, the seat currently represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the lower house of Parliament.Congress general secretary and in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had met Chandrashekhar last month.Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP Supremo Mayawati had termed Azad a BJP 'mole' on March 31.Maharashtra will see polling on April 11, 18, 23 and 29 and counting of votes will take place on May 23.
Netanyahu's win boosts chances of Middle East peace plan: Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election victory in the country's parliamentary polls increased the chances of securing a peace plan for the Middle East, said US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time)."Everybody said you can't have peace in the Middle East with Israel and the Palestinians. I think we have a chance and I think we have now a better chance with 'Bibi' (Netanyahu) having won," The Hill quoted Trump as saying.Trump's comments came after Netanyahu was on course to secure a fifth term as Israeli Prime Minister as per unofficial results after his main challenger and former army chief Benny Gantz conceded defeat in the 21st parliamentary elections.Earlier, Trump congratulated Netanyahu for his "great and hard-fought" win."Spoke to Bibi @Netanyahu to congratulate him on a great and hard-fought win. The United States is with him and the People of Israel all the way!" he tweeted.He also posted a photograph which showed Netanyahu's supporters waving his ...
With roots in China, these Assamese voters all set to exercise their franchise
Tinsukia (Assam) [India], April 11 (ANI): Lok Sabha elections are not only the biggest democratic exercise in the world but also bring out several interesting facts and instances from different pockets of the country.One such noteworthy story is of the community of Chinese who have been residing in Assam for many generations and as responsible citizens of India, are all geared up to vote.Mankhee Ho is one such individual, four generations of whose family has lived in India. He says his ancestors were brought to India from China by Britishers to work in Tea gardens. They, however, fell in love with the culture and tradition of the country and decided to make it their new homeland. Their ancestors also married the local women and adopted the cultures and traditions well.This small community has about 30 members who are eagerly looking forward to cast their votes.Speaking to ANI, Mankhee said, "We are completely Indian are proud of our country. We were born and brought up here. We feel ..
John Abizaid named US' new envoy to Saudi Arabia
The US Senate on Wednesday (local time) voted to confirm John Abizaid as the new ambassador to Saudi Arabia, a position that was lying vacant since 2017.Abizaid, who was nominated by US President Donald Trump last year, was voted 92-7 by the Senate, thereby confirming his post, amid a strain in relations between the US and Saudi Arabia in the wake of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death, The Hill reported.Having a military background, Abizaid served as head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), the force unit present in the Middle East, and led missions in Iraq, Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina. He was also the deputy commander of CENTCOM from 2003 to 2007.The vacancy in the envoy post had become a bone of contention in the wake of the gruesome incident.The Trump administration has been facing immense criticism from lawmakers for its response to Khashoggi's murder.Khashoggi, who was a journalist with The Washington Post and a vocal critic of the Saudi regime, was killed in the Saudi ..
LS polls Phase I: Here are the key candidates and constituencies to look out for
First phase of the much awaited Lok Sabha elections is all set to begin on Thursday, where 91 parliamentary constituencies spread over 20 states and Union Territories (UTs) will vote to elect their representatives.Among the constituencies going for polls in the first phase are - eight in Uttar Pradesh, five in Uttarakhand, four in Bihar, seven in Maharashtra, five in Assam, four in Odisha, two each in Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and West Bengal, and one each in Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.Under the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls, around 1300 candidates are in the fray and there are nearly 170,000 polling stations. Polling will begin at 7 AM in most of these constituencies, barring a few which require special security measures.In addition to the Lok Sabha polling, there will also be Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, in addition to 28 of 147 assembly ...
Recognise Guaido as Venezuela's President: Pence to UN
US Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday (local time) urged the United Nations to globally recognise Venezuelan opposition leader and self-declared President Juan Guaido as the legitimate head of state.Launching a scathing attack on the Nicolas Maduro regime, Pence said that Venezuela, under him, is a "failed state, and failed states know no boundaries"."With all due respect, Mr. Ambassador, you shouldn't be here. You should return to Venezuela and tell Nicolas Maduro that his time is up. It's time for him to go," The Hill quoted Pence as saying to Venezuela's Ambassador to the UN Samuel Moncada.He urged the General Assembly and Security Council to follow the footsteps of the Organisation of American States (OAS), which on Tuesday recognised Guaido's designated envoy to OAS over Maduro's ambassador.In February, the US had moved a resolution in the Security Council recognising Guaido as the legitimate president, but China and Russia voted against it."And while Russia and China ...
US urges UN to recognise Guaido as Venezuela's President
US Vice President Mike Pence called on the UN to recognise Juan Guaido as Venezuela's President and to revoke the credentials of the ambassador of the Nicolas Maduro government to the international organisation.
Australian prime minister announces May 18 election
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday called a national election for May 18, firing the starting gun on a campaign set to focus heavily on climate and the economy. "We live in the best country in the world," Morrison said making his announcement, arguing "our future depends on a strong economy." The announcement officially kicks off a campaign to decide whether the conservative government gets a rare third term in office - and whether Morrison can beat the odds and hang on to power. Polls have consistently shown his opponents in the centre-left Labor party hold a commanding lead, pointing to a new government led by former union leader Bill Shorten. But Australian elections are often tight affairs, with a couple of dozen marginal seats deciding the outcome. And both party leaders have low approval ratings. For all purposes, campaigning is already well underway and has already been deeply acrimonious. Election ads have been running for weeks, and - like the United ...
EU offers Britain six-month delay to Brexit date
European leaders offered Britain a six-month delay to its Brexit departure Thursday, apparently saving the continent from a chaotic no-deal departure at the end of week. If May accepts the extension and London remains in the EU after May 22, British voters will have to take part in European parliamentary elections. France's President Emmanuel Macron was the strongest voice opposing a long extension, but most leaders backed it and the French had to settle for a promise that the delay will be reviewed at an EU summit on June 21. "EU27 has agreed an extension of Art. 50. I will now meet PM @theresa_may for the UK government's agreement," summit host and EU Council president Donald Tusk tweeted as May returned to the summit to give her verdict on the plan. Most of the 27 European leaders gathered in Brussels, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, had backed a plan for Brexit to be postponed for up to a year. But as the talks went late into the night, Macron - with backing from ...
Barr says 'I think spying did occur' on Trump campaign
Attorney General William Barr has declared he thinks "spying did occur" on Donald Trump's presidential campaign, suggesting the origins of the Russia investigation may have been mishandled and aligning himself with the president at a time when Barr's independence is under scrutiny. Barr, appearing before a Senate panel, did not say what "spying" had taken place but seemed likely to be alluding to a surveillance warrant the FBI obtained on a Trump associate. He later said he wasn't sure there had been improper surveillance but wanted to make sure proper procedures were followed. Still, his remarks give a boost to Trump and his supporters who insist his 2016 campaign was unfairly targeted by the FBI. Barr was testifying for a second day at a congressional budget hearing that was dominated by questions about special counsel Robert Mueller's Trump-Russia investigation. His comments risked inflaming Democratic concerns that Barr's views are overly in sync with Trump's and that he's ...
May asks EU for Brexit delay, but Macron says no guarantee
European Union leaders were deciding whether to save Britain from a precipitous and potentially calamitous Brexit, or to give the foot-dragging departing nation a shove over the edge. Prime Minister Theresa May pleaded with the 27 other EU leaders at an emergency summit to delay Britain's exit, due on Friday, until June 30 while the UK sorts out the mess that Brexit has become. Some were sympathetic, but French President Emmanuel Macron struck a warning note on Wednesday. "Nothing is decided," Macron said, insisting on "clarity" from May about what Britain wants. "What's indispensable is that nothing should compromise the European project in the months to come," he said. At a pre-dinner meeting in Brussels, May made the case for the delay. She believes that a June 30 deadline is enough time for Britain's Parliament to ratify a Brexit deal and pass the legislation needed for a smooth Brexit. But British lawmakers have rejected her divorce deal three times, and attempts to forge a ...
Mueller probe was an attempted coup: Trump
US President Donald Trump said that the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election headed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller was an attempted coup d'etat, adding that he would like the Department of Justice to investigate his claim.
Election Commission raps revenue department for counter-advisory
The poll panel has noted with "extreme displeasure, the tone and tenor used for addressing a Constitutional Authority in stark violation of the established protocol"
EC stays release of KCR biopic
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday stayed the release of 'Udyama Simham', a Telugu movie which, according to ECI, is publicised as Telangana chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao's biopic, citing that the film "disturbs the level-playing field."Stating that releasing the film during General elections is against the Model Code of Conduct, a statement released by ECI read, "In the view of the facts and materials available on record this film, being a biopic on K. Chandrashekar Rao, Chief Minister, Telangana and a political leader of a party which has filed its candidates in the current general elections to the Lok Sabha, cannot be exhibited in view of commission's aforesaid order."The commission, in the statement, asserted that "any biopic material in the nature of biography or hagiography subserving the purpose of any political entity or any individual entity connected to it, which is entitled to, or which has the potential to disturb the level playing field during the ..
1st phase of polling today: Voters to seal fate of candidates in 91 constituencies
After a high-decibel election campaign and prominent leaders travelling extra miles for election rallies, polling is set to be held today at 91 parliamentary constituencies of the country.The 91 constituencies are spread across different states and union territories and the polling will begin at 7 AM in most of these constituencies, barring a few which require special security measures.The first phase of the election will be taking place in 18 states and two union territories. It will cover all parliamentary constituencies of 10 states and union territories namely Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar, and Lakshadweep, Telangana and Uttarakhand.The polling will also take place in eight constituencies of Uttar Pradesh and four parliamentary constituencies of Bihar, which comprise 80 and 40 parliamentary constituencies, respectively.Two parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal- Cooch Behar and Alipurduar - will go to polls in the
I-T sleuths raid residence of YSRCP's Guntur candidate
A day ahead of polling in Andhra Pradesh, officials from the Income Tax department raided the residence and office of Modugula Venugopal Reddy, YSR Congress Party's candidate from Guntur parliamentary constituency.Officials also carried out raids at the residence of Reddy's chief election agent Sudhakar Reddy on Wednesday.Voting for the Lok Sabha as well as state assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh is scheduled to be conducted in a single phase on April 11.Counting of votes will take place on May 23.
IMF: No transactions with Venezuela while leadership in doubt
The International Monetary Fund will not have any contact with Venezuela, nor allow the country to access its reserves held by the institution, until the international community recognises a government in Caracas, an IMF spokesman has said. The country's leadership has been in question since late January when national assembly leader Juan Guaido challenged embattled President Nicolas Maduro as the country's acute economic crisis worsened. "Any IMF engagement with Venezuela, including responding to potential financial transaction requests, is predicated on the issue of government recognition being clarified," an IMF spokesman told AFP on Wednesday. "We are guided by our membership on that issue, and at this point, this determination has not been made." The United States is among some 50 countries that recognize Guaido, the opposition leader who declared himself interim president in late January in a bid to replace Maduro. Guaido has branded Maduro's rule illegitimate because of what ...