votes

The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee takes action against MLAs who cross-voted in the recent Legislative Council polls. Allegations of bribery and land offers surface as party leaders vow to address the issue. Shiv Sena MP also weighs in on the controversial election outcome.

The byelections for 13 Assembly constituencies in seven states began at 7 am on Wednesday. The results of these bypolls will be announced on July 13, when the votes are counted. The political futures of both seasoned politicians and fresh faces, such as Kamlesh Thakur, the spouse of Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, will be determined by the outcome of these elections.

Syrians vote amid severe economic crisis, inflation, and a potential extension of Bashar Assad's term. The Baath Party leads despite minimal campaigns and subsidy cuts. Sweida protests continue. Diaspora Syrians and rebel areas are excluded. Western nations criticize fairness. Facing 2028 term limits, Assad might witness political reshuffling for a constitutional amendment, according to an advisor.

Congress leaders face criticism for failing to prevent cross-voting in legislative council elections. NCP and Shiv Sena nominees secure unexpected votes. NCP strategist Khodke's successful voting strategy highlighted. Questions raised over leadership capabilities of Patole and Thorat. Complex dynamics at play in recent political events.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, asked about the abstention, said Germany expects the EU executive to reach an agreement with China on EVs, benefiting Europe's car industry. He did not confirm how Germany would vote but emphasized the importance of fair competition.

France faces political uncertainty with the far-right National Rally (RN) leading in polls ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote. President Emmanuel Macron’s centrists are trailing, risking a potential “cohabitation” with an opposing party. RN could secure an absolute majority, complicating governance and foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine.

Tusk's coalition lost a 218-215 Sejm vote to ease anti-abortion laws backed by Civic Coalition, Third Road, and left-wing; opposed by Polish People's Party. Draft removed punishment for aiding abortions. Left vowed resubmission. Site hacked around vote; president Duda opposed. Speaker Holownia confirmed hacking. Ruling coalition cracks exposed; aimed to reverse Law and Justice policies, drawing protests.

Burkina Faso's military junta adopted a family code amendment criminalizing homosexuality, joining 22 other African nations. Overseen by Ibrahim Traore, it requires parliamentary approval. Justice minister Edasso Rodrique Bayala confirmed penalties. Other nations, like Uganda and Ghana, also increased LGBTQ repression. Cameroon's Brenda Biya advocated for change after coming out.

In Amarwara, 2,57,866 voters will elect their MLA today from 7am-6pm. 332 polling booths, some managed by women, are set up. Law and order is maintained by sector officers, central forces, and police. Rajesh Kaul noted the deployment of 1,485 poll officials and 53 medical officers. Voters need any of 13 identity proofs like voter ID, Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, and MNREGA card, plus voter slips from the Election Commission. votes will be counted on July 13. Ex-Congress MLA Kamlesh Shah, who defeated BJP’s Monika Batti in 2023, joined BJP, necessitating the bypoll.

The filmmaker, who is on the Advisory Council of The Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) OTT edition, speaks about his association with the award show and what makes its voting process credible.

Oli-led CPN-UML demands PM Prachanda's resignation before a July 12 confidence vote after losing Nepali Congress and JSP support. Prachanda seeks this vote under Article 100 (2) of the Nepal constitution addressed to federal parliament. Nepal had 13 governments in the last 16 years, highlighting a fragile political system.