Iran will hold a runoff election on July 5th between reformist candidate Massoud Pezeshkian and hardliner Saeed Jalili, after no candidate secured a majority in the initial vote. Pezeshkian, who emerged as the most popular candidate, has expressed support for the rights of minorities, women, and border areas. The low voter turnout of 39.9% highlights the challenges facing the Iranian regime.
Results for: Election
Mauritania holds presidential elections on Saturday, with incumbent Mohamed Ould Ghazouani facing six challengers. Ghazouani, who has promised to accelerate economic growth fueled by the country’s vast natural resources, is widely expected to win a second term due to the ruling party’s dominance. Key issues for voters include corruption, youth unemployment, and managing Islamist threats. While Ghazouani’s opponents challenge his human rights record and focus on social issues, the incumbent is seen as likely to secure victory.
Former US President Barack Obama defended President Joe Biden after his widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump, while also calling for unity. Despite the debate’s impact, Biden showed no indication of stepping down, and his campaign reported a surge in donations following the event.
Thousands of junior doctors in England are staging a five-day strike, their 11th in a dispute over pay and working conditions. The strike, coinciding with the UK’s general election, highlights the ongoing issues plaguing the National Health Service (NHS). Junior doctors demand a 35% pay raise, citing a 25% decrease in pay over the past 15 years. The government, facing pressure from the strike and the upcoming election, has offered pay raises but refuses to make further offers during the pre-election period. The strike has caused widespread disruption to hospital services and has raised concerns about the future of the NHS.
Following a widely criticized performance in the first presidential debate, President Joe Biden faces mounting pressure from within his own party to withdraw from the race. Democrats express concerns about his ability to handle the presidency, leading to calls for a new nominee. The situation highlights the deep anxiety within the Democratic Party about their chances in the upcoming election.
Iranians are casting ballots in a snap presidential election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May. The race is described as a three-way contest between two hard-liners and a reformist candidate. Voters are expressing their views on the election, while the supreme leader calls for a high turnout. The election takes place amidst political tensions and the supreme leader’s ultimate authority in Iran’s Islamic Republic.
Mongolia holds parliamentary elections on Friday, with voters choosing a new government amidst concerns about corruption and economic challenges. The ruling Mongolian People’s Party appears to be favored, but other parties are hoping to capitalize on voter discontent. Issues like unemployment, inflation, and the recent “dzud” (combination of drought and severe weather) are also major concerns for voters.
Rep. Claudia Tenney has secured her fourth term in the House of Representatives, defeating challenger Mario Fratto in the Republican primary for New York’s 24th Congressional District. The race was characterized by accusations of extremism and a focus on conservative values.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea’s Democratic Party (DP), has resigned from his position to prepare for a bid for reelection as party supremo. The DP will choose its new leader in August, with Lee potentially running for a second term. The resignation follows an assassination attempt on Lee in January, and he is currently serving as a member of the National Assembly after losing the 2022 presidential election.
Howard Kurtz, host of ‘MediaBuzz,’ criticizes the use of manipulated videos in the current election campaign. He points out the reality of Biden’s moment of confusion on stage, which was not altered, but highlights how both candidates are being portrayed in an unflattering light. Kurtz emphasizes the need for media to discern truth from fiction, but worries about voters’ reliance on short clips and the potential erosion of trust in media institutions.