In a monumental shift in South African politics, the African National Congress (ANC) has lost its parliamentary majority in the first such election since the end of apartheid. With nearly 99% of votes counted, the ANC garnered just over 40% in Wednesday’s election, falling short of the majority it has held since the end of apartheid in 1994. The ANC will now need to seek coalition partners to remain in government and reelect President Cyril Ramaphosa.
South Africans are heading to the polls on Wednesday, May 29, for a pivotal election that could potentially end the African National Congress (ANC)’s three-decade-long dominance, reports AFP. The ANC, founded by the nation’s independence movement leaders, is facing a formidable challenge in this election, which will see close to 28 million registered voters casting their ballots at 23,292 voting stations.
For the first time in decades, parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) witnessed a shift in electoral dynamics, with mainstream political parties taking center stage. The absence of separatists and a focus on local issues, such as Article 370, jobs, and police verification, marked a significant departure from past elections.
Russia has vehemently denounced the United States for allegedly interfering in India’s internal affairs and parliamentary elections by spreading unfounded accusations about a plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Moscow has accused Washington of failing to provide concrete evidence to support its claims, describing them as an attempt to destabilize the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
AIUDF leader Badruddin Ajmal pledges to establish 700 madrasas to compensate for the closure of 750 madrasas by the Assam government. The party plans to open these madrasas after winning the second and third phases of the parliamentary elections. Ajmal emphasizes the importance of education and intends to challenge the government’s decision in the Supreme Court.
Women constitute a significant electorate, yet their political participation remains limited. This article examines the extent of women’s representation in Indian politics, comparing it to neighboring countries and global standards. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities for empowering women in the political arena.
Muizzu’s stunning parliamentary victory has heightened fears of a return to autocratic rule in the Maldives. His party’s overwhelming majority could enable him to amend the constitution and consolidate power, potentially eroding democratic institutions and judicial independence. Moreover, Muizzu’s strained relations with India and lack of external economic support, particularly from China, have raised concerns about the country’s financial stability.
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s victory in the Maldives parliamentary elections is expected to usher in a new era in relations with India. Experts believe that Muizzu, who has been critical of India in the past, will likely tone down his rhetoric and seek to maintain a more balanced approach between India and China. The Maldives is a strategically important country for both India and China, and the outcome of the elections could have implications for the balance of power in the Indian Ocean region.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) has secured an overwhelming majority in the parliamentary elections, capturing 71 out of 93 seats and marking a major shift in regional politics. This victory solidifies Muizzu’s power and reflects a shift away from India and towards China in Maldivian foreign policy orientation.
