President Joko Widodo, a former furniture salesman who launched his political career as a small-city mayor, is standing for re-election in a contest with ex-general Prabowo Subianto, whom he narrowly defeated in 2014. Most opinion polls give Widodo a double-digit lead but the opposition has disputed survey findings. It has also said it has uncovered data irregularities affecting millions on the electoral rolls and has vowed to take legal action or use "people power" if its complaints are not resolved. Some analysts say an unexpected win for the challenger would probably cause a brief slump in Indonesian markets, while a very close race could elevate the risk of a disputed vote. "In a scenario in which Widodo wins by an unexpectedly narrow margin, large and prolonged protests in Jakarta would elevate tensions and pressure the currency," Kevin O'Rourke, a political analyst and author of Reformasi Weekly, said in the Indonesia-focused newsletter last week. While most polls have put the … [Read more...] about Indonesians to vote in world’s biggest single-day election
Election day where to vote
India’s giant election gets underway with voting in first of seven phases
Modi has campaigned strongly on his national security record following a flare up in tensions with Pakistan. Security for the polls was increased after seven people were killed in militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, the country's only Muslim majority state, and in eastern India, where Maoist insurgents were blamed for a bomb that killed a state legislator from Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Voting in the first of seven rounds is being held in 91 parliament constituencies across 20 states and federally administered regions. There are 543 seats at stake. Modi's BJP has entered the election as the frontrunner, despite economic distress over mounting unemployment, and weak farm incomes in rural areas, where two-thirds of Indians live. In a posting on Twitter as voting began, Modi urged people to turn out in large numbers and said the mood nationwide was running in favour of his alliance. Pollsters say support for the BJP rose in response to Modi's tough stance … [Read more...] about India’s giant election gets underway with voting in first of seven phases
Thai election commission moves to dissolve party linked to princess
The request came days after the move earned a royal rebuke from her brother, the king. Thailand has been mired in political drama since Friday, when Princess Ubolratana's name was submitted by Thai Raksa Chart, a party allied with the powerful Shinawatra clan. Ubolratana's unprecedented bid to enter frontline politics unravelled within hours after King Maha Vajiralongkorn decried the entry of a royal into the political fray as "highly inappropriate." Thailand's monarchy is seen as above politics, although royals have intervened in public during times of political crisis. The princess was disqualified as a candidate by the Election Commission, which then filed a request with the constitutional court to have Thai Raksa Chart disbanded for bringing a royal family member into politics. "That action is considered hostile to the constitutional monarchy," it said. The monarchy in Thailand is considered sacred and revered by its people, and is under the protection of draconian lese majeste … [Read more...] about Thai election commission moves to dissolve party linked to princess
Election Day test for Trump as America votes
A bitterly divided America went to the polls on Tuesday for a high-stakes midterm election seen as a referendum on the first two years of the mercurial presidency of Donald Trump. Supporters of Harley Rouda, a Democratic candidate for the House in California's 48th District, hold signs and cheer at a get-out-the-vote rally in Laguna Beach, California on Election Day With control of Congress and Trump's agenda at stake, early voting hit record levels and turnout appeared high across the country. All eyes are on the several dozen razor-thin races that will decide if Republicans retain control of the House of Representatives and Senate or if one or both chambers flip Democratic. All 435 seats in the House, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate and 36 governorships are up for grabs as Americans cast their ballots. Democrats need a net gain of 23 seats to win the House for the first time since the Tea Party wave of 2010, and the latest polls give them a good chance to do so. "I … [Read more...] about Election Day test for Trump as America votes
US networks drop ‘racist’ Trump ad as critical elections near
Tuesday’s elections, widely seen as a referendum on Trump, have been portrayed by both Republicans and Democrats as critical for the direction of the country. At stake is control of both chambers of Congress, and with it the ability to block or promote Trump’s agenda, as well as 36 governor’s offices. A surge in early voting, fueled by a focus on Trump’s pugilistic, norms-breaking presidency by supporters of both parties, could signal the highest turnout in 50 years for a midterm U.S. election, when the White House is not on the line. The 30-second ad, which was sponsored by Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign and which debuted online last week, featured courtroom video of an illegal immigrant from Mexico convicted in the 2014 killings of two police officers, juxtaposed with scenes of migrants headed through Mexico. Critics, including members of Trump’s own party, had condemned the spot as racially divisive. CNN had refused to run the ad, saying it was … [Read more...] about US networks drop ‘racist’ Trump ad as critical elections near