Displaying items by tag: Election

The National People’s Power (NPP) party, led by president Anura Kamara Dissanayake, has achieved a historic election victory, securing 159 seats. This was the most dominant result since the proportional representation system was introduced in 1978. The NPP won in nearly all districts, signalling a major political shift. The victory symbolises a rejection of the long-standing patronage-based politics which have dominated Sri Lanka since independence, particularly the influence of family dynasties such as the Rajapaksas and Bandaranaikes. Dissanayake’s campaign focused on transparency, equity, and public service, appealing to voters disillusioned by past inefficiencies, which were exposed during the 2022 economic crisis. The defeat of the traditional parties underscores the changing political landscape and growing support for the NPP.

In a dramatic political comeback, Donald Trump has secured a victory in the US presidential election. Despite his controversial past, including his role in the January 2021 Capitol riots and criminal charges related to falsifying business records, he garnered significant support from voters who felt that the economy and immigration issues had been mishandled by Joe Biden: his slogan ‘America First’ resonated deeply with them. Voters also voiced dissatisfaction with Kamala Harris, fearing that another term under Democratic leadership would offer more of the same. While Trump’s victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape, many are concerned about his divisive rhetoric and admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. When he returns to power, the USA and the world will see whether his bold promises of change will come to fruition - and at what cost to democracy and global stability. For a detailed and gloomy assessment, see

State prosecutors in Georgia are investigating possible election fraud following opposition claims that the results of the recent parliamentary elections were falsified. They will question president Salome Zourabichvili, a vocal critic of the election process; she has declared the results invalid due to a ‘Russian special operation’ – a charge denied by Russia. Joe Biden and the EU have expressed concerns over irregularities and democratic decline in Georgia. Although the ruling Georgian Dream party was declared the winner with 54% of the vote, the opposition condemned the results as a ‘constitutional coup’. International observers noted instances of voter intimidation, bribery, and ballot stuffing, but did not go as far as labelling the election as rigged. The electoral commission has defended the election as fair, but said that it would conduct a recount at a small number of randomly selected polling stations.

As 5 November draws near, the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is extremely close, with Harris at 48% and Trump at 47% support according to a recent poll. Harris garners stronger personal support, especially on issues like reproductive rights, uniting the country, and protecting democracy, while Trump is seen as stronger on the economy, immigration, and foreign policy. Trump’s supporters focus on economic issues, particularly inflation, whereas Harris’ supporters prioritise protecting democracy. Both candidates have a gender divide in support, with independent women favouring Harris and independent men leaning toward Trump. The poll also highlights a nation divided on political violence: 77% believe current political discourse encourages violence, with more fearing escalation if Trump wins (57%) than if Harris does (42%). Emotions run high, with nearly equal numbers expressing fear (47% for Trump, 45% for Harris) and excitement (41% for Trump, 40% for Harris) depending on the winner. Both candidates inspire complex reactions, reflecting shifts from past elections and a broader concern about the country’s direction. For a discussion about what difference the result of the election would make, see

A judge has overturned changes made by Georgia's Republican-controlled state election board in August, which a conservative group argued would disrupt voting rights ahead of the presidential election on 5 November. His ruling followed a lawsuit by the conservative group Eternal Vigilance Action, which claimed the board overstepped its authority. The changes included empowering county election officials to investigate discrepancies in vote counts before certifying results. The move drew bipartisan criticism; one official warned that it would undermine voter confidence and burden election workers. Democrats, who filed a separate lawsuit, argued the rules aimed to delay certification, a mandatory part of election outcomes. The judge’s ruling follows a similar decision to block a rule requiring ballots be counted by hand, which Democrats said was another attempt to impede certification. Georgia is expected to be a key battleground state in the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

On 9 October, 17 million Mozambicans voted for a new president who many hope will bring peace to the oil- and gas-rich Cabo Delgado province, which has faced a jihadist insurgency since 2017. Over 1.3 million people have been displaced due to violence, with 600,000 returning to destroyed homes. The presidential candidates, including Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo, Lutero Simango of the Democratic Movement, and independent Venacio Mondlane, have promised to prioritise peace and rebuilding. Chapo has pledged to end terrorism and rebuild infrastructure, while Simango has focussed on addressing unemployment, poverty, and healthcare. Mondlane has promised to eradicate terrorism within a year. Frelimo is expected to win again, despite wide-ranging allegations of electoral fraud in last year’s local elections;it also has been tainted by corruption scandals, with politicians jailed for taking payoffs to favour government-controlled fishing companies. The country is also facing severe food shortages as a result of a long drought: the UN says that 1.3 million people are affected.

Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s newly-appointed prime minister, has dissolved parliament and announced snap elections for 27 October. His Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), along with its coalition partner, is expected to win, capitalising on Ishiba's early popularity and a fragmented opposition. He wants to revitalise rural regions affected by Japan's demographic crisis, and aims to create a ‘new Japan’ with increased support for families and flexible work policies. Facing a complex security landscape, including threats from China, Russia, and North Korea, Ishiba plans to expand Japan’s defence capabilities. Ishiba has proposed economic stimulus, particularly for local governments and low-income households, as part of his strategy to lead the country out of deflation. His call for an early election seeks to solidify his mandate before political momentum wanes, while distancing himself from scandals that plagued his unpopular predecessor.

Herbert Kickl, the far-right leader of Austria’s Freedom Party (FPO), is the man to beat in the parliamentary election on 29 September despite being one of the country’s least popular politicians. Known for his abrasive and provocative style, Kickl has positioned the election as a referendum on his leadership, with polls showing a close race between his party and chancellor Karl Nehammer’s conservative People’s Party (OVP). The FPO, which advocates tougher immigration laws and criticises the current OVP-Greens government, has capitalised on Austria’s struggling economy and high inflation. However, Kickl’s controversial views, including opposition to sanctions on Russia and promotion of conspiracy theories, have alienated other party leaders, who have vowed not to work under him. His aggressive personality and connections to far-right ideology make coalition-building difficult, and his future as Austria’s leader remains uncertain.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected as Sri Lanka’s new president, marking a shift in leadership following the country’s worst financial crisis in decades. Dissanayake, 55, from the Marxist-leaning JVP party, won 42.3% of the vote, defeating the incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Wickremesinghe, whose austerity measures were key to economic recovery, finished third with 17%, while Premadasa secured 32.8%. Dissanayake campaigned as a candidate for change, promising anti-corruption measures, lower taxes, and pro-poor policies. He also pledged to dissolve parliament within 45 days and address the $25 billion debt in consultation with the IMF. His victory comes as Sri Lanka’s economy shows signs of recovery, with inflation dropping and growth expected for the first time in three years. However, the continued high cost of living remains a pressing issue for voters, many of whom hope Dissanayake will bring relief.

Both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have spoken briefly to Donald Trump, following a second apparent assassination attempt against him on 15 September. Harris expressed relief over Trump’s safety, while Biden focussed on safety and protection measures. Speaking later, Harris reiterated her stance against political violence, emphasising the importance of democracy and peaceful discourse. While Trump was playing on a Florida golf course, Secret Service agents spotted a man armed with an AK-style rifle near the perimeter. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, had reportedly lain in wait for twelve hours. He fled from the scene, but was later arrested after a car chase. Trump’s immediate reaction was to blame Biden and Harris for inciting violence against him through their rhetoric.