polls

Bulgarian ex-president Rumen Radev's political formation has emerged in first place in the country's eighth parliamentary election in five years, exit polls showed, though the result fell short of an outright majority. Mr Radev, who stepped down from the presidency in January, entered the race promising to tackle corruption after an anti-graft movement helped plunge Bulgaria into a prolonged period of political turmoil. The European Union's poorest member has cycled through a string of governments since 2021, when mass…

Polling stations in Benin have officially closed following a significant turnout, with nearly eight million voters participating in the presidential election. Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is anticipated to emerge as the victor. Patrice Talon, the current president, is concluding his tenure after serving two five-year terms and navigating a coup attempt last December. Talon has publicly supported his 49-year-old finance minister, Wadagni, as his successor to guide the next administration. The primary opposition party,…

Election Report Highlights Professional Media Coverage and Peaceful Banadir Polls, Warns of Rising Disinformation Somalia’s first direct local elections in Mogadishu since 1969 unfolded peacefully and with unexpectedly strong professional standards in the private media, but a surge of disinformation before and after the vote threatens to undermine public trust, according to a new report by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). In its Election Observation and Media Monitoring Report covering the Banadir Local…

Benin Prepares for Key Elections Following Failed Coup Attempt As the political landscape shifts in Benin, approximately eight million registered voters are gearing up to cast their ballots for 109 members of parliament and local representatives. The pivotal elections are set to take place amidst a backdrop of heightened political tension, as the country grapples with the aftermath of a recent coup attempt. According to the country’s election commission, the elections will mark a significant moment in Benin's democratic…

In a recent hubbub in Mogadishu, the Somali Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, took to the podium, wagging a finger at foreign diplomats for what he says is meddling in Somalia's sovereign affairs. The heat was turned up after comments made around North Western State of Somalia's presidential elections held in Hargeisa. Diplomats' remarks stirred the pot by suggesting North Western State of Somalia stands as its own country, a move Fiqi claims crosses the line and ignites tensions over territorial loyalty. Fiqi got fired…

North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared state seeking to carve its own niche in the African political landscape, recently headed to the polls under a cloud of intrigue stemming from a contentious Ethiopia-Somalia port agreement. This developing situation has quickly garnered attention, not just within the region but also on the international stage. The stakes are high, adding a thick layer of tension to what would otherwise be a straightforward exercise in democracy. "Elections are a pivotal moment for any…

Hargeisa (AX) — On a bright Tuesday morning, the buzz in North Western State of Somalia was palpable as voters gathered for an election that has the potential to fundamentally transform their political landscape. Incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi from the leading Kulmiye Party is seeking another term, facing off against Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of Waddani and Faisal Ali Warabe from UCID. This election isn't just about picking a leader; it's a critical moment that will define which three parties gain official status…

North Western State of Somalia's President, Muse Bihi Abdi, recently touched down in Addis Ababa for a pivotal moment—the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia. This agreement potentially unlocks access to a North Western State of Somalia port for Ethiopia. REUTERS/Tiksa Neger/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights On Wednesday, the voters of North Western State of Somalia were out in full force, participating actively in a presidential election. This political event carries significant weight as the…

Polling places in North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared republic, swung open wide for a crucial presidential election. This slice of the Horn of Africa is making headlines as residents cast their votes to decide who will steer the ship for the next half-decade. The incumbent boss, President Muse Bihi Abdi from the Kulmiye party, hopes to stick around. However, he's got some serious competition breathing down his neck. There's Abdirahman Irro, frontman for the main opposition crew, Waddani, and not to be outdone,…

North Western State of Somalia Votes: A Crucial Turning Point in Leadership Selection Hargeisa (Axadle) – In a much-talked-about election, citizens of North Western State of Somalia are making their way to the polls today, eager to choose their leader for the next half-decade. The presidential showdown features a trio of heavy hitters: current President Muse Bihi from the Kulmiye Party, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” representing the Waddani Party, and Faisal Ali Warabe of the UCID Party. In tandem with the…