democracy
Punjab Rural Election Controversy: 48% Turnout Amid Opposition Allegations of Electoral Manipulation
Dec 15, 2025 12:18 am CST
Punjab's rural body elections concluded with only 48% voter turnout amid serious allegations from opposition parties claiming electoral manipulation, violence, and administrative interference by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. The Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress have demanded investigations into reported booth capturing, ballot tampering, and intimidation tactics, highlighting significant tensions in the state's democratic processes.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado's Dangerous Escape to Accept Nobel Peace Prize in Norway
Dec 12, 2025 01:23 am CST
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado completed a perilous three-day journey from Venezuela to Norway, using disguises and evading checkpoints to accept her award. The opposition leader, who had been in hiding since August 2024, vowed to return to Venezuela despite facing serious charges from the Maduro government. Her dramatic escape included crossing the Caribbean Sea in a fishing vessel and receiving assistance from private contractors with reported US connections.
Amit Shah Defends Electoral Reforms: "No Voting Rights for Infiltrators Despite Opposition Claims"
Dec 11, 2025 08:43 am CST
Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly defended the government's electoral reform policies in Parliament, addressing opposition allegations about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Shah emphasized the constitutional mandate for voter verification, rejected claims of electoral manipulation, and firmly stated the Modi government will prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining voting rights while preserving India's democratic integrity.
Nobel Committee Chair Demands Venezuela's Maduro Accept Election Defeat and Resign
Dec 11, 2025 02:48 am CST
At the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, committee chairman Jorgen Watne Frydnes publicly called for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to accept his electoral defeat and step down, as opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was honored with the prestigious award in absentia, represented by her daughter while she remains in hiding.
India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar Takes Chair of International IDEA Council for 2026
Dec 04, 2025 03:18 am CST
India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has assumed the chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Council for 2026 in Stockholm, pledging to advance democracy worldwide under the theme "Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world." With India's vast electoral experience of managing 900 million voters, Kumar aims to ensure every vote counts globally.
Bangladesh Crisis: Sheikh Hasina's Death Sentence and Its Implications for Democratic Future
Nov 19, 2025 05:32 pm CST
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent death sentence marks a critical juncture for the nation as it prepares for February elections under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus's interim government. While her opponents view the verdict as justice, international observers question the trial's fairness. With the Awami League marginalized and political tensions at unprecedented levels, Bangladesh faces significant challenges in ensuring peaceful democratic transition amid concerns of potential election violence and polarization.
Sheikh Hasina Denies US Involvement in Bangladesh Ouster: Exclusive NDTV Interview Reveals Concerns Over Democratic Decline
Nov 17, 2025 04:59 pm CST
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, exiled former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses speculation about US involvement in her ouster, expresses concerns about democratic deterioration under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus's interim government, and discusses the treatment of minorities and religious pluralism in the country as she awaits the verdict in her crimes against humanity trial.
Sheikh Hasina Breaks Silence: Warns of Extremism and Authoritarian Rule in Bangladesh Under Yunus Regime
Nov 17, 2025 10:20 am CST
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks exclusively from her exile in New Delhi, condemning the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government for undermining democracy, enabling religious persecution, and aligning with extremist groups. She details her violent ouster, the destruction of her father's legacy, and outlines her vision for restoring democratic stability in Bangladesh amid growing concerns about religious freedom and regional security.
Rahul Gandhi Claims Bihar Assembly Election "Unfair From Beginning" as Congress Secures Only Six Seats
Nov 15, 2025 01:38 am CST
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has described the Bihar Assembly election as "unfair from the beginning" after his party won just six seats out of 61 contested. The Mahagathbandhan alliance failed to reach 40 seats while the NDA secured 202 in the 243-member Assembly. Both Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized their commitment to continue fighting for democracy and constitutional protection despite the disappointing results.
PM Modi Lauds Election Commission for Peaceful Bihar Elections Amid Opposition Criticism
Nov 14, 2025 10:41 pm CST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises the Election Commission for conducting peaceful Bihar Assembly elections with no repolling required, highlighting the success of the Special Intensive Revision process while addressing opposition allegations of electoral misconduct. Following the NDA's significant victory, Modi emphasized how Bihar has overcome its history of electoral irregularities and rejected "jungle raj" politics.