Nepal votes counted, but new government could take days
December 7, 2022 GMTKATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Nepal has finished counting the votes that were cast in the Nov.
Israel’s Likud signs coalition deal with anti-LGBTQ radical
November 28, 2022 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has struck a coalition deal with a small ultranationalist faction leader known for homophobic rhetoric and disparaging remarks about non-Orthodox Jews, a sign of the prospective government's hardline makeup.
Nepal’s main party leading in poll results but no majority
November 28, 2022 GMTKATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Nepal's main ruling party was leading in last week's parliamentary elections with most of the votes counted by Monday.
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's Nepali Congress party, however, was short of securing a majority in the House of Representatives, the lower house of Parliament.
Prime minister: Coup thwarted in Sao Tome and Principe
November 26, 2022 GMTSAO TOME, Sao Tome and Principe (AP) — Security forces in the Central African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe have killed four people and detained two others including politician Delfim Neves following a thwarted coup attempt, officials said Friday.
Lebanese reformist, another lawmaker lose parliament seats
November 24, 2022 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Two newly elected Lebanese lawmakers, including an activist who had pledged to fight corruption, lost their parliament seats on Thursday following an appeals process before the country's constitutional council.
Sporadic violence, low turnout mar Nepal’s elections
November 20, 2022 GMTKATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Sporadic violence and lower-than-expected turnout on Sunday marred Nepal's parliamentary elections, which many hoped would bring political stability in the Himalayan nation that has changed 13 governments in the last 16 years.
Nepal voters seek change, younger generation leadership
November 18, 2022 GMTKATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Nepal’s parliamentary elections being held Sunday are the fourth since the Himalayan nation abolished a centuries-old monarchy and became a republic. Nepalis have seen little change since, with the same generation of leaders holding power through their control of the main political parties.
Bahrain websites attacked as it holds parliamentary election
November 12, 2022 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Bahrain voted Saturday in a parliamentary and local election just hours after hackers targeted government websites in the island kingdom that is in the midst of a decade-long crackdown on dissent.
Ex-communist rebel leader pledges stable government in Nepal
November 2, 2022 GMTKATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Nepal's governing alliance is pledging to create a stable government that will be able to complete a full five-year term in the Himalayan nation that has had 13 different governments in the past 16 years.
Lebanon president leaves with no replacement, crisis deepens
October 30, 2022 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — President Michel Aoun left Lebanon's presidential palace Sunday, marking the end of his six-year term without a replacement, leaving the small nation in a political vacuum that is likely to worsen its historic economic meltdown.
Lebanese MP: Ukraine war sped up border deal with Israel
October 17, 2022 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — The war in Ukraine and rising demand for natural gas around the world helped speed up a U.S.-mediated maritime border deal between Lebanon and Israel, a prominent Lebanese legislator allied with the militant Hezbollah group said Monday.
As support sags, Danish prime minister calls Nov. 1 election
October 5, 2022 GMTCOPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Wednesday called a general election for Nov. 1, seven months ahead of the end of her term in office.
Frederiksen, who has headed a minority government since June 2019, has seen her popularity dwindle due to her role in a pandemic-related decision to wipe out Denmark's captive mink population.
Bulgaria: Borissov offers coalition, doesn’t want PM’s post
October 4, 2022 GMTSOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, whose center-right GERB party emerged as the winner of Bulgaria’s parliamentary election, invited his political opponents Tuesday to talks on forming a government.
Pakistan court accepts ex-PM Khan’s apology in contempt case
October 3, 2022 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — A Pakistani court on Monday accepted former Prime Minister Imran Khan's written apology in a contempt case stemming from his outburst against a female judge that was seen as a threat, court officials and a defense lawyer said.
Center-right party wins on pledges to stabilize Bulgaria
October 3, 2022 GMTSOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — The center-right GERB party of ex-premier Boyko Borissov appeared to be the winner of Bulgaria’s parliamentary election, the country’s central electoral commission said on Monday, with nearly 99% of the ballots counted.
Exit poll: Center-right GERB party will win Bulgarian vote
October 2, 2022 GMTSOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — An exit poll in Bulgaria suggested Sunday that the center-right GERB party of ex-premier Boyko Borissov, a party blamed for presiding over years of corruption, will be the likely winner of Bulgaria’s parliamentary election.
Kuwait holds second election in two years amid gridlock
September 29, 2022 GMTKUWAIT CITY (AP) — Voters in Kuwait returned to the polls on Thursday for the second parliamentary elections in less than two years, hoping to move the wealthy Gulf Arab nation out of a prolonged period of political gridlock.
Iraq: 4 officers wounded in Baghdad Green Zone rocket fire
September 28, 2022 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Four Katyusha rockets landed in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone government area Wednesday, wounding four security officers, Iraqi state news reported.
The rockets landed as parliament voted to keep Speaker Mohammed Halbousi on the job, rejecting his resignation request.
Italians march for abortion rights after Meloni victory
September 28, 2022 GMTROME (AP) — Italians marched through Rome, Milan and other cities Wednesday to protect access to abortion, which many fear will be under threat by a far-right party expected to form the next government after leading in parliamentary elections.
Italy’s EU partners vigilant as far right set to take power
September 26, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Italy’s European Union partners are signaling discomfort, even vigilance, after Italy, one of the bloc’s founding members, swung far to the political right. The result of Italy's latest election raises troubling questions about whether Rome will maintain its commitments to EU principles, laws and ambitions.
EXPLAINER: Italian election only part of forming government
September 24, 2022 GMTROME (AP) — A Sunday parliamentary election will determine who governs next in Italy.
Iraq top court says it can’t dissolve parliament amid crisis
September 7, 2022 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's top court ruled Wednesday that it does not have the legal right to dissolve parliament, a much anticipated decision that raises the stakes in the country's unprecedented 11-month political crisis.
Slovak government loses its majority after partner withdraws
September 5, 2022 GMTBRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Slovakia’s political crisis has deepened after a junior partner completed its withdrawal from the governing four-party coalition, leaving Prime Minister Eduard Heger without a parliamentary majority.
Iraqi PM: Political crisis undermining security achievements
August 27, 2022 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s caretaker Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi warned Saturday that the political crisis in the country is threatening security achievements made in past years.
Al-Kadhimi’s warning is a clear indication of the dangers of one of Iraq’s worst political crises since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
Iraq Shiite cleric’s supporters demand assembly be dissolved
August 23, 2022 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Hundreds of supporters of an influential Shiite cleric in Iraq rallied on Tuesday in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, demanding the dissolution of parliament and early elections.
Hard right leader aims for greater role in Swedish election
August 23, 2022 GMTSTOCKHOLM (AP) — The longtime leader of the nationalist Sweden Democrats says he’s hoping for a stronger role as a “blow torch” in Swedish politics after a parliamentary election next month even if he doesn’t get a seat in the next government.
Sweden presents plan to tackle high winter power bills
August 17, 2022 GMTSTOCKHOLM (AP) — Sweden's government said Wednesday it wants to pass legislation forcing the country's public power transmission network operator to help reduce household and business electricity bills this winter.
Iraqi PM calls meeting of senior politicians to end crisis
August 17, 2022 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s caretaker prime minister called a meeting of senior political leaders and party representatives Wednesday, seeking a way out of a monthslong crisis amid a power struggle between rival Shiite blocs.
Former Israeli PM Netanyahu has memoir coming in November
August 16, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a memoir coming out this fall. “Bibi: My Story” will be published Nov. 22, three weeks after parliamentary elections are to be held in Israel.
Italy’s Letta: Italian right-wing threatens Europe democracy
August 13, 2022 GMTMILAN (AP) — The leader of Italy's Democratic Party warned Saturday of the threats that Italy's right-wing nationalistic parties pose to European democracy in a video released in multiple languages, and promised that his party would keep Italy at the center of the European Union if it wins the country's early parliamentary election next month.
Italy’s far-right Meloni on vote: I’m no danger to democracy
August 10, 2022 GMTROME (AP) — Italy’s far-right leader Giorgia Meloni, who is leading in opinion polls ahead of Sept. 25 parliamentary elections, insists she won’t be a danger to democracy if she becomes premier, contending that the Italian political right has “unambiguously” condemned the legacy of fascism.
Followers of cleric told to withdraw from Iraq’s parliament
August 2, 2022 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — Followers of an influential Shiite cleric camped out inside the Iraqi parliament building for a fourth straight day were instructed Tuesday to leave the building but maintain their protest outside.
Video of fatal attack on African immigrant shocks Italy
July 30, 2022 GMTMILAN (AP) — Police in Italy arrested an Italian man in the slaying of a Nigerian vendor whose brutal beating death on a busy beach town thoroughfare was filmed by onlookers without any apparent attempt to intervene physically.
Italy’s president: Strong democracy crucial against fascism
July 28, 2022 GMTROME (AP) — Italy’s president, marking the 100th anniversary of one of the attacks that helped bring dictator Benito Mussolini to power, on Thursday encouraged Italians to reinvigorate their country’s democracy as a bulwark against fascism.
Bulgaria to hold early election after coalition talks fail
July 27, 2022 GMTSOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Bulgaria is heading to a new parliamentary election this fall after the three largest parties in parliament failed to find common ground for a coalition government.
Socialist Party floor leader, Georgi Svilenski, told reporters on Wednesday that efforts to form a viable coalition failed as a proposed governing strategy did not muster the needed approval in the National Assembly.
Abe’s complicated legacy looms large for current Japan PM
July 12, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was perhaps the most divisive leader in recent Japanese history, infuriating liberals with his revisionist views of history and his dreams of military expansion.
Abe’s party vows to finish his work after win in Japan vote
July 12, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Days after former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination, his party vowed to use its victory in a parliamentary election to achieve his unfinished goals, including strengthening the military and revising the country’s pacifist, postwar constitution.
No-confidence vote fails in France; shows divided parliament
July 11, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — French lawmakers on Monday failed to pass a no-confidence motion requested by a leftist coalition to symbolically mark their opposition to President Emmanuel Macron's government and economic policies.
Japan ruling party wins big in polls in wake of Abe’s death
July 11, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan's governing party and its coalition partner scored a major victory in a parliamentary election Sunday imbued with meaning after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe amid uncertainty about how his loss may affect party unity.
Israeli ministers to run as partners in upcoming elections
July 10, 2022 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — The leaders of two parties in Israel's outgoing government coalition announced Sunday that they would run as political partners in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The announcement by Gideon Saar and Benny Gantz was the first shift in Israel's political landscape since the Knesset voted to dissolve itself June 30 and send the country back to the polls to elect a new parliament.
Albania: Thousands join opposition protest over price hikes
July 7, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters held a peaceful protest in the capital Tirana Thursday, urging the center-left government to resign because of the cost-of-living crisis and alleged corruption.
‘Hopeless’: Japan’s weak opposition no match for ruling LDP
July 7, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Ahead of Sunday's parliamentary elections, nearly a dozen opposition parties are trying to topple the Liberal Democratic Party, which has ruled, almost without interruption, since the end of World War II.
Slovakia’s coalition in crisis over tackling high inflation
July 6, 2022 GMTBRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Slovakia’s government is facing another serious crisis after a junior party threatened on Wednesday to withdraw from the four-party coalition over disagreements about how to deal with rising inflation.
French PM vows to boost economy amid impact of Ukraine war
July 6, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne vowed Wednesday to boost jobs, cut taxes, support purchasing power, tackle climate issues and help France better face the consequences of the war in Ukraine — including by nationalizing electricity giant EDF.
UK Conservatives lose 2 elections in blow to Boris Johnson
June 24, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffered a double blow as voters rejected his Conservative Party in two special parliamentary elections dominated by questions about his leadership and ethics.
Troubled at home, France’s Macron remains a key world player
June 24, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — Emmanuel Macron may be weakened at home after parliamentary elections forced him into political maneuvering, but on the international stage the French president has the resources to remain one of the most influential world leaders.
UK’s Johnson faces test in 2 special parliamentary elections
June 23, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Polls opened Thursday in Britain for two special elections that could deliver a new blow to scandal-tainted Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Incumbent Lebanese PM keeps post as economic crisis deepens
June 23, 2022 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati won the support of more than 50 legislators Thursday to keep his post following last month's parliamentary elections as the country's multiple crises deepen with no solution in sight.
Macron holds postelection talks with French party leaders
June 21, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — President Emmanuel Macron held talks Tuesday with France’s main party leaders in a bid to show he is open to dialogue after his centrist alliance failed to win an absolute majority in parliamentary elections.
Japan PM says dialogue with China, S. Korea key to stability
June 21, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday that talks with China's leader are key to regional and international peace and stability amid growing tensions over territorial disputes and Beijing's increased military activity around Japan.
Macron alliance projected to lose parliamentary majority
June 19, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance was projected to lose its majority despite getting the most seats in the final round of parliamentary elections Sunday, while the far-right National Rally appeared to have made big gains.
Former hotel housekeeper aims to give French workers a voice
June 17, 2022 GMTFRESNES, France (AP) — A former hotel housekeeper who fought for the rights of her co-workers has become a symbol of the recent revival of France's left, which is expected to emerge as the main opposition force in the French Parliament to President Emmanuel Macron's government.
Macron urges the French to give him a “strong majority”
June 14, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — President Emmanuel Macron urged the French to give him a “strong majority” Sunday in the second, decisive round of nationwide parliamentary elections.
Macron appeared under pressure as he spoke Tuesday from the tarmac of a Paris airport, just before boarding a flight for a two-day visit to Romania and Moldova.
Fitch Ratings warns of elections’ impact on Lebanese economy
May 27, 2022 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — A leading international credit ratings agency warned Friday that the results of this month’s parliamentary elections in Lebanon make it difficult for any coalition to have a governing majority, potentially complicating implementation of reforms.
Israeli Arab lawmaker rejoins coalition days after quitting
May 22, 2022 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — An Arab Israeli lawmaker who quit the ruling coalition said Sunday that she was returning to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's 60-member alliance, ending a crisis that lasted just a few days.
Outgoing Lebanon government approves economic recovery plan
May 20, 2022 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s outgoing government on Friday approved a recovery plan for pulling the Mideast nation out of its economic meltdown, the country's information minister said.
The development came during the Cabinet’s last official meeting before it becomes a caretaker government following last weekend’s parliamentary elections.
Shaky Israeli coalition is jolted as another lawmaker quits
May 19, 2022 GMTTEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Another member of Israel's parliament said Thursday she was quitting the ruling coalition, leaving embattled Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in control of a crumbling minority government.
Lebanon elections point to a shift, but more turmoil ahead
May 16, 2022 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group and its allies suffered losses in this weekend’s parliamentary elections, with preliminary results Monday showing some vocal opponents picking up more seats and several traditional partners routed out of the legislature.
Hezbollah weapons at the heart of Lebanon’s elections Sunday
May 14, 2022 GMTBAALBEK, Lebanon (AP) — It was a sea of yellow as thousands of men, women and children waving Hezbollah flags and wearing the group’s trademark yellow caps rallied on a giant plot of land in the ancient eastern city of Baalbek in support of the heavily armed militant group.