While analysts called it ‘disappointing’ that the meeting produced no formal agreements, they say it still marks an attempt to ‘bridge the political divide’.

The annual Leaders’ Retreat ‘formally introduces’ Lawrence Wong and Prabowo Subianto as their respective countries’ new leaders, in addition to deepening bilateral ties.

Phase two of voting saw a 65 per cent turnout, with heat and complacency of BJP supporters among possible reasons for the lower figure.

Solomon Islands incumbent PM Manasseh Sogavare said he would not be a candidate when lawmakers vote next week for a new prime minister, and his political party would instead back ex-Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele.

There’s more to the pair’s recent showdown than just a cutting verbal exchange, analysts say. And it’s not just next year’s midterm polls at stake.

Videos of actors like Aamir Khan criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi have dominated social media, muddying the political debate and influencing voter decisions.

The biggest challenge for Prabowo will be in persuading the ruling party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), to join his coalition.

Manuel Mamba has been tossed out of office for illegally using public funds just as joint military exercises involving Manila and Washington take place in his province.

Marcos Jnr’s pro-US stance and measures to ‘elevate’ the Philippines have made him a ‘pivotal player’ on South China Sea issues among world leaders.

A thumping victory for his party in this month’s parliamentary elections has lent Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu a free hand. But observers say his country is simply ‘too small’ to be taking sides.

The president and his elder son chose not to endorse the party’s presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo during the election, the official says.

At an election rally, the Indian prime minister called Muslims ‘infiltrators’ and accused the opposition of wanting to gather Hindus’ wealth ‘and distribute it among those who have more children’.

Manasseh Sogavare’s Our Party has won 12 seats with six contests still in play, well short of a majority in the 50-seat parliament.

Accusations of widespread fraud and state interference rejected by Constitutional Court in 5-3 decision.

India’s national weather service has forecast an abnormally hot April through June, coinciding with the country’s general election. Will polling stations and election rallies be able to beat the heat?

Voters backed President Mohamed Muizzu‘s tilt towards China and away from traditional benefactor India, with his party winning 66 of the first 86 seats declared on Monday.

Only Indian citizens can vote in India’s elections. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi has still worked hard to woo the diaspora – and their endorsement has an impact.

If Lawrence Wong hopes to win over the Gen Z segment in the next general election, he needs to rule on social media, according to analysts.

Shanmugam said The Economist could not resist “sneering” at Singapore and the British commentariat class cannot stand seeing the island nation “doing better”

Voter concerns such as inflation and unemployment are unlikely to derail PM Modi and his ruling BJP’s path to victory, analysts say.

He’s the first-ever South Korean president left to contend with a hostile parliament for his entire five-year term, but embattled conservative Yoon insists his administration is moving in the ‘right direction’.

Geopolitics looms large over the polls in Solomon Islands, where Beijing and Washington have been vying for influence for years. But for voters just struggling to make ends meet, Wednesday’s election may be decided by issues much closer to home.

A torrent of Chinese aid and investment has flowed into the Pacific nation during Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s five years at the helm. He seeks re-election this week.

Experts say the rise of deepfake technology may pose a significant threat to democracy in 2024, with major elections happening in India and the US.

Opposition parties, and India’s long history of religious pluralism, both face an ‘existential crisis’ as Narendra Modi’s ruling BJP looks set to secure a third term in power.

The Congress party and the Communist Party of India will include in their legislative agenda a law to recognise same-sex civil unions, if they win enough votes.

As the country’s general election nears, politicians face a sobering reality: the fastest-growing economy is struggling to create enough jobs for its educated youth.