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-Top News Politics USA

President Biden Exits 2024 Election Bid

Biden is currently isolating after being diagnosed with Covid-19…reports Asian Lite News

Months before the 2024 Presidential election, US President Joe Biden on Sunday announced that he was dropping out of the race “in the best interest of my party and the country”. In a letter posted to his social media account, Biden, 81, said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as President. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term”, he said adding that he would address the nation on the matter next week.

President Biden thanked his Vice President Kamala Harris – who was tipped as his successor should he withdraw from the race, saying she was an “extraordinary partner”. “And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me,” his statement added. “I believe today and always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”

Biden’s sudden move follows pressure on him by many sections of the party seeking that he withdraw on health grounds, in the wake of his dismal performance in the first debate with former President Donald Trump. However, he had resisted the calls that he quit, saying that only the “Lord Almighty” could make him withdraw. He is currently isolating in his home in Delaware after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

Kamala Harris to Lead Democratic Ticket

US President Joe Biden on Sunday announced he was withdrawing from the White House, saying “while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down”.

Biden, 81, endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to take over the ticket vacated by him, saying: “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats – it’s time to come together and beat (Donald) Trump.”

The party will need to nominate Kamala Harris formally at the convention in August, making her the first African-American woman and the first Indian-American to win the nomination of a major politician for the White House.

President Biden, who has been self-isolating at his home in Delaware with a Covid-19 infection, had been under mounting pressure to step aside and make way for a different candidate for the party, following a disastrous performance in the first presidential debate against his Republican rival, former President Trump.

“Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation,” he wrote in a letter addressed to “fellow Americans”.

“Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years.

“Appointed the first African-American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.

“I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

“I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.

“For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me,” the US President said.

ALSO READ-Usha Vance: New Face of Indian American Clout

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India News Politics

BJP to appoint new national president by December

From November 1 to November 15, the BJP will hold elections for the Mandal (local unit) presidents. This will be followed by district president elections from November 16 to November 30…reports Asian Lite News

The tenure of Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) National President, JP Nadda, has come to an end. Although his term was extended until June 2024, he has now been assigned significant responsibilities within the government. As a result, the BJP is now in search of a new president.

The BJP aims to appoint a new national president by December this year. The election process for this position will commence on August 1. Before the election of the national president, a comprehensive membership drive will be conducted, along strengthening the district and state units.

The process to elect a new BJP national president will begin on August 1. Initially, a membership drive will be launched, which will run until September 15. Following this, an active membership campaign will take place from September 16 to September 30. From October 1 to October 15, the verification of active membership will be conducted.

According to the BJP party constitution, every member is required to renew their membership every nine years. This year, the membership campaign will require the Prime Minister, the party president, and all party leaders to renew their membership.

From November 1 to November 15, the BJP will hold elections for the Mandal (local unit) presidents. This will be followed by district president elections from November 16 to November 30.

Sources within the BJP indicate that after the Mandal and district president elections, members of the state council and central council will be elected. Only after these elections will the process for selecting the state presidents begin.

The election process for state presidents will commence on December 1. Once the elections in 50 per cent of the states are completed, the official process to elect the national president will begin.

This systematic and phased approach ensures that the BJP’s organisational structure is robust and ready for the leadership transition. The upcoming elections are crucial for the party as it prepare for future political challenges and opportunities.

Notably, Nadda has been appointed Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha. Nadda was elected Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat and holds the Health, Chemicals and Fertilizers portfolio in the Modi 3.0 cabinet, post 2024 Lok Sabha polls. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Priyanka slams Modi govt after attack on CRPF in Manipur

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-Top News Africa News Politics

Kenyan president dismisses Cabinet

Critics accused the president of choosing political cronies and departing from the previous practice of picking technocrats to be in charge of ministries…reports Asian Lite News

Kenyan President William Ruto dismissed almost all of his Cabinet ministers and promised to form a new government that will be lean and efficient following weeks of protests over high taxes and poor governance.

In a televised address, the president also dismissed the attorney general and said ministries will be run by their permanent secretaries.

Ruto said he made the decision after listening to the people and that he would form a broad-based government after consultations.

Kenya has seen three weeks of unrest in which protesters stormed into parliament on June 25 after a finance bill was passed that proposed tax increases. More than 30 people died in the protests, which have morphed into calls for the president to resign.

Ruto said the prime Cabinet secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, a key political ally, would remain in office.

He said the dismissals followed “a holistic appraisal of the performance” of the Cabinet and that the new government would help him “in accelerating and expediting the necessary, urgent and irreversible implementation of radical programs to deal with the burden of debt, raising domestic resources, expanding job opportunities, eliminating wastage and unnecessary duplication of a multiplicity of government agencies and slay the dragon of corruption.”

Ruto appointed 21 Cabinet ministers following his election in 2022. Critics accused the president of choosing political cronies and departing from the previous practice of picking technocrats to be in charge of ministries.

Three ministers resigned from their elected positions to take up ministerial appointments. Others lost the election and were seen as being awarded by the president with political appointments.

Several ministries including agriculture and health have been engulfed by corruption scandals involving fake fertilizer and misappropriation of funds.

The protesters accused the Cabinet of incompetence, arrogance and displays of opulence as Kenyans battle with high taxes and a cost of living crisis.

Demonstrators called for the president’s resignation even though he said he would not sign the finance bill that proposed higher taxes.

Ruto apologized for the “arrogance and show of opulence” by legislators and ministers and said he took responsibility and would speak to them.

He also announced austerity measures including the dissolution of 47 state corporations with overlapping functions to save money and the withdrawal of funding for the first lady’s office, among others.

Analyst and commentator Herman Manyora called the dismissal of the Cabinet a “bold move” that was necessary to quell the discontent in the country.

This is the first time a sitting president has dismissed Cabinet ministers under the new constitution. The last time a similar move occurred was in 2005 after a failed referendum when then-President Mwai Kibaki dismissed his ministers to assert his political authority.

Kenya police boss quits

Kenya’s police boss resigned Friday, the latest attempt by the country’s president to respond to growing concerns of police brutality in response to protests triggered by a proposed tax hike.

Protesters stormed parliament on June 25 after a bill was passed that proposed tax increases, forcing lawmakers to flee through an underground tunnel. Police responded by opening fire on protesters in the streets. The protests have morphed into calls for President William Ruto to resign.

Ruto has sought to respond to the social outcry with a series of steps. He withdrew the tax hike proposal and on Thursday he followed up by dismissing almost all of his Cabinet ministers. He vowed to form a new government that will be lean and efficient.

In his latest move Friday, Ruto accepted the resignation of inspector general Japhet Koome. The presidential office said the deputy, Douglas Kanja, would step in as acting inspector general.

The social unrest has played out in a country generally viewed as a regional leader in Africa due to its size and political stability, and which is a key ally of Western countries in the counterterrorism fight and other issues. Underlining its international role, 400 Kenyan police landed in violence-hit Haiti in recent weeks to lead a UN-backed multinational force. Underlying Kenya’s stature, President Joe Biden honored Ruto with a state dinner at the White House in May.

ALSO READ-Kenya’s president vows to act against police brutality

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-Top News Europe UK News

Macron rejects PM’s resignation

Germany’s Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said he is “thoroughly relieved” after the far right failed to win an outright majority in the French National Assembly…reports Asian Lite News

France President Emmanuel Macron, whose centrist alliance came in the second place after the New Popular Front’s Left Wing coalition in the runoff to parliamentary elections, on Monday asked his Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to stay in his post for now, CNN reported citing a source from the Elysee presidential palace.

Attal posted a selfie on his X platform just before heading out to offer his resignation, which was rejected by Macron, “for the time being in order to ensure the country’s stability.”

Results from the elections showed New Popular Front emerging winner with 182 seats making it the largest group but well short of the 289 required for an absolute majority. Macron’s Ensemble alliance won 163 seats and took second place while Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and its allies were relegated to third place with 143 seats.

Also, former French President Francois Hollande, who governed the country for one term from 2012 to 2017, has been elected as the member of the French parliament for Correze, which he represented in the 1980s and 1990s, CNN reported.

“Although the formation of a government will now be very complicated, I think it is very good how the center and center-left parties and the left spectrum have worked together to prevent France from drifting into nationalism and Europe from getting into even more difficult waters,” he said.

According to CNN, Macron is unable to call a new election for at least another year. With three more years left of his term, President Macron looks set to preside over an unruly parliament, as problems mount at home and abroad, the US media channel analysed.

The New Popular Front (NFP) a cluster of several parties including from the far-left France Unbowed party to the more moderate Socialists and the Ecologists — won 182 seats in the National Assembly, making it the largest group but well short of the 289 required for an absolute majority.

The results of the elections were welcomed by other leaders in Europe.

Germany’s Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said he is “thoroughly relieved” after the far right failed to win an outright majority in the French National Assembly.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed the victory. “This week, two of the largest countries in Europe have chosen the same path that Spain chose a year ago: rejection of the extreme right and a decisive commitment to a social left that addresses people’s problems with serious and brave policies,” Sanchez wrote in a post on X.

“The United Kingdom and France have said YES to progress and social advancement and NO to the regression in rights and freedoms. There is no agreement or government with the extreme right,” Sanchez said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had earlier last week congratulated the National Rally’s performance in the first round.

Meanwhile, France’s left-wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon has said that the Left is “ready to govern” after emerging as the largest political bloc in parliament. The New Popular Front (NFP) coalition is led by Melenchon and its allies. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Left, Macron race to prevent far-right takeover

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-Top News Arab News World News

Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian Wins Iran’s Presidential Polls

Masoud Pezeshkian will become the president of a country that is facing rising international isolation, internal discontent, a spiralling economy and the prospect of direct conflict with Israel.

Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has secured a win in the presidential elections in Iran, CNN reported, citing Press TV.

Out of 30.5 million votes counted in Friday’s runoff, Pezeshkian received over 16.3 million votes while his ultraconservative rival Saeed Jalili got more than 13.5 million votes, CNN said.

According to election headquarters under the auspices of the interior ministry, the voter turnout was 49.8 per cent in the Iran’s presidential elections, the report said.

Pezeshkian was elected in a second round of voting after he received the highest number of votes in the first round, ahead of Jalili. The first round witnessed lowest turnout for a presidential election since Iran was established in 1979.

He will become the president of a country that is facing rising international isolation, internal discontent, a spiralling economy and the prospect of direct conflict with Israel.

Snap elections were held in Iran after President Ebrahim Raisi died in a chopper crash along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other officials in Iran’s remote northwest in May.

Pezeshkian was the only reformist candidate who was contesting for the top elected seat in Iran after dozens of other candidates were stopped from running. He has backed holding talks with Iran’s foes, especially over its nuclear program and considers that as a means to address domestic issues in Iran.

At a recent presidential debate, Pezeshkian said, “The primary issue is the perspective: Do we want to solve our problems with the world or not? I believe we must get out of the deadlock to solve the country’s problems.”

President in Iran enjoys some powers. However, the ultimate authority lies with Iran’s supreme leader, who has the final say on the matters of state.

Masoud Pezeshkian was a health minister under reformist president Mohammad Khatami. He is a trained heart surgeon and lawmaker. He gained the attention of people for his stance against the crackdown on the 2009 pro-democracy protests and the violence perpetrated by the notorious morality police in 2022 after Mahsa Amini’s death.

Mahsa Amini died in the custody of morality police after being detained for not following Iran’s strict dress code for women. Hundreds of people were killed and thousands were arrested as the authorities wanted to suppress the protest, CNN reported, citing the United Nations.

Amini died in the custody of the morality police after being detained for not adhering to the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code for women. Hundreds were killed and thousands arrested as the authorities sought to crush the protests, according to the United Nations.

During the 2022 protests, Pezeshkian, in an interview with Iran’s IRINN TV, said, “It is our fault. We want to implement religious faith through the use of force. This is scientifically impossible.”

He said, “I bear part of the blame, the distinguished religious scholars and the mosques bear part of the blame, and the (Iranian) broadcasting authority bears part of the blame.”

He added, “Everybody should step forward and be held accountable, rather than capture that girl, beat her up, and eventually deliver her body (to her family).”

Pezeshkian (69) has presented himself as a candidate for all the people of Iran. After he lost his wife and one of his children in a car crash in 1994, he devoted much of his time to politics. He ran for president in 2013 and 2021 polls. However, he was unable to make headway.

He hails from an ethnically mixed family. His father is Azeri and his mother is Kurdish and his mother tongue is not Persian. That has burnishe

The 69-year-old hails from an ethnically mixed family – his father is Azeri and his mother is Kurdish. Persian isn’t his mother tongue. That has burnished his image for minorities in Iran. However, it has him open to xenophobic attacks from some opponents.

According to experts, a more moderate face as Iran’s President could facilitate talks between Iran and Western nations. Pezeshkian might also bring some social changes, which he had talked about during his election campaign. However, experts have said that such moves are far from guaranteed.

Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the Chatham House think tank in London, said it’s unlikely that Pezeshkian’s election would immediately translate into policy changes.

Vakil further said, “But Pezeshkian has made it clear that he will try to work through and within the system in order to perhaps accommodate a less repressive environment,” CNN reported.

She stated that reformist did not guarantee that he could make those changes, adding that this shows the limits of presidential powers in Iran. Vakil added, “But (it may add) a bit more room for maneuver on social freedoms.”

He will become Iran’s President at a time when Iran is facing escalating tensions with Israel and its western allies, triggered by the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the advancement of Iran’s nuclear program.

A few months ago, Iran and Israel exchanged fire for the first time as the conflict in Gaza widened. Israel is now preparing for a potential second front against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Last week, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said that should Israel “embark on full-scale military aggression” against Lebanon, then “an obliterating war will ensue,” CNN reported.

In a post on X, Iran’s mission to UN stated, “All options, including the full involvement of all Resistance Fronts, are on the table.”

In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that “a regime that threatens destruction deserves to be destroyed.” According to experts, Pezeshkian is not expected to change the trajectory on Israel. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Iran voices concerns regarding Afghanistan in Doha meeting

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-Top News PAKISTAN

Pakistan’s President Alvi Pledges Protection of Minority Rights

Arif Alvi . (Photo: Twitter/@ArifAlvi)

In Pakistan, all communities are enjoying equal rights and living with peace, which is a “beautiful banquet” of interfaith harmony and unity, Alvi added…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistani President Arif Alvi has said that his country is fully committed to ensuring the rights and welfare of minorities living in the South Asian country.

“It is our duty to safeguard the basic rights of all religious minorities…all the rights of minorities would be completely protected at all costs,” Alvi added on Thursday while addressing a ceremony held in connection with the celebrations of Christmas.

He said that the country is devoted to ensuring peace, tranquility and equal rights to all citizens of the country irrespective of caste, creed and religion, adding that the incumbent government has been making strenuous efforts in this regard, Xinhua news agency reported.

In Pakistan, all communities are enjoying equal rights and living with peace, which is a “beautiful banquet” of interfaith harmony and unity, Alvi added.

Appreciating the role of minorities in the social and economic uplift of Pakistan, the President said that all religious minorities have been playing a major role in the country’s progress and prosperity.

ALSO READ-UNSC Vote on Gaza Aid Delayed Again

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-Top News Europe Politics

Ecuador Chooses New President Amid Rising Violence

More than 10 million people voted in the runoff amid tight security measures in place, with tens of thousands of police officers and army personnel deployed at polling stations across the country…reports Asian Lite News

Amid a wave of violence and a worsening security situation, Ecuador has chosen Daniel Noboa, from the right-wing National Democratic Action alliance, as its new President.

Citing the preliminary official results of the presidential runoff held on Sunday, the National Electoral Council (CNE) said Noboa had obtained 52.29 per cent of the valid votes compared to 47.71 per cent for his rival, Luisa Gonzalez from the Citizen Revolution movement led by former President Rafael Correa, reports Xinhua news agency.

The results were declared after 90.78 per cent of the votes were counted.

On Sunday night, CNE President Diana Atamaint affirmed that the results were “irreversible” and declaring Noboa as be president-elect of the South American country.

More than 10 million people voted in the runoff amid tight security measures in place, with tens of thousands of police officers and army personnel deployed at polling stations across the country.

Noboa, 35, was a lawmaker before outgoing President Guillermo Lasso dissolved the legislature and called for early elections,CNN reported.

He has pledged to create more work opportunities for the young; bring in more foreign investment, using technology to fight crime; and has suggested several anti-corruption measures including sentences for tax evasion.

Speaking to reporters after the result late Sunday night, Noboa thanked his wife, parents, and God for allowing him to serve his country.

“I also thank all those people who have been part of a new, young, improbable political project, a political project whose purpose was to give back a smile to the country,” he said.

“Starting tomorrow, Daniel Noboa, your president of the republic, starts working.”

Meanwhile, his rival Gonzalez has conceded defeat.

Tension remained high during Sunday’s vote which came just months after the high-profile assassination of presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, who was killed days before the August 20 first round of polling, CNN reported.

ALSO READ-Gonzalez, Noboa lead Ecuador’s first round election

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India News Politics

Kashmir on High Alert Ahead of President’s Visit for Convocation

Security tightened in Srinagar on Aug 5 on 2nd anniversary of article 370 abrogation

Special intelligence review is being taken of the profile of all those who attend the convocation in whatever capacity their presence is required during the event…reports Asian Lite News

Heightened security was in place across the Valley on Sunday ahead of President Draupadi Murmu’s visit on October 11.

The President will deliver the 20th convocation address of Kashmir University on October 11. 

This will be her first visit to the Valley after she became the country’s President. 

The President will award meritorious students/scholars of the University from 2020 onwards. Four hundred students/scholars will receive gold medals, PhD and M.Phil degrees at the convocation. 

After the convocation, the President will attend a light and sound show on the Dal Lake in Srinagar where the Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha is hosting her on dinner in the evening of October 11.

As per the President’s security protocol, the campus of Kashmir University is being sanitized days ahead of the VVIP visit. 

Special intelligence review is being taken of the profile of all those who attend the convocation in whatever capacity their presence is required during the event. 

Special security personnel in civvies and in uniform will dot the entire over 1500 Kanal campus from Monday onwards and entry into the campus would be highly regulated through electronic and human surveillance. 

“It has to be a 100 per cent safe and secure environment within and outside the campus and for this purpose drone surveillance, electronic equipment, police, paramilitary and all other necessary hi-tech gadgets and human presence are in place,” said a senior security official. 

Extra security drills and surprise cordon and search operations have been started to keep anti-national elements and miscreants at bay. 

All vehicles and pedestrians entering Srinagar city are being frisked and additional deployments of mobile bunker vehicles and drop gates have been made in Srinagar and adjacent districts days ahead of the President’s visit. 

“A significant aspect of all our security arrangements is that the common man should be put to least inconvenience while ensuring 100 per cent security to the President,” the officials said. 

ALSO READ-Israel Terror Attack Echoes Kashmir Invasion of 1947

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-Top News Asia News PAKISTAN

Pakistan President Faces Mounting Pressure to Announce General Election Date

Alvi became the centre of controversy after he wrote letters to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Ministry of Law for a consultation meeting to decide the date of elections…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan President Arif Alvi is under immense pressure from his political party too announce the date of the crucial general elections before he leaves office as his tenure ended on September 8.

According to Pakistan’s constitution, a President can remain in office even after his tenure ends until a new President is selected and replaces him.

This implies that Alvi can stay in office till the next elections and the corresponding process of selecting the next President via Parliament. 

Sources in the Presidency said that Alvi is being directed by his political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its jailed chief and former Prime Minister Imran Khan to use the constitutional power to announce the election dates.  

In a letter, PTI Secretary Omar Ayub Khan urging the President to announce the election date at the earliest. 

“Under Article 48(5) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, when the President dissolves the National Assembly, he is to appoint a date not later than 90 days from the date of dissolution for holding of general elections to the Assembly,” he added in the letter. 

Besides the PTI and Imran Khan, Alvi is also under pressure from the military establishment, according to a source. 

“President Alvi is under immense pressure from both the sides. PTI and Imran Khan messaging him indicates that the party wants him to announce the election date and practice his right as per the Constitution before leaving office. The other side (military establishment) has directed him to not do anything extravagant as per polls, because it would only create political uncertainty in the country. He is under immense pressure,” said the source. 

Meanwhile, speculations are rife over President Alvi’s final decision.

Alvi became the centre of controversy after he wrote letters to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Ministry of Law for a consultation meeting to decide the date of elections.  

The letters were responded both by the ECP and the Law Ministry, highlighting that the date of polls would be announced by poll bodyas it has been given the power and authority to do so after the recent parliamentary amendments in the Election Act, adding that it does not require consulting the President on the matter. 

But after the decision of the Supreme Courton the elections in Punjab province, in which, it asserted that an act of Parliament cannot supersede or bypass the country’s constitution, which clearly states that elections are to be held within 90-days of the dissolution of the assembly.

This gave courage to the President as he could announce the date of elections as the country’s president and as per the country’s constitution. 

However, a secret meeting of the top military chiefs and the President seemed to down play the intentions of the President an the polls dates. 

The source said that President Alvi is still under serious pressure by Imran Khan to give a surprise to the military establishment by announcing the date of elections before leaving the presidency, assuring him that his decision would be defended by PTI as it would be as per the constitution. 

On the other hand, he is also under clear directions by the military establishment to not opt to any misadventure of the sort.  

Informed sources have also saidthat it is possible that Alvi might announce poll dates, which may be as per the tentative dates given by the ECP — February 2024.

However, such an announcement would hurt Imran Khan and the PTI.  

But it seems that the President intends to give the announcement in the coming days as he has had a meeting with the caretaker Federal Minister of Law and Justice Ahmed Irfan Aslam. 

“The meeting between the government official and the president was part of the ongoing consultation regarding the general polls. The continuation of the consultation process with good intentions will prove to be productive for the democracy in the country,” read a statement from the President’s House. 

On the other hand, Alvi also faces criticism from the former ruling party Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N), which has demands him to leave the post after completion of his term. 

“Pack your bags and move to PTI secretariat because your desire is not just economic and political turmoil but also a constitutional crisisin the country,” said former Information Minister Marryum Aurangzeb. 

ALSO READ-Worrisome August: Pakistan’s ‘Terrorism Boom’ Sets Exciting Record

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-Top News Asia News Politics

Khuon Sudary creates history as Cambodia’s first female president

Parliament elected chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the 10 specialist commissions in the legislative body…reports Asian Lite News

Khuon Sudary was elected on Tuesday as the president of Cambodia’s National Assembly, or Parliament, for a new five-year term, becoming the first woman in the country’s history to hold this top post.

According to the state-run National Television of Cambodia (TVK),  Sudary, 70, is currently a member of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP)’s Standing Committee, and used to be the second vice-president of the National Assembly in the old term, report Xinhua news agency.

She was elected after the CPP won a landslide victory in the July 23 general election, winning 120 out of 125 seats in the National Assembly.

Some 123 lawmakers unanimously elected her as the president during a “package vote”.

They also voted for CPP lawmakers Cheam Yeap and Vong Sauth as the first vice president and the second vice president, respectively.

Besides, Parliament elected chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the 10 specialist commissions in the legislative body.

The National Assembly in the seventh legislature consists of 125 lawmakers including 120 from the CPP and five from the royalist Funcinpec Party.

ALSO READ-UAE, Cambodia CEPA set to double non-oil trade