Tony Barry and George Megalogenis discuss Barnaby Joyce's viral moment, its appeal to One Nation's base, and historical precedents for the party's electoral performance, alongside concerns on polling's impact on democracy.
Local elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir are underway, but face a boycott from the recently outlawed Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The dispute centers on 12 regional assembly seats reserved for refugees from India-administered Kashmir, sparking protests and security concerns that have delayed voting in some areas.
A key ally of CDU leader Friedrich Merz, Saxony premier Michael Kretschmer, has sparked a political debate by suggesting cooperation with the far-right AfD, challenging Merz's firm stance against it ahead of crucial September elections in eastern Germany where the AfD is polling strongly.
Alaska's Division of Elections sent over 3,000 letters to voters requesting citizenship verification, a figure significantly higher than usual and prompting concerns from state lawmakers. The letters resulted from voter roll maintenance comparing state lists with DMV data, which officials suggest may have picked up old information.
Nicaragua's National Assembly is set to vote in early August on a bill to ban opposition parties from elections, following President Daniel Ortega's remarks against their participation. The move, part of Ortega's increasingly authoritarian rule, has drawn condemnation from the UN and US.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced early parliamentary elections for October or November, with presidential elections to follow later. Vucic had previously vowed to resign as president after the parliamentary election date was set and promised to help the ruling Serbian Progressive Party win.
Analysts observe that US-China stability persists despite former President Donald Trump's allegations of Chinese interference in the 2020 US elections, claims Beijing met with a measured response and which contradict US intelligence assessments.
The successful 'UP ke ladke' alliance of Congress and Samajwadi Party, which secured 43 seats for the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, now faces internal friction over seat-sharing for the 2027 state assembly elections, with both parties urging the other to show a "big heart."
The House adopted a $95 billion budget for the Iran war and White House priorities, while US-Canada tensions led to a bridge ceremony cancellation. The US continued strikes on Iran, and domestic issues included ICE oversight, a judge questioning transgender troop policy, and a tribe's border wall challenge.
Former Hungarian PM Viktor Orban accused the new government of "tyranny" and "sham investigations" after prosecutors seized equipment from Fidesz HQ as part of a corruption probe into the National Culture Fund. Orban, whose party lost elections to Peter Magyar's Tisza party, vowed resistance against what he calls a politically motivated legal proceeding.
The author argues that the legitimacy of US elections died last week due to three events: the Secretary of State's speech targeting the domestic left as a transnational enemy, a White House official's dehumanizing rhetoric, and the President's claims of a corrupt election system, with the public's response misdirecting attention.
Congressional Democrats, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, introduced a bill to close loopholes in the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, aiming to prevent foreign entities from funneling money into U.S. elections by establishing foreign ownership thresholds for corporate contributions.
Nicaragua's congress, controlled by President Daniel Ortega, announced a work plan to implement his order to abolish elections. This move, following a constitutional change extending his term, has been strongly condemned by the UN and the US, who call for a restoration of democracy.
Prediction market platform Kalshi launched its 'Midterms Hub,' allowing users to view traders' expectations for U.S. Senate and House races. The hub integrates market odds with polling averages, fundraising data, and news, aiming to provide unbiased political insights backed by real money.
Andy Burnham's unexpected rise to Prime Minister, following Keir Starmer's resignation and a decisive byelection win, is analyzed. The article contrasts Burnham's political acumen with Starmer's perceived weaknesses and highlights Nigel Farage's recent missteps, while outlining the significant challenges Burnham faces in uniting Labour and governing in a volatile political landscape.
Following Israel's parliament dissolution and election date setting, an Israeli drone strike killed eight mourners in Nuseirat. The UN reported 57 Palestinian deaths in a week, amidst daily killings, settlement approvals, demolitions, and settler attacks in Gaza and the West Bank, while Hamas elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new political bureau head.
Wisconsin Democrats urge the state elections commission to allow voters to cast new absentee ballots after candidates dropped out and re-entered the chaotic gubernatorial primary race, potentially invalidating thousands of votes already cast.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced a software error registered approximately 6,600 noncitizens as voters between June 2023 and June 2024, despite their non-citizenship indication. Fewer than 400 voted. The state is removing them and replacing the vendor, with Sherrill emphasizing accountability.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the war in Iran has cost US$37.5 billion, seeking urgent funding from skeptical lawmakers. The unpopular conflict is a key issue ahead of midterm elections.
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced his country will not hold elections soon, effectively canceling the 2027 vote and extending his nearly 20-year rule. Opposition and rights groups condemn the move as solidifying a dictatorship and risking more repression.
A draft review in the Northern Territory parliament found child protection authorities failed to assess threats to Kumanjayi Little Baby's mother, leaving her alone to protect her children amidst domestic violence, though no direct link to the girl's alleged murder was drawn.
MAGA Inc., Donald Trump's super PAC, amassed over $400 million for the 2026 midterms, per FEC filings. This war chest, including donations from Isaacman and the Winklevoss twins, gives Republicans a financial edge to defend narrow majorities, fueling questions on spending in key Senate races.
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced the country will no longer hold elections, effectively eliminating electoral challenges and solidifying his rule alongside his wife. This move, declared during a Sandinista revolution commemoration, aims to block US-backed opposition, following a disputed 2021 election.
Arizona voters participate in primary elections to select nominees for governor and congressional seats, impacting control of the US House and a competitive Democratic governorship. Key races include the Republican gubernatorial primary and several congressional districts, with divisions over Israel and Gaza also influencing Democratic contests.
