Pakistan-administered Kashmir is in a severe political crisis following weeks of deadly protests demanding electoral reforms and economic concessions. The unrest, led by the banned JAAC, has caused staggered regional elections, internet blackouts, and over 50 deaths, with voting continuing until August 10.
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni proposes an electoral system overhaul with a "majority prize" to ensure stable governments, drawing strong condemnation from opposition parties who label it an "authoritarian" attempt to secure her coalition's power and raise constitutional concerns.
Morena legislators have backed proposed electoral reforms to be discussed in an extraordinary session, including measures to vet candidates and address foreign intervention. PRI leaders criticized the reforms, arguing they are incomplete, centralized, and fail to tackle organized crime infiltration in elections.
Roberto Calderoli, Minister for Regional Affairs and Autonomies, confirmed the approval of the electoral law reform and the special statute for Trentino-Alto Adige. He criticized the opposition's abstention and ruled out early elections, stating the legislature's natural expiry is October 2027.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham launched his campaign for the Makerfield byelection, signaling a potential challenge to Labour leader Keir Starmer. Burnham outlined national policy views on economy, immigration, and electoral reform, framing the byelection as a chance for political change.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has pledged to back major electoral reform, including proportional representation, if he becomes prime minister. He aims to shift politics from 'point-scoring' to 'problem-solving' and prioritizes local needs over party interests. Burnham also clarified his stance on rejoining the EU, emphasizing domestic reform first.
Over 60 UK MPs are demanding a national commission to reform the "broken" first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system. Parties like Reform UK, Lib Dems, Greens, SNP, and Plaid Cymru support proportional representation, while Conservatives defend FPTP. Labour leader Keir Starmer previously supported reform but has since dropped the pledge.
