UK elections watchdog says new voter ID law stopped thousands from casting ballots
Britain’s electoral watchdog says about 14,000 people were prevented from voting in last month’s local elections because of a new law requiring voters to show photo identification
2023-06-23 19:29
Cambodian lawmakers approve changes to election law that disqualify candidates who don't vote
Pro-government Cambodian lawmakers unanimously approved changes to the country’s election law on Friday that will ban anyone who fails to vote from running as a candidate in future elections, a move critics say is aimed at crippling the opposition’s chances in the polls. The measure was approved with minimal debate by all 111 lawmakers present in the National Assembly. All members of the assembly belong to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party. Hun Sen, who has been in power for 38 years, declared last week that the law would be amended ahead of July’s general election to compel candidates for public office to prove their civic responsibility. The amended law will take effect after approval by the Senate, a formality. Hun Sen’s critics say the action as his latest tactic to marginalize his political opponents, some of whom are considering an election boycott. He announced the plan less than a month after the main opposition party was barred from participating in the polls because it could not provide all of the paperwork required for registering. The Candlelight Party said it was unable to provide one document to the National Election Committee because it had been seized in a police raid several years ago. Cambodia’s Constitutional Council refused to overturn the election committee’s decision not to register the party, drawing widespread criticism that the election would not be fair without its participation. The ruling drew international condemnation. The U.S. State Department said it was “deeply troubled” by the decision to bar the Candlelight Party and urged the government “to reverse course to ensure its citizens can participate in a fair, multiparty democracy.” That action against the Candlelight Party was similar to what happened ahead of the 2018 general election, when the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party posed a serious challenge to Hun Sen’s party. It was dissolved months ahead of the polls by a controversial court ruling that alleged it had plotted the illegal overthrow of the government. The party’s disbanding enabled Hun Sen’s party to win all the seats in the National Assembly. Under the amended election law, prospective candidates must have voted in at least two elections to qualify as a candidate in elections at the commune, district, municipality, provincial and national levels. Most prominent opposition figures are in self-imposed exile to avoid being jailed on various charges they say are trumped up and unfair, and the amendment would prevent them from running in future polls without any further action needed to bar them. Opposition figures still inside the country who fail to vote would face the same consequences. The amended law would also discourage an election boycott by placing opposition figures who wish to contest future polls in the awkward position of appearing to be hypocrites if they urge people not to vote while they themselves cast ballots. It will also discourage boycotts by allowing the election committee to impose a fine of 5 million-20 million riels ($1,200-$4,800) on anyone who encourages people not to register or vote. Anyone who incites people to use threats or violence against candidates or political party officials can also be fined and disqualified as candidates for five years. Political parties that fail to remove disqualified candidates can be fined 10 million-30 million riels ($2,420-$7,270). Hun Sen, 70, is an authoritarian ruler in a nominally democratic state. He and his party hold all the advantages of incumbency in the election in terms of political organizing, personnel, finances and media influence. About 9.7 million Cambodians are registered to vote for the 125-seat National Assembly. Read More Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Cambodian leader says people who don't vote will be barred from being candidates in future elections Trump legal team gave tapes to Jack Smith as MAGA loyalists turn on each other – live Infighting among Putin's lieutenants seems to reveal signs of 'deep dysfunction'
2023-06-23 19:18
Aleksander Ceferin apologises to Liverpool and Real Madrid fans for Champions League final issues
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has apologised to Liverpool and Real Madrid fans for the incidents which occurred prior to the 2021/22 Champions League final in Paris, leading to 2,500 ticket-holding fans being unable to attend the game.
2023-06-23 18:57
Factbox-EU targets sanctions circumvention with 11th package against Russia
BRUSSELS The European Union formally adopted on Friday its 11th package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion
2023-06-23 18:28
Debris scattered across ocean floor could provide clues into the final moments of the Titanic-bound submersible
Investigators are continuing to scour the ocean floor for any insight into how a "catastrophic implosion" killed all five passengers of a Titanic-bound submersible that suddenly lost communication with its mother ship over the weekend, officials said.
2023-06-23 18:21
Republican 2024 hopefuls converge on DC under the shadow of Trump
Sen. Ted Cruz dazzled the crowd, a surging Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker delivered the keynote and Donald Trump was not yet a candidate for president when the Faith and Freedom Coalition held its annual Road to Majority conference in 2015.
2023-06-23 17:25
Biden to sign executive order expanding access to contraception
WASHINGTONU.S. President Joe Biden on Friday will sign an executive order designed to protect and expand access to
2023-06-23 17:25
British Museum apologizes after using translator's work in China exhibition without pay or acknowledgment
When the British Museum launched its "China's hidden century" exhibition last month, writer and translator Yilin Wang began getting confusing messages from her peers.
2023-06-23 17:24
Biden and Harris joining key reproductive rights groups ahead of Dobbs anniversary
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to join a trio of key reproductive rights activist groups to mark the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs Supreme Court decision Friday, highlighting what's expected to be a major Biden campaign plank for the 2024 presidential election.
2023-06-23 17:23
A menswear guide to wearing sandals in the summer
Whether you’re jetting off on holiday or simply promenading at your local park, sandals are the perfect solution to warm-weather dressing. That being said, finding city-appropriate footwear that doesn’t make you a target for mockery can be a tricky business. While getting some fresh air to your feet is essential during summer, sandals as a sartorial choice for men can be frowned upon so it’s important to carefully consider the dos and don’ts of baring those toes. So, is it really possible to wear sandals without having to sacrifice fashion over function? As expected, sandals were in abundance at the spring/summer 2018 menswear collections from outdoorsy Velcro types at Louis Vuitton and Paul Smith, to classic leather at Guiseppe Zanotti and even dual-strapped versions worn with chunky socks at Bottega Veneta. While the latter is a hit on the runway and beloved by geography teachers everywhere, for real-life wear a new focus on more contemporary and slick iterations means you can finally rock an open-toe without shame. Designer options are of course favourable but considering us Brits rarely, if ever, get a decent summer, it seems wiser to pinch your pennies at least a little. In this instance, high street brands like Cos, Arket and Russell & Bromley all offer sophisticated footwear options. However, if you’re looking for something more sporty, OG sandal brand Teva should be your go-to. Historically shunned by the fashion crowd, these simple sporty sandals are now considered cool. Even more so since their recent collaboration with high-end Japanese brand Porter. Whatever your choice, the even trickier dilemma comes with how to style them. The easiest way is to pair yours with shorts and a simple T-shirt, perhaps layered under a sleek Cuban shirt. However, for smarter occasions wearing sandals with trousers can be conflict-ridden. If you do want an alternative to the shorts and sandals combination, we suggest investing in a smart leather pair and to always team with a slim leg pair of trousers with turned-up hems, so as to avoid looking like you’ve taken a trip back to the Seventies. Read More London Fashion Week Men’s: Five key trends for SS19 5 French skincare secrets you need to know Carrie Bradshaw changes ‘painful’ narrative of wedding dress in And Just Like That Glastonbury 2023: All the best fashion at the biggest UK festival of the year
2023-06-23 16:24
Experts are searching for answers among debris of Titanic-bound submersible implosion that killed all onboard
Investigators are continuing to scour the ocean floor for any insight into how a "catastrophic implosion" killed all five passengers of a Titanic-bound submersible that suddenly lost communication with its mother ship over the weekend, officials said.
2023-06-23 15:26
Hundreds of migrants rescued off Canary Islands
At least 227 migrants were saved on Thursday, Spain's officials say, a day after a deadly shipwreck.
2023-06-23 15:23