Political embarrassment in the hours

Mitt Romney continues to progress as a favorite in the Republican primaries after the last two TV debates. Within twelve hours, in a political embarrassment weekend (first was the ABC and then NBC), the opponents of Romney had the opportunity to try to stop the former governor of Massachusetts, a clear favorite in the primaries take place on Tuesday in New Hampshire .

Rick Santorum took the time and attention he was finally granted, thanks to the momentum at the start of Iowa (there are only eight votes behind Romney ) to seek alternative erected in front of the more moderate conservative favorite. Although the intervention was successful, as his attempt to not make radical statements against homosexual practice , recent polls indicate that the "momentum Santorum" is not expanding everything you need to achieve a decisive role in New Hampshire.

Slight increase in surveys of Huntsman

That vote also compete the old conservative "speaker" parliamentary Newt Gingrich and Texas Governor Rick Perry . They are more aware of what happens in the primaries in South Carolina , on 21, a key conservative state's career development. Meanwhile, Ron Paul was at your leisure before the cameras defending libertarian ideas, supported by a sector of the electorate in part as a protest vote.

After a first debate on Saturday night in which the candidates were rather thick, in the debate this Sunday morning all were more tough. The former Governor of Utah Jon Huntsman had the minutes of brilliance that needs to emerge in New Hampshire, liberal-leaning state with best home with the utmost restraint of Huntsman. The latest polls give him a steady start to rise . Huntman turned against Romney when he was criticized two years it has been ambassador to China to serve the Obama Administration . "I always put my country ahead," he said to applause, this time without resort to any sentence would send as it did in the other debate.

Issues like gay marriage and out of Iraq occupied part of the discussion in the debates. All candidates except Paul, who was not asked about it, spoke out against gay marriage, so far only legalized in some states. The strongest line was to Santorum, against whom the gay lobby is loading the last days of a brutal due to extreme manifestations of homosexuality. But by the moderator asked what if his son would confess that he is gay, Santorum said: "I would like the minutes before," which helped to soften his image.

Regarding foreign policy , again addressed without spending time in Europe (EU respublicanos only mention of the "European socialism" as they refer to the model of the welfare state across the Atlantic), candidates are primarily concerned Iraq. Except Paul, who is against the foreign military presence, and Huntsman, who warned that Iraq is on the brink of civil war and have to stay on the sidelines, the rest criticized Obama has not managed to leave troops in the country . Perry defended the military immediately return to Iraq, something the White House itself is currently negotiating without success, although the Texas governor's mouth seemed rather sound like a new invasion.

Putins party wins

Putin's party wins, but suffers a blow to the Russian elections

United Russia loses a lot of power and maneuverability to get around 50% of the vote.

In 2007 achieved 67% of the vote.

The Communist Party is the second largest party with 20%.

Putin played out ahead of the 2012 presidential.

Allegations of irregularities and cyber attacks.

Russian cosmonauts also voted from space.

The ruling party United Russia (RU) of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin once again won the parliamentary elections on Sunday in Russia , although strongly weakened compared to the previous elections of 2007 (so did 67% of the vote and 315 seats).

With 93% of the votes counted RU gets around 50% of the votes. This means that the ruling party loses the constitutional majority (300 out of 450 seats in the Duma or lower house) and, as highlighted by the president of Russia and number one on the UK list, Dmitri Medvedev , "will have to seek support from other game. " The next most voted was the Communist Party with almost 20%.

Recipients by falling popularity of the Communists UK, almost double the 2007 result , at least two other parties, the Social Just Russia (RJ) and the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party, Parliament would agree also with the 12% to 13 % and 11% to 14%, respectively.

The benefit from falling popularity of RU are primarily the Communists almost doubled the result of 2007 (11.5%), as Fair Russia (7.7%). Also increased the nationalists of the eccentric Vladimir Yirinovski, which won four years ago by 7.7%.

Loss of power in Parliament

The loss of the constitutional majority in Parliament, United Russia held until now means that you will not have much freedom to enact reforms that are expected. The result also would be a blow to Vladimir Putin , United Russia candidate ahead of the 2012 presidential.

United Russia claims victory

Before they left the official results, the ruling party United Russia proclaimed his victory: "United Russia has won," said Boris Gryzlov, chairman of the Supreme Council of the ruling party.

The UK leader attributed to the crisis the sharp decline of the ruling party and recalled that in several European countries the crisis caused the electoral defeat of the ruling parties. "Amid the global economic crisis have received the support of the electorate. While in the UK, Spain and Portugal in the 2010-2011 elections the ruling parties changed us and we can say that UK will continue (the party) ruling, " said.

Allegations of fraud and cyber attacks

The opposition parties, especially communist denounced the multiple violations of electoral law detected during Election Day.

While the ruling party accused the opposition of "campaigning" during the day, the opposition denounced fraud in favor of the ruling party. "We have seen a sea of violations," declared the Communists. Meanwhile, the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party echoed: "The geography of violations covers the entire country." For its part, Yabloko surmounted saying that "elections have become the game of 'catch the forger red-handed.'"

The day was also marked by distributed denial of service (DDOS) left unused web pages radio Echo of Moscow and the electoral observation NGO Golos (The Vow). Alexei Venediktov, director of Echo of Moscow, said the attack against the station is "an attempt to prevent dissemination of information on irregularities in the elections. "

Russia holds a day of reflection

Russia keeps on Saturday a day of reflection ahead of parliamentary elections this Sunday, considered a dress rehearsal for the presidential election in March 2012 and a clear favorite to win: the ruling party United Russia (RU).

As required by law from voting after midnight were banned election propaganda activities throughout the country and so far, according to authorities, there have been no notable irregularities. "We have not received any information that might be disturbing," said the press secretary of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Nikolai Konkin.

Almost 110 million Russians are called to the polls Sunday to elect 450 members of the Duma, the lower house of parliament in elections in which for the first time in post-Soviet Russian history involving all legally registered political parties , which are seven.

All the members of the Duma are elected by party lists, that to access the proportional allocation of seats required to obtain at least 7% of the votes cast. In addition, the training they get between 5% and 7% of the votes entitled to a seat.

The polls agree that RU, the list is headed by the outgoing president, Dmitri Medvedev will get absolute majority in the Duma, but you will lose a significant amount of seats and, with them, the qualified majority of two thirds required for approval of constitutional law.

Also maintained and increased its representation by the Communist Party, which has emerged as the second electoral force, the ultranationalist Liberal Democratic Party and the Social Just Russia. According to all surveys, training and liberal Yabloko Just Cause, like the nationalist Russian Patriots, are outside the parliamentary spectrum.

While no one doubts the victory of United Russia, the great intrigue of tomorrow's election is in many of the 302 seats lose that training is now official. From these results depend on the political future of Medvedev, who is running for the post of prime minister once he leaves the Kremlin if, as is taken for granted, the former president and current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, won the March presidential 2012.

The opposition has alleged numerous irregularities during the election campaign and the leaders of the Communist Party and Fair Russia have even threatened to pull their supporters to the streets in case of election fraud. "There are growing signs that the Sunday there will be numerous irregularities and that the authorities are preparing different methods of direct falsification of the elections," said Andrei Yurevich, an expert with the nongovernmental organization defending the right to vote "Golos".

The director of the NGO, Lilia Shibánova, was arrested early today for several hours in the Sheremetevo Moscow airport customs on arrival in Warsaw. The day before, a Moscow court sentenced "Golos" to pay a fine of 30,000 rubles, about $ 1,000 for publishing more than 4,500 reports of alleged illegal tactics in the campaigns leading up to parliamentary elections this Sunday.

"Pursuing an electoral observation organization when elections are held is not right. The only thing it serves is to damage our image, 'he told the Interfax news agency the head of the Human Rights Commission attached to the Kremlin, Mikhail Fedotov.

Saudi Arabia Elections Without Women

Saudi Arabia holds its municipal elections without the participation of women

Recently it was announced that women will vote within 4 years.

Election day was conducted without notable incident.

Women shall be entitled to vote in Saudi Arabia after their king so decide.

Saudi Arabia held on Thursday the second elections in its history to elect municipal councils, with a low voter turnout and without the participation of women, who may not vote for another four years. The Saudi authorities said that the election day was uneventful , although there were some observers who gave up their work and make allegations of sending messages to urge to vote for certain candidates participation in these elections, which had registered as voters under a million and a half men, which represents 35% of the voting population, was uneven across regions. While the polling stations in the main cities were no crowds, the turnout was more intense in medium-sized cities. The weak participation was expected due to the lack of confidence in decision-making powers of municipal councils, which responsible for providing recommendations and advice without any power of censorship or control in the internal affairs of the country, ruled by a monarchy with absolute power. Other factors that have affected are the low proportion of residents with voting rights and the prohibition for women , historically marginalized in this country ultraconservative imposed gender segregation in public spaces. Although the past 25 days Saudi King Abdallah bin Abdelaziz , decided to allow women to participate as voters and candidates in municipal elections, this does not apply until the next election in four years. The Minister of Local Government and Villages Saudi Prince Mansour bin Metaab, told reporters that the elections are conducted correctly. Metaab recalled that the first municipal elections in 2005, they turned to the U.S. experience, European countries and the UN, but on this occasion was not necessary. "The (election) is now made entirely with hand Saudis and involving more than 16,000 people and trained people, "he said during an inspection of the electoral process in the Al Darai, near Riyadh.

Not until 2016

He said that his ministry receives comments from the public and the media and expressed his hope that these "proposals to improve the work of municipal councils . " Although the authorities that affect the day passed without incident, there were allegations of sending text messages to mobile phones urging voters to choose and discriminate against certain lists other for religious reasons. A member of the Electoral Commission of Jeddah Abdelaziz Anhari stressed that "this kind of practice is forbidden by Saudi law" and said claims that the committee discuss the matter on Saturday. The absence of international observers was justified by the Electoral Commission Chairman, the Dahmesh Abdelrrahman, who said he has been employed freelancers Saudis "to ensure transparency and good organization of this operation."

Women to vote in Saudi Arabia

Women shall be entitled to vote in Saudi Arabia after their king so decide

The women may participate in the 2015 municipal elections as voters and candidates.

King Abdullah bin Abdelaziz appealed to the Muslim woman has had "positions that can not be marginalized."

Saudi Arabia is the only state in the Gulf Cooperation Council Persian does not allow female participation.

The king of Saudi Arabia , Abdullah bin Abdelaziz, has decided on Sunday to allow the inclusion of women in the Shura Council (consultative) and participate in municipal elections in four years, both as voters and as candidates.

Saudi Arabia held its first elections in 2005, and women may participate in the 2015 The monarch made the announcement in a speech to the Shura Council, a sort of Parliament, although no legislative powers.

"Everyone knows that Muslim women in Islamic history has been our position that can not be marginalized , as well as for his good opinion as good reference, since the era of the prophet, "said Bin Abdelaziz, according to news agency State SPA.

The new king's provisions will affect local elections next Thursday, in which women do not participate, like in 2005, the first held in the country.

As for the Shura Council, appointed directly by the king, women have never participated since its inception in 1992.

In fact, Saudi Arabia is the only state in the Gulf Cooperation Council Persian integrated by Emirates, Oman, Tasting, Baréin and Kuwait with an advisory council which is not allowed female participation.

In the absence of a parliament elected by the people, the Advisory Council are responsible for providing recommendations and advice in the internal affairs of the kingdom, but have no power of censorship or government control.

The riots in other countries encouraged women to protest their situation, and some driving ban defied Saudi Arabia is ruled by a monarchy with absolute power and it applies a strict interpretation of sharia, or Islamic law, which imposes segregation sex in public places. Women can not drive nor travel abroad without a male relative, among other restrictions.

However, in recent months, and the heat of the Arab spring, the Saudis have participated in several protests, the largest on 17 June, when several activists defied the ban on driving and dared to drive their cars.

On August 24, police detained the activist Mayla Hariri challenge that ban in the city of Jeddah in western Saudi Arabia.

International organizations such as Amnesty International have urged the authorities of the kingdom to stop treating women as second class citizens and were granted rights .

Maran resigns

Pushed to the wall after CBI named him in the 2G spectrum allocation case, high-profile Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran today resigned from the Union Cabinet, becoming the second DMK casualty in the scam.

44-year-old Maran met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh after a Cabinet meeting and tendered his resignation following a word from DMK chief M Karunanidhi, highly-placed sources said.

Maran’s continuance in the Cabinet became untenable after the CBI in its status report on the 2G scam case yesterday, charged him with "forcing" a Chennai-based telecom promoter C Sivasankaran to sell his stakes in Aircel to a Malaysian firm in 2006 during his tenure as Telecom Minister in UPA-I.

The Prime Minister is believed to have had a word with DMK Parliamentary Party chief T R Baalu this morning and conveyed to him that the DMK leadership should be apprised of the position that Maran cannot continue in the Cabinet.

Baalu, who is in Delhi, is understood to have conveyed this to Karunanidhi who later asked Maran to put in his papers.

It was business as usual for Maran in the morning as he attended the Cabinet meeting during which he abstained himself for a brief while when the issue of licence for FM channels came up.

He kept himself away on account of conflict of interest because his brother Kalanidhi Maran runs a media empire that includes FM channels in various languages.

Maran went back home from the Cabinet meeting and returned later to give his resignation to the Prime Minister on the DMK chief’s direction.

Monagas is now the first president

The deputy of the Association of IU-V-SIEX Alejandro Nogales confirmed Wednesday that "as sure as day now," the coalition will refrain from voting today to elect a popular candidate José Antonio Monagas as Chairman of the Board of Extremadura, which it will enter the office by a simple majority .

This was announced Nogales, when asked by reporters in the press conference following the meeting of the Board of Spokesmen of the Assembly of Extremadura.

Monagas , in the plenary session on Tuesday did not get the absolute majority in the first ballot, which already failed IU, will be submitted today to a second in which only need the votes of the PP .

Nogales has warned that "will not stop the world" for a change of government is "normal" in a democracy.

Popular Party spokesman, Luis Hernandez Carron, who appeared later, has "no doubt" that Monago will be elected president, so, in his opinion, will one day "historic."

Socialist counterpart, Valentin Garcia, has warned that Monago be president by the "active participation" of IU, which will "open the doors." In his view, is also participating refrain is the same as "say yes or say no," because they have "political consequences."

Nogales has clarified that they do not trust or popular or socialist , but when it comes to government from the opposition may be "correct" certain synergies when it is "life" in office.

Deputy UI-V-SIEX, which has insisted it will not have any "blank check" to the PP, has stated that the coalition will be in opposition and not where the two major parties they want to "drop".

In his view, abstention is more difficult to "manage politically" , but had to follow the decision of the foundations of IU as "morally binding".

Llamazares criticizes the decision

Regarding the discrepancies between the national leadership of the party and its fellow Extremadura, Llamazares has been considered a "mistake" that allow the government of José Antonio Monagas popular in the region but has ruled is a "strategic mistake".

"A strategic mistake is for example not realize what is happening in this country , ignoring that the mobilization of 15-M is here to stay and not become, not change. This is a challenge to the change and no change of the forces conservative, they will have the support that is expected, but the change of the forces of leftist liberals. We are called to regeneration, the change in the way we do politics and the later we do worse, "she added.

Despite this "error", IU deputy indicated he did not believe his fellow Extremadura are punished by the national leadership and argued that the latter develops a strategy "a coherent political program and" although at certain times has contradictions.

In this regard, said the coalition must "assume their own contradictions" , explain to citizens the right of them, and take the potential costs that this election may have.

Although he has admitted the "tendency to become a regime" that can occur when one party governs a community for so long, Llamazares has indicated that PP does not think the training is "going to regenerate Extremadura" .

Finally, he lamented that there has been no agreement between the leftist forces in the region has prevented the arrival of Monagas to the Board. "The agreement has not been possible, in my opinion, because they do not have time or has deepened into an agreement leftist, democratic regeneration," he said.

Papandreou wins vote of confidence

Georges Papandreou has scored a first victory. As expected the new government, appointed last Friday to defuse internal divisions within his own party, has obtained the edge of the 1.00 am (midnight in Spain) the vote of confidence in the Greek Parliament.

The 155 deputies of PASOK, the socialist party leader George Papandreou, came to the momentous event and voted in favor, while opposition MPs joined only 143 (there were two absences) and voted en bloc against it. "If we are afraid, if we miss this opportunity, history will judge harshly " , Papandreou asserted shortly before the vote, launching a new and fruitless appeal to the opposition to support the Executive.

In Syntagma Square, at the gates of Parliament, at least 10,000 people gathered to express their anger against the Executive and protest against the new package of austerity measures intended to implement. "Thieves, thieves," people shouted, waving to the Parliament several ropes with the noose hanging and characteristic of pointing their laser beams from the eyes of policemen deployed in the area.

But the hardest test for Papandreou will take place next Tuesday, when Parliament decision on the new package of austerity measures that the EU requires Greece to impose in return for unlocking the fifth installment (12,000 million) loan that decided grant last year and a new grant worth around 110,000 million euros.

The austerity plan to add to the already approved last year include new lows in the salaries of civil servants, social spending cuts, tax rises and privatization in mass. Again, it is expected that the package is approved with the votes alone PASOK and the face of opposition from all the other parties.

The new Greek government spokesman, Elias Mossialos, was convinced that the 155 deputies voted for PASOK and seamlessly united in favor of the austerity plan. "The package of new measures will in no case less than 155 votes," he underlined.

However, it is assumed that there will be strong street protests and demonstrations. In fact, unions have called for the vote to coincide with a 48-hour general strike, which was not the case in Greece for over 20 years.

Portugal is ready for change

The center-right government in Portugal is presented as the 'majority for change'

The agreement to form a center-right government in Portugal between the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Social Democratic Centre (CDS) is a fact from early this afternoon."We expect a mammoth task. We will lead the great transformation that the country demands," said a hotel in Lisbon's new prime minister and leader of PSD, Pedro Passos Coelho, after signing the agreement called majority for change . His ally, Pablo Portas, leader of the CDS and probably Foreign Minister added that "the courage, change and moderation" set the course of the new government, ending six years of socialist majority in Portugal.The elections on June 5 gave 105 members of the PSD, and 24 to the CDS, which guarantees absolute majority in the unicameral parliament of 230 seats.

The composition of the Cabinet and its program will be presented "in due time to the president," he explained Passos Coelho, now has refused to give a clue about the number of ministries and names of ministers.It did yesterday in a statement, which said the Finance Minister, a key future government will be an independent.

The two pillars of the government alliance have recognized the seriousness of the situation in Portugal, "the edge of the limit," which forced the outgoing government of Socialist Jose Socrates to ask an external bailout of $ 78,000 million , to tidy up the accounts public.Passos Coelho Executive has promised a "stable" and "a clear mandate," which is not limited only to fulfill the agreements with international lenders (European Union and International Monetary Fund), but also faces "all changes necessary to Portugal's one time out of this cycle of requests for foreign aid. "He mentioned specifically the reform of economic structures, ensuring social mobility and helping the less fortunate.

With an eye on developments in Greek he plans on Portugal as a dark threat of contagion, Passos Coelho and Portas stressed their determination to "restore the confidence of the Portuguese and the markets."Trust in institutions not only political, but on the other content, such as universities and companies.To achieve this, reiterated the new prime minister, "the government must lead by example," presenting more results than words.

Morocco is entering a new era

Morocco will not longer be a quasi-absolute monarchy, although in practice not as authoritarian, but also will become a European-style parliamentary monarchy.You'll be halfway there.King Mohamed VI, 47, delivered a speech tonight in which he presented the new Constitution , which provides a cut of his powers and an increase in the Government and Parliament.

Mohamed VI announced a cut of his powers in response to protests

King Mohamed VI of Morocco is no longer "sacred" in the new Constitution

Thousands of Moroccans took to the streets despite the reforms announced by Mohamed VI

Mohamed VI.King of Morocco

IN DEPTH

Birth: 21/08/1963

Location:Rabat

Morocco

IN DEPTH

Capital: Rabat.

Government:Islamic Monarchy.

Population:34,343,219 (est. 2008)

The news on other Websites in Spanish in other languages Specifically, the king must choose the prime minister, to be named Prime Minister, within the parliamentary majority.This will now appoint the ministers, senior officials, directors of public companies and ambassadors, although some of these positions require the approval of the sovereign.

The king loses its "sacred" and will only be "inviolable," as the head of the Spanish State.Continue, however, holds the title of Commander of the Faithful, that is, the spiritual leader of Muslims.Religious matters remain within its exclusive competence.

Although "Islam is state religion", Article 41 of the Constitution stipulates that the king "is the guarantor of freedom of religious practice."Morocco reaffirms its recognition of freedom of religion but not freedom of conscience, that is, the possibility for a Muslim to change religion.

The monarch also maintain its authority under the military and foreign policy.Chair the Council of Minister, unless delegated that task to the Prime Minister and National Security Council a new creation.

Parliament's role is strengthened.You can take the initiative to revise the Constitution, enact amnesties, commissions of inquiry and create some officials, including President of the Court of Auditors, should appear in hemiclo once a year.

The preamble to the Constitution are also highlights of the Arab character of Morocco, its Jewish roots and Andalusia.Part of its population emigrated in the century XV century Andalusia to Morocco.

Berber, spoken in three regions, one of the Rif, it becomes an official language along with Arabic.An organic law shall develop later this constitutional provision.

Popular pressure

The real initiative is the response from Morocco to the youth protests , following the examples of Tunisia and Egypt, began the February 20 with the first street demonstrations across the country.

The Alawite ruler presided Friday an unusual bright Cabinet to approve the proposed new Constitution will be submitted to a referendum on July 1.Autumn is likely to be held early parliamentary elections.

The document has been prepared by a commission appointed by the sovereign and headed by Abdellatif Menuni constitutionalist.This gave the king, in Oujdah June 10, the text of the new constitution.

The committee heard the views of political parties and unions, but some left-wing training and youth would answer the Movement February 20 refused to transfer him disapprove of his opinion because the method of constitutional revision.

Reviews

New calls to demonstrate again this Sunday have circulated Friday by Facebook with comments critical of the draft constitution."It's a long parliamentary monarchy because the King retains much power," wrote the intellectual Benseddik Ahmed, who participated in demonstrations."The Makhzen (ICC) is regenerated with new clothes and heavy makeup, "he adds.

The parties have ten days to campaign for or against the new constitution to replace the 1996.

For the first time, Democratic Path , which boycotted the elections, advocates the republic and self-determination of Western Sahara, will have access to public television to decide on the new draft constitution.

Democratic Way is a small party that claims of Marxism-Leninism, but legal in the eyes of the Ministry of Interior.Plays an important role in the protests that travel from Morocco in late February.Never representatives had been invited to speak before the television cameras.

Secretary of the Interior, Hazar Saad, met Tuesday with several officials of the press to explain the conditions of access for political parties and unions to the four public television stations, the only existing in Morocco, during the constitutional referendum campaign, which will last ten days.

More parties represented in parliament have up to 12 minutes on each channel, and those who have no right to be three minutes of screen time.No one is excluded, he said, even democratic means."It's a new deep-water," said one attendee at the meeting.