More than 2,000 delegates from across South Africa are expected to gather for what the party describes as its largest congress to date. The key item on the agenda is the election of new federal leadership, including the positions of Federal Leader and Federal Chairperson.

Incumbent leader John Steenhuisen is not seeking re-election. Among the frontrunners for Federal Leader are Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Sedibeng councillor Sibusiso Dyonase. The congress will also elect a new Federal Chairperson, with contenders including Western Cape MEC Ivan Meyer and Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga.

The gathering comes just months ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 2026. Delegates are expected to debate and finalize policy positions as the DA positions itself within the Government of National Unity while preparing its campaign strategy for the polls.

The event is being closely watched as a signal of the party’s direction in the lead-up to the municipal vote. Proceedings continue on Sunday.

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This is the first winter election in 36 years—Japan usually picks milder seasons for this. But Takaichi wanted a fresh mandate right after nabbing her party’s leadership.

Surveys predict her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) teaming up with the Japanese Innovation Party could grab up to 300 out of 465 seats in the Lower House.

It’s a comeback for the LDP after losing their long-time ally and majority due to scandals and high living costs.

After two previous LDP prime ministers quit amid tanking popularity, Takaichi has stepped up as a crowd favorite.

She’s winning folks over with promises of tax breaks and subsidies. Critics wonder if more spending will really kickstart the slow economy, especially with Japan’s sky-high government debt.

Her personal appeal might give the LDP a boost, but the snow could keep some voters home, particularly in the north and east.

Early voting turnout was about 4.6 million, down 2.5% from 2024, blamed on the weather.

Places like Niigata saw heavy snow, with trains, ferries, and flights canceled. Even Tokyo got a rare dusting as people headed to polls.

Takaichi, a fan of Margaret Thatcher, aims to be Japan’s “Iron Lady.” She’s close to the late Shinzo Abe’s circle, pushing strong defense and nationalist ideas.

Despite her old-school views on family and gender, she’s hugely popular with young voters aged 18-30. Her approval ratings have stayed over 70% since October.

She’s built a massive social media following, with 2.6 million on X. Her campaign video hit over 100 million streams in under 10 days.

At 64, she’s sparked “Sanae-mania”—her black leather tote sold out, and her pink pen went viral.

This sociologist notes that Japanese politics has been run by older men forever, so a woman leader feels like a fresh change.

But some doubt her popularity will fully carry over, since it’s a parliamentary vote with many scandal-tainted male LDP candidates.

The party got hit by a fundraising mess since 2023, leading to resignations and probes.

This election’s a risk for Takaichi, with her old ally Komeito now teaming up against her in a big opposition group.

Another challenge: selling voters on spending plans without worsening Japan’s debt issues.

Her policies might give quick help to families, but they skip fixing low productivity and flat wages.

Plus, she’s strained ties with China by talking tough on Taiwan defense, hitting a low in relations.

Meanwhile, she’s cozying up to US President Donald Trump for steadier alliances.

Trump even endorsed her recently, which is unusual for a US leader.

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According to reports, at least 10 people have died and many more have been injured. The main opposition party claims the death toll could be much higher, accusing security forces of using excessive force. Authorities, however, have described the unrest as “isolated incidents.”

The UN called on Tanzanian security forces to avoid unnecessary or excessive use of force and urged protesters to remain peaceful. The organization also appealed to the government to lift restrictions on internet access and to respect citizens’ rights to free expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

A night curfew remains in place in Dar es Salaam as tensions continue to rise. The UN further urged Tanzanian authorities to release those detained during the protests and to restore public trust in the electoral process.

President Hassan has denied accusations of widespread human rights abuses, but the ongoing unrest highlights deep divisions and growing frustration among the population following a contentious election.

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The government, led by President Alassane Ouattara, has banned all protests as the 83-year-old leader seeks a fourth term in office. He now faces four opposition candidates — Simone Gbagbo, Ahoua Don Mello, Jean-Louis Billon, and Henriette Lagou — whose campaigns continue despite the restrictions.

Although Ouattara has overseen major infrastructure growth since taking office in 2011, critics accuse him of deepening inequality and maintaining close ties with France. The incident has further intensified the already fragile atmosphere ahead of Saturday’s vote.

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Supporters of Tchiroma, including young men and women, have organized round-the-clock shifts to protect him from possible arrest. Armed with sticks and wooden slats, they believe Biya’s government might move against the opposition figure after he challenged the election results.

“We are tired,” said Garoua resident Moussa Iya Mohaman Adama. “We studied, but there are no jobs. Cameroon needs change — from north to south, east to west. We don’t want war, but it’s time for Biya to hand power to the people.”

Witnesses say riot police and gendarmes surrounded Tchiroma’s home shortly after election day, sparking clashes with residents who refused to leave the area. Since then, Tchiroma has been confined to his home, delivering statements to the public from within.

Despite the heavy security presence, many in Garoua remain defiant. “It was the people who decided to protect him,” said a relative, Hassana Tchiroma. “They are standing up for what they believe is right.”

The city remains tense as Cameroonians await the official results of an election that could reshape the nation’s political future after 43 years under President Biya.

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Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump openly admitted, “I’m not sure I’m going to make heaven, but I’ve made life a lot better for a lot of people.” He added that despite his accomplishments, he doesn’t believe he’s “heaven-bound.”

Trump also claimed that the war between Russia and Ukraine could have been avoided if the 2020 U.S. election had not been, in his words, “rigged.” He blamed what he called a “crooked election” for the global instability that followed, accusing the current administration of incompetence.

According to Trump, the ongoing tensions in the Israel-Gaza region have also been made worse under Democratic leadership. He lamented that the situation “was much harder to get settled” because of what he described as weak governance.

In an earlier interview, Trump had said one of his goals for a second term was to broker peace across the world, believing such efforts might earn him a place in heaven. Reflecting on the deaths caused by international conflicts, he said, “I want to try to get to heaven if possible… I’m hearing that I’m not doing well.”

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At the heart of the controversy is Raymond Singathini Chigogwana, a seasoned Zimbabwean banker and CEO of Access Finance Group. His companies allegedly facilitated the transfer of large sums of money—over R800 million—on behalf of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo. The funds, linked to a 2023 election printing tender awarded to South African company Ren-Form, have triggered investigations by both Zimbabwean and South African authorities into suspected money laundering.

Chigogwana’s financial operations—spanning Johannesburg and Harare—are believed to have played a role in rapidly moving the funds across multiple banks and accounts. According to the South African Financial Intelligence Centre (SAFIC), this pattern of movement fits the money-laundering model known as “layering,” which involves hiding the origin of illicit funds through complex transactions.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) confirmed its investigation, with its chairperson stating that documents were being prepared to support formal charges. Chivayo’s former business associates, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, have also been questioned.

Click:Pakistan Responds to Indian Airstrikes Following Deadly Attack in Pahalgam

Ren-Form received R1.2 billion from the Zimbabwean government as part of the election contract and reportedly paid R800 million to Chivayo for his role as broker. The company maintains that all dealings were above board and within legal frameworks, though it did not comment on the detailed money trail identified by SAFIC.

Investigators found that significant portions of the money were paid to Chivayo’s companies—Intratrek Holdings, Edenbreeze, and others—before being disbursed across several businesses and individuals. Some of the funds were reportedly spent on luxury items and properties in various countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, the U.S., and the U.A.E.

Authorities suspect that this complex network of transfers and purchases may have included payments not aligned with declared business purposes, raising red flags under anti-money laundering laws.

Financial regulators in South Africa are now examining whether Ren-Form, Chigogwana, and Chivayo’s entities were involved in violating financial compliance rules.

The SAFIC report concluded that although the transactions involved were presented as legitimate business dealings, the rapid movement and unusual nature of the activities strongly suggest possible criminal activity.

Zimbabwe had previously been grey-listed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2019 due to deficiencies in its anti-money laundering systems and was only removed in 2022. This latest scandal risks bringing renewed scrutiny and economic consequences.

This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of transparency, due diligence, and accountability in public procurement—especially in electoral processes where public trust must be safeguarded.

Closing Message for Campaign Context:

This story is a clear call to action: governments, financial institutions, and civil society must work together to protect public funds, ensure clean elections, and stop financial systems from being used for corrupt practices. Accountability is not a choice—it is a duty to the people.

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While both major parties focused on addressing the rising cost of living, many voters were also influenced by global instability, particularly concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies, which have affected Australia’s economy.

Albanese, speaking from Melbourne, highlighted achievements such as rising real wages and falling inflation. He then travelled to his home district in Sydney to cast his vote. The prime minister has promised to improve housing affordability and strengthen the country’s healthcare system if re-elected.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton began his day in Melbourne, urging voters to support his Liberal-National coalition. After voting in his Brisbane district, he expressed confidence that many “quiet Australians” were backing his campaign. Dutton, who has promised major cuts to immigration and public service jobs, remains a polarising figure.

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The campaign saw Labor link Dutton to Trump-style politics, hoping to leverage negative sentiment toward the U.S. president. Dutton, once ahead in polls, saw his support dip after U.S. tariffs were extended to Australian exports, contributing to economic strain.

Australia, which maintains strong security ties with the U.S., was hit with a 10% duty on its exports despite its alliance. The issue became a focal point during the final weeks of the campaign.

Voting is compulsory in Australia, and polling stations opened at 8 a.m. local time. However, nearly 8 million of the 18 million eligible voters had already submitted their ballots early. Polls are set to close at 6 p.m. across the country. 

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General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the 2023 coup that removed President Ali Bongo from power, is now contesting the presidency after amending the constitution to permit his candidacy. Eight candidates are competing in the race, with only one woman—Gninga Chaning Zenaba—among them.

Read: News: Meet Lieutenant Colonel KW Nkuna: Leading the fight against vehicle crime in Limpopo

Other contenders include former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-by-Nze, as well as two members of the former ruling party, Stéphane Germain Iloko and Alain Simplice Boungouères. Election results may begin to emerge on Sunday, although counting could extend into the following week. An estimated one million people are eligible to vote both within Gabon and abroad.

The Central African country, known for its oil and timber wealth, has a population of just 2.5 million. Yet despite its resources, about 35% of citizens live below the poverty line.

Throughout the brief campaign period, candidates focused primarily on reaching rural voters, while campaign activity in the capital, Libreville, remained subdued. However, the city is heavily covered with campaign materials for Oligui Nguema, whose supporters praise his leadership style as action-oriented.

Critics argue that the transition has been manipulated in his favor. A revised electoral code and a new constitution have raised concerns about fairness, particularly since one of his most popular rivals, Albert Ondo Ossa, was disqualified due to a new age limit.

Bilie-by-Nze, viewed as Oligui Nguema’s strongest opponent, has tried to position himself as the face of change, though his ties to the previous regime continue to raise doubts.

Many Gabonese voters have expressed hope that the election will mark a turning point from years of mismanagement, corruption, and widespread unemployment.

“We want a Gabon that is fair, just, and offers equal opportunities,” said voter Noel Kounta. Others, like 30-year-old pharmacist Shonnys Akoulatele, voiced concerns about economic struggles, calling for more attention to job creation and better working conditions.

Polling stations are scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m. local time on Saturday.

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Top UN court says Israeli occupation of West Bank and East Jerusalem is illegal

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