Ecuador declares state of emergency, curfew after druglord escapes prison | Politics News

Ecuador declares state of emergency, curfew after druglord escapes prison | Politics News

Ecuador has declared a state of emergency after an “extremely dangerous” druglord escaped from maximum-security detention and unrest broke out at several prisons in the violence-plagued country. President Daniel Noboa, in office since November, announced a 60-day mobilisation of soldiers in Ecuador’s streets and prisons as authorities searched for Jose…

Governor’s revolt: Why Iowa’s Kim Reynolds split from Trump ahead of caucus | Elections News

Governor’s revolt: Why Iowa’s Kim Reynolds split from Trump ahead of caucus | Elections News

For decades, it was a tradition for Iowa governors to remain neutral ahead of the state’s all-important caucuses — the first major contest of the United States presidential race. And Republican Governor Kim Reynolds seemed poised to uphold that tradition for much of last year. “I’m going to remain neutral,”…

Sheikh Hasina wins fifth term in Bangladesh amid turnout controversy | Elections News

Sheikh Hasina wins fifth term in Bangladesh amid turnout controversy | Elections News

Sheikh Hasina has secured her fifth term as Bangladeshi prime minister in an election whose outcome was decided the moment its schedule was announced in early November when the main opposition boycotted the poll. The surprise was who came second. Instead of any political party, independent candidates secured a total…

A poll with outsize importance: What to know about Taiwan’s election | Elections News

A poll with outsize importance: What to know about Taiwan’s election | Elections News

Taipei, Taiwan – In what is set to be a historic year for elections worldwide, Taiwanese voters will head to the polls this week to choose their next president, vice president and legislative representatives on January 13. Despite a population of just 23.5 million people, Taiwan’s election carries an outsized…

China sanctions five US arms manufacturers over Taiwan weapons sales | Weapons News

China sanctions five US arms manufacturers over Taiwan weapons sales | Weapons News

The move follows US approval of $300m in military aid for the self-ruled island, which holds elections in a week. China has announced sanctions against five US arms manufacturers over weapons sales to Taiwan. Beijing claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has not ruled out the…

US defence chief promises transparency amid secrecy around hospital stay | Military News

US defence chief promises transparency amid secrecy around hospital stay | Military News

Lloyd Austin went to hospital for elective surgery on January 1 but the White House was not notified. United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has said he takes “full responsibility” for the secrecy after it emerged that he had been in hospital since last Monday and that many top White…