World Mexico Mexico Drug Cartels A fresh wave of violence is sweeping through Mexico as the country prepares to choose its new president on July 1. Powerful drug cartels are battling for influence and have been targeting politicians they think might get in their way. According to an investigation by Reuters, at least 82 candidates and officeholders have already been killed since the electoral season began in September 2017. Those killed come from across the political spectrum, and most were running for local positions rather than high-profile national posts. Drug lords are hoping to install lawmakers they know and trust to ensure that their lucrative trade is allowed to continue. At least four politicians have been killed in the past week alone, as candidates vie for around 3,400 positions; a record number. If cartels can get their allies into office, local government offers a source of well-paid contracts and bribes. Local police forces can even be forced into working for and … [Read more...] about Mexican Drug Cartels Warn Politicians ‘Drop Out or Be Killed’ As Presidential Election Nears
Presidential elections
US sanctions powerful Venezuelan official on eve of presidential election
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced sanctions Friday on a powerful Venezuelan official and his family on the eve of the troubled South American country’s presidential election.Diosdado Cabello, head of the ruling Socialist Party, and his wife and brother were blacklisted by the Treasury Department. It accused them of illegally enriching themselves through drug trafficking, money laundering and embezzlement of state funds.Cabello or his representatives own 14 properties and three firms in New York and Florida that authorities can seize as part of the sanctions, the Treasury Department said.In addition, American individuals and companies may not do business with the Cabellos, the latest of several Venezuelan officials who have been punished by Treasury.Venezuela is collapsing under the weight of multiple political and economic crises. It is holding a presidential election Sunday that most outside observers consider a sham.President Nicolas Maduro is running … [Read more...] about US sanctions powerful Venezuelan official on eve of presidential election
Who Will Win Colombia Presidential Elections? What You Need to Know About The Battles To Come
World Colombia 2018 Presidential Elections Presidential candidates Gustavo Petro and Iván Duque are poised to win the first round of elections in Colombia Sunday evening, according to recent polls. Duque from the center-right-leaning party Democratic Center is leading the polls by 41.5 percent, trailed only by left-leaning Petro with 29.5 percent. Coalición Colombia party alliance Sergio Fajardo ranks third with 16.3 percent, followed by Mejor Vargas Lleras Movement runner Germán Vargas Lleras in a distant fourth position with 6.6 percent and Liberal Party hopeful Humberto de la Calle, with only 1.3 percent. But Claudia López, Fajardo’s vice presidential running mate, still believes her ticket has a pretty good chance at making it to the second round. “Today we have reached this point trying to become the first alternative power in Colombia that doesn’t belong to traditional families or political parties,” López told Newsweek. … [Read more...] about Who Will Win Colombia Presidential Elections? What You Need to Know About The Battles To Come
Divided opposition: Aitzaz, Rehman submit nomination papers for presidential election
Rifts have appeared in the coalition of opposition parties as a conclusion could not be reached 0SHARES Share Tweet Email Recommended Stories Joint session of parliament called to elect new president on September 4President Mamnoon Hussain’s term will expire on September 9PML-N promises ‘surprise’ in presidential electionParty slams Imran Khan for giving ministries to people he once slanderedPresidential polls: ECP sets noon deadline to submit nomination papersCandidates must file extract of electoral rolls duly signed by district election commissioner … [Read more...] about Divided opposition: Aitzaz, Rehman submit nomination papers for presidential election
More Dallas County residents have voted early for this year’s midterms than for the 2016 presidential election
AUSTIN — On the eighth day of early voting Monday, the number of Dallas County residents who cast ballots passed the same-day total for 2016 presidential election. The county has had 364,032 people vote either in person or by mail, compared to 362,549 through eight days of early voting in 2016. The figure is about 27 percent of Dallas' 1.3 million registered voters, according to the Texas secretary of state.Turnout could still fall short of 2016 if it isn't sustained through Friday, the final day.Dallas is the only North Texas county to surpass 2016 so far, but others have seen significantly higher voter turnout than in previous midterm elections.As of Monday, 314,494 people had voted in Tarrant County, 202,385 in Collin and 154,629 in Denton. … [Read more...] about More Dallas County residents have voted early for this year’s midterms than for the 2016 presidential election