Polling began slowly but gathered pace by midmorning in the capital Dhaka and other districts, with authorities expecting turnout to rise through the day. Results are due on Friday. More than 127 million people are eligible to vote.

The election unfolds under an interim administration led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, which has pledged to oversee a transparent and credible process after years of political tension, allegations of electoral manipulation and unrest that followed Hasina’s departure. Around 500 international observers and foreign journalists, including delegations from the European Union and the Commonwealth, are monitoring the vote.

This is the first time voters are returning to ballot boxes since the protests widely described by young participants as a “Gen Z uprising” led to the collapse of Hasina’s government. Her Awami League party is barred from contesting, and Hasina remains in exile in India.

A reshaped political field

With the Awami League absent, the contest is dominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and an 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami, once banned under Hasina but now re-emerging as a major political force.

Tarique Rahman, acting leader of the BNP and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in self-exile in London. Rahman has campaigned on promises to rebuild democratic institutions, restore the rule of law and stabilize an economy strained by political disruption and inflation.

Opposing the BNP is the Jamaat-led alliance. The conservative Islamist party has gained visibility since the political shift in 2024, drawing both supporters and critics. Some women’s groups and minority communities have voiced concern that expanded Islamist influence could place social freedoms under pressure. Bangladesh’s population is more than 90% Muslim, with Hindus forming the largest minority at around 8%.

After casting his ballot, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman described the vote as a decisive moment.

“It is a turning point,” he told The Associated Press. “People demand change. They desire change. We also desire the change.”

A vote under international scrutiny

The interim government has framed the election as an opportunity to restore confidence after a turbulent period marked by mob violence, attacks on Hindu communities and journalists, and concerns about weakening rule of law.

Bangladesh’s Parliament consists of 350 seats — 300 elected directly from single-member constituencies and 50 reserved for women. Lawmakers serve five-year terms and are elected by plurality. The Election Commission postponed voting in one constituency following the death of a candidate.

Observers say young voters could play an influential role. About 5 million first-time voters are eligible to participate, many of them part of the generation that mobilized during last year’s protests.

“I think it is a very crucial election because this is the first time we can show our opinion with freedom,” said Ikram ul Haque, 28, after voting in Dhaka. He said previous elections had not felt fully fair.

“We are celebrating the election. It is like a festival here,” he added. “I hope Bangladesh will have exponential change.”

Referendum tied to reform agenda

Alongside choosing lawmakers, voters are also participating in a referendum linked to a reform charter signed last year by major political parties. The proposals aim to reshape parts of Bangladesh’s constitutional framework following the political upheaval.

If endorsed by a majority, the newly elected Parliament could establish a constitutional reform council within 180 working days of its first session. Among the proposals are the creation of new constitutional bodies and a shift from a single-chamber legislature to a bicameral system, with an upper house empowered to amend the constitution by majority vote.

Both the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami signed the charter after initial reservations. The Awami League and some of its former allies were excluded from the discussions, and critics argue that the referendum limits the range of options presented to voters.

A test of democratic recovery

Bangladesh’s political history since independence from Pakistan in 1971 has been shaped by rivalry between major parties, periods of military rule and recurring allegations of vote rigging. Thursday’s election is widely viewed as a measure of whether the country can move beyond that pattern.

For many voters, the act of casting a ballot carries symbolic weight after months of uncertainty and upheaval. For political leaders, the outcome may determine how quickly institutions regain stability and whether proposed reforms will gain legitimacy.

As ballots are counted, attention will turn not only to who forms the next government, but to whether the process itself restores confidence in Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory.

Source: AP News – Bangladesh votes in its first election since the 2024 Gen Z uprising that ousted Hasina

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Published: October 14, 2025, 22:10 EDT

Madagascar’s political crisis deepened after President Andry Rajoelina fled the country, saying he feared for his life following a military rebellion that joined weeks of nationwide anti-government protests.

President Says He Left “to Protect My Life”

In a late-night address broadcast Monday on social media from an undisclosed location, President Andry Rajoelina confirmed that he had fled Madagascar after an elite military unit turned against his government. The president said he was forced to seek safety amid what he described as “an illegal attempt to seize power.”

Rajoelina, who has faced growing public anger over economic hardship and poor governance, stopped short of announcing his resignation. His remarks were intended for national television but were delayed for hours after soldiers reportedly attempted to seize control of the state broadcaster, according to the presidency.

The video was eventually streamed on the presidency’s official Facebook page but did not air on state TV.

CAPSAT Military Unit Joins Protesters

The crisis escalated over the weekend when members of the elite CAPSAT military unit aligned themselves with protesters calling for Rajoelina’s resignation. Thousands gathered in Antananarivo’s main square, where soldiers on armored vehicles waved national flags and were cheered by crowds.

The CAPSAT unit declared it now controls the armed forces and has appointed a new officer to lead the military. The defense minister reportedly accepted the appointment in Rajoelina’s absence.

Col. Michael Randrianirina, a CAPSAT commander, said the military “responded to the people’s calls” but denied the action was a coup. He added that the army would “let the people decide” whether Rajoelina should remain in power.

Weeks of Protests Lead to Political Crisis

Protests began on September 25, driven by a youth movement known as “Gen Z Madagascar,” over persistent water and electricity shortages. The demonstrations quickly evolved into broader anti-government unrest fueled by discontent over corruption, poverty, and inflation.

According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have died and dozens more have been injured since protests began. The UN has criticized the government for what it described as “a violent response” to largely peaceful demonstrations, while authorities have disputed the casualty figures.

Civic groups, labor unions, and students have joined the demonstrations, prompting authorities to impose nightly curfews in Antananarivo and other cities. Despite the curfews, protests have continued to draw large crowds in the capital and other regions.

Calls for Calm as Political Unrest Deepens

The African Union has urged restraint from all sides and called for dialogue to prevent further escalation. The U.S. Embassy in Madagascar advised its citizens to remain indoors, citing a “highly volatile and unpredictable” situation.

Rajoelina, who appealed for dialogue in his video message, said the country must “respect the constitution and seek a peaceful resolution.” He did not confirm how he left the country, but reports suggest he was flown out aboard a French military aircraft.

The French government declined to comment on the reports. Madagascar, a former French colony, has maintained complex ties with France, and Rajoelina’s French citizenship has been a source of controversy among his critics.

A Nation with a History of Political Upheaval

Madagascar has experienced frequent political crises since gaining independence from France in 1960. The island nation of 31 million has seen several coups and leadership changes over the decades.

Rajoelina first rose to prominence in 2009 when the CAPSAT unit helped him lead a military-backed transition that ousted then-President Marc Ravalomanana. He was later elected president in 2018 and reelected in 2023 in a vote boycotted by opposition parties.

The same military unit that helped bring him to power in 2009 has now rebelled against his leadership, reflecting deep divisions within Madagascar’s armed forces and society.

Former Officials Reportedly Flee to Mauritius

Adding to the uncertainty, Madagascar’s former prime minister and one of Rajoelina’s top advisers reportedly fled to Mauritius early Sunday. The Mauritian government confirmed the arrival of the aircraft but said it was “not satisfied” with the circumstances of its landing.

As of Tuesday, the whereabouts of Rajoelina remain unknown, and no formal interim government has been announced. Political observers warn that the situation could worsen if dialogue between military leaders, protesters, and the government does not begin soon.

International Response and Outlook

Regional and international organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union, continue to monitor developments closely. Diplomats have urged Madagascar’s leaders to avoid further bloodshed and protect democratic institutions.

Analysts say the crisis could reshape Madagascar’s political landscape, especially as younger generations demand transparency, reform, and improved living conditions. For now, the nation faces an uncertain future amid mounting political and economic instability.

Source: AP News – Madagascar’s president says he fled the country in fear for his life after military rebellion

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Published Time: 09-13-2025, 17:45

Nepal has lifted a days-long curfew in its capital and surrounding districts following mass protests that left at least 51 people dead and forced the resignation of the prime minister. Authorities say order has been restored as Sushila Karki, the nation’s first woman prime minister, assumes office and pledges to restore stability.

Curfew Lifted in Kathmandu Valley

Officials confirmed Saturday that residents in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur can once again move freely after restrictions were removed. Shops reopened, traffic resumed, and markets saw crowds returning for the first time in nearly a week.

The curfew, imposed late Tuesday, had permitted only a few hours each day for residents to leave their homes for food and essential supplies. Authorities said lifting the restrictions was possible after days of negotiations and relative calm in the streets.

Protests Sparked by Social Media Ban

The unrest began Monday after the government temporarily banned Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, citing concerns over compliance with registration and oversight rules. The move triggered a wave of anger, particularly among younger citizens, who viewed it as an attack on free expression.

Although the ban was quickly withdrawn, demonstrations escalated into broader protests against political corruption, inequality, and frustration with entrenched elites. Protesters attacked government offices, set fire to parliament and the presidential residence, and clashed with security forces.

Police opened fire during several confrontations, and officials confirmed that most of the victims were demonstrators. Some fatalities also occurred in prison riots, where inmates attempted mass escapes. Three police officers were among the dead, according to Nepal Police.

Transition of Power

The political crisis came to a head Friday when President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved parliament and appointed Sushila Karki, 73, as interim prime minister. Elections have been scheduled for March 5, 2026, the president’s office announced.

Karki, a respected former Supreme Court Chief Justice, is remembered for her 2016–2017 tenure as the country’s only female chief justice and her stance against corruption. She was sworn in Friday evening in Kathmandu.

A Historic Appointment

On her first day in office, Karki visited injured protesters at Civil Hospital in Kathmandu. According to the Associated Press (AP), she told one patient recovering from gunshot wounds: “I will work with everything I have.” She made no formal public statement but pledged to prioritize the nation’s stability.

Karki succeeds former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who resigned Tuesday and vacated his residence amid escalating unrest. The army assumed control of the streets that evening, acting as mediator between protesters, political leaders, and the presidency until the interim appointment was confirmed.

Anger Among Nepal’s Youth

The demonstrations, widely labeled the “Protest of Gen Z,” underscored frustrations among younger Nepalis over inequality and lack of opportunity. Many accused political leaders’ children—nicknamed “nepo kids”—of enjoying privilege and luxury while most youth struggle to secure jobs or stable futures.

Analysts note that while the immediate spark was the social media ban, the deeper grievances reflect years of dissatisfaction with governance, corruption, and slow economic progress. The protests mark one of the most significant youth-led uprisings in Nepal’s recent history.

Casualties and Community Impact

At least 51 people lost their lives during the unrest, including protesters, inmates, and three police officers. Hospitals across Kathmandu reported treating dozens of patients with gunshot wounds and injuries sustained during clashes.

The violence left parts of the capital scarred, with damaged government buildings, burned vehicles, and shattered storefronts. Despite the lifting of the curfew, police and army patrols remain stationed across the city to maintain order.

Looking Ahead

Nepal now faces a critical political transition. With elections scheduled for March, the interim government under Prime Minister Karki is tasked with restoring public trust and ensuring a credible electoral process.

Observers say her reputation as a reformer could help bridge divides, though the scale of youth discontent poses ongoing challenges. International partners, including human rights groups, have urged Nepalese authorities to safeguard free expression and avoid excessive use of force.

Conclusion

The end of the curfew in Kathmandu marks a tentative step toward normalcy after a week of deadly protests and political upheaval. With Sushila Karki making history as Nepal’s first woman prime minister, the coming months will test whether her leadership can stabilize the country, address youth frustrations, and guide Nepal toward peaceful elections.

Source: AP News – Curfew is lifted and calm returns to Nepal in wake of mass protests that killed at least 51 people

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