Iran elections could be a game-changer: experts
The election of the moderate Hassan Rowhani as Iran's new president is a game-changer which could set a new tone and soothe tensions with the West over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme.
Early results give Iran moderate clear lead: ministry
With results in from 10 percent of the polling stations, moderate candidate Hassan Rowhani has a clear lead, with 49.87 percent of the vote in Iran's presidential election.
Families of BBC staff threatened in Iran: broadcaster
Britain's BBC on Thursday accused the Iranian regime of perpetrating "unprecedented levels of intimidation" against families of its employees on the eve of the country's presidential vote.
Iran begins voting to elect new president: television
Iran began voting on Friday to elect the successor of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Host suspended for asking if Australia PM's partner gay
An Australian radio presenter has been suspended after pressing embattled Prime Minister Julia Gillard on air whether her hairdresser boyfriend Tim Mathieson is gay.
Nazarbayev approves regional Akims election
Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev has signed a law vesting local government with greater powers.
Women see flicker of hope for rights in Iran vote
Iran's presidential election is offering a flicker of hope to activists hoping to revive women's rights after they deteriorated during the eight years of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's presidency.
Candidates blame mismanagement for Iran economy crisis
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's "mismanagement" is largely responsible for Iran's severe economic crisis, most candidates for this week's presidential election have argued.
Bhutan to begin voting on second ever government
Voters in the isolated Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will begin electing their second ever government this week, five years after the country's Buddhist "dragon kings" gave way to democracy.
Italy holds local polls in test for parties
Italians voted in local polls on Sunday that will test political parties three months from a general election that left no clear winner and a month after the start of a fragile coalition cabinet.
Madagascar strongman says won't run in vote if rivals withdraw
Madagascar leader Andry Rajoelina has vowed to withdraw his controversial candidacy for upcoming presidential polls if his rivals do the same, as mediators scramble to save a deal aimed at ending a four-year political deadlock.
Swazi albinos plead for protection ahead of vote
Swaziland's albinos have called on the government for protection ahead of elections expected later this year, fearing their body parts will be harvested by candidates seeking good luck.
US slams Iran's disqualification of candidates
The United States on Tuesday condemned Iran's disqualification of hundreds of would-be presidential candidates, accusing the "unaccountable" clerical leadership of seeking to tighten its grip on power.
Obama congratulates Pakistan on vote
President Barack Obama congratulated Pakistan Sunday on its parliamentary elections and said Washington was ready to work "as equal partners" with the government that emerges.
Deadlock, demos loom after tight Bulgarian election
The European Union's poorest country Bulgaria faced fresh political uncertainty Monday after inconclusive elections held three months after the biggest demonstrations in years forced the government to resign.
Philippine holds elections vital for Aquino reforms
The Philippines held elections Monday seen as crucial for President Benigno Aquino's bold reform agenda, as deadly violence and graft-tainted candidates underlined the nation's deep-rooted problems.
New Pakistan government to hold firm on Taliban
Pakistan's incoming prime minister Nawaz Sharif looks set to be a pragmatic ally of Washington, unlikely to end the war against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban as he seeks to focus on fixing the economy.
Voters throng polls in Pakistan's political heart
Saima Ali had a message for Pakistan's women as the country went to the polls: ignore the Taliban threats and vote.
Bomb attack in Karachi wounds 12 as voting begins
A bomb blast targeting an election candidate wounded at least 12 people in Pakistan's commercial hub of Karachi as historic elections got underway on Saturday.
Armenia's ruling party wins Yerevan mayor race amid tensions
Armenia's ruling party has comfortably won a mayoral election in the capital Yerevan.