Vatican backs Monti, the anti-Berlusconi
The Vatican has thrown its weight behind outgoing prime minister Mario Monti, ditching the scandal-hit Silvio Berlusconi in favour of a practising Catholic they hope may lead Italy after February's general election.
Netanyahu launches re-election bid centred on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday put Iran at the top of on his re-election campaign, pledging that halting Tehran's nuclear programme would be his first priority as premier.
Surge in Pakistan violence raises fears for elections
A surge of violence in northwest Pakistan culminating in the assassination of a senior provincial minister has raised fears of a renewed Taliban campaign that could threaten national elections.
Italy election campaign kicks off as Monti quits
Italy's election campaign kicked off in earnest on Saturday after Prime Minister Mario Monti's resignation opened the way for a contest dominated by a raging debate over austerity in the recession-hit country.
S. Korea president-elect says security priority with North
South Korean president-elect Park Geun-Hye vowed Thursday to put national security first while pursuing greater engagement with a belligerent North Korea.
South Koreans vote in presidential election
South Koreans cast their votes Wednesday in a tight and potentially historic presidential election that could result in Asia's fourth-largest economy selecting its first female leader.
Japan election candidates make final pitches
Hundreds of candidates vying for a seat in Japan's parliament made their final pitches on Saturday in an election expected to see the return of the country's old guard.
Clinton holds the key to 2016 White House race
Will she, won't she, will she, won't she, will she join the dance? To borrow from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," that's the question on everyone's lips about Hillary Clinton and the 2016 White House race.
Candidate, 94, uses funeral fund for Japan election
A 94-year-old man who cashed in his funeral savings to use as an election deposit was out canvassing for votes Friday, just two days ahead of Japan's general election.
Petrol bombs thrown during Bangladesh protest
Hundreds of protesters in Bangladesh threw petrol bombs at police on Tuesday as opposition parties enforced a nationwide strike demanding elections under a neutral caretaker government.
Ghana opposition claims fraud in tight presidential vote
Ghana's main opposition party on Sunday alleged fraud in the country's tight presidential election, claiming it had evidence that its candidate had won the vote even before official results were declared.
German opposition launches bid to topple Merkel
Germany's opposition Social Democrats will on Sunday launch their campaign to unseat Chancellor Angela Merkel next year, throwing their backing behind her former finance minister to challenge her.
Italy's new centre-left leader Bersani faces test: press
Democratic Party chief Pier Luigi Bersani won primaries on Sunday to lead Italy's centre-left but now faces the challenge of uniting different currents in his party.
Software mogul slams S. Korean presidential politics
South Korean software mogul Ahn Cheol-Soo formally ended his popular independent presidential campaign Monday with a withering criticism of the country's entrenched left-right political divide.
Kuwait opposition to stage post-poll demo
The Kuwaiti opposition is to stage a demonstration at the weekend to protest against the new parliament which was elected amid a huge boycott.
White men to head all committees in US House
US House Republicans, ruing a presidential election loss in which it failed to attract enough women and minorities, has picked leaders for the 19 committees in the upcoming Congress, and they are all white males.
Kuwait heads into polls at a crossroads
Kuwait stands at a crossroads as voters head to the polls on Saturday for a contest being boycotted by the opposition and with little hope of restoring stability.
Euro crisis cements Merkel support for election duel
Germany swings into election countdown next week when Chancellor Angela Merkel and her chief challenger rally their party faithful for a campaign likely shaped by how hard the euro crisis hits German wallets.
Millions select Italian left's nominee for prime minister
Milllions of Italian centre-left voters cast their ballots on Sunday to select a nominee for prime minister ahead of a general election next year as the country suffers through a painful recession.
Could Spain survive loss of Catalonia?
Catalonia's leader Artur Mas says the powerful region's economy can stand tall in Europe without Spain. But could Spain survive without Catalonia?