French deadlock, UK elects record number of women – your quick recap of recent elections around the world

by Admin
July 9, 2024

In a year where almost half the world is heading to polls, it’s unsurprising we’ve seen multiple international elections in just a few days.

It can be hard to keep up with the surprise swings, new leaders, resignations, and campaign speculation.

So we’ve rounded up the latest election news from around the grounds in one handy spot.

Tap the links below to jump to each section.

France is no closer to knowing who will form government following snap election

French politicians from a left-wing coalition are working out their next steps with President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance, after election results gave them the bulk of seats in a hung parliament.

Mr Macron’s centrist group did better than the polls had predicted in Sunday’s parliamentary election.

But it was the left-wing Popular Front coalition that came first, and is now promising to select its own prime minister within a week.

That could be a struggle – the left doesn’t have enough MPs in parliament to form a majority, and may need to reach out to the centre.

Meanwhile, the far-right has lost its momentum for now, as France enters a new period of political deal-making.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal submitted his resignation, but has been asked to stay in power in a caretaker capacity to “ensure the country’s stability” and to see out the Paris Olympics, which kick off later this month.

Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian wins Iran’s presidential runoff election

Reformist candidate for the Iran’s presidential election Masoud Pezeshkian clenches his fist after casting his vote.(AP: Vahid Salemi)

Former heart surgeon Masoud Pezeshkian has won Iran’s runoff presidential election, besting hardliner Saeed Jalili.

A vote count offered by authorities put Mr Pezeshkian as the winner, with 16.3 million votes to Mr Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election.

Mr Pezeshkian’s win sees Iran at a delicate moment, with tensions high over the Israel-Hamas war, Iran’s advancing nuclear program, and a looming US election that could put any chance of a détente between Tehran and Washington at risk.

The Kremlin congratulated Mr Pezeshkian on his victory, and said Russia hoped its partnership with Tehran would continue.

Meanwhile, White House spokesperson John Kirby said the United States was not ready to resume nuclear talks with Iran under the new president.

UK elects most diverse parliament as Sunak appoints shadow cabinet

Britain’s Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood and Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson.(Reuters: Claudia Greco)

When Britons overwhelmingly voted for Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party in a landslide win that ended 14 years of Conservative government, they elected the most diverse parliament in history.

The newly-installed parliament includes a record 242 female MPs, 22 more than after the last election in 2019.

Black, Asian and ethnic minority MPs now represent about 13 per cent of the House of Commons, up from 10 per cent in 2019.

Meanwhile, British opposition leader Rishi Sunak has appointed his shadow cabinet following a historic election defeat where a record number of cabinet ministers lost their seats.

Most notable, former prime minister David Cameron has resigned from his role as Foreign Secretary.

This week, Sir Keir will visit the White House to have his first face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden after being congratulated over the phone following his victory.

And speaking of the US president…

Biden tells wavering Democrats he will not abandon campaign

Several senior Democrats have called for US President Joe Biden to step aside.(Reuters: Elizabeth Frantz)

Mr Biden says it’s time for questions about his candidacy for the US presidential election to end after some House Democrats urged the 81-year-old to step aside.

Writing to congressional Democrats, Mr Biden says his party had one job — which is to defeat Donald Trump — and any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity only helps the Republican leader.

At the same time, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has rejected speculation Mr Biden is being treated for Parkinson’s disease, saying if he were ill it would have been picked up on routine medical examinations.

Adam Smith is the latest Democrat to ask Mr Biden to end his re-election bid, telling CNN Vice-President Kamala Harris would be a better choice ahead of the November election.

“Well look, I think he should step aside,” Mr Smith said.

“I think it’s become clear that he’s not the best person to carry the Democratic message, and here’s the thing: we have an incredibly strong message and record to run on, and all respect to the president, he’s done a great job.

“Personally, I think Kamala Harris would be a much better, stronger candidate.”

ABC/wires