DEMOCRACY

ELECTIONS AND BEYOND

A ‘New Kazakhstan’, or more of the same?

President positions as a reformer – but his latest implausible landslide election win is straight out of the old playbook

Malaysia: will new government bring real change?

Challenger promising to improve civic space comes to power – but political volatility is likely to continue

Bahrain: election without freedoms falls far short of democracy

Empty election ritual held in the absence of opposition leaves ruling power untroubled

Israel: most extreme government ever on the cards

Netanyahu is back, set to lead a government with far-right racist elements

Brazil: danger averted

Transition process underway following narrow defeat of far-right incumbent by broad coalition under leftist leadership

China’s Xi Jinping at the pinnacle of power

Re-elected party chairman set to become China’s longest-ruling strongman since Mao

Bulgaria: stuck in a loop?

Fourth election in 18 months produces yet more deadlock with parties divided on Russia and corruption

Change in Lesotho: how much, and who for?

Newly founded party wins election and enters government – but will it deliver real change?

SOUTHERN AFRICA

Brazil: world awaits pivotal presidential runoff vote

Close result expected after polarising campaign

Burkina Faso: second coup further dents hope of democracy

New junta seems set to follow Mali’s path by inviting Russian forces in