Elections news — August 16, 2026

5 publications

1. PoliticsElectionsThink TanksMiddle East

   Aug 16, 2026, 23:47 UTC

   Putin Personally Removes Anti-War Party 'Yabloko' From Russian Elections

   Vladimir Putin personally ordered the removal of the 'Yabloko' party from the Russian State Duma elections, fearing its growing anti-war sentiment and potential impact on public opinion. The party, which had been gaining significant support, was excluded after Sergei Kiriyenko and the FSB also advocated for its withdrawal. If allowed to participate, 'Yabloko' could have received up to 20% of the votes, mainly from the anti-war electorate.

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2. PoliticsElectionsThink TanksMiddle East

   Aug 16, 2026, 20:41 UTC

   Mehbooba Mufti Slams Kiren Rijiju Over 'Mental Naxal' Remark

   Mehbooba Mufti, PDP chief, criticized Kiren Rijiju for defending PM Modi's 'mental Naxal' remark. Rijiju clarified that Modi's statement only targeted those supporting Maoists, Article 370, and advocating for secession. Mufti retorted that she supports Article 370 and thus is a 'mental Naxal'.

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3. PoliticsElectionsIndictmentMiddle East

   Aug 16, 2026, 19:55 UTC

   Likud Campaign Ad Places NYC Mayor Mamdani with Iran, Hezbollah Leaders

   Likud, Benjamin Netanyahu's party, has released a campaign billboard that places New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani alongside leaders of countries and groups Israel has fought militarily, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The billboard declares, 'They want Netanyahu to lose.' This move has drawn criticism from senior Israeli officials and sparked debate.

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4. PoliticsElectionsTrialMiddle East

   Aug 16, 2026, 04:56 UTC

   Russian Anti-War Deputy Disqualified Over Microsoft Fonts

   Mikhail Matveev, a Communist Party deputy who spoke out against the war in Ukraine, was disqualified from the State Duma elections. The Samara Regional Court ruled against him for using Microsoft fonts in his campaign materials, which are prohibited in Russia. Matveev criticized the decision, stating that the court's own website also uses Microsoft fonts.

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5. PoliticsLegislationRegulatorsElections

   Aug 16, 2026, 03:44 UTC

   Trump Urges Senate to Eliminate Daylight Saving Time

   President Donald Trump has called on the Senate to swiftly pass the 'No More Changing the Clocks Act', which aims to end daylight saving time. Trump argues that maintaining more natural light later in the day offers various benefits, including potentially reducing crime rates. He also criticizes the practice as causing unnecessary disruptions in daily life.

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