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Japan’s LDP elects Takaichi as new leader likely to be first female prime minister

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Sanae Takaichi, a former economic security minister and a right-wing figure in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has been elected to lead Japan’s ruling party, making her the likely candidate to become Japan’s first female prime minister. She defeated Shinjiro Koizumi in a run-off vote. The parliamentary vote to formally elect the new prime minister is expected to take place on October 15.

Takaichi, 64, is a protege of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and aligns with a conservative vision for Japan. While her victory is historic as the first female leader of the LDP, critics note her generally conservative stance on social issues. In the past, she has supported the LDP’s view of women serving as good mothers and wives, and she opposes social reforms such as same-sex marriage, patrilineal imperial succession laws, and allowing married couples to have separate surnames.

She has, however, recently spoken about the need to educate men about female health issues like menopause to better support women in school and at work, and during her campaign, she promised to increase female representation in her cabinet. Some experts are skeptical, suggesting she may not actively champion women’s rights or gender equality policies, despite her prior role as Minister for Gender Equality, and may be primarily focused on following the right-wing agenda of her mentor.

As the new leader, Takaichi faces significant domestic and international challenges. Domestically, she must work to regain public trust in the LDP following recent election losses that left the coalition without a majority in both houses of parliament. Key issues she will need to address include an aging population, a faltering economy, and growing public anxiety about rising prices and immigration.

During the campaign, both Takaichi and Koizumi appealed to voters concerned about immigration, with Takaichi stating that Japan should “reconsider policies that allow in people with completely different cultures and backgrounds.” Economically, Takaichi has historically favored aggressive monetary easing and big fiscal spending, policies similar to “Abenomics,” though she has recently tempered her stance.

On the international front, Takaichi, known as a China hawk and a wartime history revisionist who regularly visits the Yasukuni Shrine, may face complicated diplomatic relations with China and South Korea.

Her “Japan First” policy is seen as aligning with the “America First” policy of U.S. President Donald Trump, and a diplomatic meeting with him is anticipated in late October, where he may pressure Japan to increase its defense spending. She will also need to secure cooperation from opposition lawmakers, particularly more centrist groups, to govern effectively since the LDP-led coalition no longer holds a parliamentary majority.

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Donald Trump refuses to rule out third term as President

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President Donald Trump has refused to rule out running for a third term, despite the U.S. Constitution clearly barring anyone from serving more than two terms as president.

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Monday, October 27, while en route to Tokyo, Trump was asked about recent comments from his ally Steve Bannon, who claimed last week that Trump would be president again in 2028. When asked if he would challenge the two-term limit in court, Trump responded, “I haven’t really thought about it. We have some very good people as you know, but I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.”

Pressed further on who he meant by “good people,” Trump mentioned Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, before adding, “I’m not sure if anybody would run again. I think if they have a form to grip it would be unstoppable, I do. I really believe that. I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever.”

The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits anyone from being elected president more than twice. However, Trump appeared to entertain the possibility, suggesting that his leadership record warranted consideration. “I mean, I just solved eight wars and a ninth is coming. I believe Russia-Ukraine will happen,” he said. “I mean it’s millions of people we saved. I saved the lives of millions of people. That’s what’s important.”

When asked directly if he was ruling out a third term, Trump replied, “Am I not ruling it out? I mean, you’ll have to tell me.” He continued, “All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, which they don’t,” seemingly referring to Democrats.

Last week, Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, told The Economist that Trump would “get a third term,” claiming there was already “a plan” to make it happen despite constitutional restrictions. When pressed on how that would be possible under the 22nd Amendment, Bannon said, “There’s many different alternatives. At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is, but there is a plan, and Trump will be the president in ‘28.”

This isn’t the first time Trump has floated the idea. Shortly after winning the 2024 election, he told House Republicans, “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good, we got to figure something else out.’”

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92-year-old Paul Biya re-elected as Cameroon’s President after 43 years in power

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92-year-old President Paul Biya has been officially declared the winner of the 2025 Presidential Election in Cameroon, extending his more than four-decade rule for another seven years.

According to results announced on Monday by the Constitutional Council, Biya secured 53.66% of the votes, defeating his main challenger Issa Tchiroma, who garnered 35.19%. The election was held on October 12, but official results were only confirmed this week.

With this victory, Biya already the world’s oldest serving head of state, will continue to lead Cameroon until 2032, when he will be 99 years old, barring any constitutional or political changes.

Despite strong support for Tchiroma among Cameroonian diaspora voters, Biya’s dominance within the country proved decisive. Tchiroma received 62.79% of the vote in Europe, 66.75% in the Americas, and 68.21% in Asia and the Middle East. Across Africa, Tchiroma also led the diaspora vote with 54.99%, though more than half of eligible voters abroad reportedly abstained.

The Constitutional Council clarified that the overall winner is determined by total nationwide votes, not diaspora tallies.

Biya’s victory comes amid intensifying calls for political transition in Cameroon, where critics have long accused his ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) of suppressing opposition and manipulating elections. The government, however, insists that the poll was free, fair, and transparent.

Announcing the results, Clement Atangana, President of the Constitutional Council, declared:

“Hereby proclaimed President-elect: the candidate Biya Paul.”

Biya, who first assumed office in 1982, has maintained a tight grip on power for more than four decades. He abolished term limits in 2008, ensuring his ability to seek indefinite re-election.

His main opponent this year, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government spokesperson and employment minister, broke ranks with Biya earlier in 2025 to lead a broad opposition coalition, drawing large crowds and notable endorsements.

Biya’s re-election cements his position as one of the longest-serving leaders in the world, continuing a legacy of political dominance that has defined Cameroon’s post-independence era.

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4 confirmed dead as Cameroon boils over 92-year-old Biya’s re-election as president

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No fewer than four persons have been killed in Cameroon when supporters of opposition leader clashed with security operatives.

It was  reported that President Paul Biya was on Monday, declared winner of the 2025 Presidential Election in the country.

The Constitutional Council announced that the 92-year-old man, who has been in power for the past 43 years, secured 53.66% of the votes.

The electoral body said Issa Tchiroma, the Cameroon opposition leader obtained 35.19% of the total votes.

But prior to the announcement, Issa Tchiroma claimed he won the election, triggering chaos across the country.

According to Channels TV, in Cameroon’s largest city Douala, the regional governor said on Monday that demonstrators “attacked” a gendarmerie brigade and police stations in two districts on Sunday.

“Four people unfortunately lost their lives,” said Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, adding that several members of the security forces were also injured.

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