Iraq
Iraqis have voted in parliamentary elections, which were brought forward by six months in response to mass anti-government protests two years ago. Apathy was the theme of the day, though, with the electoral commission estimating turnout at 41 percent, making it the lowest turnout for any election since former leader Saddam Hussein was toppled by the US invasion in 2003. Despite reforms aimed at broadening representation, the same Shia political blocs that have dominated for years are expected to score a sweeping victory - a result political analysts say will change little.
More from the New Arab here.
DR Congo
A case of Ebola has been confirmed in the city of Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo just five months after a previous outbreak was declared over. A three-year-old boy was sent to hospital and, after he died, tested positive for the virus. More than 100 people who may have been exposed are now being monitored, officials say. DR Congo, where Ebola was discovered in 1976, is very experienced at containing outbreaks.
More from Africa News here.
Taiwan-China
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has said her government will defend the country’s independence as China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway state, continues to amp up pressure on the island. Tsai’s remarks came a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping said it was inevitable that Taiwan would eventually submit to its jurisdiction. China responded to Tsai’s speech by accusing her of “inciting confrontation.”
More from BBC here.