Zambia
Ballots are being counted in Zambia after an election most experts say is too close to call, prompting fears of violence when the result is finally announced. President Edgar Lungu has deployed troops to the streets in what his critics say is an attempt at intimidation. Zambia’s democracy has for more than 20 years been the envy of many other countries in the region but rights groups have accused Lungu of risking its record by cracking down on his opponents in the run up to the poll.
More from the AP here.
Afghanistan
The Taliban took four more cities in Afghanistan’s south today, including the country’s second- and third-largest, bringing them closer to Kabul and leaving them in control of about two-thirds of Afghan territory. The US, Britain and Canada are now sending in their armed forces to evacuate personnel as the Taliban advance appears to have taken Western capitals by surprise. With this story leading international headlines, there is a lot of hot air out there from unqualified pundits. Here are three excellent journalists to follow on Twitter: Ali Latifi, Lotfullah Najafizada and Shereena Qazi.
More from Al Jazeera here.
Thailand
Police in Thailand have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters who were marching on the president’s house demanding he resign over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. A record 23,418 new infections were recorded today.
More from the Independent here.