9 Million Voters Booted in West Bengal; Dog Mayors and Gaza Polls Make Global Headlines

**9 Million Voters Booted in West Bengal; Dog Mayors and Gaza Polls Make Global Headlines** India has removed nearly 9 million names from its voter rolls in the state of West Bengal—about 10 percent of the total electorate—just weeks before a crucial state election. Officials claim it is a routine cleanup to remove duplicate or deceased voters, but critics argue the timing raises serious concerns about the integrity of the upcoming poll [135085]. While that controversy unfolds, small towns in the United States have taken a different approach to democracy: electing animals as mayors. In a recent election, seven candidates—none of them human—vied for the top civic post, with locals closely following the race on TV and social media [134356]. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza held their first local election in 20 years this weekend. Approximately one million voters in the occupied West Bank and 70,000 in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah cast ballots to choose municipal councilors [133569][134402]. Palestinian officials hailed the vote as a step toward a long-delayed presidential election, which has not been held in 21 years [134003]. European officials, however, warned that democratic freedoms are under threat elsewhere. In a joint letter to Turkey’s interior minister, the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and other bodies argued that the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and other municipal mayors undermines local democracy and the freedom to choose representatives in elections [134596]. In Nigeria, major opposition parties have agreed to unite behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. The so-called Ibadan Declaration aims to “rescue the nation and her long suffering masses” by consolidating opposition strength against the ruling party [133761]. Across Africa, Malawi held critical by-elections in four constituencies and nine wards, with the Malawi Electoral Commission urgently calling for peace as political tensions run high [105167]. Bangladesh also saw its first general election since the 2024 student-led uprising, with international observers praising the “great enthusiasm” and orderly process [74679]. The vote marks a major shift after the end of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule [74170]. India Removes 9 Million Voters from List Ahead of West Bengal Election Dogs, Cats, and a Goat: Tiny US Towns Elect Animal Mayors Palestinian officials hail local Gaza and West Bank elections as step toward presidential vote European officials: Imamoglu's detention undermines election freedom Nigeria Opposition Unites: Single Candidate for 2027 Vote Gaza votes for first time in 20 years 2026 Election Season Kicks Off: Texas, North Carolina, Arkansas Vote First France Votes: Millions Choose Local Leaders in Key Elections Malawi Votes Under Pressure: High-Stakes By-Elections Test Nation Bangladesh's Youth Vote Tests New Political Era Gaza holds first election in 20 years; one million called to vote Title: Veteran vs. Upstart: Key U.S. House Primaries Test Voter Mood France's Presidential Preview: Local Elections Begin Nationwide South Africa’s Youth: 21 Million Refuse to Vote Bangladesh Votes: First Election Since 2024 Uprising Draws Global Praise