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CNN – Asia/Pacific

The Independent Election Commission (IEC) was established in 2006 -- five years after the Taliban was overthrown by a US-led coalition -- and tasked with monitoring elections and referendums.

Taliban says ‘no need’ for Afghanistan’s election commission and peace ministries

By Ehsan Popalzai, CNN The Taliban said Monday it had dissolved Afghanistan’s election commission as well as its ministries for peace and parliamentary affairs, further eroding state institutions set up by the country’s previous Western-backed governments. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) was established in 2006 — five years after the Taliban was overthrown by a

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As the Taliban swept Kabul

As the Taliban swept Kabul, one friend escaped. The other was trapped. They shared their anguish on WhatsApp

By Eliza Mackintosh and Nilly Kohzad, CNN Illustration by Alberto Mier, CNN In the four months since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, Nilofar, a 20-year-old university student, has rarely left her small apartment in Kabul, where she lives with her older sister, brother and father. Her days, which were once punctuated by exam preparation, fitness

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As the Taliban swept Kabul

As the Taliban swept Kabul, one friend escaped. The other was trapped. They shared their anguish on WhatsApp

By Eliza Mackintosh and Nilly Kohzad, CNN Illustration by Alberto Mier, CNN In the four months since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, Nilofar, a 20-year-old university student, has rarely left her small apartment in Kabul, where she lives with her older sister, brother and father. Her days, which were once punctuated by exam preparation, fitness

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Kim Jong Un Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research Here is a look at the life of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Personal Birth date: January 8 (Widely believed to be in his mid-30s, though birth year is publicly unavailable.) Father: Kim Jong Il Mother: Ko Yong Hui Marriage: Ri Sol Ju Children: Ju Ae, reportedly two others Education: Kim

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Junichiro Koizumi Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research Here’s a look at the life of Junichiro Koizumi, former Japanese prime minister and president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Personal Birth date: January 8, 1942 Birth place: Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan Birth name: Junichiro Koizumi Father: Junya Samejima, member of the House of Representatives and director general of the Japan

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Xi Jinping Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research Here’s a look at the life of Xi Jinping, leader of the People’s Republic of China. Personal Birth date: June 15, 1953 Birth place: Fuping County, Shaanxi Province, China (some sources say Beijing) Birth name: Xi Jinping Father: Xi Zhongxun, revolutionary and vice premier Mother: Qi Xin Marriages: Peng Liyuan (1987-present); Ke

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A polling station in Hong Kong during the Legislative Council election on December 19.

Hong Kong sees record low voter turnout in first ‘China patriots only’ election

By Jessie Yeung, CNN Hong Kong’s first “patriots only” legislative election witnessed a record low turnout on Sunday, reflecting a steep decline in civic and political engagement following Beijing’s overhaul of the city’s electoral processes. According to a government news release, provisional turnout was 30.2% by close of polls — far lower than the previous

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