Polls open in Ghana

ACCRA: All seven candidates in Ghana’s presidential election vowed to keep the process peaceful, after a campaign rally on Tuesday turned violent, leading to the death of an opposition supporter.

The leading candidate in the polls, which opened yesterday, is incumbent, President John Mahama, from the National Democratic Congress. – ANA

Brexit exit trigger

LONDON: While the British government tries to prevent Parliament voting on its plan to trigger its exit from the EU, Reuters research indicates the lower house would support its move, based on lawmakers’ recent statements.

Prime Minister Theresa May said she aims to launch the two-year negotiating period by the end of March. – Reuters

Thai king’s fury

BANGKOK: Thailand’s defence minister said yesterday authorities would investigate the BBC on suspicion of insulting the monarchy in connection with a Thai-language profile of the new king that has stirred social media anger.

Offending the dignity of a reigning monarch is serious under Thai law, carrying up to 15 years in prison. – Reuters

Renzi sets date to quit

ROME: Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi will hand in his resignation tomorrow as President Sergio Mattarella seeks to slow the pace of an unfolding political crisis.

Renzi vowed to resign on Monday after a bruising referendum loss, but Mattarella asked him to stay on until the 2017 budget was passed yesterday. – Reuters

Mugabe’s dull speech

HARARE: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, 92, has been criticised for delivering an uninspiring State of the Nation. Analysts said it was testimony of the government’s cluelessness on addressing pertinent issues bedevilling the country.

In an unusually short speech, he struggled to pronounce words. – ANA