Zambia Presidential Vote: Polls opened for Hakainde Hichilema’s second-term bid, with voters weighing economic reforms against high living costs and tighter dissent space; U.S. senators also warned Zambia to protect a peaceful, fair vote. Election Integrity Tech: Ghana’s Electoral Commission is seeking legal backing to store scanned polling-station results electronically as a backup when physical sheets are disrupted. UK By-Election Politics: Clacton voters head to the polls in Nigel Farage’s unusual contest against “Count Binface,” with major parties boycotting and a record-length ballot paper complicating logistics. Repression and Courts: Russia’s Supreme Court banned the anti-war Yabloko party from Duma elections, while South Africa’s Ramaphosa impeachment fight faces new delays after a Constitutional Court ruling. Campaign Pressure in Nigeria: Ahead of Osun’s Aug. 15 governorship election, ADC alleges a plot to arrest Rauf Aregbesola, while security and election-violence warnings intensify. Voter Priorities: Arizona’s electorate is most focused on the water crisis, alongside immigration and border functionality. Global Rights Watch: Cuba reported a record number of political prisoners, including a 13-year-old detained after protests.