December 20, 2021

*) Death toll in Philippines typhoon tops 200 We begin in the Philippines, where the death toll from the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year has surged to 208. At least 239 people were injured and 52 were missing after Typhoon Rai ravaged the southern and central regions of the archipelago. More than 300,000 people fled their homes and beachfront resorts as Rai slammed into the country on Thursday as a super typhoon. *) Gabriel Boric wins Chile's presidential election Leftist Gabriel Boric has been elected Chile's next president after a bruising campaign against a free-market firebrand. With 68 percent of the total polling stations, Boric had 55 percent of the votes compared with 45 percent for his opponent, lawmaker Jose Antonio Kast. Kast recognised defeat and called his opponent to congratulate him on his "grand triumph" as supporters of Boric gathered in downtown Santiago to celebrate. *) Hong Kong sees the lowest turnout in three decades A record low turnout has been registered in Hong Kong's legislative council election, the first since China introduced a national security law. Just over 30 percent of voters took part in the 'patriots' only election' in which China decided the eligibility of every candidate. Hong Kong officials say the candidate vetting process by Beijing was needed in order to ensure stability but critics say it has weakened democracy in the city. *) Hundreds of thousands march to Sudan presidential palace in protest against coup Hundreds of thousands of people marched to the presidential palace in Sudan's capital Khartoum in protest against the October 25 military coup but were met with tear gas and stun grenades from security forces. ​​There are reports one person was killed and more than 100 injured, but there is no official confirmation. Demonstrators said they're rejecting the agreement that allowed Abdalla Hamdok to be reinstated as prime minister. *) WTA says Peng Shuai appearance does not address its concerns The Women's Tennis Association said an app