observer

Heavyweight France, meanwhile, has kept observers guessing, drawing criticism from environmental groups.

International observers have raised concerns about the transparency of the election and its violent aftermath, with hundreds of people reportedly killed and injured.

In the end, the party offered all the glamour of a literary fantasy, but the timing reminded observers that reality has its own narrative.

Some political observers said the outcome of California’s election could inspire still more political maneuvering in other states.

China denies the allegations, but the region is largely cut off to international media and observers, while Uyghurs in exile continue to recount stories of terrified or disappeared relatives.