New York Times - World

Analysts had warned that the vote, originally set for December, faced a legitimacy crisis. South Sudan has not held a national election since gaining independence in 2011.President Salva Kiir is the only leader of South Sudan since its independence 15 years ago. Critics say he has eliminated any credible challengers in upcoming elections.

Some were Asia-based Europeans chasing nostalgia. Others were Americans eager to experience their first edition of the song contest.Fans gathering ahead of the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia finale on Saturday in Bangkok.

China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Japan aren’t joining the singing contest. That leave some of the region’s best-known musical cultures out of the mix.

While pulsating electro-pop tends to win in Europe, the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in Asia will mostly feature torch songs accompanied by traditional instruments.Malaysia’s contestant, Aina Abdul, performing during the preview show in Bangkok on Friday.

So far, the contest’s organizers have kept politics offstage. The European edition shows how difficult that can be.A demonstration against Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, this year.