Venezuela: president says no to new presidential election
The president of Venezuela’s national assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, has said no presidential election will take place soon, stressing that the government’s priority is national stability. Following the controversial 2024 vote and the abduction of president Nicolás Maduro by the USA, vice president Delcy Rodríguez is now acting president. Authorities say they must rebuild institutions and reach agreement with opposition groups before setting an electoral timetable. A proposed amnesty law aims to release political prisoners and encourage reconciliation, though critics fear repression may continue in other forms. The re-arrest and house arrest of opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa has intensified concerns about civil liberties, while opposition leaders question whether genuine political participation will be allowed. The situation reflects a nation seeking normalcy amid deep division, uncertainty, and competing claims of legitimacy, highlighting the fragile path toward democratic stability and lasting reconciliation.
Japan: prime minister’s social media led to her party’s landslide victory
Growing social media interest in prime minister Sanae Takaichi appears to have significantly influenced Japan’s lower house election on 8 February, contributing to a decisive victory for her Liberal Democratic Party. Many voters reported seeing daily clips of her speeches and travel despite chronic illness, creating familiarity and sympathy. Her personal X account gained far more followers than other party leaders, with spikes occurring even during controversy over a missed debate due to medical treatment. Supporters’ viral posts often countered criticism, amplifying positive perceptions. On YouTube, campaign-related videos featuring Takaichi attracted extraordinary engagement, including an advertisement viewed over 150 million times. Independent creators further boosted her visibility, producing most election-related content online. Exit polls showed nearly a quarter of voters relied primarily on social media when deciding how to vote, with strong shifts toward the ruling party among them. Online popularity appears to have translated directly into ballots cast.
USA: Trump puts up racist video, deletes it later
A social media video shared by Donald Trump and later deleted drew widespread condemnation across political lines. The clip promoted false election claims and, near its conclusion, depicted Barack and Michelle Obama with their faces superimposed onto dancing apes. Posted during Black History Month, the video revived racist imagery historically used to justify slavery and segregation. The White House initially defended the post as a meme but later said a staff member had shared it in error. Politicians (including some Republicans), diplomats, and commentators criticised the content as dehumanising and harmful. Analysts noted that such inflammatory behaviour might not significantly affect Trump’s political support because public opinion around him is already polarised. One commentator said, ‘That Trump chose to post this video is yet another indicator of how reactionary racism has become mainstream and normalised within his Republican party, as the GOP continues to lurch dangerously rightwards.’
Zimbabwe: cabinet approves extending president’s term till 2030
Zimbabwe’s cabinet has approved constitutional changes that could extend president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule until 2030, sparking strong opposition concern. The proposals would lengthen presidential terms from five to seven years and allow parliament, rather than voters, to choose the president. Supporters say the measures would ensure political stability and continuity for development programmes, but critics argue the reforms undermine democratic processes and require a national referendum. Since coming to power in 2017, Mnangagwa has faced growing scrutiny from civil society groups who fear weakening constitutional protections. He has presided over a collapsing economy which has suffered hyperinflation and unemployment, undermined by alleged corruption and cronyism. The opposition, fragmented and weakened after years of repression, has failed so far to mount significant resistance to the proposal.
This will be an opportunity to pray together, exalting Jesus Christ as King throughout the Buddhist world, asking the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers to every unreached Buddhist people group!
Launching this coming Tuesday! - we invite you and your families, contacts and networks to join us as we pray for 7 days, in the lead up to the Global Day of Prayer - for Great Commission breakthroughs across the Buddhist World.
Editorial – ‘Jesus be our Fix in 2026’ - Dr Jason Hubbard
2BC’s next 24 hour 
“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” (Leviticus 6:13)
Every blessing,
A Key to Increase: Stewarding Our Tongues
What Our Tongues Are Meant to Do
Ultimately, may we proclaim the Supremacy of Jesus with our speech -
In summary, speaking about Jesus means:
