Talking points
Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
The sentencing of fallen political star Bo Xilai in Jinan tomorrow will wrap up the most sensational scandal in decades to hit the Communist Party. The former Chongqing chief was charged with bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power. His trial offered a rare insight into the lives of a major politician and rich and powerful businesspeople in mainland China. Sources say Bo, who mounted a defiant defence, is likely to be jailed for less than 15 years and will probably appeal.
After decades of protests and strikes, and then civil war, Tamils in northern Sri Lanka are hoping that elections today will give them a taste of democracy after years under rebel or military control. The elections will create the Tamils' first functioning provincial government and a limited say in their own affairs. The polls are seen by the United Nations and the world community as a crucial test of reconciliation between the Tamils and majority Sinhalese who control the government and the military.
Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel is set to be elected for a third term tomorrow when Germany goes to the polls. Often called the world's most powerful woman, Merkel is by far the most popular post-war chancellor. Key interest is whether her centre-right coalition with the pro-business Free Democrats can hold onto power. If not, Merkel would be forced into a "grand coalition" with the Social Democrats of her main rival, Peer Steinbrueck.
Swiss voters head to the ballot box to decide whether to abolish their conscript army - as much a part of the Alpine nation's image as direct democracy, chocolate and cheese. The draft has been ditched in countries across Europe since the end of the cold war, and campaigners say Switzerland should head the same way. But the anti-conscription referendum is likely to fail, as it is opposed by the right, parliament and the government.
Britain's opposition Labour Party, struggling to make an impact with voters, holds its annual conference in Brighton from tomorrow. Ed Miliband faces questions over his leadership as many analysts say he has not convinced the British public that he is prime ministerial material. While the coalition government of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats is unpopular, voters are not clear on just what Miliband stands for.
The Oktoberfest - the largest and most popular beer festival in the world - kicks off in Munich in Germany. The 180th edition will run until October 6 with some four million people expected to attend the event. Over six million litres of beer are likely to be guzzled.
