Afghanistan The largest observer group in Afghanistan's first presidential election called the polls "fairly democratic", a day after the massive voter turnout and jubilation was tainted by opposition cries of foul and demands for a re-election. Australia Prime Minister John Howard looked set to become the most powerful Australian leader for a generation after his crushing weekend election victory effectively handed him control of both houses of parliament and a free rein to pursue his conservative agenda. Iraq US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, on an unannounced visit, told marines in Iraq's restive western provinces to expect a spike in violence before January polls and that US forces would stay at current levels at least until next year. US Senator John Edwards, the number two on the Democratic presidential ticket, was set to take center stage in the US election drama as the two presidential hopefuls hunkered down to prepare for their final debate. Somalia Somali members of parliament began electing a new president for the anarchic Horn of Africa state at a ceremony in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. Lithuania Polls opened for national parliamentary elections in Lithuania, the first since the Baltic state joined the European Union and NATO, with a controversial Russian-born millionaire's party set to come out on top. Pakistan Militants who kidnapped two Chinese engineers have threatened to kill them unless Pakistan releases detained Al-Qaeda suspects, security officials said. Mideast A Palestinian was killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza, as US Democrat presidential hopeful John Kerry warned that if he wins the November 2 election there will be no reprieve for sidelined Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Saudi Arabia Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Noaimi said that his country was ready to meet rising demand for crude to ease the surge in world prices. Cambodia The son of Cambodia's abdicating king was named his likely successor as hopes faded of a change of heart by his father, according to the country's premier.