Noda promised in August to call an election "soon" in order to secure opposition votes for another key piece of legislation - his signature sales tax increase plan designed to shore up state finances saddled by swelling social security costs.

MSN: Japan PM signals election can wait, defies opposition

Meanwhile, in Jakarta some parties have alleged that the votes were miscounted, prompting the city committee to accept their call for a re-count.

CNN: AFTER THE EUPHORIA

The airline argued that Unite had not polled its members correctly: some votes were recorded from people no longer employed by BA, and the call for industrial action did not specify the intention to strike for 12 consecutive days precisely at Christmas.

ECONOMIST: Christmas woes for Britain��s once-great flag carrier

"We wish to appeal for calm and call on our supporters to relax, because we are confident that when all votes are in (we) will carry the day, " said Musyoka.

NPR: Kenya: Runoff Seems Likely After Ballot Decision

However an amendment from Housing and Communitites Minister Alex Neil, replacing that call with a focus on job creation leading to economic revival, was passed with 61 votes for and 57 against.

BBC: Scottish Labour debate: Regeneration

Markets are unlikely to wait for the EU to call a constitutional convention, debate schemes for integration and negotiate a text, only to see it buffeted in parliamentary votes and referendums.

ECONOMIST: With the euro under siege, is this the time for more Europe?