The ANC, the political party of Nelson Mandela, has barely lost a vote since the end of apartheid in 1994. Now it has lost control of several districts in municipal elections, in what's being called a tipping point in the nation's political history. Bill Corcoran reports from Johannesburg.

Akihito, Emperor of Japan, is not allow to comment on Japanese politics or laws - including the law that established his own position. Therefore it was tricky for him to let the nation know that he'd quite like to retire at the age of 82, says David McNeill in Tokyo.

And here in our Dublin studio, Ruadhan Mac Cormaic explains how a new selection process for U.N. Secretary General allows potential replacements for Ban Ki-moon to get the message and drop out with dignity, if they lack support - but there's still room for plenty of politicking over the crucial appointment.