Over 70 elections shake global politics in 2024

In 2024, significant political shifts occurred as countries across the globe held elections, resulting in the ousting of many incumbents. More than 70 national elections took place, influencing a vast majority of the world's population. Among the prominent nations participating in these elections were India, the United States, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, highlighting a trend against established political parties. These elections reportedly registered over 1.6 billion ballots cast, marking a historic participation level not seen in nearly 120 years. This surge in electoral activity was characterized by considerable anti-incumbent sentiment, predominantly manifested in numerous elections where incumbents lost seats or significant vote shares. The political landscape experienced a notable shift, particularly in large democracies like the United States, where former President Donald Trump notably swept all battleground states in the November election. In parallel, in Europe, the far-right factions gained an unprecedented foothold in the European Parliament elections, collectively securing nearly a quarter of the chamber. This upswing reflected a broader discontent among electorates, resulting from factors like economic instability, pandemic repercussions, and a growing perception that no political party adequately represented voters' interests, with 42% expressing a lack of suitable options. Many regions witnessed a dual trend: while some incumbent parties clung to power, they often did so with diminished majorities, indicating the electorate's appetite for change. In India, for instance, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party lost its outright parliamentary majority yet managed to stay in power through alliances. On the contrary, in Rwanda, President Paul Kagame secured 99% of the vote in an election perceived as heavily managed. Equally, in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was re-elected under contentious circumstances, but her tenure was challenged by uprisings just months later. Moving forward, as various nations look to 2025 and beyond, the outcome of these elections raises compelling questions regarding the future of governance. These developments embody a broader global trend of political instability and shifts toward conservative policies, marking a critical point in shaping subsequent political dynamics. Future elections could either reinforce the trend against incumbents or reveal new factors influencing voters, potentially reshaping the world's political arena once again.