In 2024, elections globally revealed notable shifts including Sheikh Hasina’s exit in Bangladesh, Claudia Sheinbaum’s historic win in Mexico, and a troubled outcome in Romania. Notable changes occurred in the UK, South Africa, and India, while global democracy faced challenges as indicated by the Global State of Democracy Report. The year underscored significant political engagement and the complexities of democratic processes worldwide.
In 2024, many nations across the globe participated in elections, resulting in diverse outcomes that shaped local and international landscapes. The year opened with Bangladesh witnessing the reelection of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid violent protests, leading to severe unrest and power struggles. In France, Marine Le Pen’s party unexpectedly fell to third place, while Mexico celebrated the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as the first female president, achieving a record vote percentage. Iran also experienced a notable election, allowing the moderate Masoud Pezeshkian to assume the presidency after Ebrahim Raisi’s unexpected death.
Contrastingly, Romania annulled its presidential election results after allegations of Russian interference. India recorded the largest voter turnout with over 642 million ballots cast, solidifying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governing coalition. Noteworthy transitions occurred in the UK, South Africa, and Botswana, marking the end of long-standing party rule in these nations.
In Russia and Syria, elections raised international scrutiny over legitimacy and fairness, with leaders claiming victory despite widespread dissent. The United States election notably culminated in Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, underlining significant electoral shifts. Other less-watched nations like Somaliland and the Solomon Islands also conducted elections.
Taiwan’s election stood out due to escalating tensions with China, while Georgia faced protests over alleged electoral manipulation, suggesting growing unrest linked to foreign influence. South Sudan, still embroiled in conflict, postponed potential elections due to stability concerns, whereas Ireland’s election resulted in historically low turnout with opposition parties facing significant challenges. Finally, the Global State of Democracy Report 2024 highlighted a worrying trend of deteriorating electoral quality in one-third of all countries, yet Dr. Seema Shah expressed optimism regarding the public’s enduring commitment to democratic principles.
The 2024 elections showcased a dramatic global landscape where political upheaval, substantial voter participation, and significant electoral changes characterized many key nations. Notable developments included transitions in leadership, the rise of new political figures, and a mixture of consolidations and challenges faced by traditional power systems. As various countries grappled with their electoral processes and political stability, the broader implications for democracy around the world became evident, inviting analysis from both scholars and political observers.
The electoral events of 2024 demonstrate a complex tapestry of democratic engagement, upheaval, and emerging leadership across various nations. While some elections manifested considerable stabilization and advancement, others succumbed to protests, annulments, and controversies. The trends revealed in the Global State of Democracy Report emphasize an urgent need for vigilance and reform in electoral practices worldwide, even as public commitment to democratic ideals remains a critical force. Ultimately, the year served as a testament to both the fragility and resilience of democracies across the globe.
Original Source: news.sky.com
