In 2024, approximately 70 nations, representing half of the global population, conducted elections, and the verdict from voters was resounding: incumbents had overstayed their welcome. From India to the United States and across continents to Japan, France, and Britain, citizens voiced their discontent with current governments amid economic challenges and geopolitical instability.
The landscape of democracy in 2024 was marked by upheaval and unrest, leading to significant political shifts. In many countries, voters expressed dissatisfaction with existing governments, fueled by economic setbacks and global instability. The elections of this year saw many incumbents ousted as new faces emerged to embody the change that voters sought.
In South Africa, the African National Congress experienced a severe blow after three decades of rule post-apartheid. The party’s waning popularity was evident in May’s elections, where it lost its dominance and had to form a coalition with opposition parties. Similarly, longstanding parties were overthrown in Senegal, Ghana, and Botswana, reflecting the electorate’s desire for new leadership and change.
In India, the surprise outcome saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party losing its parliamentary majority after ten years in power, a result underscoring the evolving political dynamics in the world’s largest democracy. The Bharatiya Janata Party was compelled to form a coalition government, emphasizing a strong opposition presence in the new political order.
In the United Kingdom, the Conservatives were defeated by the Labour Party in a July election that underscored the public’s shift towards center-left politics. However, this significant change came with its own complexities, as support for traditionally dominant political entities declined, seeing a rise in smaller parties like Reform U.K.
European politics also witnessed a surge in right-wing influence, with countries like France, Germany, and Austria grappling with the rise of conservative and far-right factions. France’s National Rally party made significant strides in the parliamentary elections, but internal alliances thwarted its progression to power. Meanwhile, Austria’s conservative party was edged out by the far-right Freedom Party, though a coalition kept them out of governance.
The year wasn’t just about electoral outcomes but also about underlying issues such as nepotism and political lineage. Pakistan and Indonesia highlighted these themes with elections that favored established political families. However, in Bangladesh, veteran leader Sheikh Hasina was ousted after prolonged protests against her rule, indicative of a widespread desire for democratization and reform.
Interference from external powers remained a pressing concern in many elections. Notably, Romania’s presidential race was marred by allegations of foreign meddling, leading to the annulment of the election. The involvement of external entities in disseminating disinformation through social media platforms like TikTok and others raised alarm across political landscapes.
As the year culminated, the political scene remained volatile with unresolved tensions. In Venezuela, an election fraught with accusations of fraud led to heightened conflict, while South Korea faced political turbulence following a controversial decision by President Yoon Suk Yeol to declare martial law—an action reversed by parliament.
As 2025 approaches, the continuation of democratic challenges is expected, with upcoming elections in Germany and Canada likely to shape the political climate further. Public sentiment remains wary, as reflected in global surveys indicating strong theoretical support for democracy but dissatisfaction with its practical implementation.
The electoral upheaval of 2024 underscores a global demand for change amid frustration with longstanding governments. As the world prepares for further political tests in 2025, the lessons from this year may serve as critical guides for emerging leaders and nations seeking stability and progress.
Source: News4jax
