Global Political Shifts: Key Elections in 2024

Nearly half of the world’s population, including voters in India, participated in elections in 2024, marking a pivotal year for democracy. These elections took place against a backdrop of ongoing global issues, including conflicts in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine.

Major Leadership Changes

Significant leadership transitions were observed in Germany, France, and the United States. In Asia, longstanding leaders such as Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh faced exile, while Bashar al-Assad’s lengthy rule in Syria came to an end.

Economic Challenges and Incumbents: A consistent theme across the globe was the economic challenges affecting incumbent leaders. In the United States, for example, economic concerns were paramount for voters amidst President Trump’s candidacy.

High-Profile Elections in Major Democracies

India held crucial parliamentary elections, determining Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. Although victorious, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) saw a reduced majority.

United States: Former President Donald Trump reclaimed the presidency by defeating Democrat Kamala Harris in the November elections. The Republican Party also secured majorities in both houses, continuing a trend of the incumbent party losing the presidency.

United Kingdom: Political power shifted leftward as the Labour Party ended 14 years of Conservative rule, taking an overwhelming majority in July’s parliamentary elections. Keir Starmer assumed the role of Prime Minister.

Other Notable Elections and Political Overhauls

Sri Lanka: In a significant election, Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance won the presidency. This followed mass protests leading to a shift in the political landscape. The NPP subsequently dominated the parliamentary elections in November.

Countries like India and France witnessed incumbents retaining control but suffering substantial losses. In France, a hung parliament resulted from legislative elections dominated by three major political blocs.

Other Key Developments

Bangladesh saw its ruling Awami League secure a fourth consecutive term despite widespread protests and criticism over election fairness. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation followed mass uprisings.

Pakistan conducted elections post the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, with a significant number of independents entering the assembly.

While influenced by local issues, a global economic downturn was a recurrent theme affecting electoral outcomes in various nations.