Almost 50 percent of the world’s population can head to the polls this year as at least 64 countries, including the European Union, are set to hold national elections in 2024.
This year could see a historical record broken with more voters than ever in history invited to fill out ballot papers to determine their country’s government. Many of the states holding general elections this year hold significant weight in the international arena, and the outcome of each election could prove very important.
Competitive and Uncompetitive Elections in 2024
Some of the elections are unlikely to be competitive, such as the presidential election in Russia, where Vladimir Putin has held office either as Prime Minister or President since 1999. Whereas in Taiwan, the election will be of great importance because it will determine the country’s future relations with China.
Front-runner and current vice president of Taiwan Lai Ching-te from the Democratic People’s Party, said in a televised debate on Saturday (December 30) that he was open to communicating with the government in Beijing.
Beijing has a preference for Hou Yu-ih, the candidate from the more China-friendly Nationalist, or Kuomintang, Party, and has accused the current Taiwanese administration of trying to provoke a Chinese attack on Taiwan. The Taiwan elections will take place on January 13.
Major Elections Expected to Take Place this Year
India, the most populous country in the world, is expected to hold its elections in April or May. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s leader Narendra Modi will be seeking his third term in power. While in Pakistan, the country’s most popular politician, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, sits in prison.
It is uncertain whether Ukraine – currently under martial law – will be holding its presidential election in 2024. Though Volodomyr Zelensky, who has led the country through Russia’s invasion, has said he intends to seek another term.
Donald Trump has been blocked from the Republican presidential primary ballots in Colorado and Maine, losing his eligibility because of his actions leading up to the US Capitol riot in 2021. The Supreme Court is yet to rule on whether he can run for president. Which may avoid what the Economist described as “the biggest danger to the world” of 2024: Trump’s second term.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Conservative Party are doubling down on their pledge to cut migration to the country. Sunak posted on Twitter this morning (January 1) saying: “From today, the majority of foreign university students cannot bring family members to the UK. In 2024, we’re already delivering for the British people.”
https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1741782514270671194
Opinion polls suggest Keir Starmer’s Labour Party will likely come out on top in Britain’s next general election, which the Prime Minister has promised to call in 2024.
The European Union will also see an election this year, with voting for parliamentary candidates taking place between June 6 and 9. Elections to the European Parliament take place every five years by universal adult suffrage. With more than 400 million people eligible to vote, they are the second largest democratic elections in the world after India’s.
Many African nations are set to hold elections this year, with a southern cluster of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique, as well as others across the continent including Chad, Senegal and Rwanda.
Some of the other countries expecting a general election this year include Indonesia, Bangladesh, Mexico, Iran, Belgium and South Korea.
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