As 2024 wraps up, the “super year” of elections has left its mark. The United Nations hailed it as a milestone for democracy, with 3.7 billion voters casting ballots in 72 nations. However, the outcomes often raised eyebrows rather than strengthening faith in governance.
In Europe, the year began with the Spitzenkandidat drama – quickly overshadowed by Ursula von der Leyen securing a second term as European Commission president. Her triumph came amid a dramatic rightward shift in European politics. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni emerged as her ally, and the European Parliament welcomed colorful far-right newcomers like Spanish influencer Alvise Pérez and YouTuber Fidias Panayiotou.
Meanwhile, France saw Emmanuel Macron ignite a political firestorm by calling snap elections after his party’s disastrous performance in the European Parliament vote. Across the Channel, the UK chose Labour’s Keir Starmer, whose unremarkable persona somehow signalled change.
Finally, the US brought Donald Trump back to power, sparking concerns over NATO, trade wars, and Ukraine’s fate. Trump has assured supporters they’d never “have to vote again” whilst Democrats indulge in naval gazing to assess how they performed so terribly.
A year of drama, surprises, and power plays – 2024 will be remembered as much for its chaos as its democratic promise.
July
Rwanda
Paul Kagame wins the 2024 election, marking the continuation of his presidency for another five years. As the former leader of the RPF, the president came to power after defeating Hutu extremists during the genocide of 1994, which targeted the Tutsi ethnic minority. When Pasteur Bizimungu, the former president of the post-genocide government, passed away Kagame became president of the transitional government. Ever since, Kagame has received more than 90% of the votes in the past elections of 2003, 2010, and 2017. Unsurprisingly, the 2024 election broke his record of voters with more than 99% of support. Critics have evaluated the president’s decennial success as proof of a lack of democracy.
His growing popularity has taken part in an accident at one of his rallies, where as the crowd wanted to get closer, the stampede killed one person and injured dozens. However, the accident did not seem to influence his electoral outcome. Rwandans value the Kagame Government for bringing peace, stability, and development, yet the HRW highlights the dubiosity of his record on human rights. Presumably, the leader’s ambition to maintain sovereignty has resulted in the existing censorship. Within the borders, Ms. Rwigara claims to have been denied her right to campaign for a second time. Abroad, the HRW accuses Rwanda of murders and kidnappings of several journalists and political opponents, notably since 2017. In addition, UN experts gathered evidence to support Rwanda aids the Tutsi-led M23 fight. Ultimately, negative allegations and unrest within international organisations continue to rise, yet Kagame’s national support is reaffirmed.
France
The second round of the French legislative elections resulted in a hung parliament, reflecting a polarised political landscape. The far-right National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen and her protégé Jordan Bardella, obtained 143 seats, exceeding their previous parliamentary representation, yet failing to become the largest party as polls had suggested. Contrastingly, the newly formed left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) secured the largest representation with 182 seats, though still short of a majority. Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition Ensemble secured 168 seats, maintaining relevance despite losses.
Economic concerns dominated the debates, namely rising living costs, pension reforms, and taxation. The RN’s campaigning strategy centered on hardline stances on immigration which resonated with voters against Macron’s economic reforms. The left-wing NFP emphasised in reversing Macron’s pension reforms and increasing social spending.
Even though RN’s results strengthened the far-right presence, the party fell short of expectations, partly due to tactical voting strategies by the NFP and Ensemble to block far-right advancements. On the other hand, Ensemble outperformed pre-election predictions, and the NFP’s rise in popularity marked a leftward shift. The strong showing of both the hard left and hard right, and the formation of the hung parliament aligns with the heightened polarisation and political deadlock in Macron’s remaining term, influencing the present and future European policies on immigration, defense, and social spending.
August
Kiribati
Despite tensions over the country’s democratic future, the Kiribati parliamentary elections showcased a steady support for the Tobwaan Kiribati Party (TKP). The TKP maintained a majority of 33 out of 44 seats in the new parliament. Results showcased 27 MPs, including incumbent President Taneti Maamau, retained their seats in the Maneaba ni Maungatabu–the House of Assembly. However, significant shifts have occurred with 17 new MPs elected, including a historic five women. Lastly, three former ministers lost their seats along with 11 other MPs.
Although many candidates have clear political alignments, a substantial number continue to stand without formal party affiliation due to several pressing issues including rising living costs, fuel shortages, and environmental challenges like coastal erosion, which strain resources and increase debt. The election also reflects a rising public concern over governance, with voters seeking representation that can address these systemic challenges. Even though the TKP’s introduction of unemployment benefits and copra subsidies gained public support, its growing reliance on China and the geopolitical implications of closer ties with Beijing will likely dominate future policy debates, testing the Government’s ability to balance economic relief and broader international pressures.
September
Sri Lanka
Anura Kumara Sissanayake, the leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, secured the presidency after a second round of voting. The NPP’s campaign focused on anti-corruption, good governance, and economic recovery, values that aligned with voters disillusioned by years of mismanagement and economic crises. Dissanayake obtained support from 5.7 million of voters, in comparison to 4.5 million of votes to Sajith Premadasa, overcoming skepticism about moderate ideological shifts and his party’s violent past. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe finished third and was eliminated in the second round. The results marked the most peaceful election in Sri Lanka’s history, despite pots-election curfews.
Major voter concerns were centered around pressing economic struggles, namely skyrocketing inflation, rising poverty, and a foreign debt of $36, where $7 is owed to China. Meanwhile, Dissanayake and his rivals proposed reforms to significant sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and IT. Overall, Dissanayake’s victory represents a leftward shift towards systematic change. His presidency is expected to focus on economic revival while balancing IMF conditions with poverty alleviation, and reshaping Sri Lanka’s regional economic relationships.
Azerbaijan
President Ilham Aliyev’s ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) claimed a narrow victory in the parliamentary elections of Azerbaijan, securing 68 out of 125 seats in the Milli Majlis, slightly down from the previous count of 69. Despite fierce competition from nearly 1,000 candidates, including independents and small pro-government parties, the election is unlikely to bring significant change to Azerbaijan’s political landscape.
This election came after the country’s military victory in Nagorno-Karabakh, a region that Azerbaijan regained control from the Republic of Artsakh, marking the first time voting took place there in decades. While the vote symbolised Azerbaijan’s renewed authority in the area, concerns about political freedoms and the fairness of the electoral process persisted, as the ruling party has maintained a strong grip on power for years. Aliyev’s family has ruled Azerbaijan since the 1990s, with little political opposition or dissent allowed, which raises questions about the country’s democratic future.
Despite international observer presence, many critics argue that the elections were neither free nor fair, with little room for genuine political pluralism. The election was moved earlier than expected to avoid a clash with the COP29 climate talks in Baku, further raising questions about the motivations behind the timing of the vote.
October
Uruguay
Uruguay’s first round of presidential elections centered around significant security and economic concerns, particularly marked by debates over crime, the pension system, and constitutional reforms. Yamandú Orsi, representing the center-left Broad Front (Frente Amplio), was the frontrunner, leading with 45% of voter intentions, reflecting a strong base of support, namely with voters who valued improvements in the nation’s welfare system and social stability. His closest rival, Álvaro Delgado from the National Party, secured about 24% of votes. While crime was a key concern, voters rejected more authoritarian solutions such as expanding police powers in a referendum.
Despite Orsi’s support showed a slight decline from previous predictions, he remained a strong contender heading into the runoff against a broader coalition of right-wing parties. The election results also reflected a firm commitment to Uruguay’s democratic traditions and robust party system, with no clear appetite for populist or anti-systemic candidates. The results suggest that the electorate values policy stability and social security reform but is wary of drastic changes that could undermine the country’s economic stability. The November runoff was set to be a closely watched contest, with potential implications not only for Uruguay’s internal policies but also for the region’s political climate.
Japan
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s snap election in Japan resulted in a major loss for his party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Despite being the largest single party in Japan’s parliament, the LDP, alongside its coalition partner Komeito, failed to secure a majority in the 465-seat lower house. The party won just 191 seats, a sharp decline from the 247 it held in the previous election. This loss was driven by public frustration over ongoing political scandals, including financial misconduct, and dissatisfaction with Ishiba’s leadership. Additionally, voters expressed discontent with the LDP’s management of economic stagnation and regional security concerns.
The LDP’s power decline now leaves Japan’s political landscape more uncertain than in years, with the opposition parties controlling a majority in the parliament, resulting in sparking debate about the future of Japanese democracy. Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), has been attempting to form a coalition to challenge the LDP’s rule, though his efforts so far have been unsuccessful. The rise of smaller conservative parties, such as the Democratic Party for the People, also signals a shift towards more diverse political representation. With Japan’s regional role as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific potentially at risk, the outcome of these elections have had significant implications for both Japan’s internal politics and its global influence.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s parliamentary elections were held amid ongoing constitutional and electoral reforms, but these changes did little to alter the country’s deeply constrained political environment. Although five registered political parties were able to campaign under a new mixed electoral system, the contest lacked genuine competition. While there was a significant increase in the gender quota, with women comprising 45% of candidates, fundamental freedoms such as the right to association, assembly, and expression remained limited. Despite the reforms, issues like political party registration and transparency in campaign finance continued to hamper meaningful democratic participation, as the legal framework made it difficult for independent candidates and opposition parties to operate freely.
International observers noted that the election day was orderly but influenced by procedural issues, including widespread violations and concerns over transparency in the vote counting and tabulation process. The role of local self-governing bodies (Mahallas) remained prominent, raising concerns about the independence of lower-level election commissions. The Government’s control over the media further stifled open political discourse, with limited coverage of the campaign and self-censorship among journalists. These elections revealed the limited scope for political pluralism in Uzbekistan, and despite incremental reforms, the political system remains tightly controlled by the ruling authorities. The country’s continued emphasis on state-sponsored parties and restrictions on independent political activity will likely maintain its centralised power structure in the years to come.
Bulgaria
Since 2021, Bulgarians have been called to the polls for a seventh time to elect 240 members of the Narodno Sabrina–the National Assembly, although, consistently resulting in little change of powers. Boyko Borissov, third time Prime Minister and the leader of Citizens for the European Development (GERB), won the most support with 26.4% of the vote, followed by a 14.23% from the PPDB’s coalition led by Kiril Petkov, and a 13.38% from Revival’s Kostadin Kostadinov which supported by voters aligned with nationalistic and anti-establishment policies.
The key issues driving the campaign focused on corruption, economic reform, and political stability. GERB center-right ideology positioned itself as a pro-European Union force, advocating for economic reforms and international cooperation. However, corruption scandals and political instability deteriorated its reputation. Meanwhile, the liberal coalition of PPDB emphasised anti-corruption and democratic reforms.
The election results demonstrated a deeply divided political landscape, reflecting a steady divide between pro-European, reformist agendas, and nationalist populism, which could complicate the formation of a stable government.
Georgia
The ruling party Georgian Dream secured 89 seats in the 150-seat parliament after receiving 53.93% of the vote, and securing the new Government. Representatives have expressed no desire to make significant changes to the Government and all ministers will retain their positions. Following that, the Coalition for change received 11.03% of votes and 19 seats, the Unity / National Movement won 10.17% and 16 seats – other parties maintained less than 10% of the vote.
Lithuania
In Lithuania’s parliamentary elections, the opposition Social Democratic Party emerged victorious, unseating Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė and her ruling party, the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats. “The outcome is fantastic,” said Blinkevičiūtė, leader of the Social Democrats (LSDP), at the party’s election headquarters: “It demonstrates that the people desire change.”
Šimonytė’s popularity has been eroded by her Government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, political scandals and high inflation that topped 20% two years ago.
The Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament, consists of 141 seats, distributed through both party lists (70 seats) and direct representation (71 seats). It has a hybrid voting system in which half of parliament is elected by popular vote while the rest is decided in runoff votes between the top two candidates.
Official results showed that the LSDP secured 52 out of 141 seats, while the Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) obtained 28. The nationalist-populist group ‘Dawn of Nemunas’ won 20 seats, DSVL took 14, the Liberal Movement earned 12, and LVŽS gained 8. The first round had already elected 78 parliamentarians, with the Social Democrats leading.
However, there has been scepticism expressed about what real changes might occur under the Social Democrats. Lithuania is likely to continue its tough stance on Russia and its pro-Western foreign policy, with LSDP having strongly supported increasing the defense budget.
Blinkevičiūtė indicated her intentions to form a coalition with the Union of Democrats ‘For Lithuania’ (DSVL) and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS). DSVL leader Saulius Skvernelis, on the other hand, expressed confidence that Blinkevičiūtė would assume the role of prime minister with his party’s support.
Kiribati
Taneti Maamau secured the presidency for a third consecutive term since 2016. Even though the Tobwaan Kiribati Party maintained a majority, during the final weeks of the campaign, the TKP faced a decline of support after Kaotitaake Kokoria joined the opposition. The reelection poses concerns from Western powers in regards to Maamau’s support towards Chinese influence in the Pacific.
The President has taken advantage of Kiribati’s strategic position in between China, Australia, and the US, to attract Chinese investment in exchange for political and economic influence in Kiribati. This geopolitical situation began in 2019, when Kiribati switched recognition from Taiwan to China. Over the years, Kiribati has benefited from Chinese infrastructure projects concerning tourism and fishing. For the islands, these are significant economic hubs constantly damaged by rising sea levels and lack of wealth and tourism branding, especially for low-lying atolls.
China’s influence over Kiribati is suspected to be the cause of recent decisions including the establishment of undisclosed Chinese community policing programmes, the backlog of migration-visas for Australians, and the ephemeral leave from the Pacific Islands Forum. Western media theorises Beijing would benefit from an isolated Kiribati. However, Chinese apparent authority contradicts Kiribati’s aim to protect its independence and identity as other territories in the Pacific.
Even though the relationship between Australia and Kiribati declined, since President Maamau is expected to continue his ambitious development goals, Australia and the US urge to strengthen their ties and promote development with territories in the Pacific.
November
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake secured a strong mandate following a decisive victory in snap parliamentary elections, giving him power to tackle corruption and recover stolen assets in the aftermath of the country’s financial crisis. Dissanayake, a self-declared Marxist, leads the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition that achieved a landslide in the country’s election, allowing him to address pressing issues of poverty and political corruption in Sri Lanka. The NPP won 159 out of the 225 seats in parliament, a clear two-thirds majority. This result placed Dissanayake’s coalition far ahead of the opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), that secured just 40 seats. The victory came after Dissanayake, a seasoned 55-year-old politician, was elected president in September with 42% of the vote, signaling widespread disillusionment with the traditional political parties that have governed Sri Lanka since its independence in 1948.
The NPP’s success confirmed Dissanayake’s decision to call early elections, which he hoped would provide parliamentary support for his agenda. Sri Lanka’s economy had been plunged into chaos following a financial crash that caused severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicines. The country’s voters, facing economic hardship, overwhelmingly backed Dissanayake’s promise to break free from the old political guard. Voters expressed their frustration with the political elite, many of whom had been in power for decades. This election marked a clear rejection of “the same old faces” and a desire for fresh leadership. Public anger over the economic crisis reached its peak in July, when protests led to the storming of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence, ultimately forcing his resignation and temporary exile. The Rajapaksa family’s party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) won only two seats compared to the 145 seats it previously held and saw its previous vote share collapse by over 55%.
However, one of the most significant shifts in this election was the NPP’s victory in the Tamil-majority Jaffna district, signaling growing support for Dissanayake among ethnic Tamils, who have historically been suspicious of Sinhalese leaders.
Dissanayake’s promise to reform Sri Lanka’s “corrupt” political culture resonated deeply with voters suffering from tax hikes and austerity measures. Upon taking office, he pledged to renegotiate a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout secured by his predecessor, though he has so far upheld the agreement. With his new majority, however, Dissanayake may now have the leverage to reopen talks on the bailout terms.
Iceland
Iceland held parliamentary elections prompted by a series of disagreements over critical issues such as immigration, energy policy, and the economy. These tensions led Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson to dissolve his coalition government and call for early elections. This marks Iceland’s sixth general election since the financial crisis of 2008, which crippled the island’s economy and ushered in a period of political instability. Polls ahead of the election indicated the country could be heading for another shift in power, with support for the three governing parties seeing a significant decline. Benediktsson, who assumed the role of prime minister in April after his predecessor resigned, struggled to maintain a fragile coalition between the conservative Independence Party, the centrist Progressive Party, and the Left-Green Movement.
Iceland is typically known for its deep-rooted democratic traditions and is often cited as one of the world’s oldest parliamentary democracies. The Althingi, Iceland’s parliament, was established in 930 by the Norse settlers of the island.
At this election, voters selected 63 members of the Althingi, with seats allocated both through regional constituencies and proportional representation. To secure a seat, a party must have earned at least 5% of the vote. Turnout in Iceland is typically high compared to global standards. In the 2021 parliamentary election, approximately 80% of registered voters participated.
Like many other Western nations, Iceland has been grappling with inflation and rising immigration. Inflation reached a high of 10.2% in February 2023, driven by the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Although inflation slowed to 5.1% by October, it remains significantly higher than in neighboring countries, such as the USA (2.6%) and the European Union (2.3%).
Iceland is also facing challenges in managing an increasing influx of asylum-seekers. The number of people seeking refuge in the country has risen sharply, surpassing 4,000 annually in each of the last three years, compared to an average of fewer than 1,000 in previous years. This growing influx has stirred tensions in the traditionally homogeneous nation.
Results showed no party winning a majority in the Althing, with the Social Democratic Alliance outperforming the ruling Independence Party to win a plurality of seats. The election saw the worst performance by the Independence Party, Progressive Party, the Left-Green Movement, and the Pirate Party in each of the parties’ histories, while Viðreisn, the People’s Party, and the Centre Party saw their best performance in each of the parties’ histories. This follows a trend of Icelanders voting against every post 2008 recession government except for 2021.
Romania
In an unexpected turn of events, the first round of Romania’s presidential elections saw far-right nationalist Călin Georgescu top the polls, defying expectations and shaking the political establishment. However, the run-off between Georgescu and centrist pro-EU candidate Elena Lasconi has now been annulled. The Constitutional Court (CCR) annulled the results of the first round and ordered entirely new elections to be held, citing procedural issues and revelations of foreign interference. This unprecedented decision has thrown Romania into political uncertainty, just as voting had begun in the diaspora.
The CCR released a statement confirming the annulment and explained that the decision was made following the declassification of secret intelligence reports, which revealed that Russian operatives had attempted to influence the election outcome through anti-Western propaganda supporting Georgescu. These reports also exposed illegal activities in Georgescu’s campaign financing. The court had previously considered annulment requests but initially decided to proceed with the results. However, the revelation of external interference prompted a dramatic reversal. The court’s decision comes with no clear timeline for what comes next. The country is now facing the prospect of fresh elections, which could potentially take place in the spring of 2025.
Romanian Prime Minister Ciolacu, representing the center-left Social Democratic Party, praised the court’s ruling as the right course of action. “The CCR’s decision is the only correct solution,” Ciolacu stated, referring to the declassified documents that revealed Russian interference in the election. On the other hand, many other politicians have fiercely criticised the court’s decision, condemning the ruling as “illegal” and “immoral,” arguing that it undermined Romania’s democratic principles.
Georgescu denounced the court’s decision describing the annulment as a “barbaric act” by a corrupt oligarchic system. He claimed that the establishment was terrified of his rise and vowed to continue his political battle. “The wave is unstoppable,” he said, comparing his own situation to that of US President-elect Donald Trump, who faced similar accusations of election manipulation.
Georgescu’s campaign had been marked by controversy, particularly around the methods used to boost his visibility. His TikTok campaign, which gained immense traction in the days leading up to the first round of voting, came under intense scrutiny. Intelligence reports indicated that a network of state-backed actors had artificially inflated his popularity, with significant financial backing funneled into his campaign.
As Romania grapples with this unprecedented political turmoil, the nation’s democratic process is at a crossroads, with far-reaching implications for its future. The cancellation of the election results and the fallout from foreign interference have ignited fierce political debates and left many questioning the integrity of the electoral system.
Uruguay
Yamandu Orsi, the center-left candidate from Uruguay’s Broad Front party, won the presidency in the runoff election. Secured 52.0% of the vote, defeating conservative Alvaro Delgado, who garnered 48.0%. The narrow margin reflected what had been expected to be a close race. Speaking to thousands of supporters in Montevideo, Orsi declared, “The horizon is brightening,” and pledged to be a president who would prioritise national dialogue and unity. He emphasised his vision for a country based on freedom, equality, and fraternity.
Orsi, a former mayor, plans to focus on fostering investment, boosting economic growth, and improving workforce skills without raising taxes that might deter businesses. He has also called for closer cooperation with Europe to combat drug trafficking and more funding for the prison system.
Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou and Delgado quickly conceded, congratulating Orsi and offering support for a smooth transition. The election in Uruguay, a nation of 3.4 million people known for its stability and progressive policies like legalized marijuana, marked a contrast to the polarising political climates in other Latin American nations like Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.
Concerns over high living costs, inequality, and crime were prominent in the election, but Uruguay’s economy had been showing signs of improvement, with inflation easing and employment rising. Orsi’s campaign promised a “modern left” approach that reassured voters wary of a sharp policy shift in the traditionally moderate country.
Orsi’s Broad Front secured a majority in the Senate, which strengthens his position to lead the Government. His victory reflects a broader trend of incumbent parties losing support in global elections, as voters react to inflation and economic challenges.
Namibia
Namibia made history by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, whose victory in last week’s election will extend the Swapo Party’s 34-year rule over the country. Nandi-Ndaitwah, the current vice president, won with 57% of the vote, surpassing expectations that a runoff might be needed. Swapo has been in power since Namibia’s independence from apartheid-era South Africa in 1990.
A former member of the underground independence movement in the 1970s, Nandi-Ndaitwah rose to prominence as foreign minister before being appointed vice president in February, following the death of President Hage Geingob. Despite her success, the election faced controversy. Opposition parties have disputed the results, citing technical issues, including ballot shortages and delays that forced the election to be extended through Saturday. They argue that the extension was illegal and are considering legal action to challenge the outcome.
The second-place candidate, Panduleni Itula, received 25.5% of the vote, a decline from his 29% share in the 2019 election. Itula, a former dentist who returned to Namibia in 2013, led the new Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party. His party came second in the parliamentary vote with 20%, while Swapo saw a drop in its parliamentary share, securing 53% compared to 65% in the previous election.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory was seen as the triumph of a steady and experienced leader, untainted by the corruption scandals that have marred other Swapo figures. Her success stands out in a region where younger voters have increasingly turned away from liberation movements, as seen this year in South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique, where opposition forces have gained ground amid protests and political unrest.
Senegal
Senegal’s ruling party, PASTEF, claimed a decisive victory in its legislative elections, marking a significant step in President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s reform agenda. The win follows Faye’s earlier success in securing the presidency just months earlier. With nearly all ballots counted, reports indicated PASTEF emerged as the top party in most of the first polling stations, signaling a clear victory. Government spokesman Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarre praised the Senegalese people’s support for the party, acknowledging the large margin of the win.
Even as votes were still being counted, Senegal’s two main opposition parties conceded the results. Barthelemy Dias, leader of one opposition coalition, congratulated PASTEF, recognizing their electoral success. However, former President Macky Sall, who leads an opposition group from abroad, accused PASTEF of organizing “massive fraud,” though he did not provide specifics or evidence for the claim.
Faye had faced challenges in pushing his reforms due to a parliament controlled by the opposition. The opposition-led parliament blocked key initiatives such as tackling corruption, reviewing fishing permits for foreign companies, and ensuring a more equitable distribution of the country’s natural resources. Faye’s presidential victory earlier this year, winning 54% of the first-round vote, gave PASTEF a strong chance of success in the parliamentary elections under Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
The campaign period saw protests and tensions, especially due to legal actions against Sonko and Faye, which the two politicians argued were politically motivated under previous leadership. Despite some violence between supporters, the campaign was largely peaceful. The opposition criticized the government for inaction and preoccupation with settling scores from past administrations.
Amid a struggling economy, with over 20% unemployment, Faye’s government has faced fiscal challenges. The IMF and Moody’s responded to an audit revealing a larger-than-expected budget deficit by suspending aid and downgrading Senegal’s credit rating. Despite these economic pressures, the government has worked to deliver on promises by lowering the cost of essential goods like rice, oil, and sugar.
Plenty of incredible results from across the globe from elections of all types – teeing up what is likely to be an exciting year from July onwards. For politicos, the data being produced by these elections is nothing short of wonderful. In this ‘mega election year’, as some have coined it, expectations are high – the excitement (and trepidation) is higher.
December
Chad
Chad faces a precarious moment as opposition groups demand the end of the transitional government and the annulment of the December 29 elections. Opposition leaders claim a widespread boycott undermines the legitimacy of the vote, while the elections management body, ANGE, insists the irregularities will not alter the results.
The elections mark the conclusion of Chad’s three-year transitional period following the death of President Idriss Deby Itno in 2021. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, took power and won a contested presidential election in May. ANGE reports that 36% of the country’s 8.3 million registered voters participated, though opposition parties assert turnout was far lower, with most citizens heeding boycott calls.
Avocksouma Djona, representing the GCAP opposition coalition, accuses Deby of perpetuating his father’s authoritarian legacy. Succes Masra, leader of The ‘Transformers’ party, has called for a new transition built on truth, dialogue, and reconciliation to achieve stability.
Political analyst Yamingue Betinbaye acknowledges opposition claims of irregularities but doubts the elections will be annulled. Meanwhile, the government warns that opposition calls for protests risk plunging the country into chaos.
As provisional results are awaited, the nation remains on edge, with fears of escalating unrest and deepening divisions.
Though 2025 won’t rival 2024’s election fervor, it still holds significant political contests. Nations such as Canada, Germany, Chile, Belarus, and the Philippines will see elections shaped by persistent global challenges, including inflation, rising populism, and geopolitical turmoil.
Belarus (January 26)
Alexander Lukashenko, Europe’s longest-reigning autocrat, seeks a seventh term amid a tightly controlled electoral environment. Genuine opposition is absent, and Lukashenko’s challengers have largely endorsed his agenda. Restrictions on Belarusians abroad further undermine fairness. His reelection would solidify Belarus’s alignment with Russia, continuing its role as a key ally in regional military dynamics.
Germany (February 23)
A fractured coalition and economic stagnation have led to early elections. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD faces an uphill battle, trailing the center-right CDU and far-right AfD. Migration and fiscal policy dominate debates, while global pressures like the Ukraine war and trade tensions weigh heavily. Polls favor Friedrich Merz (CDU) as the next chancellor, though forming a stable government remains uncertain.
Philippines (May 12)
Midterm elections act as a litmus test for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who seeks a Senate majority amid tensions with Vice President Sara Duterte. Marcos aims to consolidate power while sidelining his rival, potentially reshaping the nation’s political landscape.
Canada (Before October 20)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority government faces likely collapse. Mounting public frustration over inflation and economic policies bolsters Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s chances. The election could redefine Canada’s identity, with opposing visions of climate action and resource development at stake.
Chile (November 16)
With Gabriel Boric barred from reelection, the right-wing Chile Vamos coalition, led by Evelyn Matthei, emerges as a strong contender. Crime and economic recovery dominate discussions, and despite past challenges, the ruling coalition still has a fighting chance.
Each of these elections will shape regional and global trajectories, reflecting the interplay of democracy, autocracy, and populism. We look forward to bringing you our own analysis of each of these elections (and more!) as they occur.
