Global Elections in 2024: A Mixed Bag for Democracy
In 2024, over 70 countries held general elections, with nearly half of the world’s population casting their votes. This remarkable electoral activity provided a unique opportunity to assess the state of democracy worldwide. While the results reveal significant challenges to democratic systems, they also highlight instances of resilience and hope amidst adversity.
The State of Democracy: A Troubling Landscape
The year 2024 has been a rollercoaster for democracy. In many nations, democratic institutions are under siege, facing unprecedented threats from both internal and external forces. The United States, for instance, showcased the alarming rise of plutocracy, where wealth increasingly influences political power. Donald Trump’s victory, despite his refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of previous elections, raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. Kevin Casas-Zamora, secretary general of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), pointed out the disturbing levels of polarization, rampant disinformation, and the overwhelming influence of money in U.S. politics.
A Global Perspective: Successes and Setbacks
While the U.S. exemplifies the dangers of internal decay, countries like Senegal and Bangladesh demonstrated that democratic movements can thrive against authoritarianism. In Senegal, citizens rallied to ensure a fair election despite attempts to undermine the process. Similarly, in Bangladesh, a student-led movement successfully challenged a regime that had clung to power through questionable means.
However, not all news was positive. The specter of foreign interference loomed large in elections in Romania and Georgia, where external actors exploited social media to sway public opinion. In Romania, a rerun of presidential elections was ordered due to suspicious activity linked to foreign influence, while Georgia’s ruling party, criticized for its ties to Russia, secured another term despite widespread discontent.
The Rise of Political Violence
Political violence surged in 2024, with at least 26 of the 75 elections marred by unrest. Gerardo Berthin from Freedom House noted that the climate of polarization has led to increased aggression, including assassination attempts and attacks on election officials. This troubling trend underscores the need for societies to address the underlying tensions that fuel such violence.
Discontent and Representation
The electoral cycle also revealed a growing discontent with established political parties. In many regions, voters turned to radical alternatives, reflecting a desire for change. Political scientist Cristina Monge observed that while economic indicators may appear strong, underlying societal issues are driving unrest.
Moreover, the representation of women in politics took a hit in 2024, with a slight decline in female parliamentary seats. Despite progress over the past two decades, the stagnation in gender representation highlights ongoing challenges in achieving equality in political spaces.
Authoritarianism on the Rise
Several elections confirmed the consolidation of authoritarian regimes. Tunisia, once a beacon of hope for democracy in North Africa, saw a dismal turnout of just 28% in an election that lacked genuine competition. In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele violated constitutional norms to secure a second term, while Ukraine’s elections were thwarted by ongoing conflict with Russia.
Climate Change and Electoral Processes
Interestingly, climate change, despite its growing urgency, did not dominate electoral discussions. However, extreme weather events did disrupt 14 national elections, illustrating the disconnect between climate issues and political priorities.
A Silver Lining: High Voter Turnout
Amidst the challenges, there was a glimmer of hope: voter turnout in 2024 averaged 61%, with 1.6 billion people participating in elections. This suggests that, despite widespread distrust in democratic institutions, many still believe in the power of the electoral process.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Democracy
As we move into 2025, the electoral landscape appears less daunting, but the forces undermining democracy remain potent. The resilience shown in countries like Senegal and Bangladesh offers a blueprint for how citizens can mobilize against authoritarianism. However, the ongoing struggle between democratic ideals and authoritarian tendencies will continue to shape the global political landscape.
In conclusion, while 2024 was a year of significant challenges for democracy, it also showcased the indomitable spirit of citizens fighting for their rights. The road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, but the commitment to democratic principles remains strong. As we reflect on the events of the past year, it’s clear that the fight for democracy is far from over.
