In India, a strong leader has secured another term, but his party’s majority has diminished. Meanwhile, in South Africa, the ruling party has been humbled by voters for the first time since apartheid ended. In the UK, a populist insurgent has entered an election that appears to be a significant defeat for the long-standing Conservatives.
Throughout the global year of elections, a common theme emerges: voters are sending a clear message to those in power. Whether it’s a desire for a shake-up of the status quo or a defiance against the established order, the sentiment is clear.
Even in Mexico, where Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and successor of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, won by a landslide, voters are rewarding those who have challenged the country’s entrenched establishment in recent years.
With over a billion people casting their votes in more than 60 countries, some analysts feared that 2024 would be a critical test for democracy. Populist and strongmen leaders have undermined democratic institutions, while social media has spread disinformation and conspiracy theories, creating doubts about the legitimacy of elections.
In some of the largest, most vulnerable democracies, leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, once seen as almost invincible, have faced setbacks. Economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and inequality have fueled dissatisfaction among voters, leading to surprising election outcomes.
Although Mr. Modi and Mr. Erdogan remain in power, their parties have experienced losses and will need to govern in coalitions. This shift reflects the changing political landscape and the growing discontent with the status quo.
With elections taking place across the globe, it is challenging to make generalizations. While some countries have seen a resurgence in democratic values, others continue to grapple with populist movements and right-wing parties gaining traction.
The upcoming European Parliament elections are expected to see far-right parties performing well, but analysts believe that the political center will remain intact. The success of figures like Giorgia Meloni in Italy underscores the enduring appeal of populism.
In the UK, the Conservative Party faces challenges from populist politicians like Nigel Farage, adding to their electoral woes. Disillusionment with the status quo and broken promises have fueled support for unconventional candidates in many countries.
Overall, the recent elections in India, South Africa, and Turkey highlight a desire for change and a rejection of traditional politics. Voters are increasingly turning to unconventional candidates who promise to shake up the established order and address long-standing issues such as inequality, unemployment, and corruption.