As voters worldwide voiced their frustrations in 2024, their overwhelming message resounded, “You’re fired.” In a remarkable electoral year that saw elections held in over 70 countries representing roughly half the world’s population, sitting governments faced a voter backlash. Economic turmoil and geopolitical instability prompted citizens from nations such as India, the United States, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom to reject existing leadership in favor of disruptive alternatives.
The year has not only highlighted the volatile landscape of democracy but has also raised significant questions about the stability of power structures globally. Political upheaval was evident, with mass protests erupting in Mozambique and Georgia, Romania facing the annulment of an election, and South Korea’s government attempting to impose martial law.
According to Cas Mudde, an expert on extremism and democracy at the University of Georgia, 2024 could be characterized as “a great year for the far right, a terrible year for incumbents, and a troublesome year for democracy around the world.”
In South Africa, soaring unemployment and stark inequality led to a dramatic decline in support for the African National Congress (ANC). This party had governed since the end of apartheid three decades ago. The ANC’s fall from grace during the May elections forced it into a coalition with opposition parties, prompting concerns about its long-term viability.
This sentiment of rejection was echoed across the continent, with elections in Senegal, Ghana, and Botswana resulting in the ousting of long-standing parties. Botswana’s ruling party, in power since independence from Britain for 58 years, faced a similar fate.
Amidst this wave of discontent, India saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in a decade. In a surprising shift, the opposition capitalized on this sentiment, doubling their representation in Parliament.
In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party suffered a significant setback in October due to voter dissatisfaction over financial scandals, resulting in a precarious minority government. In the UK, the center-left Labour Party swept to power after ousting the Conservative Party, revealing a fragmentation in traditional party support as voters began exploring alternatives, including smaller parties.
However, it was not just traditional governance that faced challenges. The rise of far-right and populist parties across Europe, including the National Rally in France and Austria’s Freedom Party, indicated a shift in the political narrative, often pivoting towards nationalist sentiments. Romania’s far-right candidate, Călin Georgescu, surged in popularity amidst allegations of external meddling, reflecting increasing concerns about foreign influence in democratic processes.
With accusations of covert operations and online disinformation on the rise, 2024 was marked by Meta’s disclosure of numerous election-related influence operations across multiple regions, primarily originating from Russia. The erosion of trust in electoral integrity was stark, particularly in nations like Romania and Georgia, where voters questioned the legitimacy of electoral outcomes.
As the year draws to a close, Donald Trump’s election in the U.S. suggests a volatile international outlook, showcasing contrasts in how nations are navigating the complex waters of governance and power. Voters in countries such as Venezuela and Mozambique voiced their discontent through protests and electoral challenges, while South Korea was thrust into chaos following the imposition of martial law a move that was quickly overturned.
In 2025, embattled incumbents may face further challenges, illustrated by recent developments in Germany and Canada’s governmental dissatisfaction. Despite a global yearning for democratic ideals, many citizens express disillusionment with their local democratic processes, highlighting a growing gap between expectation and reality.
Seema Shah of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance echoed this sentiment, noting that while support for democracy remains robust, satisfaction diminishes significantly when people evaluate their individual experiences. “They want democracy; they appreciate the concept, but when they witness its implementation, it rarely meets their expectations,” she remarked.
This year’s election outcomes demonstrate a critical moment for democratic nations globally. They are characterized by resilience amidst turmoil and evolving public sentiment that challenges the status quo. The future remains uncertain, yet the desire for genuine democratic representation and accountability persists as a guiding principle for frustrated electorates worldwide.
