The year 2024 has undoubtedly been one of the most consequential for global democracy, characterized by elections in over 70 countries, which collectively impacted half of the world’s population. It wasn’t just the sheer number of elections that made it significant, but the political, economic, and geopolitical turbulence that influenced these processes. Whether it was the seven-phase elections in India, which are among the world’s largest, or Indonesia’s presidential polls and the highly contested US presidential election, 2024 witnessed the world engaged in electoral processes in unprecedented ways.
However, the most striking feature of these elections wasn’t the diversity of democratic settings, but the profound shifts in public sentiment, which led to the downfall of ruling parties across various nations. From Sri Lanka to South Africa, from the US to Japan, voters seemed to express their frustration with the political status quo, marking a significant rise in populist politics across the globe.
The Global Wave of Discontent
One of the most palpable aspects of 2024’s elections was the clear expression of anger from voters, many of whom had grown disillusioned with economic instability, unemployment, inflation, and the ongoing global tensions. In countries like Japan, where the Liberal Democratic Party had been in power since the end of World War II, the ruling party suffered a surprising defeat. Likewise, South Africa, which has been governed by the African National Congress (ANC) since 1994, witnessed the first instance of the party failing to secure an outright majority in parliamentary elections.
Sri Lanka’s election was particularly telling. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a relatively unknown leader, pulled off an unexpected victory with his party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, securing both presidential and parliamentary elections. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the Conservative Party, which had been in power for 14 years, was ousted by voters who handed a resounding mandate to the Labour Party.
Among the most significant defeats, however, was the Democratic Party’s loss in the United States presidential race. Frustrated voters, including many from the party’s own ranks, chose former Republican President Donald Trump, signaling a seismic shift in American politics. Trump’s victory not only raised questions about the future of liberal democracies but also emboldened right-wing populist leaders worldwide.
The Rising Tide of Right-Wing Populism
2024 also saw a marked rise in far-right populist movements, particularly in Europe. Following Viktor Orbán’s rise to power in Hungary in 2010, far-right parties in Europe gained considerable ground, but 2024 was a year of unprecedented success for these groups. Voters in many countries, dissatisfied with immigration policies, economic hardship, and societal changes, turned to far-right leaders who promised nationalistic agendas and stronger border control policies.
Austria’s far-right Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, triumphed with 29% of the vote, signaling the growing influence of right-wing populism in the region. Other European nations, such as Belgium, Portugal, and several countries in Eastern Europe, saw similar trends. In countries like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Italy, right-wing parties were either part of the governing coalition or made significant electoral gains.
The most dramatic moment, however, came in the two largest EU countries, Germany and France, where far-right parties rose to prominence, challenging the political establishment. This wave of populism is no longer just a fringe phenomenon; it is now an established force within European politics.
The Trump Factor and Global Consequences
While the rise of far-right parties in Europe has garnered attention, it was the victory of Donald Trump in the United States that truly reverberated globally. Trump’s unorthodox style, his strong anti-immigrant rhetoric, and his nationalism-driven politics have made him a symbol of global populism. His victory in 2024, following a tumultuous period in US politics, had far-reaching consequences. Not only did it signal the return of a more aggressive, inward-looking America, but it also provided a boost to populist movements worldwide. The reverberations of this victory will be felt in global politics for years to come.
In fact, Trump’s success represents a broader trend in which democratic institutions are increasingly under threat, both in the West and globally. This rise of populism is fueled by frustration with established political elites, economic inequalities, and fears about cultural and demographic changes. As a result, populist leaders have been able to appeal to voters who feel left behind, offering simple, often divisive solutions to complex problems.
Democracy Under Threat
However, 2024 wasn’t just about electoral victories; it also revealed the growing vulnerability of democracies worldwide. The year saw a disturbing rise in foreign interference in elections. Countries like Russia, China, and Iran have been accused of meddling in democratic processes across Europe, Asia, and North America. Using tools like cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns, authoritarian regimes have sought to influence the outcome of elections in their favor. The rise of artificial intelligence tools, particularly generative AI, has made it even easier for malign actors to spread false information and manipulate voters.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have become hotbeds of disinformation, with foreign powers using these channels to sway public opinion. In particular, the US, European countries, and even India were targeted by covert operations to disrupt elections. The European Union’s elections were no exception, with populist and anti-immigrant groups gaining ground. These developments highlight the growing fragility of electoral integrity in the face of external interference.
Despite these challenges, there were also signs of resilience. Election-monitoring bodies and tech platforms took proactive steps to counter foreign interference, limiting the impact of such campaigns. Still, the specter of foreign influence remains a significant threat to the democratic process, one that will need to be addressed urgently in the coming years.
The Future of Democracy: Hope Amidst Challenges
As we look forward to the coming years, the global trend in 2024 suggests that democracy is at a crossroads. On one hand, the rise of populism and the erosion of democratic institutions are undeniable trends. On the other hand, countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have shown that democratic resilience, particularly among youth, can lead to significant political change. The protests and movements led by young people in these countries have opened the door to greater democratization and have injected new hope into the global democratic project.
In conclusion, while 2024 will be remembered as a year of electoral upheaval and populist triumphs, it is also a year that serves as a wake-up call for the international community. As we move into 2025, the challenge will be to strengthen democratic institutions, resist authoritarian pressures, and ensure that the voice of the people remains central to the political process. The year ahead will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the future of democracy, not just in the West, but globally.
