Global Elections: How the world voted in 2024
The 2024 elections showcased diverse political trends, from the entrenchment of long-time leaders to surges by opposition and ideological realignments.
Incumbents vs. Opposition
In 2024, elections around the globe highlighted contrasting trends of continuity and change. Incumbent leaders managed to retain power in several key nations, while opposition candidates celebrated breakthrough victories elsewhere.
Incumbents Retain Power
In many nations, incumbent leaders managed to secure their positions, emphasising continuity in governance:
- Russia: On March 17, Vladimir Putin achieved another term with an overwhelming 87.29% of the vote, far ahead of competitors Nikolay Kharitonov (4.3%) and Vladislav Davankov (3.8%). Voter turnout stood at an impressive 77%.
- Finland: The National Coalition Party retained power in the January 28 presidential elections, narrowly defeating the Green League with 51.6% of the vote to 48.4%.
- Egypt: President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi secured a landslide victory on December 10, earning 89.6% of the vote, with Hazem Omar (4.5%) and Farid Zahran (4%) trailing behind.
- Venezuela: President Nicolás Maduro retained his position on December 8, winning 51.2% of the vote, closely followed by opposition candidate Edmundo González at 44.2%.
Opposition Breakthroughs
In other regions, opposition candidates celebrated remarkable victories, signalling calls for change:
- South Korea: The April 10 elections saw the Democratic Party (DP) gain 175 seats, overtaking the incumbent People Power Party (PPP), which won 108 seats. Voter turnout reached 67%.
- South Africa: On May 8, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority, securing 40.18% of seats. The Democratic Alliance (DA) followed with 21.81%, and the newly formed MK party claimed 14.58%.
- Ghana: Opposition candidate John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won decisively with 56.3% on December 7, defeating the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which garnered 41.3%.
- Taiwan: The Kuomintang (KMT) opposition gained ground in the January 13 elections, earning 33.49%, while the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won 40.05%, and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) captured 26.46%.
Left vs. Right
Elections this year also revealed an ideological divide, with significant wins for both left-leaning and right-leaning candidates.
Left-Wing Victories
Several left-leaning candidates and parties enjoyed significant wins:
- Mexico: Claudia Sheinbaum’s landslide victory with 59.4% showcased a leftist surge.
- United Kingdom: The Labour Party secured a win in the July 4 general elections with 33.7%.
- Ghana: John Mahama’s NDC presidency affirmed a left-leaning shift with 56.3%.
- South Korea: The Democratic Party’s dominance with 175 seats marked a pivotal victory.
- Uruguay: Frente Amplio emerged victorious in the October 27 elections with 43.93%.
- Botswana: The Umbrella for Democratic Change won with 37.22% on October 30.
Right-Wing Successes
Right-leaning parties also saw significant triumphs, consolidating conservative momentum:
- United States: Republicans captured the presidency with 49.9% of the vote on November 5.
- Portugal: The Democratic Alliance narrowly led with 28.02% in the January 21 elections.
- Slovakia: Hlas achieved a commanding victory with 53.12%.
- Indonesia: Prabowo Subianto secured 58.59% in the February 14 election to become president.
- Austria: The PfE party emerged as a leader with 25.4%.
Globally, the right-wing bloc outpaced the left in cumulative votes—securing 197,655,763 against 89,885,303, which reflects a broader consolidation of conservative support.
