Key elections to watch in 2025
Although 2025 is not as election-packed as 2024—where countries comprising nearly half the world’s population headed to the polls—pivotal elections are set to take place across several countries.
Here is a rundown of the most anticipated elections for the year:
Croatia Presidential Elections - Second Round
The first round of Croatia’s presidential elections took place on December 29, 2024, setting the stage for an intense runoff. Incumbent president Zoran Milanovic, representing the opposition Social Democrats, garnered 49.1% of the vote—just shy of an outright majority. His closest rival, Dragan Primorac of the centre-right Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), secured 19.35% of the vote.
The decisive second round is scheduled for January 12, 2025. Milanovic’s strong showing positions him as the favourite, but the final outcome will depend on voter turnout and alliances.
Ecuador General Elections
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who became the world’s youngest democratically elected leader at age 35 after a snap general election in 2023, is seeking reelection on February 9, 2025. Noboa, the son of billionaire Álvaro Noboa, secured victory in a second-round vote on October 15, 2023, after no candidate secured a majority in the first round of voting on August 20, 2023.
Romania Presidential Elections
Romania’s 2025 presidential election is set for April, following the annulment of the November 24, 2024, election results. The Romanian Constitutional Court voided the elections on December 6, citing suspected Russian interference in favour of far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, who unexpectedly led in the first round.
This rerun is expected to test Romania’s democratic resilience and its ability to safeguard electoral integrity in the face of external influences.
Philippines General Election
The Philippines will hold its midterm general election on May 12, 2025, an event critical for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as he navigates his presidency. This election will determine all 317 seats in the House of Representatives, 12 of the 24 Senate seats, and numerous local government positions.
Marcos Jr. faces a challenging political environment, marked by a public feud with Vice President Sara Duterte. Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has publicly expressed regret over her past support for Marcos, creating political tension that could influence the election.
Ivory Coast Presidential Elections
Scheduled for October 2025, the Ivory Coast presidential election could mark the return of former president Laurent Gbagbo to the political stage. Gbagbo, who led the country from 2000 to 2011, is expected to challenge for the presidency alongside Pascal Affi N'Guessan, a former prime minister.
Incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, who won reelections in 2015 and 2020, has yet to confirm whether he will seek a fourth term, adding further intrigue to this critical election.
Chile General Elections
Chile’s presidential election is scheduled for November 16, 2025, with a likely runoff on December 14. Incumbent President Gabriel Boric, elected in 2021 at age 35, is barred from seeking consecutive terms.
Evelyn Matthei, former mayor of Providencia and a prominent figure in the right-wing coalition Chile Vamos, has emerged as a frontrunner. Matthei previously ran for president in 2013, losing in the second round to former president Michelle Bachelet. Her candidacy promises a competitive race as Chileans prepare for a change in leadership.
