Year 2024 was no ordinary year. From wars, conflicts to an unprecedented number of elections, to governments being toppled and a set of new leaders coming to power.
This year has been quite interesting. Lets focus on some of the top stories in the year 2024. This year across the globe has been dubbed as the year of vote. With over 80 nations holding elections, more than half of nation’s population participated in electing their leaders. A record was made in democratic history.
From bustling metropolises to rural villages, from established democracies to fragile states, the year 2024 became a litmus test for political systems, the resilience of democracy and the collective voice of billions.
From Bharath to the United States of America and United Kingdom to Pakistan, democracy was tested as more people voted than in any year before.
Political Roller Coaster Of The Year 2024
Every corner of the world had its moment under the democratic spotlight. January was set the stage for what was described by many as democracies make or break moment.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher. As countries grappled with issues ranging from economic instability to the erosion of civil liberties.
Also, Read : As We Welcome Year 2025, Let’s Take A Look Into The Year 2024 Wars
Though a debate across the world started whether democracy, a system revered for centuries, could endure the political, economic and social upheavals of modern world. By the end of the year, one thing was clear, 2024 had been a double edged sword. It showcased both the triumphs and people’s power and the threats that continue to plague democratic systems.
INDIA Elections
In the world’s largest democracy, India general elections from April 2024 to June 2024 became a spectacle of both scale and significance. Over 900 million eligible voters participated in the process highlighting the vibrancy of Indian democracy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP secured the 3rd consecutive term but faced humbling set back.
UK Elections
July 4th, saw a major political change in the Britain as Labour leader Keir Starmer ended 14 years of Conservative dominance. Starmer was replaced with Rishi Sonak as the Prime Minister. Labour party won a commanding parliamentary majority, securing 60% of the seats. Just over 1/2 of British adults turned out to vote, marking one of the lowest participation rates in the country’s democratic history.
In other cases, democratic accountability was found at the streets but not at the ballot box.
BANGLADESH Elections
In January 2024, Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina secured a 5th term as prime minister. But the elections was marred by allegations of voter suppression and violence. With turn out at justice 40%, it became evidence that public discontent was simmering beneath the surface.
By August 2024, Haseena’s regime crumbled under the weight of student led protests. What began as opposition to public sector job quotas quickly transformed into a mass movement against her authoritarian rule. Forced to resign and flee the country, Haseena’s downfall became a symbol of people’s power reclaiming democracy.
PAKISTAN Elections
Pakistan’s February 8, 2024 elections marked a dramatic political struggle. Despite being imprisoned, former prime minister Imran Khan’s PTI Party being disbanded, the party representatives emerged as the most voted. A coalition led by Shabazz Sharif’s PMLN and the PPP thwarted Khan’s return to power.
However, it wasn’t until a month later that it decided on a prime minister. There was a talk that Nawaz Sharif would make a comeback. However, that changed that after the PMLN won fewer seats than expected. Instead, his brother Shabazz Sharif got the top job.
RUSSIA Elections
A mid war, Russia, too, held its Presidential elections in March, 2024. Vladimir Putin secured a 5th term with 87% of the vote.
The mysterious death of Putin critic Alexei Navalny and the Kremlin’s crackdown on dissent painted a grim picture of Russian democracy.
Elections were even held in occupied Ukranian territories, which the international community decried, calling it an attempt to delegitimize Ukraine’s claim on its lost land.
MALDIVES Elections
In April 2024, the Maldives pivoted towards China as President Mohammad Muzu’s party secured a parliamentary super majority. This marked a significant shift away from India, the country’s traditional ally, reflecting growing geo-political competition in the Indian Ocean.
MEXICO Elections
June 2024, brought a historic moment for Mexico, as Claudia Shane Baum became the country’s 1st female and Jewish president. But the election also highlighted Mexico’s growing challenges.
Over 30 candidates got killed in the election campaign which pervasive influence of organized crime. Shane Baum’s administration now faces the daunting task of addressing the gang violence and managing complex relations with the United States over migration.
SRI LANKA Elections
Sri Lanka experienced a political reset on the 21st of September, with Anura Kumara, the Sanayake leader of the Janata Vimukti Peramuna winning the presidency. His victory signaled a rejection of traditional political elite blamed for the nation’s economic collapse.
His election marked a turning point for country in desperate need of change.
USA Elections
In most dramatic of all the elections, of course was the United States of America. The US Presidential race. By November 2024, all the eyes were turned to the USA, where the presidential election became a political showdown.
There were assassination attempts that Donald Trump survived. In a shock move, Joe Biden pulled out of the race after a disastrous debate performance against his rival , the Democrats went on to pick Kamala Harris to take on Trump. The Americans voted for Trump.
Donald Trump now all set to become the 47th president of the country, he’s also only the 2nd in American history to win the White House after a re-election bid.