We heard you, no more by-election specials! Listen to the Bylines Network Podcast’s February episode discussing upcoming elections across the world in 2024. This year, a staggering number of countries, 64 to be precise, along with the European Union, are gearing up for elections. Representing about 49% of the combined world population, these elections are poised to shape the course of international politics for years to come.
Elections in the USA
In the United States of America, the stakes are high with the presidency and control of the Senate and House of Representatives all up for grabs. The Democrats currently hold a narrow majority in the Senate, with the Republicans vying to take control in November. The House of Representatives is also in contention, with all 435 seats up for election.
The potential outcomes carry significant implications for whoever wins the presidency. That seems to be a close race between the incumbent, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump, who is seeking a return to the presidency. The presidential race is under way against the background of multiple criminal indictments against Trump. If he is found guilty of all of them it could result in a total of 700 years in jail. Will he even make it to election day?
Elections in India
The world’s largest democracy is gearing up for its 2024 general elections. It is expected that Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will win a third term. There are concerns from experts though that a win for the BJP could lead to further increases in tensions between the Hindu and Muslim communities in the country. Some have gone so far as to say that a win for Modi would result in depriving Muslims of equality.
With India on the rise on the global stage, these elections will not only decide the country’s leadership but will also have far-reaching impacts on the global economy and international relations.
Elections in Indonesia
Indonesia has already held the largest single day election of all countries across the globe, no mean feat given the fact it has over 18,000 islands and spans three time zones. From results so far, it looks like Prabowo Subianto is set to become the next president. A former general who was once banned from entered the USA due to alleged human rights abuses may not be the first person we might think of for the job.
Concerns have been raised about Prabowo’s past, and the potential for him to go down a more authoritarian path of leadership. His assumed victory has been widely seen as the result of a loss of trust in the country’s politicians.
EU parliamentary elections
The EU parliamentary elections in June 2024 could witness a surge in far-right parties, according to predictions by the European Council on Foreign Relations. Populists may top the polls in nine member states and come second or third in nine others.
This rise of the far-right poses various challenges, including a potential softening of support for Ukraine, stricter immigration policies and threats to net zero environmental targets.
UK – elections galore!
Finally, a long-awaited general election, which looks to be set for late autumn, and local and mayoral elections in May 2024 will further shape the political landscape. Will Labour maintain their lead in the polls or will the Conservatives find some far-flung miracle allowing them to bounce back?
Join us, as we dive into the intricacies of these global elections, analysing the potential outcomes and their far-reaching consequences on the world stage. This is not one you want to miss!
