BLOGGING THE VIEW: 2024 is the year of elections – 5 key ones to note
While most of us are focused on the upcoming South African national elections, this is just one of MANY elections taking place this year, impacting more than half the world's population. Democracy is on the line, and 2024 could be the deciding year...
While we’re all waiting with bated breath for President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce the date for what is arguably our most contested election in democratic history, it’s worth noting that we’re not alone.
This year will see more than 40 elections worldwide, impacting the lives of more than 4 billion people – which is more than half the world’s population.
The end of this year could see a make or break for democracy worldwide, and while all elections hold significance, here are a few key ones to watch (including ours of course!).
1. India
Population: 1.44b
Election: Lok Sabha (House of the People)
Date: Expected April to May
India is the world’s largest democracy and a key player in global affairs.
The election outcome will likely affect not only India’s stability, but its role in impacting global challenges.
It’s most likely that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will win a third five-year term, however, there are threats of communal tensions which could affect India’s image and relations with the West.
2. Mexico
Population: 129m
Election: Presidency, Senate, Chamber of Deputies
Date: 2 June
The almost 100m voters will head to the polls to vote for the next president to serve a six-year term.
In a first in Mexico’s history, the two leading presidential candidates are women – Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the former mayor of Mexico City, and former senator Xóchitl Gálvez.
3. European Union
Population: 448m (27 EU member states)
Election: European Parliament
Date: 6 to 9 June
Key issues that will dominate the EU elections include climate policies, immigration laws, security and defence against the backdrop of global conflicts.
These elections take place every five years across all 27 member countries. In addition to the president of the European Commission (currently Ursula von der Leyen, the EU’s first female president), states will vote in 720 Members of the European Parliament.
4. The United States
Population: 341m
Election: Presidency, Senate and House of Representatives
Date: 5 November
Arguably one of the most influential elections on the planet, the United States will vote for its president, seats in the House of Representatives, and a third of the seats in the Senate.
In what seems like a waking nightmare, it appears this might be a contest reminiscent of 2020, with Democrat Joe Biden the sitting president, taking on the twice-impeached candidate, Republican Donald Trump.
5. South Africa
Population: 60.7m
Election: National Assembly
Date: Expected May to August
This is set to be our most important election in 30 years of democracy, with the ANC’s majority on the line, potentially leading to a coalition government.
There are more than 26 million voters registered, with load-shedding and endemic corruption likely to be central to the deciding vote.
SOURCES:
https://time.com/6550920/world-elections-2024/
https://apnews.com/article/global-elections-2024-preview-cb77b0940964c5c95a9affc8ebb6f0b7
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/4/the-year-of-elections-is-2024-democracys-biggest-test-ever
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