Elections have consequences.
2024 is an extraordinary year for global elections. More than 60 countries and billions of people are voting in national elections. They include the world’s three largest democracies: India, the United States and Indonesia.
This great exercise in democracy comes at a time of growing concerns about democratic backsliding, fueled by technology.
Throughout 2024, NPR’s international journalists will provide rich storytelling and perspectives from voters, thinkers and participants. We also provide a global perspective on the US presidential election in November.
Here are some of the elections we’ve covered since January, as well as the upcoming elections our reporters are paying close attention to.
Bengal
parliament, January 7
Bangladesh’s campaign has been marred by violence, a government crackdown on critics and opponents and the spread of artificial intelligence-generated disinformation. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party boycotted the vote. Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League continue to rule.
Related reports
— Bangladesh PM wins overwhelming majority as opposition boycotts vote
— Bangladeshi Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus faces trouble in his home country
Taiwan
President, January 13
Taiwan’s presidential election in January is seen as a crucial contest that will shape the future of Asia’s security. Taiwan independence candidate Lai Qingde of the Democratic Progressive Party won the election and was sworn in on May 20.
Related reports
——Taiwan’s new president urges China to stop military intimidation
——China launches military exercises around Taiwan
——Analysis: Taiwan election is vote on continuity but adds uncertainty to relations with China
El Salvador
President and Legislative Council, February 4
El Salvador’s elections have been dominated by debates over the trade-offs between security and democracy. No one was surprised when popular but authoritarian President Nayib Bukele declared a landslide victory.
Related reports
— El Salvador’s popular but authoritarian president declares election victory
— “Sunday Stories”: The price of peace in El Salvador
—El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele receives a warm welcome at CPAC
Pakistan
Parliament, February 8
Pakistan has been mired in a political crisis since parliament ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022. Sherbaz Sharif became prime minister after gaining support from the military.
Related reports
— Pakistan’s new prime minister is also the country’s old prime minister
— Many Pakistanis vote in elections seemingly despite crackdown on popular leaders
——Ultra-high-tech development in Pakistan’s parliamentary elections
Indonesia
Presidential and Legislative Assembly, February 14
Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim country and one of the largest democracies, but its politics are dominated by a small and powerful elite. Prabowo Subianto, a former general who had been banned from entering the United States, was elected president.
Related reports
— Indonesian elections pose challenges for U.S.
— Former general Prabowo Subianto claims victory in Indonesian presidential election
— Three things you should know about Indonesia’s presidential election
Russia
President, March 15-17
President Vladimir Putin won another six-year term in a carefully orchestrated vote during which other candidates did not even criticize him. Genuine critics are barred from running. Despite the high cost of the war in Ukraine, Putin has retained broad support in Russia, in part due to increased political repression that criminalizes criticism and opposition.
Related reports
— After a quarter-century in power, Russian President Vladimir Putin isn’t going anywhere
— Why Russia is holding a presidential election even though Putin is almost certain to win
——Russian President Putin visits important ally China for the first time since taking office
India
Parliament, April 19 to June 1
Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party won a third term leading the world’s most populous nation. However, the election results disappointed Modi, who after a decade in power is facing criticism both inside and outside India over what he sees as democratic backsliding, including over the treatment of India’s Muslim minority.
Related reports
—Indian leader Modi is sworn in as Prime Minister for his third term
— What impact does the death of a jailed Jesuit priest have on Indian democracy under Modi?
— Hindu nationalists unleash a wave of anti-Muslim rhetoric in India’s elections
South Africa
Parliament, May 29
South Africa’s ruling African National Congress party has lost its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994 due to economic woes and a corruption scandal. Reorganize.
Related reports
——South Africa’s African National Congress loses its absolute majority for the first time
— Nelson Mandela’s party could lose its outright majority in South Africa
— South Africa’s ruling party faces its biggest challenge yet in upcoming elections
Mexico
President and Legislature, June 2
Environmental scientist and former Mexico City mayor Claudia Scheinbaum has been overwhelmingly elected as Mexico’s first female president, a historic milestone for a country rife with gender-based violence and misogyny .
Related reports
—La Presidenta: Mexico elects first female president
— A groundbreaking feminist says the “victory” of Mexico’s first female president is no surprise
— Social programs could be deciding factor for voters in Mexican elections
european parliament
Parliament, June 6-June 9
The far right scores better than before across the EU but seems unable to form a parliamentary group that would give it real power. An alliance of three traditionally centrist parties remains in power and may accept Ursula von der Leyen’s re-election as European Commission president. Policies are expected to de-emphasize achieving ambitious targets.
Related reports
— Far right wins EU elections, French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Scholz suffer heavy defeats
— European Parliament election results provide insight into EU priorities
——Key points of the European Parliament elections
Iran
President, June 28
Iran will hold a second round of presidential elections on July 5 to choose a successor to the late Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May. The first round of voting on June 28 had low turnout. For hardliners, the goal is to maintain control of the presidency, but ultimately in Iran, major decisions rest with the supreme leader.
Related reports
— Iran to hold runoff election between reformists and hardliners
— Here’s what to know about Iran’s presidential election
— Iran’s president dies in helicopter crash. Who will replace him?
France
Legislation, June 30 to July 7
On June 9, after the far-right National Unity Party won first place in the French European Parliament vote, French President Macron dissolved the parliament and held two rounds of elections in advance. Analysts said he was betting French voters were using the EU vote to “send a message” and did not want a national rally to govern France. But pre-election polls showed the far-right — now led by TikTok-savvy 28-year-old Jordan Bardella — widening its lead.
Related reports
— What to know about France’s high-stakes election, where the far-right is making inroads
— France’s national rally leads in polls, trying to shake off “far-right” label
——The French far right gains momentum for the first time since World War II
— Election campaign kicks off as France prepares to elect new parliament
U.K.
Parliament, July 4
The ruling Conservatives, which trail the opposition Labor Party in opinion polls, have been exacerbating divisive issues including climate and immigration. The UK is a member of the Group of Seven major industrialized countries.
Related reports
— State of the World Podcast: Is UK politics collapsing?
— UK to go to the polls after far-right surprise victory in European Parliament elections
— A week before the election, UK party leaders traded barbs in televised debates
Venezuela
President, July 28
Venezuela will hold a presidential election on July 28. Opinion polls show the main opposition candidate is expected to win. But the question is, will these elections be free and fair?
Related reports
— In Venezuela, Maduro’s regime makes it difficult for many to vote
— Venezuela’s president faces criminal prosecution if he loses re-election in July
— The Venezuelan regime aims to demoralize the opposition ahead of July elections
— Venezuela’s games feature songs praising authoritarian leaders
USA
President and Legislative Council, November 5
A rematch between President Biden and former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election is likely. U.S. intelligence officials say multiple foreign actors may be targeting voters this time.
Related reports
— Why people around the world are watching the U.S. presidential race
— How U.S. allies and partners view the November election
——The President of the United States and Foreign Policy
