2024’s Top 5 Anticipated Elections

In what is poised to be one of the most eventful years in recent history, 2024 is set to witness a surge in electoral activities across the globe, with a significant percentage of the world’s population participating in the selection of their leaders.

A staggering 30 countries are gearing up to elect their presidents in 2024, while 20 are poised to choose their parliamentary representatives. However, concerns loom over potential risks associated with disinformation and the manipulation of electoral processes through the use of artificial intelligence, as observers caution against these threats.

Here’s a snapshot of five countries hosting the most anticipated elections:

1. United States: Trump-Biden Rematch on the Horizon?
   • On November 5, 2024, Americans will cast their votes in a presidential race that could potentially witness the return of former President Donald Trump to the White House, despite facing 91 felony counts.
   • Polls indicate a perception among voters that Democratic incumbent Joe Biden may be too old for the presidency, but he remains largely unchallenged within his party for the Democratic nomination.
   • The specter of disinformation, reminiscent of the previous contentious contest, is expected to play a role in the campaign, with memories of Trump supporters storming the US Capitol still fresh.
2. Russia: Putin Eyes Six More Years of Rule
   • Russian President Vladimir Putin, bolstered by claims of success in the Ukraine war, aims to extend his 24-year rule by another six years in the March elections.
   • Running for a fifth term, Putin’s potential victory could see him in power until 2030, thanks to constitutional amendments made in 2020.
   • With dissenters and opponents facing suppression amid the Ukraine conflict, Putin’s path to continued dominance seems unhindered.
3. India: Modi Seeks a Third Term Amid “Modi Mania”
   • In April-May, nearly one billion Indians will participate in the elections, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP party strive for a third term.
   • Modi, known for his support from India’s majority Hindu population, faces criticism for alleged stoking of enmity towards the country’s large Muslim minority.
   • Despite concerns about civil liberties, Modi enters the electoral arena as the clear favorite, with supporters crediting him for enhancing India’s global standing.
4. Europe: Transnational Election Tests Support for Right-Wing Populists
   • The European Parliament election in June, involving over 400 million eligible voters, marks the world’s largest transnational election.
   • A critical test for right-wing populists, recent victories for anti-EU parties in the Netherlands and Italy set the stage for a closely watched contest.
   • Donald Tusk’s pro-EU return to power in Poland provides encouragement to Brussels amid the rise of populist sentiments.
5. Mexico: Historic Bid for the First Woman President
   • In June 2024, Mexico eyes a historic moment as a leftist former mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, and businesswoman Xochitl Galvez compete to become the country’s first woman president.
   • The election is perceived as a two-horse race in 2024, with Sheinbaum representing the Morena party and Galvez leading an opposition coalition, the Broad Front for Mexico.