As 2024 unfolds, the global political landscape is poised for a flurry of elections, with more than 30 nations preparing for presidential elections and an additional 20 nations gearing up for parliamentary elections. The sheer number of elections underscores the vibrancy of democratic processes worldwide. However, concerns are being raised about the potential risks associated with disinformation and the manipulation of electoral processes, particularly through the deployment of artificial intelligence.
Here, we delve into the top five elections that are generating significant anticipation and interest:
1. The Trump-Biden Rematch in the United States
The U.S. presidential race scheduled for November 5, 2024, promises to be a high-stakes event. The potential rematch between former President Donald Trump and Democratic incumbent Joe Biden has captured the attention of both domestic and international observers. Trump, despite facing legal challenges with 91 felony counts, is positioning himself for a return to the White House. On the other hand, Biden, viewed by some as facing age-related concerns, remains a strong contender within the Democratic Party. The upcoming campaign is expected to grapple with disinformation issues, echoing the contentious nature of the previous election.
2. Putin’s Bid for Extended Rule in Russia
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin aims to extend his 24-year rule by an additional six years through the March 2024 elections. Leveraging the asserted control in the aftermath of the Ukraine war, Putin is seeking a fifth term, with a constitutional amendment in 2020 providing the theoretical possibility of him staying in power until 2036. The conflict in Ukraine has been instrumental in stifling dissent and opposition, allowing Putin to pursue his ambitions largely unimpeded.
3. Modi’s Bid for a Third Term in India
India, with its nearly one billion citizens, is set for elections in April-May, offering Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the opportunity for a third consecutive term. Modi’s political trajectory has been marked by strong support from the country’s Hindu population. Critics argue that his success is intertwined with policies that have fueled discord toward the Muslim minority. Despite controversies and concerns about civil liberties, Modi enters the electoral contest as a formidable front-runner, with supporters attributing his success to elevating India’s global standing.
4. Mexico’s Historic Presidential Race
Mexico’s June election presents a historic opportunity to elect its first female president. Two prominent candidates, Claudia Sheinbaum, a leftist former mayor of Mexico City, and Xochitl Galvez, a businesswoman with Indigenous roots, are at the forefront of this transformative contest. The election is considered a two-horse race, with Sheinbaum representing the Morena party and Galvez leading the opposition coalition, the Broad Front for Mexico. The outcome could mark a significant departure from the traditional machismo-dominated political landscape.
5. European Parliament Election: A Pan-European Battleground
June will witness the world’s largest transnational election as over 400 million eligible voters participate in the European Parliament election. This electoral event serves as a critical test for right-wing populists who have been gaining momentum across Europe. Recent victories by Geert Wilders’s anti-Islam, anti-EU PVV Freedom Party in the Dutch elections and Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy highlight the shifting dynamics. However, Brussels finds encouragement in Poland, where Donald Tusk, a staunch pro-EU figure, has returned to power as a driving force for a pro-European agenda.
