Overview of Global Elections in 2024
Nearly forty countries scheduled elections in 2024, meaning roughly half of the world’s population could participate in choosing leaders. The most populous nation, India, remains a central focus, while the United States continues to hold significant sway on the global stage. Within the European Union, attention centers on the European Parliament elections as the bloc shapes its legislative direction for the coming years.
Bloomberg’s calculations suggest that about 3.2 billion people would have a say in electing their leaders in 2024. In some places, people anticipate continuity from established leadership; in others, they search for a path toward meaningful change.
Tensions in Taiwan
Among the early voting events are elections in Bangladesh, with general elections set for January 7. Taiwan faces parliamentary and presidential elections on January 13, occurring amid rising political tensions with Beijing under the One China doctrine, which centers on issues of sovereignty and national integrity.
February brings a slate of important contests in Azerbaijan (February 7) and Senegal (February 25), with parliamentary votes in Pakistan on February 8, Indonesia on February 14, and Belarus on February 25. On February 4, El Salvador holds its elections for a first and expected final term under Nayib Bukele, who remains a predominant political figure in the country.
Putin’s Reaffirmation Focus
In Portugal, the fall of the government led by Antonio Costa triggers early voting on March 10, followed by a subsequent electoral date shortly thereafter. Russia is set to conduct presidential elections that would solidify Vladimir Putin’s tenure, aided by constitutional reforms that permit consecutive terms and a strong domestic political apparatus.
As dates shift, several races appear unsettled or unconfirmed on the calendar. In Latin America, Panama and the Dominican Republic plan presidential elections in May. Mexico follows with a presidential vote on June 7, and Uruguay is slated for October 27.
European Elections and the U.S. Election Timeline
The European focus for 2024 culminates in the European Parliament elections held between June 6 and June 9, signaling the start of a new legislative cycle and a reallocation of influence within the 27-member bloc. Belgium serves as the seat of many institutional activities during this period.
In the United States, the constitutional timing remains fixed: the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Accordingly, Americans in 2024 faced a vote on November 5 to decide whether to reelect the current president and determine the composition of the House and one-third of the Senate for the next two years.
Other Contingent Contests
Other electoral developments remained uncertain, with potential ballots in countries such as India, South Africa, and Austria. In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government faced questions about whether conditions would support a presidential election. In Venezuela, observers awaited whether an agreement between the ruling party and opposition would secure the minimum guarantees expected by the electorate.
Additionally, there was ongoing speculation about the United Kingdom, where parliamentary elections could occur before the end of January 2025. With a Labor Party surge and Conservative leadership questions, observers anticipated possible shifts in the country’s political landscape before the next electoral cycle fully unfolds.