From Modi to Trump: 11 elections of 2024 that changed the world

In 2024, over 70 countries participated in elections worldwide. Citizens went to the polls in every continent, from the Pacific nations of the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu to various regions around the globe.
These global elections involved countries with a total population of approximately four billion, representing nearly half of the world’s inhabitants.
The five most populous nations that held elections were:

The year emerged as a watershed moment in global politics, marked by a series of elections that not only reshaped the political landscapes of individual nations but also reverberated across continents, influencing international relations and global governance.
As citizens took to the polls, they were not just casting votes; they were making statements about their hopes, frustrations, and aspirations for the future.
From the bustling streets of India to the historic halls of Washington, DC, each election told a unique story — of resilience, change, and the enduring struggle for democracy. In India, voters grappled with the complexities of coalition politics, signaling a shift in power dynamics after years of a dominant party rule. Meanwhile, in the United States, the return of Donald Trump reignited fierce debates about democracy and governance, reflecting deep societal divisions.
Across South Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, elections became battlegrounds for competing ideologies—between authoritarianism and democracy, populism and progressivism.
Below is a detailed overview of 11 pivotal elections that changed the world in 2024:

India bucks anti-incumbency trend, but with rider

India held its general elections from April to June 2024, marking a critical moment in its democratic journey. The elections were characterised by intense campaigning, shifting alliances, and unexpected outcomes that challenged the prevailing political order.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sought to secure a historic third consecutive term amid widespread expectations of a decisive victory. However, the results defied predictions.
The BJP emerged as the single largest party but fell short of an outright majority, winning only 240 seats — 63 fewer than in the previous election of 2019, where it had secured 303 seats. This marked a significant shift in power dynamics as the BJP lost its singular decade-long control over both houses of Parliament.
The BJP’s coalition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), managed to secure a total of 293 seats, surpassing the majority threshold of 272. However, the loss of absolute control meant that PM Modi would have to navigate a more complex political environment, relying on coalition partners for governance.
The opposition alliance, known as INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), made substantial gains, securing 234 seats overall, with the Indian National Congress (INC) alone winning 99 seats — its best performance in over a decade.
This results indicated a growing discontent among voters regarding several issues raised by the two opposing coalitions.
It also marked a return to coalition politics, making it harder for the BJP to implement its agenda without broader consensus.
This change led to more inclusive policymaking as BJP was forced to accommodate the concerns of its allies.
The opposition remained divided right through the elections and failed to capitalise on the possible gains. However, opposition parties claimed that their accusations of democratic backsliding and troubled minority rights had caught the attention of the voters.

US turns deep red as Trump makes history

The US presidential election on November 5, 2024, saw Donald Trump reclaim the presidency, defeating incumbent Kamala Harris amid a backdrop of legal controversies and political polarisation.
Donald Trump’s campaign was bolstered by a coalition that included JD Vance, a US senator from Ohio, as his running mate. Together, they secured a decisive victory in the Electoral College, garnering 312 electoral votes compared to Harris’s 226.
Trump also won the popular vote with approximately 49.8% of the ballots cast, marking the first time a Republican candidate had achieved this since George W. Bush in 2004. The voter turnout was notable at 63.9%, reflecting heightened political engagement among the electorate.
Trump’s victory was particularly significant as he became the first U.S. president since Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms.
His win was fueled by strong support among working-class voters, especially young men and those without college degrees, as well as an increase in Hispanic voter support compared to previous elections.
With Trump’s victory, Republicans regained control of both chambers of Congress for the first time since 2016. This shift allows them to pursue a more unified legislative agenda that aligns with Trump’s policies on taxation, deregulation, and immigration reform. The Republican Party’s control over Congress could lead to significant changes in domestic policies that may affect various sectors including healthcare and education.
Trump’s return is also likely to reshape US foreign policy significantly. His previous administration’s approach was characterised by an “America First” strategy that prioritised national interests over multilateral agreements. Expect shifts in relationships with allies and adversaries alike as Trump may reinstate tariffs and adopt a more confrontational stance towards countries like China and Iran.

In Pakistan, jailed Imran trumps Sharif but still loses

On February 8, Pakistan held elections that highlighted the ongoing political instability within the country. The elections were marked by allegations of electoral manipulation, a divided electorate, and the emergence of new political dynamics that could reshape the future of governance in Pakistan.
The 2024 elections were initially scheduled for 2023 but were postponed due to political instability and legal challenges. Ultimately, they took place amidst a climate of uncertainty and allegations of military interference. The election results revealed a fragmented parliament with no single party achieving an outright majority.
Despite being imprisoned, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party emerged as the most voted for party. Independent candidates, largely backed by Imran Khan’s PTI, won a plurality with 93 out of 266 seats in the National Assembly. However, they did not secure enough seats to form a government independently.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Nawaz Sharif, came in second with 75 seats, while the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), headed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, secured 54 seats. A coaltion between PML-N and PPP prevented Khan from returning to power.
The military has historically played a crucial role in Pakistan’s politics, often influencing electoral outcomes behind the scenes. In this election cycle too, allegations surfaced that the military favored PML-N to curb PTI’s influence.
This perception further fueled public distrust in the electoral process and raised questions about the legitimacy of the results.
The lack of a clear majority means that coalition politics will dominate Pakistan’s governance landscape, which may lead to further instability as parties negotiate power-sharing agreements and policy compromises.

Hasina triumphs then flees Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina secured her fifth term as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on January 7, 2024, amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud and violence.
The Awami League won 224 out of 300 contested seats in the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament), while independent candidates, many of whom were affiliated with the AL, secured 62 seats.
The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), boycotted the elections, claiming that conditions were not conducive to free and fair voting.
This boycott significantly impacted voter turnout, which was reported at around 41.8%, one of the lowest in Bangladesh’s electoral history and reflecting significant public discontent with Hasina’s government.
Following her victory, mass protests erupted against her regime.
The protests began as a response to specific policies but rapidly transformed into a nationwide campaign against Hasina’s government.
Tens of thousands rallied against what they viewed as political repression and economic mismanagement.
The protests were met with violent crackdowns by security forces, resulting in significant casualties—over 1,500 people were reported killed during confrontations between protesters and law enforcement.
Unlike previous instances where the military intervened decisively to support the ruling party, during this uprising, the military opted not to use lethal force against protesters.
This decision signaled a critical shift in power dynamics and indicated a lack of support for Hasina’s government from one of its traditional pillars of strength.
Facing mounting pressure and widespread unrest, Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August 2024, just months after securing her fourth consecutive term as prime minister. Her departure marked a dramatic end to her long-standing rule and left a power vacuum that intensified calls for accountability and reform.
This election highlighted the challenges facing democracy in Bangladesh and raised concerns about authoritarianism in South Asia.
Following Hasina’s ouster, an interim government was established under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who had been a vocal critic of Hasina’s policies. The change in leadership may also affect regional dynamics within South Asia, particularly concerning India’s influence over Bangladeshi politics.

A major shift in South Africa

The 2024 general elections in South Africa, held on May 29, marked a historic turning point in the country’s political landscape.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has dominated South African politics since the end of apartheid in 1994, suffered its worst electoral performance to date, receiving approximately 40.18% of the national vote and losing its absolute majority in the National Assembly.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) emerged as the second-largest party with 21.81%, while the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, associated with former President Jacob Zuma, garnered 14.58% of the votes. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, received 9.52%.
The ANC’s decline was attributed to widespread dissatisfaction with corruption and poor service delivery.
With no party achieving an outright majority, the ANC will be compelled to seek coalition partners to form a government, marking a significant shift in South Africa’s political dynamics.
This shift opened up opportunities for opposition parties to influence policy direction significantly, reflecting changing political sentiments among South Africans.

Far Right flexes in France

The 2024 French legislative elections, held on June 30 and July 7, resulted in a significant reshaping of the political landscape in France.
President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition, Ensemble, faced a formidable challenge from a newly formed left-wing alliance called the New Popular Front (NFP) and the far-right National Rally (RN) led by Marine Le Pen.
The NFP secured 188 seats, becoming the largest faction in the National Assembly. Ensemble (Macron’s coalition) finished with 161 seats, a significant decline from previous elections. National Rally gained 142 seats, marking its strongest representation ever in the National Assembly.
No party or coalition achieved the requisite 289 seats needed for an outright majority, resulting in a hung parliament, forcing Macron to navigate complex coalitions to pass legislation.
While Macron retains authority over foreign affairs, his weakened domestic position may limit his ability to pursue ambitious international initiatives. The rise of far-right sentiment could also affect France’s stance on issues like immigration and relations with the European Union.
This situation illustrated the challenges faced by centrist politics in Europe as populist movements gain traction.
It remains to be seen whether this trend holds strong in Germany, which will go the polls in February next year.

Indonesia’s turn to authoritarianism

Indonesia conducted its presidential election on February 14, resulting in Prabowo Subianto emerging victorious amid promises of economic reform and stability.
Prabowo Subianto won the presidential election with more than 58% of the vote, defeating his main rivals, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, who received approximately 25% and 17% of the votes, respectively.
His win signaled a shift towards more authoritarian governance styles reminiscent of past regimes but also reflected public desire for strong leadership amidst economic challenges.
Prabowo’s presidency could lead to shifts in Indonesia’s foreign policy. While maintaining strong ties with Western nations, there may be an increased focus on strengthening relationships with China and other regional powers as part of a broader strategy to enhance Indonesia’s geopolitical influence.

Democratic struggle in Venezuela

The 2024 presidential elections in Venezuela, held on July 28, resulted in the re-election of Nicolás Maduro amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities.
Official results from the National Electoral Council (CNE) indicated that Maduro secured approximately 51.20% of the vote, while his main opponent, Edmundo González, garnered about 44.02%.
Despite international condemnation and calls for free elections, Maduro claimed victory amid an environment of repression against dissenting voices.
The outcome reinforced concerns about democratic erosion in Latin America and highlighted Venezuela’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Maduro has been in power since 2013, following Hugo Chávez’s presidency. His administration has faced ongoing criticism for human rights abuses, economic mismanagement, and corruption.
The long-standing control of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) over state institutions has contributed to a climate of fear and repression.
Maduro’s victory is expected to strain relations with Western nations further while solidifying ties with allies like Russia and China. These countries may continue to support Maduro’s regime politically and economically, complicating efforts for international intervention or sanctions aimed at promoting democratic reforms.

Mexico gets first female president

In June 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum made history by becoming Mexico’s first female president following a landslide victory that reflected public frustration with corruption and violence under previous administrations.
Her election was seen as a mandate for progressive reforms aimed at addressing social inequalities and improving security.
Sheinbaum’s presidency could significantly impact Mexico’s relations with both the US and Central America.

UK ends tryst with first Indian-origin PM

The political landscape in the United Kingdom underwent a significant transformation with the resignation of Rishi Sunak, who served as the country’s first Indian-origin Prime Minister from October 2022 until his ouster in July 2024.
Despite initial successes in stabilizing the economy, including efforts to halve inflation and promote growth, Sunak faced mounting pressure as economic conditions worsened. Several high-profile resignations from Sunak’s cabinet further eroded confidence in his leadership.
In the general elections held in May 2024, the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, emerged victorious.
Labour’s victory was characterised by a dramatic increase in seats, winning 412 out of 650 in the House of Commons, while the Conservative Party plummeted to just 121 seats, its lowest tally in history.
This electoral defeat was interpreted as a clear rejection of Sunak’s leadership and policies by the electorate.
The electoral success of Starmer’s party suggests that voters are increasingly seeking solutions that prioritise social welfare and economic equity.
One of the most immediate implications of the Labour Party’s victory is the future of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been under negotiation since January 2022. The Labour Party has expressed commitment to completing the FTA but indicated that it may seek to make adjustments to certain terms.

No surprise in Russia

The Russian presidential election was held from March 15 to 17, 2024, and the results were all too predictable.
It marked the eighth presidential contest since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with incumbent president Vladimir Putin securing a remarkable 88% of the vote, the highest percentage recorded in post-Soviet Russia.
The victory granted him an unprecedented fifth term in office, reinforcing his long-standing grip on power since he first took office in 2000.
The elections were characterised by a lack of genuine competition.
Independent observers were largely excluded, with only state-sanctioned candidates allowed to participate.
The independent election monitoring group Golos described the election as “the most vapid” since 2000, highlighting minimal campaigning and significant restrictions on opposition.
The candidates opposing Putin were carefully curated by the Kremlin, ensuring that no serious challenge emerged. The nearest rival, Nikolay Kharitonov from the Communist Party, managed only 4.3% of the votes.
Putin’s victory solidifies his grip on power until at least 2030, allowing him to continue implementing policies without significant internal opposition.
Putin is expected to pursue aggressive policies, with ongoing focus on military spending and support for operations in Ukraine.
As sanctions from Western nations persist due to the Ukraine conflict, Russia may further pivot towards self-sufficiency and strengthen ties with non-Western countries like China and India.

The way forward

These ten elections not only reflect national sentiments but also illustrate broader global trends concerning democracy, governance, and geopolitical dynamics.
Each outcome has implications that extend beyond borders, influencing international relations and shaping future political landscapes worldwide.
The elections of 2024 not only reshaped the political landscapes of individual nations but also contributed to a global conversation about democracy, representation, and governance.
As these nations chart their paths forward, the lessons learned from this year will be critical in shaping future electoral processes and fostering resilient democracies that can withstand the tests of time.
The world watches closely as these nations navigate their respective challenges, hoping for outcomes that promote stability, justice, and prosperity for all citizens.