4.2 billion Voters of 50 countries around the world will cast their votes.
In 2024, Pakistanis are not the only nation that is going for elections .In fact over 50 nations, collectively hosting around 4.2 billion people, are gearing up for national and regional elections, making it the largest election year in history and including seven of the world’s ten most populous countries.
The result of these elections will both reflect and impact an increasingly precarious geopolitical and economic environment.
Following are some key elections to watch in 2024.
1- USA’s Election showdown __ Biden vs. Trump rematch”
In November, the United States is preparing for presidential and House elections, setting the stage for a possible rematch between President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, reminiscent of the 2020 election.
2- “India’s Election Battle ___ BJP seeks third term against coalition”
India, recognized as the world’s largest democracy, is set to conduct general elections before June 2024. The Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janata Party, led by Prime Minister Modi, aims to secure a third term, facing a challenge from the coalition of opposition regional and national parties known as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
3- “Indonesia’s Election Quest __ Jakarta seeks new leader in February
In February, Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, is gearing up for general elections. Jakarta is on the lookout for a new leader as President Joko Widodo becomes ineligible for a third term.
4- “Bangladesh’s Early 2024 Election– Sheikh Hasina poised for 5th term amid opposition boycott”
On January 7, Bangladesh is set to host one of the initial significant elections of the year. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is virtually assured of a fifth term, as the primary opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has opted to boycott the pole.
5- “Taiwan’s Electoral Countdown ___ Pro-U.S. candidate Lai Ching-te takes lead”
On January 13, Taiwan is on the brink of elections, navigating increasing challenges from China, which asserts territorial claims. Leading in the polls is the pro-U.S. candidate, Lai C
6- “South Africa’s Electoral Horizon __ ANC Aims to Extend Power Legacy
After May, South Africa, a key player in Africa’s economy and a founding BRICS member, is set to conduct elections. The African National Congress, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, aspires to maintain its unbroken grip on power since the post-Apartheid era in 1994.
7- “Mexico’s Electoral Watershed ___Claudia Sheinbaum’s bid for frst female leadership in June elections”
Mexico will hold general elections in June, when it is almost certain to elect its first female leader as incumbent Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s protégé Claudia Sheinbaum will take on Xóchitl Gálvez, who is leading a coalition of opposition parties.
8- “Pakistan Election’s Combat __ In search of stability”
And last but not least, Pakistan, the world’s fifth most populated nation, is in pursuit of resolution following a constitutional crisis that led to the ouster and imprisonment of Imran Khan. The encouraging news is that elections are scheduled for February 8, 2024, to elect members of the 16th National Assembly. However, the disheartening reality is that, historically, elections in Pakistan have seldom yielded positive outcomes. Once again, a cloud of uncertainty, worry, and doubt looms among the masses.