Mon Dec 30 09:54:26 UTC 2024: ## Global Elections 2024: A Year of Surprises and Shifting Power Dynamics

**Geneva, Switzerland** – 2024 witnessed a wave of elections across the globe, encompassing over 70 countries and involving approximately four billion people – roughly half the world’s population. The EU parliamentary elections further added to the scale of this unprecedented democratic exercise, with 27 member states participating. While some results aligned with expectations, others delivered significant surprises, reshaping political landscapes across continents.

Voter turnout averaged 61 percent globally, ranging from a low of 28.8 percent in Tunisia, where President Kais Saied secured a second term amid accusations of suppressing political opposition, to a high of 98.2 percent in Rwanda, where Paul Kagame began his fourth term.

Several significant outcomes marked the year:

* **India:** Narendra Modi’s BJP secured a third term but fell short of a majority, necessitating a coalition government. This outcome reflects a complex interplay of Modi’s enduring popularity and growing concerns about his government’s policies.
* **Indonesia:** Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander, won the presidency.
* **United States:** Donald Trump secured a second term, defeating Kamala Harris in the Electoral College.
* **Africa:** Several African leaders, including Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) and Paul Kagame (Rwanda), retained power, though often with reduced majorities or through controversial constitutional changes.
* **Other Notable Results:** Significant shifts occurred in several countries. Botswana saw a historic change in leadership, while the far-right Freedom Party emerged victorious in Austria. Unexpected changes also took place in the UK, Syria and Bangladesh.

The year saw both landslide victories and narrow margins, reflecting diverse political contexts and voter sentiments. The outcomes highlighted the enduring influence of incumbent leaders in some nations while demonstrating the potential for significant political shifts in others. The 2024 global elections underscored the complexity of democratic processes and the ongoing evolution of power dynamics worldwide.

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