Elections have always served as the cornerstone of democracy, embodying the voice and will of the people. Yet, the fabric of this democratic ritual has begun to fray. Data from the Global State of Democracy Initiative reveals a concerning decline in electoral participation and a simultaneous rise in contested outcomes.

These trends, compounded by escalating global tensions, set the stage for the pivotal electoral landscape of 2024—a year marked by an extraordinary concentration of elections and immense pressure on democratic institutions worldwide.

On Tuesday, November 5, the world turned its focus to the United States. As American voters cast their ballots, citizens from Ukraine to France to Mexico watched with bated breath. By early Wednesday morning, a seismic political result stunned the globe: Donald Trump, former president and emblem of political controversy, had reclaimed the presidency.

This development prompted swift analysis and speculation as experts grappled with what Trump’s victory would mean for the U.S. and global geopolitics. Yet, the American election was just one in a record-breaking year—dubbed the “Super Election” year—in which more than 50 percent of the global population participated in electoral processes.

Critical issues, from climate policy to the preservation of democratic norms, defined ballots across continents. In an era of uncertainty, 2024 tested the resilience of democracy on a scale rarely seen before.

Democracy Under Pressure

The lead-up to 2024 was rife with speculation about a global rightward shift. While such a trend emerged in several contests—most notably the European Parliamentary elections—the year was not without significant counterpoints. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured reelection in the world’s largest democracy. However, voters denied his Bharatiya Janata Party an outright legislative majority, signaling a more cautious endorsement of his leadership.

Across the Indian Ocean in Senegal, democracy took a bold turn when opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye defeated Macky Sall, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. With the Senegalese Constitutional Court playing a decisive role, the election underscored the complex evolution of democratic governance on the African continent, where 13 countries held elections in 2024.

In East Asia, Taiwan’s presidential election also captured global attention. Voters chose Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party, positioning him as a leader tasked with a delicate balancing act: maintaining Taiwan’s strategic alliance with the United States while working to de-escalate tensions with China. These elections illustrated the durability of democratic frameworks even amid external pressures and internal uncertainties.

Elections in Name Only

Yet, not all elections in 2024 embodied the democratic ideal. In March, Russian President Vladimir Putin secured another six-year term, solidifying his place in history as Russia’s longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin. This was no celebration of democracy, however, as the vote took place in an environment devoid of meaningful opposition.

By erasing dissent, Putin reinforced his grip on power while sending shockwaves through the global democratic order. Russia, alongside disinformation-heavy regimes like China, Iran, and North Korea, has deployed sophisticated tactics to exploit social divisions, weaken trust in electoral systems, and upend the international balance of power.

Venezuela’s July election plunged the nation into further turmoil. President Nicolás Maduro’s narrow victory with 51 percent of the vote was widely condemned as fraudulent. International observers identified opposition leader Edmundo González as the rightful winner, a verdict that sparked protests nationwide.

Tragically, these peaceful demonstrations—often seen as the lifeblood of democracy—were met with harsh crackdowns by Maduro’s government. Such incidents underscore how authoritarian regimes can weaponize elections, turning them into tools of control rather than platforms for public expression.

The Global Ripple of Trump’s Return

On November 5, Donald Trump’s reelection added another dramatic layer to the year’s global narrative. Trump’s foreign policy, rooted in an “America First” ethos, is set to reshape relationships with both allies and adversaries. For nations seeking to challenge U.S. dominance—such as Russia, China, and other members of the so-called “Axis of Evil”—this result may necessitate recalibration of strategies.

Meanwhile, allies face fresh uncertainties about the reliability of American commitments in a shifting geopolitical climate. Trump’s return represents not just a domestic event but a development with profound implications for the international order.

A Global Snapshot of Democracy

As 2024 draws to a close, the sheer volume of electoral activity offers a mixed portrait of the state of democracy. By the year’s end, 4.2 billion people will have voted. This staggering participation reflects the enduring relevance of elections as a democratic instrument. However, it also highlights the growing challenges to free and fair electoral processes.

Without robust safeguards, the erosion of democratic rights and liberties threatens to accelerate. Elections, while vital, do not inherently guarantee democracy—they must be accompanied by unwavering institutional integrity and public trust.

Beyond the calendar year, elections will remain a recurring feature of global politics. Some contests will undoubtedly reflect the worst aspects of authoritarian manipulation, while others will be delayed by war or social upheaval. Yet, voting continues to symbolize hope and agency for billions.

To preserve this symbol, democratic nations must prioritize protecting the integrity of elections and ensuring that the ballot box remains a platform for genuine public engagement. The events of 2024 serve as both a reminder of democracy’s resilience and a warning of its fragility in an increasingly polarized and volatile world.