The BJP faced a backlash due to economic issues, including inflation and rising living costs, which led to dissatisfaction among voters.
India is a key middle power that maintains strategic independence, engaging with both the West and Russia, particularly in the context of the Ukraine war and its economic ties with Russia.
The election was widely seen as rigged, with former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party winning more seats than officially reported, suggesting the military's continued dominance over civilian politics.
Prabowo Subianto, a former general and son-in-law of the former dictator Suharto, won the election, marking a shift in leadership but maintaining continuity with the outgoing president's policies.
Macron called for snap elections after the right-wing party, RN, won a landslide victory in the European Parliament elections, hoping to regain a majority for his centrist policies.
The EU is dealing with internal divisions, economic struggles, high inflation, and the war in Ukraine, leading to policy paralysis and a lack of coherent leadership.
The ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since apartheid, leading to a coalition government with the pro-business Democratic Alliance, which has been welcomed by financial markets.
Basu Jumai Fai, a far-left candidate, won the election, marking a significant shift in Senegal's political direction and a move away from France's influence in the country.
The UDC's victory was driven by high youth unemployment and a platform focused on increasing the minimum wage, tackling unemployment, and retooling the economy away from diamond dependence.
Trump's administration may seek to regain U.S. influence in Africa, but there could be tensions over currency usage and South Africa's role in the BRICS group, especially if they move away from the U.S. dollar.
2024 was, in many ways, a year of elections. Both home and abroad.President-elect Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in November. He won a second term in office and will be headed back to Washington come January. Across the globe, an election took place in India in seven stages starting in the spring and ending in June. Voters in Pakistan and Indonesia also went to the polls. European governments in France, Slovakia, the U.K. all saw switch ups. Germany, a financial powerhouse in the E.U., called a snap election for early 2025.We discuss the democratic elections around the world and what the outcomes reflect when it comes to the wishes of voters.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station) and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect) with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a).Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)