Editorial and Opinion Page

America is Certainly Not the Only Nation Holding a Highly Anticipated Election in 2024

by Jude Mann

The world has seen plenty of controversial and highly anticipated elections in the last five years; however, the year 2024 is projected to be the most important election year in history. This year, at least sixty-four countries with the addition of the European Union, which is equivalent to forty-nine percent of the global population, are set to hold national elections. With ongoing wars, potential conflicts, and the possibility of major changes in power, the stakes are higher than ever.

Many nations globally are experiencing violence, or are on the brink of war. To add to the chaos, many of these countries will be holding elections in the upcoming year. Taiwan will be holding an election in which the outcome will impact China’s strategies to potentially invade the significantly less powerful nation. Ukraine is faced with uncertainty regarding a 2024 election, as its war with Russia has caused its ordinary law to be suspended. However, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a high approval rating and is expected to remain in power. On the other hand, Ukraine’s opponent has a much more predictable outcome to their election, as Vladimir Putin seeks to win Russia’s election in March. 

Major shifts in political power are on the horizon. America’s strongest ally, the United Kingdom, had polls that suggested the Labour Party would take command over the Conservative Party, which has controlled the tides for about the past fourteen years. In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele, who has been dubbed “the world’s coolest dictator,” and his New Ideas Party have remained victorious. Before the election was even decided, President Bukele claimed, “Never has a project won with the number of votes we have won today,” followed by, “It is literally the highest percentage in all of history.” With this win, he has a tight grip on the country’s three government branches. President Bukele has gained much love and support from his people, especially after he imprisoned the gangs that terrorized communities in El Salvador for years. However, Bukele has received criticism for his electoral reforms which have resulted in heavy favoritism of his New Ideas party. For example, El Salvador’s Congress passed such reforms which successfully reduced the eighty-four unicameral chamber seats to just sixty. This position of power in Congress will allow President Bukele to approach the nation’s problems with economics and poverty, as well as shutting out political pundits who oppose his ruling. In addition, this newfound control will open up the opportunity for changes to be made in the constitution, as Bukele’s vice president has already confirmed that his colleague will seek a third term if an altered constitution will allow him to do so. 

Although the election in our own country was not analyzed, the given information regarding elections across the world should raise the eyebrows of Americans, as the wars and potential conflict between nations could result in America providing assistance or even taking arms. Furthermore, the conditions and fighting occurring in other countries have and will continue to impact America’s economy, as well as the crucial decisions of our politicians. What needs to be taken away is that although the noise being heard around the globe can be easily blocked out, the intense situations unraveling worldwide have a strong influence on your own life of which you may have been unaware.