In 2024, elections across approximately 70 countries showcased a significant global trend of voters rejecting incumbent governments, largely due to dissatisfaction with economic conditions and political instability.

Similarly, in the UK, the Labour Party achieved a landslide victory in July, ousting the Conservative Party after 14 years in power, reflecting a fragmentation of traditional party support.

In South Asia, Shehbaz Sharif was elected Prime Minister in Pakistan in February, while Sri Lanka saw the election of a new president following public protests against the previous regime.

Despite these turbulent political shifts, surveys indicate that global support for democracy remains strong, though public satisfaction with its practice has significantly declined.

As 2024 came to a close, democratic challenges persisted worldwide, with ongoing crises in Venezuela and South Korea highlighting the fragility of governance and the potential for further instability in upcoming elections.

Allegations of foreign interference in elections also emerged, with reports of covert operations linked to Russia, Iran, and China, raising concerns about the integrity of electoral processes in various countries.

Political analysts have linked the anti-incumbent sentiment to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic disruptions, particularly high inflation exacerbated by the Ukraine conflict.

Major democracies, including India, the United States, Japan, France, and Britain, witnessed the defeat of ruling parties as voters expressed frustration over economic turmoil and social issues.

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party lost its parliamentary majority in June, marking the end of a decade of dominance and leading to the formation of a coalition government.

In South Africa, the ruling African National Congress lost significant support in May elections, resulting in its first coalition government in three decades, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with unemployment and inequality.

Across Europe, elections revealed a rise in support for conservative populists and far-right parties, particularly in France and Germany, indicating a broader trend of rising right-wing sentiment.

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party faced major losses in October due to public anger over financial scandals, resulting in a minority government and political upheaval.