Uncover the Shocking Truth About Democracy in 6 Eye-Opening Charts!

The year 2024 was supposed to be a celebration of democracy, a time to take stock of the social and political pulse of nearly half the world’s population through elections in 73 countries. With a staggering one and a half billion votes cast, the outcomes have painted a different picture altogether – a scathing verdict on the performance of those in public office.

1. Centrists Lose Out: Across 12 developed Western nations that held elections, every incumbent saw a decrease in their vote share, a historic first in nearly 120 years of modern democracy. This anti-incumbent sentiment was mirrored in Asian powerhouses like India and Japan as well.
2. Rise of Extremes: Voters, especially the younger generation, gravitated towards radical parties on the right and left. Populist movements gained traction, fueled by frustrations over issues like inflation, economic stagnation, and immigration, signaling a deeper discontent with the system overall.
3. Themes of Discontent: The high and rising inflation rate reverberated across countries, transcending borders as a common source of frustration. While inflation was a major driver, other issues like corruption, lack of job creation, and immigration policies also stirred voter dissatisfaction.
4. Populists Gain Ground: Populist leaders, like Claudia Sheinbaum and Prabowo Subianto, saw success by promising continuity and anti-elitist agendas. This trend mirrored the global rise of populist movements, especially on the right, and the struggles of centrist parties.
5. Youth Movement: Notably, young men increasingly leaned towards the populist right, reflecting a wider pattern of generational shifts towards extremes. Young women also showed movements towards radical parties, highlighting a growing dissatisfaction among the youth with the existing political landscape.

2024 was emblematic of a broader shift in global politics, with the resurgence of populist sentiments, the decline of centrist parties, and a growing disconnect between elected officials and the general populace. As we look towards the future, these trends show no sign of slowing down, signaling a potential continued transformation of the political landscape in the years ahead.