Global Voter Dissatisfaction Fuels Election Changes

2024 has been labeled a 'super year' for elections, with incumbent governments worldwide facing significant voter backlash, resulting in substantial losses, including Donald Trump's recent victory in the U.S. election. Discontent has been fueled by various factors, notably the ongoing economic struggles following the COVID-19 pandemic, high inflation, and a pervasive sense of disconnection from political elites. Richard Wike from the Pew Research Center highlighted a decline in faith in democracy, as voters feel increasingly unrepresented. Since the pandemic, incumbents have been ousted in 40 out of 54 elections across Western democracies, reflecting a pronounced 'incumbent disadvantage'. In the UK, the Conservatives faced their worst election results since 1832, while far-right parties gained traction in France and Germany. This year illustrates how international dynamics are increasingly impacting domestic political landscapes, as seen in the interplay between global economic conditions and local governance issues.