More than 80 countries are heading to the polls in 2024, including some of the wealthiest and most powerful, the most populous, the most authoritarian, and the most fragile. Many elections will test the limits of democracy, while others will serve as mere rubber-stamping exercises. Some will face boycotts by opposition groups or be undermined by government crackdowns on the press and dissent. Keep track of all the results and upcoming polls with our election tracker: <\/p>\n
BHUTAN<\/strong> BANGLADESH<\/strong> TAIWAN<\/strong> COMOROS<\/strong> TUVALU<\/strong> FINLAND<\/strong> EL SALVADOR<\/strong> MALI<\/strong> AZERBAIJAN<\/strong> HAITI<\/strong> PAKISTAN<\/strong> INDONESIA<\/strong> BELARUS<\/strong> CAMBODIA<\/strong> IRAN<\/strong> PORTUGAL<\/strong> RUSSIA<\/strong> SLOVAKIA<\/strong> SENEGAL<\/strong> UKRAINE<\/strong> KUWAIT<\/strong> SOUTH KOREA<\/strong> CROATIA<\/strong> SOLOMON ISLANDS<\/strong> INDIA<\/strong> MALDIVES<\/strong> TOGO<\/strong> PANAMA<\/strong> CHAD<\/strong> THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC<\/strong> LITHUANIA<\/strong> MADAGASCAR<\/strong> SOUTH AFRICA<\/strong> ICELAND<\/strong> MEXICO<\/strong> EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT<\/strong> BELGIUM<\/strong> BULGARIA<\/strong> MAURITANIA<\/strong> MONGOLIA<\/strong> UNITED KINGDOM<\/strong> IRAN<\/strong> FRANCE<\/strong> RWANDA<\/strong> VENEZUELA<\/strong> BURKINA FASO<\/strong> SYRIA<\/strong> KIRIBATI<\/strong> ALGERIA<\/strong> SRI LANKA<\/strong> AUSTRIA<\/strong> TUNISIA<\/strong> LITHUANIA<\/strong> MOZAMBIQUE<\/strong> MOLDOVA<\/strong> GEORGIA<\/strong> JAPAN<\/strong> URUGUAY<\/strong> UZBEKISTAN<\/strong> BOTSWANA<\/strong> UNITED STATES<\/strong> SOMALILAND<\/strong> NAMIBIA<\/strong> JORDAN<\/strong> SOUTH SUDAN<\/strong> MAURITIUS<\/strong> GHANA<\/strong> GUINEA-BISSAU<\/strong> GUINEA<\/strong> Reuters, Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse contributed to this report.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" More than 80 countries are heading to the polls in 2024, including some of the wealthiest and most powerful, the most populous, the most authoritarian, and the most fragile. Many elections will test the limits of democracy, while others will serve as mere rubber-stamping exercises. Some will face boycotts by opposition groups or be undermined […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5434,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5433","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-restaurant-news-uk"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/restaurantnews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5433"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/restaurantnews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/restaurantnews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restaurantnews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restaurantnews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5433"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/restaurantnews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5433\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restaurantnews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/restaurantnews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restaurantnews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5433"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restaurantnews.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n30 November 2023 \u2013 9 January 2024<\/strong>: The tiny Himalayan kingdom has elected the liberal former prime minister Tshering Tobgay and his People\u2019s Democratic Party (PDP) with a large majority. Tobgay has promised to promote investment to boost the country\u2019s $3 billion economy and tackle rising unemployment that has driven many young Bhutanese abroad, mainly to Australia, in search of better opportunities.<\/p>\n
\n7 January<\/strong>: Prime minister Sheikh Hasina secured a fifth term in office during an election overshadowed by a brutal crackdown on the opposition, resulting in a low voter turnout of just 40%. Prior to the election, tens of thousands of opposition leaders and party members were arrested, with at least nine dying in jail over the three months leading up to the election. Hasina previously fled the country following mass protests in August 2023.<\/p>\n
\n13 January<\/strong>: Taiwan elected Lai Ching-te as its next president, marking a historic third term for the pro-sovereignty Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and provoking anger from Beijing. Following the elections, China reduced Taiwan\u2019s formal diplomatic allies to just 12 and increased military threats, with warplanes frequently entering Taiwanese airspace.<\/p>\n
\n14 January<\/strong>: President Azali Assoumani won a fourth five-year term more than two decades after first coming to power through a coup. While the country experienced three democratic transitions after he stepped down in 2006, his recent elections have eroded democratic mechanisms. Opposition candidates alleged fraud and ballot-stuffing following this vote.<\/p>\n
\n26 January<\/strong>: Feleti Teo, a former attorney general and fisheries official, was elected as prime minister by MPs after general elections closely watched by Taiwan, China, the US, and Australia amid a geopolitical tussle for influence in the Pacific. Teo reaffirmed the country\u2019s strong relationship with Taiwan post-election.<\/p>\n
\n28 January \u2013 11 February<\/strong>: Former prime minister Alexander Stubb won a runoff election against rival Pekka Haavisto in Finland’s most high-stakes presidential election in a generation, occurring as geopolitical tensions rose with Russia.<\/p>\nFebruary<\/h3>\n
\n4 February<\/strong>: President Nayib Bukele achieved a commanding victory amid a strengthened crackdown on gangs, transforming security in a country previously known for violence. However, his New Ideas party\u2019s sweeping parliamentary win raises concerns regarding constitutional legitimacy and civil liberties.<\/p>\n
\nElections originally scheduled for 4 February are now postponed, reflecting the junta\u2019s intent to hold onto power indefinitely amidst escalating terrorist violence.<\/p>\n
\n7 February<\/strong>: President Ilham Aliyev won a fifth term amid accusations of an unfair electoral process, having called the election early following military successes in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.<\/p>\n
\nElections initially due by 7 February 2024 have faced delays and instability since the assassination of President Jovenel Mo\u00efse in 2021, leaving no elected officials in place and rampant violence from gang leaders.<\/p>\n
\n8 February<\/strong>: The PTI party of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan emerged with the most votes in legislative elections, but a coalition, including rival parties, formed the next government to block PTI from power.<\/p>\n
\n14 February<\/strong>: Former general Prabowo Subianto seemed poised to win the presidential election, raising concerns among rights activists regarding potential accountability for past human rights abuses.<\/p>\n
\n25 February<\/strong>: Parliamentary elections seen as a sham resulted in no surprises, further entrenching President Alexander Lukashenko\u2019s authoritarian regime.<\/p>\n
\n25 February<\/strong>: The ruling Cambodian People\u2019s Party claimed a landslide victory in Senate elections, paving the way for former prime minister Hun Sen’s political return.<\/p>\nMarch<\/h3>\n
\n1 March<\/strong>: Elections for the parliament and Assembly of Experts saw a turnout of merely 41%, reflecting widespread disillusionment with the clerical establishment amid mounting economic troubles.<\/p>\n
\n10 March<\/strong>: Portugal\u2019s centre-right Democratic Alliance narrowly ousted the Socialist government in a snap election which revealed rising support for far-right parties.<\/p>\n
\n15-17 March<\/strong>: Vladimir Putin claimed a sweeping victory in presidential elections widely condemned as a sham, as the elections were characterized by the absence of genuine opposition.<\/p>\n
\n23 March<\/strong>: Nationalist-left candidate Peter Pellegrini won the presidential election, solidifying the pro-Moscow government’s power after the recent political turbulence.<\/p>\n
\n24 March<\/strong>: Bassirou Diomaye Faye became Senegal\u2019s youngest president following a significant election win, promising systemic reforms after the previous administration’s long tenure.<\/p>\n
\nAn election that was due by 31 March has been postponed under martial law, amidst the ongoing war and political tensions.<\/p>\nApril<\/h3>\n
\n4 April<\/strong>: Opposition candidates won 29 seats in the assembly elections, continuing the trend observed in previous elections amidst political party restrictions.<\/p>\n
\n10 April<\/strong>: Liberal opposition parties achieved a significant win in parliamentary elections, marking a resounding defeat for the ruling conservative party.<\/p>\n
\n17 April<\/strong>: The ruling HDZ party won parliamentary elections but without an absolute majority, reflecting waning public support amid corruption scandals.<\/p>\n
\n17 April<\/strong>: Lawmakers elected Jeremiah Manele as prime minister after parliamentary elections failed to produce a majority.<\/p>\n
\n19 April \u2013 1 June<\/strong>: The ruling BJP lost its parliamentary majority, though it retained power in a coalition government, reflecting voter backlash against the prime minister’s policies.<\/p>\n
\n21 April<\/strong>: President Mohamed Muizzu\u2019s party gained control of parliament in a significant election win, shifting foreign policy towards China.<\/p>\n
\n29 April<\/strong>: Incumbent president Faure Gnassingbe’s party won major parliamentary elections under controversial new rules, allowing him to maintain significant power.<\/p>\nMay<\/h3>\n
\n5 May<\/strong>: Jos\u00e9 Ra\u00fal Mulino won presidential elections, stepping in for former president Ricardo Martinelli, who faced legal troubles.<\/p>\n
\n6 May<\/strong>: Mahamat Idriss D\u00e9by won the presidential election, extending the ruling family\u2019s decades-long governance despite calls for a boycott.<\/p>\n
\n19 May<\/strong>: Incumbent Luis Abinader secured a strong victory in presidential elections based on post-Covid recovery efforts.<\/p>\n
\n12-26 May<\/strong>: Incumbent president Gitanas Naus\u0117da won a run-off election amid heightened concerns over regional security.<\/p>\n
\n29 May<\/strong>: Legislative elections proceeded with allegations of fraud and low turnout after recent presidential elections.<\/p>\n
\n29 May<\/strong>: The ANC lost its majority for the first time, initiating coalition talks amid public dissatisfaction.<\/p>\nJune<\/h3>\n
\n1 June<\/strong>: Halla T\u00f3masd\u00f3ttir won the presidency in a largely ceremonial role, taking over in August.<\/p>\n
\n2 June<\/strong>: Claudia Sheinbaum achieved a landmark victory to become Mexico\u2019s first female president amid significant violence during the electoral process.<\/p>\n
\n6-9 June<\/strong>: Populist right parties made gains in the European elections, prompting concerns over the stability of pro-European centers.<\/p>\n
\n9 June<\/strong>: Prime Minister Alexander De Croo resigned after significant losses in parliamentary elections.<\/p>\n
\n9 June<\/strong>: The conservative party emerged as the largest in a snap election amid ongoing political instability.<\/p>\n
\n22 June<\/strong>: President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani won re-election amid significant accusations of electoral irregularities.<\/p>\n
\n28 June<\/strong>: The ruling party lost its significant majority in parliament, reflecting widespread discontent with governance.<\/p>\nJuly<\/h3>\n
\n4 July<\/strong>: Labour leader Keir Starmer gained power, ending 14 years of Conservative rule amid mounting social issues.<\/p>\n
\n28 June-5 July<\/strong>: Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian won the presidency, indicating a desire for change amidst long-standing political repression.<\/p>\n
\n30 June-7 July<\/strong>: A left-wing alliance unexpectedly secured the most parliamentary seats, reshaping France\u2019s political landscape.<\/p>\n
\n15 July<\/strong>: President Paul Kagame maintained near-total control in an election criticized for a lack of genuine opposition.<\/p>\n
\n28 July<\/strong>: President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro faced backlash and claims of election fraud amid large protests post-election.<\/p>\n
\nElections scheduled for July were postponed for five years under the ruling junta, which has been accused of failing to address security issues.<\/p>\n
\n15 July<\/strong>: Bashar Assad\u2019s party maintained majority control in parliamentary elections characterized by significant criticism.<\/p>\nAugust<\/h3>\n
\n14-19 August<\/strong>: The country transitions its government after recent elections, leading to a new parliament expected to convene in September.<\/p>\nSeptember<\/h3>\n
\n7 September<\/strong>: President Abdulmadjid Tebboune won re-election amid allegations of electoral fraud from his opponents.<\/p>\n
\n21 September<\/strong>: Anura Kumara Dissanayake won the presidency, rejecting the old political elite amid widespread economic hardships.<\/p>\n
\n29 September<\/strong>: A far-right party scored significant electoral gains, complicating coalition discussions.<\/p>\nOctober<\/h3>\n
\n6 October<\/strong>: President Kais Saied secured a second term amid concerns over low turnout and political repression.<\/p>\n
\nBy 6 October<\/strong>: The Social Democratic Party led in the first round of parliamentary elections, expected to maintain a pro-western stance.<\/p>\n
\n9 October<\/strong>: Ruling party Frelimo appeared to win elections under contested circumstances as allegations of fraud surfaced.<\/p>\n
\n20 October<\/strong>: President Maia Sandu is set to run for re-election amid potential Russian interference concerns.<\/p>\n
\n26 October<\/strong>: The ruling party faces challenges as it seeks to manage public fears of Russian influence.<\/p>\n
\n27 October<\/strong>: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called snap elections amid a series of scandals affecting the ruling party.<\/p>\n
\n27 October<\/strong>: General elections are highly anticipated as the current president cannot run again, setting the stage for a close race.<\/p>\n
\n27 October<\/strong>: Legislative elections will be held amid ongoing governmental repression of dissent.<\/p>\n
\n30 October<\/strong>: General elections are poised to be highly competitive, with various opposition parties gaining ground.<\/p>\nNovember<\/h3>\n
\n5 November<\/strong>: A significant shift occurred when Vice President Kamala Harris entered the presidential race amid tight polls.<\/p>\n
\n13 November<\/strong>: Presidential elections have been postponed, leading to accusations aimed at the current administration.<\/p>\n
\n27 November<\/strong>: The ruling party’s candidate may become the first female president in upcoming elections.<\/p>\n
\nParliamentary elections are expected in November without a fixed date.<\/p>\n
\nElections previously due in late 2024 have been postponed to 2026, raising concerns over democratic progression.<\/p>\n
\n30 November<\/strong>: The ruling party seeks to retain a parliamentary majority in upcoming elections.<\/p>\nDecember<\/h3>\n
\n7 December<\/strong>: The country faces a major economic crisis ahead of significant presidential elections.<\/p>\n
\nPresidential elections are anticipated without a set date, with uncertainties surrounding candidates and a prior dissolution of parliament.<\/p>\n
\nUpcoming planned elections are seen as pivotal for restoring democracy after a coup.<\/p>\n