In 2024, over 80 countries held national
elections, making it the
largest election year in history. These
exercises were conducted across continents and included major democracies such
as India, the United States, and Indonesia, which represent nearly half of the
world’s population.
The record high volume of elections
also accentuated both the resilience and challenges of democratic processes
worldwide. While most countries managed to transfer power peacefully, others
faced political unrest and disputes over election integrity. The outcomes of
these elections have had lasting impacts on both national and international
political landscapes.
One standout trait of the 2024
election cycle was the impressive voter turnout across the globe, with many
countries seeing participation levels that either matched or exceeded
historical averages. Despite concerns about democratic backsliding, political
disengagement, and voter suppression, millions of people showed up at the
polls, proving that elections still matter. The latest data from International IDEA reveals several
key factors that
contributed to this trend.
Europe: A Steady Turnout
While electoral participation in
Europe has been on a slow decline for the past two decades, countries
like Iceland and Austria recorded voter turnouts well above 70% in 2024. Even
the European Parliament elections, which often do not see great voter
enthusiasm, maintained a steady 50% turnout, signaling that voters across the
continent continue to take their democratic responsibilities seriously. This
level of engagement suggests that institutional trust is coming back, and many
citizens starting to believe again in the power of their vote.
Asia: Mixed Participation Across the
Region
Asia painted a more varied picture,
with some countries recording impressive participation rates while others
remained at moderate levels. Indonesia stood out with a remarkable 70% turnout,
showing strong public interest in the electoral process. Meanwhile, Japan and
South Korea saw turnout rates in the 50-60% range, reflecting stable but not
necessarily enthusiastic voter engagement. The differences across the region
highlight how political climates, election stakes, and voter mobilization
efforts influence participation.
North America: High-Stakes Elections
Drive Turnout
Deep political divisions marked the
2024 US elections, which led to relatively high turnout. Approximately 65% of
eligible voters participated, a slight increase from previous election cycles.
The highly polarized atmosphere and widespread efforts to increase voter access
likely contributed to this rise. Similarly, Mexico recorded a 64% turnout,
demonstrating consistent democratic participation despite political challenges.
South America: One of the Highest
Turnout Regions
South America saw some of the
strongest voter turnouts globally. Uruguay led with over 80% participation,
reaffirming its status as one of the most engaged electorates. Brazil and
Panama also maintained strong turnout rates between 60% and 70%, reflecting the
region’s deep-rooted democratic traditions. Compulsory voting laws in several
South American countries play a major role in sustaining high participation
levels, but cultural and historical factors also contribute to a strong sense
of civic duty among voters.
Africa: High Engagement in Some
Areas, Moderate in Others
Africa saw both strong engagement
and regional disparities. Botswana and Namibia recorded voter turnouts of
around 70%, showing that democratic engagement remains a priority for many
citizens. Meanwhile, Madagascar and Mozambique’s turnout ranged between 50% and
60%, which, while moderate, still signals a level of public participation that
many democracies would envy. Political stability, electoral transparency, and
voter access continue to influence participation rates across the continent.
Oceania: Steady and Reliable
Participation
Voter turnout remained stable in
Oceania, with nations like the Solomon Islands and Kiribati reporting
participation rates near 60%. Despite logistical challenges and small
populations, citizens in the region remain committed to the democratic process,
ensuring that elections continue to reflect the will of the people.
Middle East: Political Context
Shapes Turnout
The Middle East saw moderate voter
participation, with Kuwait recording a 50% turnout. However, turnout across the
region varied significantly due to differing political structures, electoral
freedoms, and voter motivations. Some countries continue to experience
restrictions that limit meaningful political engagement, which inevitably
affects turnout figures.
Global Average Turnout: A Stable 61%
Despite concerns over authoritarian
regression and other challenges, the global average voter turnout in 2024 was
61%, comparable to past years. While some elections saw record-breaking
numbers, others followed historical patterns. However, not all elections were
without controversy. The annulment of Romania’s 2024 election significantly
affected regional turnout statistics, raising concerns about political
stability. Algeria, despite reporting moderate turnout, remains classified as
“not free”, highlighting the complexities of voter engagement in restricted
democracies.
The Impact of Legal Frameworks on
Voter Turnout
Countries with compulsory voting
laws, such as Belgium (85%) and Uruguay (80%+), continue to demonstrate how
policy choices shape electoral participation. Even in the U.S. (65%), legal
frameworks that expand voting access—such as early voting and mail-in
ballots—have helped sustain engagement.
The 2024
elections proved that when voters believe their votes matter, they turn out in
large numbers. Whether driven by high-stakes elections, strong democratic
traditions, or well-designed legal frameworks, voter turnout remained strong
worldwide. It remains to be seen how voter engagement will hold up in the
coming years in the face of the many challenges faced by democracies.