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.
