The year 2024 is poised to be a momentous and defining year for democracy on a global scale. With over 70 countries scheduled to hold presidential, legislative, and parliamentary elections, this year will mark the largest year of voting in global history and will be a pivotal point in determining the future of democratic systems.

Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, the founder and chief executive of Rappler, an investigative news site in the Philippines, issued a sobering message about the political stakes of 2024. She warned that citizens are “electing illiberal leaders democratically”, posing a significant threat to the future of democracy. Emphasizing the magnitude of the year’s elections, she stated, “We will know whether democracy lives or dies by the end of 2024.”

The leaders elected in these diverse countries will have the opportunity to significantly influence the trajectory of their respective nations and potentially the global governance landscape. However, amidst rising societal concerns such as economic instability, inequality, and climate change, the democratic process is at risk in many parts of the world.

There is growing unease over the potential impact of sophisticated misinformation campaigns, driven by the emergence of tools such as generative artificial intelligence, which has the capability to significantly undermine the integrity of the electoral process. As a result, voters are increasingly targeted by disinformation and misinformation campaigns from both domestic and foreign sources.

Further complicating matters are the varying political systems and levels of voter rights across different countries. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) categorizes countries into three groups – free, not free, and partly free, based on the actual rights and freedoms enjoyed by individuals. This indicates that citizens are heading to the polls under disparate political systems with varying degrees of voter rights.

In a turbulent global climate, the state of democracy finds itself at a precarious juncture. The potential for this year to bring about a substantial shift in the direction of nations, as well as the future of global democracy, is palpable. With the sheer scale and significance of these elections, 2024 has the potential to be an inflection point in global history. All eyes will undoubtedly be on this critical year for democracy around the world.

Elections are often seen as fundamental pillars of a democratic society and are crucial in shaping the future of a nation. The unfolding of these pivotal moments and the impact they yield are crucial factors that can determine the course of history.