Incumbents face voter backlash in global elections during super year
Incumbent governments worldwide have faced significant voter backlash in 2024, termed a "super year" for elections. In about 70 countries, voters have expressed discontent over economic issues, high prices, and perceived political disconnect, leading to major losses for ruling parties. In Western democracies, incumbents were ousted in 40 of 54 elections since the pandemic began. Notable results include the UK’s Labour Party regaining power and significant losses for France and Germany's ruling parties. In Asia, South Korea's opposition gained ground, while India's ruling party faced unexpected voter rejection. The trend of anti-incumbent sentiment is evident globally, with high inflation and economic distress driving voter decisions. However, Mexico stands out, as its ruling party maintained power amid voter satisfaction with economic conditions.