Staff Reports
The 2024 global election cycle saw record-breaking voter participation, as approximately half the world’s adult population flexed their democratic muscles—albeit some of them perhaps a bit too enthusiastically, casting votes more than once. With over 60 countries holding polls that, depending on the country’s political climate, ranged from fair to farcical, it was a circus of electoral proportions. In most democratic settings, voter ID was all the rage—except of course in the Democrat-controlled states of America, where voter ID is about as welcome as a porcupine at a balloon party.
No surprise was greater than Vladimir Putin getting reelected as Russia’s president (and self-styled philosopher) since nothing screams democracy like a one-horse race. Meanwhile, the British Conservative Party proved that self-sabotage is an art form, wrapping up the year in a glorious train wreck dubbed “the circular firing squad”. Over in France, the expected paralysis kicked in post-election, and Bashar Assad in Syria reserved a large chunk of parliament for his Ba’ath Party—a testament to the good ol’ days of democratizing via the barrel of a gun. These happenings mirror the broader trend that incumbents are about as popular as a skunk at a garden party.
Democracy vs. bureaucracy: How populism became the handmaiden of tech https://t.co/SnkLR8zg08 via @dcexaminer
— Wayne (@WaynePson) January 3, 2025
If you thought being an incumbent would offer a cushy advantage, you might want to think again. Recent elections showed that about 80% of incumbents either lost their positions or were forced into uncomfortable coalitions. Joe Biden has managed to break the record for disapproval ratings, clocking in at a splendid 36%. This would make even Jimmy Carter raise an eyebrow, and one has to wonder if the White House’s plans for 2024 included an exit strategy from political life. Kamala Harris, meanwhile, is not exactly winning the popularity game either, boasting a stunningly low approval rating that rivals historical lows.
Despite the charm offensive from the left claiming the sky is falling and democracy is in peril, it’s clear that democracy, at least as defined by traditional liberalism, is being kicked to the curb worldwide. Americans are turning their backs on the establishment, as Trump and the Republicans capitalized on discontent, flipping the narrative from center-left lunacy to a more populist approach. Not content with just the U.S., the sentiment echoed in Canada, France, and across the pond in Britain, where incumbents find themselves in a chaotic rot of their own making.
In stark contrast, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni stood out like a diamond in the rough. While Democrats panicked, Meloni continued to thrive, surprising the skeptics who dubbed her a neofascist upon taking power. As a result of her early governance, Italy managed to flip the script, emerging from chaos as somewhat of a poster child for effective leadership. Meanwhile, the likes of Viktor Orban in Hungary and Netanyahu in Israel kept their seats, showing that firm leadership still resonates in this age of confusion.
As voters worldwide show signs of unrest and demand drastic shifts, it’s clear that the political milieu is on borrowed time. The old guard is being pushed aside to make room for leaders who understand that traditional governance methods just won’t cut it anymore. The future looks more like deregulating the bureaucracy and focusing on retaining talent rather than counting heads. The people are speaking loud and clear, delivering a message that incumbent inefficacy is no longer acceptable, and it seems the zeitgeist of 2024 may well usher in a long-awaited change in course.
