Record year for voting with elections in over 70 countries, including significant election in Mexico. Impact of ambient music on productivity discussed, along with creation of website combining ambient music and in-station announcements from Scott Rail.
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Quick takeaways
Only 43 out of 71 countries holding elections in 2024 are expected to have truly fair elections, highlighting the ongoing challenges and limitations of democratic processes worldwide.
Major elections in 2024, including the United States presidential election, South Africa's elections, and European parliamentary elections, have the potential to bring about significant political transformations.
Deep dives
Global Elections in 2024: A Closer Look
2023 saw surprising election results in Argentina, the Netherlands, and Poland. However, 2024 is set to be even bigger with approximately 4 billion people in 76 countries having the chance to vote. Despite the widespread access to elections, not all of them are considered fair or free. The Economist Intelligence Unit estimates that only 43 out of 71 countries going to the polls will have truly fair elections. This highlights the lingering challenges and limitations of democratic processes worldwide.
Key Elections to Watch in 2024
Several major countries, including Russia, Bangladesh, Mexico, and Italy, are expected to hold elections in 2024. In Russia and Bangladesh, the elections are not anticipated to result in significant changes, as Vladimir Putin is unlikely to lose in Russia, and the opposition in Bangladesh faces limitations in competing fairly. However, Brazil's municipal elections will provide an interesting test of sentiment following the closely fought election between the right and left in 2023. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the United States' presidential election, which could have far-reaching implications.
Elections Across the Globe
In addition to the major elections mentioned above, 2024 will also see noteworthy elections in Taiwan, South Africa, Europe, and Ukraine. Taiwanese elections are closely watched by China and could have significant implications for the region. South Africa's elections are key, as they could indicate a shift in power away from the long-ruling ANC. Europe will have parliamentary elections, highlighting the battle lines between populist right-wing parties and centrist parties. Finally, Britain is expected to hold elections, potentially signaling the end of the Conservative Party's 14-year rule. Overall, 2024 promises a year of political transformations and surprises.
Citizens across more than 70 countries will be heading to the polls over the next twelve months. It’s a record year for voting, but how democratic will the processes be? One of the year’s most significant elections will take place in Mexico, where the incumbent president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, will loom large. (10:35). And, how ambient music can help you block out the noise. (17:44).
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