2024 is the biggest electoral year in history, with people heading to the polls in dozens of countries. This is DW’s preview of the most consequential elections of 2024 across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas – and what they mean for the health and future of democracy. Correspondent Rosie Birchard speaks to DW experts on Taiwan, India, South Africa, Mexico, the EU, and the US.

Chapters:

00:00 A battle of the system: Democratization once seemed unstoppable — but now authoritarianism is on the rise. Will 2024 be the year democracy gets a vote of confidence, or eats itself alive?

02:08 The world votes: How does democracy work?

03:30 Taiwan: A win for democracy? A split vote in Taiwan won’t ease geopolitical pressure, but the elections themselves are part of the systemic struggle between autocracy and democracy.

05:17 India: Is majority rule enough? Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to secure a third term in office. But amid accusations of discrimination toward minorities, is gaining majority support good enough for good democracy?

11:30 Can South Africa revive its democratic dream? 2024 marks thirty years since the end of the racist apartheid regime in South Africa. Amid falling turnout and voter frustration, can a push to rejuvenate South African democracy work?

15:15 Mexico: Change for good? Mexico is set to get its first woman president in 2024. But amid allegations of backsliding under the outdoing leader, will this change help turn things around?

19:24 Will European democracy vote itself out of office? Hundreds of millions are eligible to vote in EU elections, but with the far-right expected to make gains, will the bloc’s democracy be hamstrung by populist interests?

24:25 Will the US resign from democracy’s top job? Donald Trump is expected to make a comeback in the 2024 presidential race. Could a possible return imperil the future of democracy in the US and beyond?

29:35 Will democracy survive? Democracy stands on shaky ground in 2024. Is it still the right system for the challenges of this century?

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