Global parliament index

At Arden we appreciate the vastly diverse political ideologies that exist across different countries. Defining how to classify political positions on a spectrum is an impractical task, particularly in an increasingly fragmented and polarised atmosphere. But with each significant national election there’s a golden opportunity to capture insight into the political state of the world at large.   

In 2024, over 2 billion people across 40 countries, representing approximately 50% of the global GDP, had the chance to elect a new leader. Electoral results saw significant political shifts and a trend of anti-incumbency. Voter frustration with economic and political issues led to major changes in leadership in several countries, highlighting a global desire for new directions and governance.  

The elections highlighted a common theme: declining support for incumbent leaders. Economic struggles like inflation and the rising cost of living played a major role in voter dissatisfaction, leading to significant political shifts worldwide. Many ruling parties either lost power or saw their majorities dramatically reduced. 

The resulting ideological landscape is mixed. Countries like the United States, Portugal, and Panama have experienced a shift to the right. In contrast, South Korea and the United Kingdom have leaned towards the left. A particularly striking case is France, where snap elections led to a fractured parliament. In this scenario, the left and centre worked together to keep the far-right out of power, resulting in no single party securing a majority; highlighting deep political divisions. 

Meanwhile, there is growing concern about the rise of far-right parties. Notable examples include Reform in the UK, the Freedom Party in Austria, National Rally in France, Chega in Portugal, Alternative for Germany, and Romanian presidential candidate Călin Georgescu. Beyond the ebb and flow of far-right movements in Europe, the key takeaway from last year’s elections is that far-right sentiments are now deeply rooted – changing the face of European politics.

Freedom and fairness in elections have varied by region. Countries like Botswana and Senegal saw peaceful transitions of power, which strengthened their democracies. By contrast, elections in India and South Africa signalled resistance to democratic erosion, but did not mark a complete reversal of previous trends.  

Ultimately, people’s voting patterns underscore a global desire for change, but the electoral outcomes have been far from uniform. Economic anxiety, political polarisation, and shifting ideological currents have reshaped governments worldwide, leaving uncertain prospects for democracy’s future.