INTERNATIONAL ELECTIONS December 2024

1) Romania Parliamentary Elections:- The Romanian Parliamentary Elections, held on December 1, 2024, witnessed significant political competition amidst a backdrop of rising economic concerns and growing polarization. Voter turnout reached approximately 52.5%, one of the highest engagement levels in recent years, signalling the electorate's active involvement. The elections determined the composition of Romania’s two legislative bodies: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The Social Democratic Party (PSD) emerged as the dominant political force, securing the largest share of votes, with the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) making notable gains.

In the Chamber of Deputies, PSD won 21.96% of the vote, followed closely by AUR with 18.01%, and the National Liberal Party (PNL) trailing with 13.20%. The Senate results mirrored these trends, with PSD maintaining its lead and AUR solidifying its role as the main opposition party. The elections did not produce a clear majority, necessitating coalition negotiations. Pro-European parties, including PSD, PNL, Save Romania Union (USR), and the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), quickly formed a coalition to prevent far-right influence, emphasizing Romania’s commitment to its European Union alignment.

The elections were largely regarded as fair and transparent, earning praise from international observers. Despite concerns over AUR's far-right rhetoric, the democratic process was respected, with no significant reports of irregularities. However, political analysts highlighted growing discontent among Romanian voters, particularly regarding economic challenges and the perceived inefficiency of mainstream parties. This dissatisfaction contributed to AUR's rise, reflecting a broader trend of nationalist and populist movements across Europe.

Summary:- The newly elected government faces pressing challenges, including addressing economic instability, improving public sector efficiency, and maintaining Romania's pro-European trajectory. With the PSD-led coalition in place, stability is expected, but tensions between the ruling coalition and the growing far-right opposition may shape the political landscape in the coming years. The 2024 elections underscored Romania’s democratic resilience while highlighting the electorate's demand for accountability, reforms, and effective governance.

2) Aruba Parliamentary Elections:- The Aruban Parliamentary Elections, held on December 6, 2024, were marked by a high voter turnout of approximately 79.5%, showcasing the electorate's strong engagement in shaping the country’s political landscape. The elections followed the resignation of the Second Wever-Croes cabinet in September 2024, which necessitated early polls. This context added significance to the elections as citizens sought stability and effective governance amidst political uncertainty.

The Aruban People's Party (AVP) emerged as the leading political entity, securing 32.21% of the vote and winning 9 seats in the 21-member Parliament. The People's Electoral Movement (MEP) closely followed with 8 seats, while other parties collectively garnered the remaining positions. Despite AVP's lead, no single party achieved a majority, making coalition negotiations essential for forming a stable government.

The elections were widely praised for their transparency and fairness, with no significant reports of irregularities. Observers and citizens alike commended the orderly and democratic process. The results reflect a competitive political environment and the electorate's demand for collaborative governance, as no party could claim a decisive mandate.

Summary:- The formation of a new government hinges on ongoing coalition discussions. The next Prime Minister and cabinet members will face the challenge of addressing pressing national issues while ensuring political stability. The elections highlighted the need for unity and effective policymaking to address Aruba's socio-economic challenges in the years to come.

3) Ghana Presidential Elections:- The Ghanaian Presidential Elections, held on December 7, 2024, saw a voter turnout of approximately 60.9%, reflecting a robust engagement by the electorate. These elections were conducted amidst challenging economic conditions, including high inflation and mounting public debt, which dominated political discourse. Former President John Dramani Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), contested against the incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The campaign highlighted issues such as economic recovery, governance, and public trust.

John Dramani Mahama emerged victorious, securing 56.55% of the vote (6,328,397 votes), while Mahamudu Bawumia received 41.61% (4,657,304 votes). This decisive margin marked a return to power for Mahama, who had previously served as Ghana’s President from 2012 to 2017. His victory was seen as a call for change, with voters expressing dissatisfaction with the economic difficulties under the NPP government. The NDC's clear majority eliminated the need for post-election alliances, solidifying Mahama’s mandate.

The elections were widely regarded as transparent and fair, earning praise from both local and international observers. The peaceful conduct of the polls reaffirmed Ghana’s reputation as a stable democracy in West Africa. Election officials, civil society organizations, and security agencies were commended for their roles in ensuring a smooth and credible process. No significant irregularities were reported, bolstering public confidence in the outcome.

Summary:- Mahama’s victory ushers in a new era of leadership aimed at addressing Ghana’s pressing economic challenges. His administration is expected to prioritize fiscal reforms, debt management, and measures to restore economic stability. The peaceful transition of power reflects the maturity of Ghana’s democratic institutions and highlights the country’s commitment to maintaining political stability amidst economic and social pressures. This election further strengthens Ghana’s standing as a beacon of democracy in the region.

7) Chad Parliamentary Elections:- On December 29, 2024, Chad conducted its first parliamentary elections in over a decade, alongside regional and municipal polls. These elections marked the culmination of a three-year transitional period following the 2021 death of long-time leader Idriss Déby Itno and the subsequent rise to power of his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby. The government presented the elections as a pivotal step toward restoring constitutional order in the nation.

The ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), led by President Mahamat Idriss Déby, secured a significant victory, obtaining 124 out of 188 seats in the National Assembly, according to provisional results. Voter turnout was reported at 51.5%. However, the elections were marred by controversy, as more than ten opposition parties, including the main Transformers party led by Succes Masra, boycotted the process. They labeled the elections a "charade," expressing concerns over transparency and fairness.

The opposition's boycott and allegations of electoral malpractice have raised questions about the legitimacy of the newly elected parliament. Critics argue that the absence of key opposition voices undermines the democratic process and may entrench the existing political dynasty. Despite these concerns, the government has dismissed allegations of fraud, maintaining that the elections were conducted fairly.

These elections occurred amid significant security challenges for Chad, including ongoing threats from militant groups like Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region and the recent termination of a longstanding defense cooperation agreement with France. The government's ability to address these security issues and manage internal political dissent will be critical in shaping Chad's path forward as it seeks to solidify democratic governance.

8) Croatia Presidential Elections: -  In the first round of Croatia's presidential election on December 29, 2024, incumbent President Zoran Milanović secured 49% of the vote, narrowly missing the majority required for an outright victory. His closest competitor, Dragan Primorac, backed by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), received 19%. Consequently, a runoff election was scheduled for January 12, 2025.

Milanović, known for his populist and combative political style, has been a vocal critic of Western military support for Ukraine, advocating for Croatia's neutrality in international conflicts. This stance often put him at odds with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who labeled Milanović as "pro-Russian" and emphasized the importance of Croatia's alignment with the European Union and NATO.

In the runoff on January 12, 2025, Milanović achieved a decisive victory, securing over 74% of the vote against Primorac's nearly 26%. This landslide win granted Milanović a second five-year term as president. In his victory speech, he interpreted the results as a clear message from the electorate, urging the government to heed the voters' sentiments.

Despite the largely ceremonial nature of the Croatian presidency, Milanović's re-election is expected to influence the nation's political landscape significantly. His critical views on the EU and NATO, coupled with his opposition to Croatia's involvement in international conflicts, suggest potential policy debates and tensions with the conservative government led by Prime Minister Plenković. The election occurred amid domestic challenges, including economic concerns, corruption scandals, and a labor shortage, which are likely to remain focal points in the country's political discourse.

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