INTERNATIONAL ELECTIONS September 2024

Jordan Parliament Elections in 10^th September 2024:-

In Jordan's 2024 parliamentary elections, the Islamist opposition party, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), achieved its most significant victory to date. The IAF, affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, won 31 out of 138 seats, tripling its representation from the previous election. This success was driven by growing public frustration with economic hardship and dissatisfaction with government performance, as well as the party's strong stance on regional issues, particularly its vocal opposition to Israel and its support for Palestine.

Summary:- This election marked the first since Jordan's electoral reforms in 2022, which aimed to boost political party participation by allocating 41 seats for party-based lists. Despite this reform, voter turnout remained low at about 32%, showing persistent political apathy. The IAF's win underscores its ability to tap into public discontent, especially regarding local economic challenges and regional conflicts like the war in Gaza.

While the IAF’s gains give it considerable influence, it still falls short of a majority, meaning it will have to navigate a parliament with other political forces, including new parties and independents. Additionally, 27 women were elected, reflecting Jordan's new efforts to increase female participation in politics.

Sri Lanka Presidential Elections 21^st September 2024 :-

In Sri Lanka's 2024 Presidential election, held on September 21, Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People's Power (NPP) emerged as the winner. Dissanayake secured 42.31% of the vote in the first round, surpassing his main rival Sajith Premadasa, who garnered 32.76%. Since no candidate won over 50%, the election proceeded to a second round, where Dissanayake's margin solidified, ultimately giving him the presidency.

This election represented a major shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, as Dissanayake's win broke the traditional dominance of political families like the Rajapaksas and Premadasa. His campaign focused on anti-corruption and economic reform, resonating with a populace still recovering from the 2022 economic crisis.

Summary:- Anura Kumara Dissanayake's victory is a significant departure from the status quo, marking a shift toward more left-leaning, anti-establishment politics. His win is seen as a reaction to the widespread discontent with traditional political elites, particularly after Sri Lanka's severe economic crisis in 2022. Dissanayake, with a strong anti-corruption platform, tapped into the frustrations of a population facing high inflation, unemployment, and a general distrust of the ruling class. His success signals a potential redirection in Sri Lanka’s governance, focusing more on addressing economic inequality and rebuilding trust in public institutions. This election also saw a notable drop in voter turnout to 76%, down from 83.72% in 2019, highlighting growing voter apathy and disenchantment with the traditional political establishment.

Algeria Presidential Elections:-

The Algerian Presidential Elections of September 2024 marked a significant political event in the country, held amidst debates over transparency and voter engagement. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, running as an independent candidate, secured a decisive victory with 84.30% of the vote. The official voter turnout was reported at 46.10%, though opposition parties disputed this figure, alleging it was inflated. The election was closely monitored by the National Independent Electoral Authority, which declared the process transparent, but opposition groups and international observers raised concerns about irregularities.

This election underscored the challenges of political participation in Algeria, as it was marred by widespread scepticism and low engagement from younger voters. The opposition accused the government of manipulating the turnout figures and stifling dissent, further eroding trust in the electoral process. Despite these criticisms, Tebboune re-election solidifies his position as a key figure in Algerian politics, promising continuity in governance for the next five years.

Summary:- The election process revealed a complex political landscape where the ruling authorities grapple with discontent and calls for reform. Critics pointed out that the election lacked inclusivity, as prominent opposition figures faced hurdles in their campaigns. This has sparked debates about the need for greater political openness and reform to rebuild confidence in democratic processes in Algeria.

In the aftermath of the elections, attention turned to the policies Tebboune would prioritize during his second term. While his administration pledged to focus on economic diversification and addressing unemployment, the legitimacy of his mandate remains contested. These elections highlighted both the progress and persistent challenges in Algeria’s journey toward political stability and democratic governance.