Are we becoming a right-wing planet?

Over 4 billion people on Planet Earth went to the Polls this year

Earlier this year, I shared my thoughts on how 2024 would be an unprecedented year for democracy. Half the world's population headed to the polls with over 60 nations and 4 billion people participating in elections this year, it’s now time to reflect on some of the most impactful outcomes. Here I am focusing on the top 10 countries by population, which represents over 3 billion people, to explore the significant trends shaping the political landscape today.

Country	Population	Change of Government	Political Leaning	Freedom Rating
India	1.4 billion	No	Right-leaning	66 - Free
USA	340 million	Yes	Right-leaning	83 - Free
Brazil	215 million	No	Left-leaning	72 - Free
Mexico	130 million	Yes	Left-leaning	60 - Free
Britain	67 million	Yes	Left-leaning	91 - Free
Indonesia	275 million	Yes	Right-leaning	57 - Free
Pakistan	240 million	Yes	Right-leaning	35 - Partially Free
Bangladesh	170 million	No	Right-leaning	40 - Partially Free
Turkey	85 million	No	Right-leaning	33 - Partially Free
Russia	145 million	No	Right-leaning	13 - Not Free

* The Freedom Rating is extracted from Freedomhouse.org data on a country's democracy and freedom to vote

Out of the top 10 most populous nations, right-leaning governments now lead the majority, representing approximately 2.7 billion people. This reflects a global preference for conservative and nationalist policies, particularly in countries experiencing economic pressures and social challenges.

Roughly 1 billion people in these countries opted for a change in government. 86% of this group voted in right-leaning administrations, with only the UK and Mexico going left. The UK's shift to a progressive, Labour-led government ended over a decade of Conservative rule, signalling a major ideological shift. Meanwhile, in Mexico, the Morena party continues its leftist governance with President Claudia Sheinbaum, bringing fresh priorities like environmental sustainability to the forefront.

Brazil is one of the few to retain its left-leaning leadership under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, demonstrating continuity in its approach to social and economic policies amidst a largely conservative trend across the globe.

According to Freedomhouse.org, approximately 2.5 billion of the 3 billion people in these top 10 nations voted in relatively free elections, marked by scores higher than 50. Unfortunately, around 640 million people were part of restricted or authoritarian regimes, notably in Russia, where President Vladimir Putin’s election was largely a formality without significant opposition.

The outcomes of these elections reveal a complex backdrop of issues that are resonating with voters worldwide such as favouring Nationalism over Globalization and Economic Discontent.

Across several nations, there’s a growing preference for nationalist policies. This shift has brought immigration and sovereignty to the forefront, challenging the globalist ideals of previous decades. Countries are increasingly prioritising local issues over international cooperation, driving policies that limit foreign influence and protect national interests.

Despite official statistics, the economy remains a pressing issue for voters, with many feeling that reported economic gains aren’t reaching them. Cost of living, inflation, and job security are critical concerns for individuals, and these issues have shaped election results. Many right-leaning governments gained traction by promising economic reform and addressing voters’ immediate financial anxieties.

2024 has truly been a landmark year in democratic engagement, with major populations around the world redefining their political landscapes. There seems a general movement across the entire planet towards the right which is likely signalling a significant shift that we have not seen in several decades. These elections have demonstrated a collective push for change, underscoring a desire for governments to better represent the immediate concerns of their people.