Elections are planned for 76 in 2024 countries around the world. According to calculations made by The Economist, there will be more elections in one and the same year than ever before in history.
Throughout the year, people will vote in eight of the world’s 10 most populous countries – Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia and the United States.
Analysts point out that never in history have so many people had the chance to vote in different elections as in 2024, but they also emphasize that the fact that half of the world is holding elections does not have to be only positive in terms of the development of democracy.
When major countries such as India, the United States and Britain go to the polls this year, they will be moving in lockstep with powerful artificial intelligence tools that are increasingly common and can distort reality. And many AI experts are already warning about the consequences.
Anna Sundström, secretary general of the Swedish Olof Palme International Center, said, “We have seen an increasing number of populist leaders who come to power through democratic elections and then eliminate democratic institutions,” while journalist Maria Ressa, winner of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, said, “Will democracy survive at the end of 2024?” “Or will we find out if he dies,” he added.
The background of Maria Ressa’s concern is the rapid development of artificial intelligence, the widespread use of deep fakes and the rapid development of social media.
Anna Sundström, secretary general of the Olof Palme International Center, said: “With this super election year, we have the opportunity to turn democratic development in a positive direction.”
