The year 2024 witnessed significant political shifts as over 60 countries, half the global population, went to the polls. The United Kingdom, the United States, and India, among many others, saw key changes.
This year, although the number of polls is fewer, last year’s election results are likely to start creating ripples and raising political challenges. In the first quarter itself, the “traffic light” coalition collapsed in Germany, and Justin Trudeau stepped down from Canada’s prime ministerial position after almost nine years in power.
Here’s a quick overview of the top global elections conducted so far in 2025 and the ones coming up to change the world’s political scenario.
1. Croatia
The first round of Croatian presidential elections was held on December 29, 2024. Since no candidate received a majority of the vote, a second round was held on January 12, 2025. Incumbent President Zoran Milanovic was re-elected after a run-off against Dragan Primorac from the ruling conservative party.
2. Belarus
The Belarusian presidential election, held on January 26, 2025, concluded with the victory of the incumbent, Alexander Lukashenko. He has been the winner of every presidential election since 1994. This term will be his seventh as a president.
3. Kosovo
On February 9, 2025, the Kosovan parliamentary elections were held to elect the 120 members of the Assembly.
4. Germany
After the “traffic light” coalition of social democrats, liberals, and greens crumbled late last year, Germany hosted a general election for its Bundestag (parliament’s lower house) on February 23, 2025. The conservative Christian Democrats came first, with its leader, Friedrich Merz, becoming the next chancellor to lead the next coalition government.
5. Gabon
Gabon was under the control of the Bongo dynasty for 55 years. After the 2023 coup pressurising a return to civilian rule, the dynasty was overthrown. Gabon will witness its first general elections on April 12, 2025.
6. Ecuador
The first round of general elections was held in Ecuador on February 9, 2025. With no candidate securing a majority, a run-off is scheduled for April 13, 2025. Voters will elect the president, 151 assembly members, and five Andean parliamentarians.
7. Canada
Justin Trudeau created history by stepping down as Canada’s prime minister on January 6, 2025. Mark Carney was sworn in as the 24th prime minister and the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. The federal elections to elect members of the House of Commons to the 45th Canadian Parliament are scheduled for April 28, 2025. The Conservatives and the Liberals are in a stiff competition, making it a race to watch.
8. Australia
Australia will hold its federal elections on May 3, 2025, to elect members of the 48th Parliament of Australia, including 40 of the 76 seats in the Senate and all seats of the House of Representatives.
9. Romania
The presidential elections in Romania will be held on May 4, 2025, with a second round on May 18, 2025. This is after the Constitutional Court annulled the first round scheduled in January 2025 over foreign interference issues. Klaus Iohannis, the former president, will remain in power till a successor is determined.
10.The Philippines
The Philippines will hold a midterm election on May 12, 2025. The winners will take office mid-way, succeeding the existing President Bongbong Marcos, half of the seats in the Senate, and all 317 seats in the House of Representatives. The results will form the 20th Congress of the Philippines.
11. Poland
Poland is gearing up for its presidential elections on May 18, 2025, with a second round on June 1, 2025, to determine the successor to existing president Andrzej Duda. The key contenders are Rafal Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw from the Civic Platform party (PO) and Karol Nawrocki from the Law and Justice Party (Pis).
12. Bolivia
Bolivia will host its general elections on August 17, 2025, to elect the President, Vice President, 130 members of the Chamber of Deputies, and 36 members of the Chamber of Senators.
13. Argentina
On October 26, 2025, Argentina will go to the polls for its legislative elections. It will determine a third of the seats in the Senate and half of the seats in the Chamber of Deputies. The current Argentine President Javier Milei’s libertarian La Libertad Avanza (Liberty Advances) party is a minority in both chambers of Congress, obstructing its policy and legislative efforts.
14. Tanzania
The Tanzanian general elections are due to be held on October 28, 2025. Samia Suluhu Hassan will be the presidential candidate for the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, with Dr Emmanuel John Nchimbi as the opposing contender.
15. Honduras
General elections in Honduras are scheduled for November 20, 2025. Voters will cast their vote to decide the president, 20 members of the Central American Parliament, and members of the National Congress.
16. Chile
The 2025 Chilean presidential election is due to be held on November 16 to elect the president, fill half of the seats in the Senate, and renew all seats in the Chamber of Deputies. Polls indicate a potential win for the right-wing coalition Chile Vamos, led by Evelyn Matthei, the former mayor of Providencia.