A t time of writing, exactly one week has passed since arguably one of the most important elections in democracy’s history took place. With President-Elect Trump being the second US president ever to secure a non-consecutive second term, the world’s gaze was fixed upon news outlets to witness the outcome of the tumultuous (and at times life- threatening) Democratic and Republican campaigns. The sheer quantity of coverage both in the lead up to and on election night itself only emphasised America’s influence on global politics, with most countries offering degrees of US election showtime almost equal to their own nation’s poll nights. Though it has rightly been one of the most significant political talking points of this year (and likely will be for the next four too!), it’s important to note that Trump’s re-election wasn’t the only record being broken. Setting Maga hats and Joe Biden fail compilations to one side, 2024 has been dubbed the ‘super election year’ – with a total of 64 major elections having taken place around the world. Globally, more voters than ever before have journeyed to polls and post boxes – a figure representing almost half of the world’s population. Somewhat eclipsed by the noise around the US election, many might not realise that the 63 other outcomes led to similarly crucial repercussions on the rest of the world. Over in Taiwan, the outcome of the vote fundamentally shaped Beijing’s attitude towards
As 2024 draws to a conclusion, FEED reflects on the biggest year for elections on record – and the broadcast tech instrumental to their coverage
Words by Verity Butler
@feedzinesocial
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