Approximately how many countries held national elections in the 2024 'super election year'?

The year 2024 was widely dubbed a "super election year" due to an unprecedented number of national elections held around the globe. Approximately 64 countries conducted national elections, marking a significant moment in global political history. This figure represents nearly half of the world's nations, underscoring the widespread electoral activity that took place. While some sources cite slightly different numbers, 64 is a frequently referenced approximation for the scale of national elections that occurred.

These numerous elections involved a staggering number of eligible voters, with roughly 4 billion people, or about half of the global population, having the opportunity to cast their ballots. Among the countries that held national elections were eight of the world's ten most populous nations, including India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States, alongside the European Union elections for its Parliament. This concentration of electoral events made 2024 a pivotal year for global governance and democratic processes.

The "super election year" of 2024 carried immense implications for international relations, geopolitics, and various policy areas, including climate action. Many of these elections saw incumbent parties and leaders facing challenges, with a notable trend of ruling parties losing vote share in democracies worldwide. The outcomes often reflected widespread citizen frustration with governments, highlighting the dynamic and sometimes volatile nature of contemporary political landscapes.