Democracy looks bruised but not beaten as it heads into 2025.
In a year in which countries representing almost half the world’s population called voters to the polls, democracies last year endured violence and major scares, but also proved resilient.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts and, despite fears of a contested result and unrest, he won back the White House in a clear victory.
Mexico recorded the bloodiest election in its modern history, with 37 candidates assassinated ahead of the vote, but went on to elect its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum.
Across four continents, incumbent leaders were swept from office in elections that often sparked violence but ultimately achieved a central function of democracy: the orderly transfer of power in accordance with the wishes of voters.
In 2025, one focus will be how democratic institutions, such as a free press and an independent judiciary, fare under leaders who came to power or were reelected last year.
The year is also likely to be momentous for Bangladesh and Syria, where revolutions toppled autocratic leaders with breathtaking speed. (Reuters)
毎週届く！
