Elections Round Up
A look at what happened in the South Africa, Mexico, India and European Union elections
Huge thanks to Marcus Mesina at Duco for putting this together!
India
Results (272 seats for majority):
Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) + Allies: 293 seats
Rahul Gandhi’s Congress Party + Allies: 232 seats
Others: 18 seats
General Summary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured his third term, a feat only accomplished previously by the country’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. BJP fell short of a complete majority with 240 seats in the Lok Sabha, impacting Modi’s brand due to unmet campaign promises in cosmopolitan areas. The BJP will lead but rely on coalition partners, making policy making more consensus-driven and potentially slowing economic reforms.
The Tech Angle
Big Tech algorithms significantly influenced voter behavior.
Concerns for a lack of election integrity increased as AI voice clones and deepfake videos continue to be utilized for satirizing political leaders.
Data indicates that 65% of voters in India have received fake news via social media platforms
India’s Electoral Commission
Background
General Election Overview: India election live results 2024: By the numbers
Discover the implications: Modi claims victory in India's election but drop in support forces him to rely on coalition partners
Recent News
Learn how Modi secured his cabinet position: India's Modi prevails over allies in cabinet line-up
Understand the ongoing ethnic violence: Peace eludes India’s Manipur even after defeating BJP over ethnic violence | India Election 2024 News | Al Jazeera
In-Depth Analysis
Listen to experts on the future of India’s tech policies: What's Next for Tech Policy in India After the Elections | TechPolicy.Press
Explore how AI was used constructively: India’s latest election embraced AI technology. Here are some ways it was used constructively | PBS NewsHour
South Africa
Results (50% needed to form a government):
African National Congress (ANC): 40.17%
Democratic Alliance (DA): 21.81%
uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK): 14.58%
General Summary
In a historic turn of events, the ANC lost its 30-year majority, securing just over 40% of the vote, necessitating a coalition government. The lowest voter turnout in history (58%) reflected dissatisfaction over economic challenges.
The Tech Angle
Tech giants like Meta and TikTok collaborated with the IEC, but faced challenges due to restrictive data policies.
The persistence of misinformation and inadequate platform accountability remain critical issues which impacted the elections.
Key links:
South African Electoral Commission
Background
General Election Overview: South Africa decides: Elections 2024
Election 2024 Key Issues: What are key issues in South Africa 2024 election?
Recent News
Stay informed on the latest political development: South Africa: Zuma's MK party asks court to stop parliament meeting
In-Depth Analysis
Explore The Economist’s comprehensive analysis: South Africa election poll tracker, results and guide to the parties
Understand the changes in SA’s political landscape: South Africa’s Seismic Political Shift
Mexico
Results:
Claudia Sheinbaum (Morena and Allies): 59.4% (33,226,602 votes)
Xóchitl Gálvez (Strength and Heart for Mexico): 27.9% (15,620,726 votes)
Jorge Álvarez Máynez (Citizens' Movement): 10.4% (5,832,105 votes)
Government Type: Presidential (Vote by Candidate)
New Government Takes Office: October 1, 2024
General Summary
Claudia Sheinbaum became Mexico’s first female president, winning with a landslide victory. Her administration faces challenges in improving policing and reducing violence. Relations with the US, and focusing on migration and security are essential.
The Tech Angle
Scheinbaum’s administration is set to prioritize public internet access, continuing a project initiated by López Obrador. Her administration aims to address the divide in connectivity in underserved regions not covered by private telecom companies.
While Meta and other U.S.-based tech platforms have introduced measures to combat misinformation, their effectiveness has been criticized for taking a “cookie cutter approach”
Key links:
Mexico’s Electoral Commission
Background
Explore the historic win: Mexico elects Claudia Sheinbaum as its first female president
Get detailed results: 2024 Mexico Election Results for President and Congress
Recent News
Read how the president-elect looks to reshape the energy sector: Mexico's Sheinbaum seen tapping political heavyweights for state energy jobs
Learn about Sheinbaum’s ambitious reform agenda: Mexican peso weakens as next president vows to forge ahead with 20 reforms - and adds a couple more
In-Depth Analysis
Watch Wilson Center’s comprehensive breakdown: Breaking Down the Results of Mexico’s 2024 General Election
European Parliament’s Election 2024
Preliminary Results (as of 6/14/2024):
European People’s Party (EPP): 190 seats
Socialists & Democrats (S&D): 136 seats
Renew Europe (RE): 80 seats
European Conservatives & Reformists (ECR): 76 seats
Identity & Democracy (ID): 58 seats
Government Type: Parliamentary (Vote by Party)
New Government Takes Office: July 2024
General Summary
The European Parliament elections saw a surge in far-right parties, although centrists like EPP and S&D maintained a majority. 17 out of 27 countries have completed their vote counts as of June 14, 2024. Snap elections were called in the UK and France, highlighting the increasing pressure on centrist leaders. Analysts predict significant impacts on EU policies on migration, climate change, and national sovereignty.
The Tech Angle
The European Commission scrutinizes Big Tech’s handling of generative AI and content moderation.
Meta, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn are all being investigated for their content moderation processes.
Reports have highlighted the role of AI chatbot from Google, Microsoft, and Open AI were found to provide incorrect election details. The commission has called for increased transparency and measures to mitigate AI misusage, highlighting the need for industry commitment to the AI Pact ahead of the elections.
Key links:
European Parliament’s Decentralized Electoral Oversight
Background
Grasp the Stakes: Your primer on the European Parliament elections and how they will shape the EU
Election 2024 Key Issues: European election 2024: When it is and key issues you need to know
Recent News
In-Depth Analysis