Elections

The largest election in the world begins in India

Elections

Voting begins on Friday in India in what’s being called the largest-election ever in recorded history. Almost 1 billion people are eligible to vote in the election, which will happen over the next six weeks. President Narendra Modi is likely to be reelected for a rare, third term, despite concerns about the growing Hindu nationalist movement he represents, and high unemployment. The World’s Carolyn Beeler spoke with journalist Sushmita Pathak, who talked to voters at the polls in the city of Jaipur.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking during an interview with a Russian state-owned media organization in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Russians have ‘limited ability’ to monitor a presidential election that favors Putin. Some are still trying.

Elections
Bernardo Arévalo ran on an anti-corruption campaign to become president.

‘We want to eradicate corruption’: Guatemala’s new president makes promises that stir hope — and impatience

Politics
Vendors sell images of President Nayib Bukele during El Salvador's election campaign.

Nayib Bukele’s popularity steers him toward an unprecedented second term as president of El Salvador

Elections
street

A close race in Taiwan could decide whether it prioritizes sovereignty or closer ties with China

Elections
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, listens to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu after their meeting with the top military brass in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023.

Putin preps for presidential reelection campaign amid ongoing war

Leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s political party has unanimously nominated him to be their presidential candidate for the upcoming election in March 2024. The nomination comes amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, heavy political repression and heightened censorship. 

Participants wave Russian national flags during the concert at the Luzhniki Stadium to mark the Russia's National Flag Day, in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. 

‘You need to vote’: Russian opposition encourages participation in next month’s regional election

Elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin has consolidated power over the last two decades. Yet, as the country prepares for regional elections next month, opposition voices are encouraging a “protest vote.”

There's a great deal of concern among civil society groups over how ethnic tensions may influence Sierra Leone’s June 24 elections.

Sierra Leone elections: Familiar faces vie for voter trust as economy stagnates

Elections

Incumbent President Julius Maada Bio will face off against against main contender Samura Kamara on June 24. As the country prepares for this crucial election, voters are looking at issues like economic stagnation, corruption and national security.

Leonardo de Carvalho Leal and Mayara Stelle administer the Twitter account Sleeping Giants Brazil, a platform for activism whose stated mission is to attack the financing of hate speech and dissemination of fake news, Dec. 11, 2020.

Will Brazil’s ‘Fake News Bill’ regulate disinformation or stifle free speech?

Free speech

Brazil ranks third in the world for the most social media usage, following India and Indonesia. Now, a controversial, 3-year-old bill is weaving its way through Congress. It could regulate social media platforms in the same way as TV and radio. The “Fake News Bill” has staunch supporters, but some also accuse it of being a form of censorship.

People walk through an informal settlement for trash segregators in Bangalore, India.

Waste collectors in Bangalore face discrimination and exploitation

Justice

Garbage segregators in India often have to migrate in search of work. Many in Bangalore, India, also face constant harassment from the police and local residents, often facing eviction from informal settlements if they can’t afford to pay bribes.