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How have recent elections and referendums impacted the discussion around voting rights and democracy in general?

Sommer O'Murtagh

In recent years, the world has witnessed an increasing trend towards populism, nationalism, and authoritarianism. With the rise of leaders like Donald Trump in the United States, Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, and Viktor Orbán in Hungary, many have begun to question the future of democracy and the state of voting rights. The impact of recent elections and referendums on the discussion around these issues cannot be understated.

One of the most significant recent events was the Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom. This referendum, which was held in 2016, saw a majority of British voters choose to leave the European Union. This decision has had far-reaching consequences, both for the UK and for the rest of the world. The Brexit campaign was marked by controversial claims and misinformation, with some arguing that the Leave campaign relied on racist and xenophobic rhetoric to secure votes. Moreover, the UK's departure from the EU has raised questions about the future of the European project and the union's ability to withstand the populist and nationalist forces that have emerged across the continent.

Similarly, the 2016 US presidential election has had a profound impact on the discussion around voting rights and democracy. Donald Trump's victory, which was marked by allegations of Russian interference and voter suppression, has led many to question the integrity of the US electoral system. Moreover, Trump's attacks on the media, the judiciary, and other institutions have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarianism in one of the world's oldest democracies.

Other recent elections and referendums, such as the 2018 Mexican presidential election and the 2019 Indian general election, have also generated debates around the quality of democracy and the state of voting rights in these countries. In Mexico, for example, the election of left-wing populist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has sparked hopes for change but also fears of democratic backsliding. Meanwhile, in India, the reelection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised concerns about the treatment of minorities and the erosion of secularism in the world's largest democracy.

Despite these challenges, many activists, scholars, and policymakers are still working to defend and strengthen democracy and voting rights around the world. For instance, there have been efforts to combat disinformation and promote media literacy, as well as to expand access to the ballot box through measures like automatic voter registration and early voting. Additionally, there are ongoing debates about the need to reform institutions such as the Electoral College in the US and the House of Lords in the UK to make them more democratic.

In conclusion, recent elections and referendums have had a profound impact on the discussion around voting rights and democracy in general. While these events have raised legitimate concerns about the state of democracy around the world, they have also galvanized efforts to defend and strengthen democratic institutions and norms. As we look towards the future, it is up to all of us to ensure that democracy and voting rights remain strong and vibrant in the face of the challenges they face today.