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The Ostrich Farm

Thursday
January 11, 2024
T: 582-7800
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Aruba’s ONLY English newspaper
A r u b a ’ s O N L Y E n g l i s h n e w s p a p e r
Over 50 countries go to the polls in 2024. The year will test even the most

robust democracies

By JILL LAWLESS
Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — More than
50 countries that are home
to half the planet’s popula-
tion are due to hold national
elections in 2024, but the
number of citizens exercis-
ing the right to vote is not
unalloyed good news. The
year looks set to test even
the most robust democracies
and to strengthen the hands
of leaders with authoritarian
leanings.
From Russia, Taiwan and the
United Kingdom to India, El
Salvador and South Africa,
the presidential and legisla-
tive contests have huge im-
plications for human rights,
economies, international
relations and prospects for
peace in a volatile world.
In some countries, the ballot-
ing will be neither free nor fair.
And in many, curbs on op-
position candidates, weary
electorates and the potential
for manipulation and disin-
formation have made the
fate of democracy a front-
and-center campaign issue.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with members of United Russia party in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021.
Continued on Page 2 Associated Press
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