The European Parliament elections, one of the largest democratic exercises globally, will be held across different dates in EU member states in 2024. The European Parliament is the only directly elected EU body, influencing life and future prospects within the union. Voting schedules vary by country, with polling starting in the Netherlands on June 6 and concluding on June 9 in other member states like Germany, Greece, and Hungary. The elections will fill 720 seats, with members serving a five-year term through direct, free, and secret ballots.
The election process begins uniquely in each member country. For instance, the Netherlands will open its polling stations on June 6, followed by Ireland and the Czech Republic on June 7, and France, Italy, Latvia, Malta, and Slovakia on June 8. Finally, voting will commence on June 9 in the remaining EU states, such as Germany, Greece, and Sweden. Some countries, like France and Belgium, will extend the voting over multiple days.
Germany’s Federal Returning Officer Ruth Brand has emphasized the significance of participating in the European elections, urging citizens to vote and influence the EU’s policies for the next five years. The 2024 elections will be unique as the voting age in Germany has been lowered from 18 to 16. This change aims to increase voter turnout, which was around 50% in the previous elections.
A notable aspect of the upcoming elections is the anticipated political shift within the European Parliament. Right-wing parties are projected to gain substantial ground in countries such as France, Italy, and Austria. In Germany, the far-right AfD could gain significant influence, posing a potential shift in the balance of power within the Parliament. This shift is expected to reflect broader sentiment across Europe, indicating a swing towards right-wing ideologies.
- In parallel, Mexico is also gearing up for its significant 2024 general elections on June 2, where almost 99 million eligible voters will cast their ballots for public positions, including the presidency, senate, and deputies. The National Electoral Institute (INE) has set up over 170,000 polling stations across the nation to accommodate the increased voter base.
- The candidates for the Mexican presidential election include Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo from the Morena, PT, and PVEM parties, Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz from the PAN, PRI, and PRD parties, and Jorge Álvarez Máynez from the Citizen Movement party. Voters must be cautious while marking their ballots to ensure they are valid, and they can vote using INE-provided markers or their own pens.
- Mexican voters are required to present a valid INE voting credential. If a voter's credential expired in 2023, it remains valid for the 2024 elections but will expire immediately afterward. To find their polling station, voters can use the INE’s online tool. The voting period is from 8 am to 6 pm on Election Day.
