The most anticipated elections in 2026 in the world

2026 is set to be one of the most politically intense years of the last decade. In a world gripped by armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, economic crises, and profound social transformations, over 40 countries—representing a total of more than 1.5 billion citizens—are called to the polls. It’s not just about electing new governments or renewing parliaments: in many cases, the vote will be a true referendum on the future of democracies, on the international standing of states, and on the stability of institutions.

Europe presents itself as one of the main political laboratories of 2026. From the presidential elections in Portugal to the parliamentary elections in Hungary, the German regional elections, and the vote in Sweden, the continent faces an electoral season marked by the rise of the radical right, the fraying of coalition governments, and the increasingly central issue of security, both internal and external. The conflict in Ukraine, tensions with Russia, and relations with the United States form the backdrop to increasingly polarized election campaigns.

Outside Europe, the calendar is equally packed and decisive. The United States faces the midterm elections, a crucial step that will determine control of Congress and President Donald Trump’s room for maneuver in the second half of his term. Brazil returns to the polls amidst a climate of intense polarization, with Lula running for reelection and a conservative front seeking new leadership following the departure of Jair Bolsonaro. In the Middle East, elections in Israel and Lebanon are intertwined with open conflicts and chronic instability.

Africa and Asia are also facing highly sensitive events: from general elections in Uganda and Ethiopia, to consultations in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Thailand, to the historic vote in South Sudan, the first truly competitive one since the country’s founding. In many of these countries, the vote will be closely monitored due to concerns about political rights, voter safety, and the risk of external interference.

January

January 2026 opens the global election year with a series of high-profile elections, especially in Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia, which preview political dynamics destined to influence the entire year. The first is set for January 11th in Benin, where parliamentary elections are being held to renew the unicameral National Assembly. The vote is crucial for redefining the internal balance of power after a period of political tension and restrictions on the participation of some opposition forces, in a country often referred to as one of the most stable democracies in West Africa.

The same day also sees the start of the second phase of parliamentary elections in Myanmar, a fragmented and highly contested electoral process organized under the control of the military junta that came to power in a 2021 coup. The vote is taking place in a context marked by civil war, repression of the opposition, and international isolation, making the result poorly representative but politically significant for relations between Myanmar and the countries of the region.

On January 15, Uganda will vote for President of the Republic and Parliament. International attention is focused on the candidacy of octogenarian Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, who is once again facing opposition leader Bobi Wine. The election is taking place amidst high tension, with accusations of violence, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on civil liberties, making the vote a key test for East Africa’s democratic stability.

On January 18, Europe will turn its attention to Portugal, where the first round of the presidential election will be held. Although it is a largely ceremonial position, the President holds fundamental powers, including the dissolution of Parliament and the appointment of a government. The competition is particularly closely watched due to the rise of the far-right led by André Ventura, amid growing political fragmentation.

Finally, the month’s electoral cycle concludes on January 25 with the third phase of parliamentary elections in Myanmar, completing a process that the international community continues to deny as free and democratic.

February

February features some of the most significant elections of the year, especially in Latin America and Asia, with votes that could determine structural changes in power structures. The month opens on February 1 in Costa Rica, where general elections are being held to elect the President of the Republic, two vice-presidents, and the 57 members of the Legislative Assembly. With more than twenty presidential candidates, the vote appears highly fragmented and makes a runoff likely. The campaign is marked by the institutional clash between incumbent President Rodrigo Chaves and the electoral authority, in one of the most consolidated democratic systems in the region.

On February 8, attention shifts to Thailand, where parliamentary elections and a constitutional referendum are held simultaneously. The vote could redefine the military’s role in the country’s political life and limit the power of the appointed Senate, representing a decisive step after years of instability and coups.

February 12 is a key date for Bangladesh, which is called to the polls for general elections and a constitutional referendum. It is the first truly competitive vote since the fall of the previous authoritarian regime and the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. At stake are profound institutional reforms, the fight against corruption, and the participation, for the first time, of millions of citizens in the diaspora.

The month concludes with February 22 in Laos, where parliamentary elections for the National Assembly are being held. Despite being a one-party system, the vote has internal political significance because it defines the composition of the ruling class that will guide economic and social policies in the coming years.

March

March 2026 is another of the busiest months in the global electoral calendar, with key events in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. On March 5, Nepal elects the 275 members of the House of Representatives, a crucial vote for the stability of the federal system and for the ability of new political generations to translate social mobilization into institutional representation.

On March 8, it’s Colombia’s turn, renewing its Senate and House of Representatives. The outcome will be crucial for the government’s agenda and peace policies, in a context marked by political violence and social tensions. The parliamentary vote precedes the presidential elections in May, making the month crucial for the country’s future.

On March 15, Vietnam will vote to renew its National Assembly. In a one-party system, elections primarily serve to redefine the internal balance of power within the Communist Party and confirm the country’s economic priorities.

On March 22, presidential elections will be held in the Republic of Congo, a delicate transition for a country characterized by a strong concentration of power and questions about the democratic quality of the electoral process. During the same period, Slovenia is called to renew its Parliament, an important vote for an EU member country facing decisive choices regarding economic policy and its European positioning.

April

April 2026 is again a crucial turning point in the entire election year, with elections of highest geopolitical impact.

On April 12, some of the most closely watched elections are being held simultaneously: in Hungary, the National Assembly is being renewed, in a contest that could end more than fifteen years of Viktor Orbán’s rule and redefine relations between Budapest, Brussels, and Moscow.

Also on April 12, Peru votes for President of the Republic, vice-presidents, and Congress, seeking to emerge from a long period of institutional instability and short-lived governments. On the same day, Benin elects the President of the Republic, a position with broad executive powers.

April is also the month scheduled for presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya, considered crucial for the country’s unification process after years of conflict and parallel governments. Voting is also underway in Cape Verde for Parliament and in Djibouti for President, in two very different African contexts, both strategic for regional stability.

May

May also brings with it a busy global election calendar, with elections capable of impacting the political balance in the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Among the most significant votes are the parliamentary elections in Lebanon, the legislative elections in Cyprus, the multi-level elections in the United Kingdom, and above all the presidential elections in Colombia, which close a political cycle that began in 2022.

In Lebanon, the renewal of the unicameral parliament is taking place in a context of unprecedented economic crisis, the collapse of public services, and profound distrust in institutions. The confessional electoral system makes the vote particularly delicate: the distribution of seats among Christians, Sunnis, Shiites, and Druze is central to government formation. The role of Hezbollah, its political and military influence, and relations with Iran and Israel remain key issues, as do international pressure for economic reform and anti-corruption.

Legislative elections are held on May 24 in Cyprus, where citizens will renew the House of Representatives. Although less exposed to the media, these elections are important for the stability of the government and the management of European issues, from migration policy to the unresolved issue of the island’s division between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

On May 7, the United Kingdom faces a complex election cycle: votes for local councils in England, the Scottish Parliament, and the Welsh Senedd. These elections have political weight beyond the local level, as they represent a test of consensus for the central government and an indicator of the state of relations between London and the Kingdom’s constituent nations. In Scotland, in particular, the vote is being closely watched for its implications for the independence debate.

The most politically significant moment of the month, however, comes on May 31, with the presidential election in Colombia. With outgoing President Gustavo Petro not eligible for re-election, the country faces open competition, marked by political violence, fragility on security issues, and social tensions. The dominant issues are the implementation of peace agreements, the fight against dissident armed groups, economic reforms, and the management of inequality. A runoff election is highly likely, which could prolong political uncertainty in one of Latin America’s key democracies.

June

June 2026 is a decisive month, especially for Africa, the Caucasus, and East Asia, with elections that test the stability of political systems marred by conflict, incomplete transitions, and strong geopolitical pressures. The most significant elections are taking place in Ethiopia, South Korea, Armenia, and Algeria.

On June 1, Ethiopia goes to the polls for general elections, renewing the Federal Parliament. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s party is the favorite, but the vote is taking place in a climate of great instability, with conflicts still raging in regions such as Amhara and Oromia, and a fragile post-Tigray peace. The elections are considered a crucial test for national cohesion: a perceived lack of inclusiveness would risk exacerbating ethnic tensions and humanitarian crises, with repercussions throughout the Horn of Africa.

On June 3, South Korea will hold local elections, electing governors, mayors, and local councils. Although they do not directly involve the central government, these elections are a key indicator of consensus for the executive branch and influence the management of key policies such as urban development, transportation, and the energy transition. In a regional context marked by tensions with North Korea, local votes can also take on strategic importance.

Parliamentary elections will be held in Armenia on June 7, amidst an extremely delicate geopolitical context. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is seeking re-election as the country navigates the delicate balance between progressive distancing from Russia and rapprochement with the West, in addition to peace negotiations with Azerbaijan. The outcome of the vote could redefine Armenia’s foreign policy and regional security.

Parliamentary elections in Algeria are also taking place during the month, formally scheduled for June after a preparatory phase in April. The vote confirms the dominant role of the state apparatus and the executive branch, but is being closely monitored for its level of participation and the political system’s ability to absorb social discontent related to the economy, employment, and reforms.

July

July 2026 is a less crowded month for elections, but not without significant events, especially in West Africa and Southeast Asia, where some local and presidential elections have significant political weight for internal stability.

Presidential elections are being held in São Tomé and Príncipe, an important step for one of Africa’s smallest states, but also one of the most democratically stable. In a regional context often marked by coups and authoritarianism, the vote represents a positive sign for democracy in Portuguese-speaking Africa.

In Thailand, elections for the Bangkok Governor and Metropolitan Council are being held on July 5. Bangkok is the economic and political heart of the country, and the governor has broad administrative powers. The vote is seen as a test of consensus for reformist forces and the military’s continued influence in Thai politics, especially after the constitutional tensions that emerged in previous months.
These urban elections also reflect the growing divide between metropolitan and rural areas, a key structural issue in Thai politics.

August

August 2026 also partially follows the previous month’s pattern. The spotlight is on Zambia, Haiti, and Estonia.

On August 13, Zambia holds general elections, electing a president, parliament, and local authorities. The vote is crucial for defining the country’s economic direction, as it struggles with debt, inflation, and structural reforms. The elections are also seen as a test of democratic quality and the ability of institutions to ensure a credible electoral process in a region often marked by authoritarian tendencies.

On August 30, the first round of general elections in Haiti will be held, one of the most closely watched and riskiest events on the annual calendar. The country is experiencing a profound crisis, with widespread insecurity, territorial control by armed gangs, and extremely fragile institutions. The presidential and legislative elections are considered essential to initiate a political transition, but security conditions raise serious doubts about turnout and the fairness of the process.

On the same day, presidential elections are being held in Estonia, with an indirect system involving parliament and local representatives. In a Baltic context deeply marked by the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia, the choice of head of state takes on strategic importance, especially in terms of foreign policy and security.

September

September 2026 is confirmed as one of the busiest and most strategically important months of the entire global electoral calendar, especially in Europe, where national, regional, and legislative elections are concentrated, potentially influencing the balance of power within the European Union and the continent’s political stability.

The most closely watched vote is undoubtedly the one in Sweden, where on September 13, citizens will elect the 349 members of the Riksdag, the unicameral parliament. The Swedish elections represent a crucial test for the center-right government led by Ulf Kristersson and supported externally by the radical right-wing Sweden Democrats. Security, crime, immigration, the cost of living, and energy are at the center of the election campaign. Polls indicate a tight competition, with the center-left led by the Social Democrats ahead but without a guaranteed majority.

Also in September, Morocco votes to renew the House of Representatives, the main branch of Parliament. Although the political system remains strongly influenced by the role of King Mohammed VI, the elections determine the composition of the government and the executive’s scope for economic and social reforms. In parallel, São Tomé and Príncipe renews its National Assembly, completing the electoral cycle that began with the summer presidential elections, in one of the most stable democracies in sub-Saharan Africa.

In Germany, September sees important regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt (September 6) and, on September 20, in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. These votes are particularly significant for measuring the AfD’s rise, especially in the eastern Länder, and represent a test for the federal government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Also in Europe, elections are being held for the French Senate, a partial but politically significant renewal ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, as it measures the parties’ territorial roots.

And then, also in September, Russian legislative elections are being held, scheduled by September 20, for the renewal of the State Duma. The vote takes place in a context strongly controlled by the Kremlin and devoid of real democratic competition. The United Russia party, directly linked to President Vladimir Putin, is clearly favored to retain its absolute majority, despite a slight decline in support compared to previous elections. The "systemic" opposition—composed of communists, nationalists, and smaller pro-government forces—will divide the remaining seats, while the non-aligned opposition remains fragmented and repressed. These elections are being closely watched by the international community because they confirm the resilience of the Russian political system in times of war and sanctions, and because they impact the Kremlin’s ability to sustain the conflict in Ukraine and maintain internal control.

October

October 2026 is another month of particular global scrutiny, thanks to a series of elections of continental and international significance.

On October 4, the world turns its attention to Brazil, where general elections are being held to elect the President of the Republic, the National Congress, governors, and state legislatures. Incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is running for a new term in office amid fragile economic growth, strong political polarization, and social tensions. The right, deprived of Jair Bolsonaro for legal reasons, is banking on alternative candidates such as Tarcísio de Freitas or Flávio Bolsonaro. A second round scheduled for October 25 is highly likely. The outcome of the Brazilian vote will have repercussions for Latin America, the climate, and relations with the United States and China.

On October 4, voters will also vote in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they will elect the tripartite presidency and the national and local parliaments. The elections are taking place in a complex and fragile institutional system, marked by ethnic divisions between Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats, and are crucial for the stability of the Western Balkans and the process of European integration.

Also in October, by the end of the month, legislative elections in Israel are held, determining the composition of the Knesset and the formation of the government. The vote represents a political referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, the management of the war in Gaza, national security, and controversial judicial reforms. Polls indicate a fragmented scenario, with difficulties in forming a stable majority.

Finally, in Cape Verde, one of the African countries with the best democratic indicators, presidential elections are held, completing an institutional cycle that consolidates the archipelago’s political stability.

November

November 2026 is dominated by the midterm elections in the United States, scheduled for November 3, one of the most influential events in global politics. US voters renew all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, about a third of the Senate, numerous governors, and state legislatures.

Traditionally unfavorable to the president’s party, these elections represent a decisive test for Donald Trump, determining his ability to govern in the final two years of his term.

Central issues include inflation, economic policy, tariffs, immigration, foreign policy, and institutional tensions. A change in the majority in Congress could block or slow down the presidential agenda, with direct effects on international relations.

South Africa is holding municipal elections, crucial for the control of large urban areas and the management of essential services such as water, electricity, and transportation. The vote is a test for the African National Congress, in power since the end of apartheid but increasingly weakened by the economic crisis and scandals.

On November 28, Taiwan will vote in local elections, involving mayors and municipal councils. The result is being closely watched by Beijing, as it represents an indicator of consensus for parties favorable or opposed to a rapprochement with mainland China. On the same day, in Australia, the state of Victoria renews its parliament, in a vote that could impact the national political balance.

December

December closes the election year with crucial events, especially in Africa and the Caribbean. On December 5th, presidential elections will be held in Gambia, a crucial step in the consolidation of democracy following the end of the authoritarian regime of Yahya Jammeh. The vote will test the country’s institutions and its ability to ensure free and credible elections.

A possible second phase of general elections is scheduled for December 6th in Haiti, in a context marked, as mentioned, by widespread violence, a humanitarian crisis, and state fragility. The presidential and legislative elections are considered essential to reestablish legitimate political authority, but concerns about security and participation remain strong.

Finally, on December 22, South Sudan’s first general elections since independence in 2011 will be held, after numerous postponements. Voters elect a president, parliament, and regional leaders in a vote considered historic for a country ravaged by years of civil war. The outcome will be crucial for the peace process, national reconciliation, and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Le elezioni più attese nel 2026 in Italia e nel mondo