President Mahama, who secured his long-awaited second coming after previously serving from 2012 to 2017, in an exclusive days before the December 7 vote, told Global South World that Ghana’s economy was in crisis and needed urgent fiscal reforms, and if voted to power,  he planned a “total reset” to get a fresh start.

A year on after the vote, where the then former president secured a landslide 56.42% victory against Dr Bawumia’s 41.75%, is he delivering on his promise?

According to the President, the burning of police posts, government buildings and private businesses went far beyond lawful demonstrations. “This was not a protest. These were organised riots with a specific purpose,” she said .

Samia dismissed claims that opposition candidates were barred from participating in the election, saying they withdrew on their own to avoid defeat. She argued that the unrest was partly driven by internal divisions within opposition parties, not government interference.

Youth and foreign actors  

A large number of young people took part in the clashes, which Samia said reflected a lack of proper guidance and political awareness. She insisted many were mobilised under false promises rather than genuine grievances.

“Our youth had no reason to be in the streets; they were simply sent there and made to chant things that were not in their interest.”

She also accused unnamed foreign-based coordinators of supporting the unrest and criticised external pressure on Tanzania following the election, including the EU Parliament’s decision to freeze aid pending a human rights assessment.

Religious voices and governance

The president cautioned religious leaders not to overstep their constitutional roles amid rising religious commentary on the political crisis. “We will run this country by its Constitution and its laws,” she said.

Samia reiterated her commitment to constitutional reform but said the government would proceed gradually. She insisted that Tanzania’s stability remains the priority and that the state was right to intervene forcefully on election day.

The Commission rejected the Congress leader’s accusations, asserting its fulfilment of constitutional responsibilities impartially.

“When the gun is placed on the shoulders of the Election Commission to target voters in India and politics is being done, today the Election Commission wants to make it clear to everyone that the Election Commission stands fearlessly with all poor, rich, elderly, women, and youth, including all classes and all religions, without any discrimination," he said.

"The Election Commission stood strong as a rock, it stands strong, and it will continue to stand strong,” he added.

Gandhi, leader of the INDIA alliance, refused to submit an affidavit and reiterated allegations of “vote theft.”

“Across India, assembly [state polls ] and Lok Sabha [national polls] elections are being stolen, and the final conspiracy is that in Bihar [scheduled to vote later this year], they aim to steal the elections by adding new voters under the guise of ‘SIR’ [Special Intensive Revision of voters] and removing existing voters," Gandhi said.

"We will not allow them to steal this election,” he added.

In the 2024 elections , the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, secured a majority by winning 293 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, with 240 of those held by the BJP itself.

The opposition INDIA alliance gained 234 seats, including 99 won by the Indian National Congress.

Modi assumed office for a third consecutive term as prime minister in June 2024.

What they said

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro was “one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world ” and accused him of coordinating with criminal groups. “The DEA has seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro and his associates, with nearly seven tons linked to Maduro himself,” she stated in a video posted on X. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil called the new reward “pathetic” and “political propaganda,” adding, “We’re not surprised, coming from whom it comes from,” and accusing Bondi of seeking “a desperate distraction” from the Jeffrey Epstein case backlash. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said, “On Mexico’s part, there is no investigation that has to do with that. As we always say, if they have some evidence, show it. We do not have any proof.”

Featuring iconic destinations and hidden gems alike, the 2025 rankings, compiled by global travel experts and beach enthusiasts, celebrate natural beauty, accessibility, sustainability, and overall wow factor.

Let’s dive into some of the standout destinations that made waves this year, as visualised by World Visualized .

Cala Goloritzé (Italy)

A UNESCO-listed natural monument in Sardinia, Cala Goloritzé is famed for its jagged cliffs, bright blue waters, and hiking access. It’s a beach lover’s dream with an adventurous twist.

Entalula Beach ( Philippines )

A crown jewel of El Nido, Palawan, Entalula Beach captivates with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush limestone cliffs, and pristine white sands. Often accessible only by boat, this beach offers a secluded tropical paradise perfect for snorkelling and photography.

PK 9 Beach (French Polynesia)

PK 9 Beach, near Fakarava Atoll , stuns with its line of swaying palms and gentle lagoon tides. Renowned for its untouched beauty and biodiversity , this beach is a favourite for eco-tourists and snorkelers exploring French Polynesia’s marine sanctuaries.

The blackout, which began around 12:30 p.m. local time, affected major cities including Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona, leading to halted transportation systems, grounded flights, and widespread communication failures. Authorities are investigating the cause, with possibilities ranging from technical failures to cyberattacks.​

In Spain, the outage brought public transportation to a standstill . Madrid's metro system was evacuated, and traffic lights ceased functioning, causing significant congestion. Airports operated on backup generators, leading to flight delays nationwide.

Hospitals suspended routine operations, relying on emergency power to treat critical patients. Retailers like IKEA closed stores or limited access, and oil refineries , including those operated by Moeve and Petronor, halted operations due to the power failure.​

Portugal faced similar challenges. Lisbon's metro and train services were suspended, and traffic signals failed across the country. Water supplier EPAL warned of potential disruptions, and residents rushed to purchase emergency supplies. All IKEA stores in Portugal closed for the day, and airports operated on limited capacity.​

The exact cause of the outage remains unclear. Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica and Portuguese operator REN are investigating, with initial reports suggesting a possible technical failure in the high-voltage network. Authorities have not ruled out a cyberattack, and Spain's National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) is examining the possibility.​

A fire in southwest France, between Perpignan and Narbonne, damaged a high-voltage power line, which some speculate may have contributed to the outage. However, French grid operator RTE stated that the incident was unrelated to the blackout.​

Power restoration efforts began within hours in some regions. By early afternoon, electricity returned to parts of the Basque Country and Barcelona. However, full restoration across affected areas is expected to take longer, with Portuguese utility EDP unable to provide a definitive timeline.​

The outage also impacted cultural events. At the Madrid Open tennis tournament, matches were suspended as electronic systems failed, leaving players and spectators in the dark.

From explosive celebrations to sacred rituals, here are 10 of the most unique Easter traditions practised around the world.

Sweden: Easter witches

Forget the Easter Bunny—in Sweden, children dress up as “Easter witches,” donning colourful clothes and painted cheeks as they go door to door trading drawings for sweets, a whimsical blend of Halloween and Easter.

Germany: Easter egg trees and bonfires

Germans bring colour to their gardens with Ostereierbaum—trees decorated with hand-painted eggs. The season is also marked by towering Easter bonfires, meant to chase away the dark of winter and welcome spring.

Slovakia: Whipping tradition

In Slovakia, Easter Monday comes with a quirky and controversial custom: men playfully whip women with decorated willow branches, believed to bring beauty and vitality for the year ahead.

Greece: Rocket wars and clay pots

On the island of Chios, two rival churches engage in a thrilling "rocket war ," firing thousands of homemade fireworks across the night sky. Meanwhile, in Corfu, residents hurl clay pots from balconies to ward off evil spirits.

France: Giant omelette for a thousand

In the town of Haux, chefs cook a giant omelette made with over 4,000 eggs—enough to feed an entire village. Legend has it that Napoleon once ordered a massive omelette here, and the tradition stuck.

Guatemala: Flower carpets

In Antigua, streets bloom with intricate alfombras—vibrant carpets of dyed sawdust, flowers, and fruit that line the roads for Easter processions. These temporary artworks are as fleeting as they are breathtaking.

Philippines : Self-crucifixion

In a dramatic and controversial act of faith, some Filipino devotees reenact Christ’s crucifixion —complete with nails and crosses—as a form of penance. Though discouraged by the Church, the practice draws large crowds each year.

Papua New Guinea: Cigarette trees

Churches in Papua New Guinea hang tobacco leaves and cigarettes on trees around Easter, encouraging congregants, especially men, to attend services and receive their “reward.”

The warning comes as several prominent opposition leaders face trial on charges of conspiring against state security - charges HRW says are dubious and aimed at curbing political opposition.

“Authorities appear to be using vague laws and an increasingly compliant judiciary to target critics,” the report stated, noting a pattern of intimidation, detention without due process, and shrinking space for political expression.

Since Saied dissolved Tunisia’s parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree, concerns have mounted about the country’s democratic backslide. Opposition parties have accused the president of orchestrating a “coup” and undermining judicial independence.

Saied, however, has consistently rejected those claims, asserting that his actions are constitutional and necessary to combat corruption and political paralysis. “I am not establishing a dictatorship,” he said previously, adding that his mission is to protect Tunisia from collapse, not to erode its democratic institutions.

The Human Rights Watch documented the prosecution and detention of six women and 22 men arrested between December 2022 and August 2024 for the report. 

In multiple documented incidents, security forces used live ammunition and less-lethal weapons, such as tear gas and rubber bullets, indiscriminately, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.

"Amnesty International’s Digital Verification Corps and Crisis Evidence Lab verified 105 videos and photos that showed evidence of the use of lethal and less lethal weapons by security forces in the context of the protests...Two physicians who treated dozens of persons injured in the context of the protests told Amnesty International that they saw patients injured by bullets, KIPs, and tear gas. Injuries included bone fractures, internal bleeding, serious damage to organs, chest injuries, and breathing problems," the report read in part.

According to Plataforma DECIDE, a local civil society group that tracked the violence via a hotline, at least 315 people were killed and more than 3,000 injured during the protests, which followed contested general election results announced in October. The crackdown also included mass arrests of over 4,000 people - among them children as young as 14 - many of whom were detained without legal representation.

“These acts amount to gross violations of the right to life, freedom of assembly, and freedom from arbitrary detention and torture,” Amnesty International stated. “Mozambican police and army units acted unlawfully and with impunity, targeting both protesters and bystanders.”

Amnesty interviewed 28 individuals, including victims, eyewitnesses, medical professionals, lawyers, and family members of those affected.

Amnesty has urged the Mozambican government to launch impartial and thorough investigations into all allegations of excessive force, killings, and unlawful detentions, as well as  justice and reparations for victims.

“This mission is not validating or invalidating the results,” Ballarin clarified. “We are focusing solely on the electoral process with a defined methodology.”

The EU’s final report indicated that the October 2024 election was fraught with several issues in the electoral process. Ballarin stressed the mission’s desire for the report to serve as a tool to support reforms and foster accountability.

“We agree that the Council of State and all political powers, including the President of the Republic, have already recognised the crucial importance of a new electoral reform," she noted. "This will hopefully help Mozambicans regain their confidence in public institutions."

Ballarin also addressed concerns about the influence of social media, including TikTok, on the election, stating that the mission found no evidence of favoritism toward any candidates on the platform.

The elections, held in October, led to weeks of unrest that claimed over 300 lives as security forces cracked down on demonstrations called by the opposition. The protests were fueled by allegations of vote-rigging by opposition leader Renamo.

Despite these controversies, President Daniel Chapo of the long-ruling Frelimo party assumed office in mid-January after being declared the winner with 65 percent of the vote.

The GNU was established to bring stability and foster cooperation among South Africa's diverse political factions. The ANC, having lost its long-held majority, partnered with several other parties, including the DA, to form a coalition government. This move was initially met with optimism, as it promised a more inclusive and representative governance model

Speaking in an interview with the AFP, Mondlane emphasised the need for immediate and unconditional action to halt the violence.

“If there are no guarantees that we will stop, immediately and unconditionally, the escalation of violence, murders, and silent genocide being committed against Mozambicans, I will not sign an agreement of this nature ,” he declared.

The opposition leader also highlighted the plight of individuals detained in connection with anti-government demonstrations, calling for their release as a prerequisite for any agreement. “I absolutely will not accept a pact that does not respect this. I'm not going to sign any agreement that doesn't give guarantees that around 4,000 or 5,000 people who are in debt, who are being tortured in jails as part of the demonstrations, be released,” Mondlane said.

Additionally, Mondlane underscored the necessity of state-provided medical assistance for those injured during the unrest, including individuals left temporarily or permanently disabled due to violence. “I’m not going to sign any agreement without guarantees that around 1,000 or 2,000 people who are in a situation of temporary disability or permanent disability because of the bullets, because of the aggression they’ve suffered, if they don’t have free medical assistance from the state,” he asserted.

"However, it should be noted that the polls, which were held on a Sunday, a day of worship for Christians, and in the midst of the end-of-year festive period, attracted only a moderate turnout," Bartchiret explained. "The turnout was 51.56% for the legislative and provincial elections and 50.41% for the municipal elections," he is further quoted by the AFP.

Despite the moderate participation, several political parties emerged prominently in the results. These include the ruling Mouvement Patriotique du Salut (MPS), Rassemblement national pour la démocratie (RNDT-Le Réveil), Union nationale pour la démocratie et le renouveau (UNDR), Rassemblement pour la démocratie et le progrès (RDP), Parti pour les libertés et le développement (PLD), and Paix et Cohésion Sociale (PCS).

For persons seeking a detailed breakdown of the election outcomes, Bartchiret pointed to the ANGE website , where the full results are published.

"All the regime has left is fear," Machado stated in a phone interview with AFP on Monday, January 6, asserting that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is the rightful president-elect. "The whole world knows," she added.

Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chavez in 2013, faces limited international recognition for his electoral victory. The United States, G7 nations, and several Latin American countries have backed Gonzalez Urrutia, a 75-year-old ex-diplomat who replaced Machado as the opposition candidate after she was barred from running.

Gonzalez Urrutia fled to Spain in September following threats of arrest after the opposition released election results claiming his victory. 

On Monday, he met with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington to rally international support against Maduro's administration.

Machado, who has remained in hiding since the election, has called for mass protests on Thursday, a day before Maduro's inauguration. She pledged to join the demonstrations herself, urging Venezuelans to confront their fears.

"If we all come out, millions, how can a few hundred or a few thousand armed people prevail against 30 million Venezuelans? In the end, the only way to be free is to overcome fear," she told AFP.

However, mobilising large-scale protests may prove challenging. In July, riots erupted after Maduro declared victory, leaving 26 people dead and nearly 200 injured. 

Authorities arrested over 2,400 individuals during the crackdown, with nearly half still in custody, according to official records.

Below are some key highlights of global elections in 2024:

Left vs. Right

This year, many countries surprisingly voted massively for both left and right-leaning candidates.

Left wins

In the United Kingdom , the Labour Party secured a win in the July 4 general elections with 33.7%.

Ghana saw a left-leaning shift with NDC's John Mahama’s 56.3% vote win.

South Korea's Democratic Party’s dominance with 175 seats marked a pivotal victory.

Frente Amplio won Uruguay's October 27 elections with 43.93%.

Botswana's Democratic Change won the October 30 election with 37.22%.

Right wins

Portugal's Democratic Alliance led the January 21 elections with 28.02%.

In the United States , on the other hand, Republicans represented by Donald Trump made a comeback with 49.9% of the vote on November 5.

In Slovakia , incumbent Peter Pellegrini's Hlas achieved a commanding victory with 53.12%.

Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia secured 58.59% in the February 14 election to become president.

Austria's PfE party emerged as a leader with 25.4%.

Incumbent vs. Opposition successes

Voters around the world tried their best to maintain ruling leaders or parties while others significantly changed the hands of power to the opposition.

Incumbents Retained

Vladimir Putin was in March retained by Russia with 87.29% of the vote.

Egypt's incumbent, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi secured victory in December with 89.6% of the votes.

Although so many controversies trailed Venezuela's July 28 elections, sitting President Nicolas Maduro won with 51.2% of the vote.

Mexico's Morena party retained its grip on power after Claudia Sheinbaum, Lopez Obrador's successor claimed victory with 59.4% of the votes cast.

Finland was not left out as the National Coalition Party narrowly retained power with 51.6% against the Green League's 48.4%.

Opposition Victories

Ghana's opposition candidate John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won with 56.3% on December 7.

Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) opposition won the January 13 elections, earning 33.49%.

Namibia's Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, from the governing South West Africa People's Organisation (Swapo), won more than 57% of the vote.

In 2024, elections around the globe highlighted contrasting trends of continuity and change. Incumbent leaders managed to retain power in several key nations, while opposition candidates celebrated breakthrough victories elsewhere.

Incumbents Retain Power

In many nations, incumbent leaders managed to secure their positions, emphasising continuity in governance:

Opposition Breakthroughs

In other regions, opposition candidates celebrated remarkable victories, signalling calls for change:

Left vs. Right

Elections this year also revealed an ideological divide, with significant wins for both left-leaning and right-leaning candidates.

Left-Wing Victories

Several left-leaning candidates and parties enjoyed significant wins:

Right-Wing Successes

Right-leaning parties also saw significant triumphs, consolidating conservative momentum:

Globally, the right-wing bloc outpaced the left in cumulative votes—securing 197,655,763 against 89,885,303, which reflects a broader consolidation of conservative support.

While some held on to power, others staged political comebacks that sent shockwaves. A few countries broke barriers with their electoral decisions—others were marked with widespread controversy.

The same was the case in Mexico when Claudia Sheinbaum, a former Mexico City mayor, succeeded Lopez Obrador in the June 2 elections.

Professor Jane Naana Opoku, running alongside John Dramani Mahama, became Ghana's first female vice president-elect, while Emma Theofelus, a Namibian, became Africa's youngest minister at 27.

The elections took place during a time of global instability, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and a cost-of-living crisis driven by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic: rising inflation and supply chain issues added to the pressure.

It was a tough year for incumbents and traditional political parties. Faced with soaring prices, cultural divides, and frustration with the political system, voters sent a clear message for change. As we look toward 2025, the decisions made at the ballot box in 2024 will have a lasting impact on the world stage.

Here are some of the top photos from elections around the world:

While some political figures made surprising comebacks, hitting their opponents hard where they least expected, others made history, becoming the first with unique personalities in their respective roles.

In countries including Venezuela, incumbent presidents maintained their positions after voting. These were either criticised or praised for their retainment of their leadership.

In this piece, we present a breakdown of global elections as they happened in 2024, outlining the winners, losers, biggest shocks and surprises and other pertinent details.

Incumbents who were re-elected

India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party was re-elected for a third term, for a 5-year term in government in the world’s largest democratic elections. He however lost his parliamentary majority for the first time in a decade.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured her fourth straight term in a controversial election in January 2024. After a series of protests, however, she resigned on August 5.

El Salvador

Credited with transforming one of the most violent countries in Latin America to one of the safest, President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador retained his presidency, securing a second term with 83% of votes in the February elections.

Russia

In March, President Vladimir Putin won another six-year term without much contest from opposition candidates.

Algeria

Algeria’s Abdelmadjid Tebboune was re-elected president in the September 7 polls. The Constitutional Court says the 78-year-old incumbent held his seat by securing 84.3 percent of the votes.

South Africa

South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa is still president of the country although without ultimate power. The president is required to share power in a coalition government. because his party, the African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure a majority in parliament during the April 2024 elections. The ANC lost its majority for the first time since apartheid ended in 1994.

Venezuela

Venezuela's presidential election on July 28 ended in contention with both incumbent President Nicolás Maduro and the main opposition candidate, Edmundo González, declaring victory. However, the country’s electoral body eventually announced Maduro was re-elected and the winner of the presidential elections.

Mauritania

Mauritania re-elected its incumbent president Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani for a second term. According to the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Ghazouani won ahead of his rival Biram Dah Abeid with 56.12 percent votes in the first round of the polls.

Mozambique

Mozambique’s ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo was declared the winner of the country’s presidential election amid claims of rigging by the opposition. Chapo, from the Frelimo party which has been in power for almost half a century, secured more than 70 percent of the votes, the National Election Commission (CNE) confirmed.

Incumbents who lost

United States

In a keenly contested election between former president Donald Trump of the Republican Party and incumbent Vice President, Kamala Harris, of the Democratic Party, Donald Trump won, making a comeback after his term ended in 2021.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, a former general who was once banned from entering the U.S., defeated his opponent and son of outgoing leader Joko Widodo to be elected as president of the world’s third-biggest democracy in February 2024.

Ghana

Similarly to the U.S. elections, the incumbent vice president of Ghana, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party lost by over one million votes to his contender and former president, John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress.

Senegal

After protests against a decision by incumbent president Macky Sall to postpone elections, Senegal voted in a highly anticipated presidential election to produce its first and youngest-ever president in the history of the country. Bassirou Diomay Faye became president at the age of 44.

Biggest surprises

Beyond the winners and the losers, there were wins in the 2024 global elections that shocked the world. Here are a few.

Mexico

Claudia Sheinbaum became Mexico’s first female president after a landslide victory in the country’s biggest election so far. Sheinbaum will succeed her mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, after seeing off the challenge of Xóchitl Gálvez, who represents a coalition of PRI-PAN-PRD, and Jorge Álvarez Máynez of the newer Movimiento Ciudadano party.

United States

President Kamala Harris’s re-election was a close contest that surprised analysts, particularly as the campaign faced significant economic and political headwinds. Her victory reflects shifts in U.S. voter dynamics.

Taiwan

Taiwan’s pro-independence candidate from the Democratic Progress Party, William Lai, won the country’s elections despite warnings from China which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. The current vice president, was in a three-way race with Hou Yu-ih from the conservative Kuomintang (KMT) and former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), which was only founded in 2019. He polled 40.1 percent, ahead of Hou’s 33.5 percent.

Indonesia

Prabowo Subianto’s win the Indonesian elections was a significant global surprise particularly because of his past credentials. The controversial ex-general once banned from entering the U.S., was elected president despite his past human rights record and close ties to political elites.

Rightists and Leftists, who is who?

These political leaders either represent left-wing (leftists) or right-wing (rightists) ideologies depending on their priorities. Leftists, ' ideologies focus more on equality and government support, while rightist ideologies emphasise personal freedom, tradition, and limited government control.

Here is a breakdown of which leader represents which ideology.

Rightists

Donald Trump (United States) – Rightist. Represents the Republican Party, which aligns with conservative and right-wing policies.

Prabowo Subianto (Indonesia) – Rightist. Known for his nationalist, military-focused platform and ties to conservative elements.

Daniel Chapo (Mozambique) – Rightist. Represents FRELIMO, a party that, while historically left-wing, has moved toward centrist or right-leaning economic policies.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Algeria) – Rightist. His policies focus on conservative governance and maintaining traditional state structures.

Mauritania's Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani (Mauritania) – Rightist. Known for continuity with traditional, conservative leadership in the country.

Leftists

Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico) – Leftist. She represents MORENA, a left-wing populist party with progressive and social welfare-focused policies.

John Mahama (Ghana) – Leftist. Represents the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a center-left political party focused on social democracy.

William Lai (Taiwan) – Leftist. Represents the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which champions progressive and pro-independence stances.

Nayib Bukele (El Salvador) – Leftist. Though his policies sometimes cross ideological lines, he has been associated with progressive reforms, particularly on security and social issues.

Luis Arce (Bolivia) – Leftist. Continues the socialist legacy of his predecessor, Evo Morales, focusing on social welfare and anti-neoliberal policies.

Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) – Leftist. Represents the African National Congress (ANC), historically aligned with social democracy and leftist policies.

Nicolás Maduro (Venezuela) – Leftist. A staunch socialist who continues the policies of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela.

Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh) – Leftist. Known for her policies promoting social welfare and state-led development under the Awami League.

“They are tyrants, drooling, just like that fascist [Machado], who is now rebelling, foaming at the mouth, from the nostrils, from the ears. Full of envy, pettiness, and ambition,” Maduro said in a fiery speech.

He emphasised his resolve to remain in power, saying, “I swear to you by these four crosses that this presidential palace will never fall into the hands of a puppet of the oligarchy or imperialism; this palace is the palace of the people, now and forever.”

The speech comes amid ongoing political instability following the July 28 election, where Maduro was declared the winner—securing a third term in office. 

Opposition leader Gonzalez Urrutia has alleged widespread election fraud and garnered support from members of the international community, many of whom have recognised him as the legitimate winner.

Maduro, however, has denied all allegations of fraud and maintains that the election results are valid.

In a recent move to consolidate power, Venezuela's parliament passed the "Liberator Simon Bolivar Act." The legislation imposes prison terms of up to 30 years for individuals who support or assist in international sanctions against Maduro’s government.

The law is viewed as a direct response to those promoting international measures targeting Maduro’s administration. 

Naana Jane was the running mate of President-elect John Mahama who represented the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Her win is iconic particularly because she represents women in Ghanaian politics at one of the highest levels of power.

But her win comes after many years of hard work in respective fields including academics.

Here is a brief profile of Naana Jane:

The 73-year-old was born on November 22, 1951, in Cape Coast, Ghana, she has spent years in education, breaking barriers and earning respect for her work.

Her career in politics began as the first female minister of education under the John Mahama administration between 2013 and 2017.

During this period she worked hard to improve Ghana’s education system. In 2020, she was selected by John Mahama as his running mate for the general elections and she run again in the same position for the 2024 elections.

Naana’s higher education journey began at the University of Cape Coast, where she earned a Bachelor of Education in English and French in 1977. She went on to complete a Master’s and a Doctorate in Canada at York University in 1980 and 1986, respectively.

Her academic career at the University of Cape Coast started in 1986 holding key positions including the first female Vice-Chancellor position from 2008 to 2012.

Naana’s contributions extend beyond academia.

In 2007, she was invited to the United Nations in New York to deliver a lecture marking 200 years since the abolition of slavery. Two years later, she was chosen as Ghana's representative on UNESCO’s Executive Board.

However, in a move described as unprecedented in Ghana’s history, Dr. Bawumia congratulated his opponent, former President John Mahama, even before the final announcement by the Commission.

“I have just called His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him as president-elect of the Republic of Ghana,” Bawumia said in a televised address. “I said during the signing of the peace pact that I was sure of two things: Ghana will win, and peace will reign. The people of Ghana have spoken; they have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”

This marks the first time in Ghana’s history that a presidential candidate has conceded before an official declaration. Traditionally, candidates wait until the Electoral Commission announces the final certified results.

According to Dr Bawumia, his decision to concede reflects his commitment to protecting the country’s peace and democracy.

“I am making this concession speech before the official declaration of the Electoral Commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of the country. It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana. These are our most important assets. Ghana is more important than our individual political ambitions, and we must always put Ghana first,” he added.

Provisional results show John Mahama leading with 56.73% of the votes, representing 1,451,839 votes. Dr. Bawumia trails with 42.21%, which amounts to 1,080,248 votes. Under Ghana’s electoral system, a candidate must secure over 50% of the total votes cast to be declared the winner.

The Electoral Commission is expected to confirm these provisional results in its final declaration.

This is the end of GSW’s live election coverage of Ghana’s December 7, 2024, election. Follow for more updates as we await the release of the certified results from the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

09:46 GMT: NPP candidate Bawumia concedes.

Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says he has congratulated former President John Dramani Mahama for winning the general elections.

In his concession address on Sunday, December 8, Bawumia said he assured Mahama of full support in the transition process so that the government business would continue seamlessly.

Mahama also confirmed that the NPP presidential candidate called to congratulate him on his victory in an election he described as an “emphatic victory.”

The EC is yet to release official results.

09:36 GMT: The NDC says its candidate, John Mahama, has secured about 56% of the votes and has over 1.5 million more votes than NPP candidate Mahamudu Bawumia.

09:22 GMT: NDC calls on Bawumia to concede defeat.

08:34 GMT: Results continue to trickle in from the various constituencies pending announcement from the EC.

Provisional results from 34 out of the 276 constituencies, pending certified results from the EC, project NDC’s Mahama ahead of NPP’s Bawumia. 

The results show Mahama leads with 50.63% against Bawumia’s 47.48%. Each candidate needs to secure 50% + 1 of the total votes cast to be declared winner of the results.

05:50: Official provisional presidential and parliamentary results trickle in.

The Electoral Commission has started publishing the certified results from polling stations nationwide.

These numbers indicate a big win with a wide margin for John Dramani Mahama of the NDC. The party's Member of Parliament candidates are also smashing it. So far, the NDC has 17 seats and the NPP 4 seats out of 276 constituencies.

05:35: Ghanaians are unrelenting as some sleep on bare floors, others still on their feet awaiting official presidential and parliamentary results.

05:20: Main opposition leader John Mahama captured in his 'strong room' crunching the numbers.

23:50: Police arrest 4 suspects in connection with a shooting incident at Awutu Senya East Constituency.

The Ghana Police Service has announced it has arrested 4 individuals connected to a shooting incident in the Central Region that claimed a life and injured one.

The Police added that an AK47 with 69 rounds of ammunition was retrieved from the suspects. So far, 2 deaths have been recorded throughout Ghana's 2024 elections.

The other death occurred earlier in the day in the Northern Region after a shootout at Nyankpala.

22:55: EC opens National Collation Centre to the media

The National Collation Centre has been opened to the media for the first time under the Fourth Republic.

Fax machines for each of the 16 regions have been set up at the centre, ready to receive the transmission of regional collated results. Officials state that this is a move to enhance transparency.

“Granting media access to the centre will allow all Ghanaians to participate in the collation of the presidential results to erase all doubts," Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey said.

On the other hand, the commission has warned that the Centre is a restricted area hence no need for party members, agents or unaccredited persons to troop in.

22:00: An unidentified party agent attacked for attempting to smuggle unsealed ballot boxes from Ablekuma West, a constituency in the Greater Accra Region to a collation centre.

21:35: Early results project main opposition leader John Mahama as the winner.

Current polling station results show John Mahama (NDC) leading in 31 constituencies and Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP) leading in 14 constituencies. Mahama has 45,872 votes (51.25%), while Bawumia has 38.11%.

The NDC has, however, cautioned its supporters from celebrating until official results are announced.

20:10: Opposition party, NDC supporters jubilate over 'victory'

19:55: All polling stations closed

The Electoral Commission of Ghana has announced the closure of all polling stations and the halting of all voting activities. The commission told the media during its 3rd press briefing for the day that 95% of polling stations closed at exactly 17:00 GMT.

https://x.com/tv3_ghana/status/1865476346350109087

19:35: Parts of Accra experience blackouts during vote counting.

"We have given money out to our officers to hire generators at each of the collation centres. Even in the event of the lights not coming on now, the standby generators will be used to complete the exercise," EC tells the media.

19:05: Voting continues at polling stations despite the official closing time.

Although polls have officially closed, voting is taking place at some polling stations where the voting process faced challenges such as logistics and malfunctions in biometric identification machines among others.

Also, the EC has indicated that electorates present at polling stations before the close of polls at 17:00 GMT will be allowed to vote.

18:34: Electoral Commission clarifies issues surrounding validating stamp swaps

At the 16:00 GMT press briefing, Electoral Commission officials reported instances of validating stamp swaps at some voting centres, where presidential stamps were used for parliamentary ballots and vice versa. However, they assured that these actions do not invalidate the ballot papers.

17:21: Polls officially closed for 2024 elections

At exactly 17:00 GMT, polling ended across various voting centres in the country. Voters await the outcome of the elections which is likely to be announced within 72 hours by the Electoral Commission.

17:01: Political newcomer Nana Kwame Bediako claims sabotage

After casting his vote at the Korley Klottey Constituency, the New Force Party's presidential candidate, Nana Kwame Bediako, told journalists he felt his work and campaign were looked down upon, alleging sabotage in the ongoing elections.

16:22: The streets of Accra have remained empty for seven hours since the 2024 polls commenced.

With less than an hour to close the polls, the streets of Accra remain deserted. Many constituencies have reported unprecedentedly low numbers at polling stations even after seven hours.

Ghana has recorded one of the highest voter turnouts in Africa since 1996. In 2020, the percentage stood at 79%. The reverse seems to be the case this time.

15:46: Ghana Police addresses the arrest of four persons concerning the shooting incident leading to the death of an individual.

15:43: President Akufo-Addo urges Ghanaians to go out and cast their votes.   

15:24: Shooting incident recorded in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, involving military officers.

A shooting incident was recorded in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region after members of the opposition party NDC tried to prevent military personnel from entering a polling station.

The military officers, in retaliation, fired warning shots, causing apprehension among voters. 

In a press statement released yesterday by the Ghana Armed Forces, it was indicated that no military personnel will be stationed at polling stations, with the primary responsibility for election security in the hands of the Ghana Police Service.

15:14: The Electoral Commission, in a second briefing to the press, addresses several voting challenges across the various polling stations.

15:08: Police arrest four suspects concerning a shooting incident that led to the death of an individual at a polling station in Nyankpala in the Northern Region.

14:22: Voting at a polling station in Ablekuma, Greater Accra, interrupted by heavy rains—several electoral materials become soaking wet.

14:05: President Akufo-Addo expresses satisfaction with voting conduct so far.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed satisfaction at the peaceful way the general election is being conducted.

“I have monitored all the reports from across the country, and everything seems to be going well.

“We thank God for that,” he told reporters after casting his ballot at the Rock of Ages Polling Station in the Abuakwa-South Constituency of the Eastern Region on Saturday.

President Akufo-Addo won Ghana’s last two elections in 2016 and 2020 against the former president and 2024 presidential candidate of the NDC, John Mahama.

14:00 GMT: Voting continues with only 3 hours to go before polls close.

About 3 hours to go before polls officially close, and voting is still ongoing at various polling stations. The two main presidential candidates—Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP and John Mahama of the NDC—have all cast their ballots at their respective polling stations. The electoral process has been relatively peaceful; a few security issues have been reported in some polling stations, with a couple of individuals arrested for malpractice.

1 3:42 GMT: Political newcomer and independent presidential candidate Nana Kwame Bediako casts his vote at a polling station in the Korley Klottey constituency, Greater Accra Region.

13:38 GMT: Outgoing president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo casts his vote in Kyebi, eastern Ghana.

13:03 GMT: Electorates at the Ankwa Dobro, Nsawam-Adoagyiri polling station in the Eastern Region tell local reporters that no security officials have been stationed at the voting centre since polls opened at 07:00 GMT.

12:57 GMT: An individual detained by the police for double voting at a polling station in the Western Region.

12:45 GMT: Police arrest an individual for possession of a pistol at a polling station in the Okaikwei South constituency, Accra.

12:31 GMT: John Mahama, presidential candidate of Ghana’s main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), casts his vote at a polling station in Bole, northern Ghana.

12:23 GMT: Ruler of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, casts his vote at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.

1 2:05 GMT: EC official apprehended by police after allegedly distributing about 15 ballot papers to voters that omitted the first presidential candidate at a polling station.

The suspect, identified as Dery Joseph, is under investigation for distributing approximately 15 ballot papers at the Ampesika-Bayere Polling Station in the Kintampo South Constituency in the Bono East Region that allegedly omitted the name of the first presidential candidate.

The police confirmed the arrest in a statement and assured that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the motive behind the act.

"We are committed to ensuring a free, fair and transparent election process and will address any instances of malpractice swiftly," the statement added.

12:00 GMT: 5 hours after polls opened, voting continues to take place at various polling stations.

11 :34 GMT: Head of the Electoral Commission says it is not involved in security arrangements.

In an emergency address to the press, the EC chair, Jean Mensa stated that the body is not involved in any security arrangements that have been made in the ongoing election after she was asked about the security challenges in some polling stations.

11:05 GMT: After its earlier decision to restrict access to the collation centres, the EC chairperson Jean Mensa says media will now be granted access to all centres.

The EC chair stated that since the beginning of the 1992 constitution, the media has only been granted access to collation centres during the declaration of results. She added that for the first time, media will be granted access to all centres across the country.

1 0:30 GMT: Scenes outside the EC headquarters—security checkpoints, armed personnel stationed outside.

10:19 GMT: The Electoral Commission speaks to the press about the voting process at its headquarters in Accra.

10:10 GMT: Security gets involved as a heated exchange ensues after ruling NPP party officials accuse opposition NDC of setting up cameras at polling stations in the Tema East constituency, in the Greater Accra Region. The constituency hosts 12 polling stations.

10:06 GMT: Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who is part of the election observers, speaks to the press about the voting process so far.

10:01 GMT: A young voter detained for possessing 76 ballot papers at a polling station in the Ashanti region.

09:49 GMT: Members of the opposition NDC accuse EC officials of beginning the voting process before filling the Statement of Poll and Declaration of Results Form at a polling station in Kasoa, central region.

09:47 GMT: Presidential candidate for the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Christian Andrews, cast his vote at a polling station in Accra.

09:33 GMT: Some early voters cast their ballots as voting continues to take place smoothly across various polling stations.

09:12 GMT: Vice president and presidential candidate of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, casts his vote at a polling station in the northern region.

09:00 GMT: Voters share experience and expectations after casting votes.

08:27 GMT: Vice presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh casts his vote in the Ashanti Region.

08:06 GMT: Voting takes place at the headquarters of the Electoral Commission in Accra.

07:48 GMT: Voting at some polling stations is yet to start due to delayed electoral materials and malfunctions with the biometric voting machine.

07:37 GMT: Voters begin to cast ballots in some polling stations.

07:25 GMT : Polls open as electorates wait in line to cast their votes at a polling station in Jamestown, Accra.

06:55 GMT: Ghanaians share concerns over economic situation.

Many Ghanaians are united by concerns over the cost of living. Conversations are dominated by complaints about soaring inflation, unemployment, and business closures, with a strong expectation that the new government will tackle these pressing issues.

06:51 GMT: Presidential candidate John Mahama on his plan to reset Ghana's economy.

John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s former president and presidential candidate of the main opposition party, the NDC, pledged a "total reset" of the country’s economy, which he described as being in crisis.

"We've hit a dead end. Our economy is in crisis, and everything else has a linkage to the economy. Inflation is up. We have a depreciating currency, and our whole macroeconomic framework is unbalanced," he told Global South World.

Polls are expected to open at 07:00 GMT and close at 17:00 GMT across all polling stations in all 16 regions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

History

The country returned to multi-party  democracy in 1992  under former president Jerry John Rawlings through the 1992 constitution, which established the Fourth Republic.

Ghana holds its presidential and parliamentary elections every four years, as outlined in the 1992 Constitution. Although not required by law, both elections have been held on the same day since December 1996. All citizens aged 18 and above can register to vote.

Since the Fourth Republic was instituted, Ghana has held eight peaceful elections and seen seamless transitions—this will be the ninth. 

Historically, voter turnout has been high, with 79% participation recorded in the December 2020 elections.

Voter Registration

According to Ghana's Electoral Commission, 18,774,159 voters are registered out of an estimated population of 35 million. All voters will cast their ballots at 40,975 polling stations spread across the 16 regions in Ghana.

Special voters

Over 130,000 voters, or 0.07% of the total registered electorate, have already cast their votes on December 2 in a special voting process. The special voters included electoral officers, security personnel, and media workers who will be on duty during election day.

Presidential candidates

Ghanaians will be choosing the sovereign leader from 12 candidates. These candidates include incumbent Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the main opposition leader and ex-President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who is contesting for the fourth time in the 4th republic.

On the candidature list is also a former trade minister, Alan Kojo Kyerematen, who broke away from the ruling NPP to become an independent. There is also the real estate magnate and political newcomer, Nana Kwame Bediako, who is running as an independent.

Other candidates include Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Kumankuma of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the only female candidate. Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Party (APP), Christian Kwabena Andrews of Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Mohammed Frimpong of National Democratic Party (NDP), Daniel Augustus Lartey of Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Kofi Koranteng, an independent candidate, George Twum Barim-Adu, an independent candidate, and Akua Donkor.

Despite her recent passing, Akua Donkor remains on the ballot, with votes for her to be declared invalid by the Electoral Commission.

Electoral process

Ghana’s presidential elections use a two-round system: if no candidate secures a majority in the first round, a runoff is held between the top two candidates. Parliamentary seats are decided by whoever gets the most votes in each constituency.

Declaration of votes

Parliamentary results are announced immediately after counting at the constituency level, usually on the same day. Presidential results, however, are first announced at the 16 Regional Collation Centres before the final declaration at the Electoral Commission's National Headquarters, typically within 72 hours after polls close.

Since the 4th republic was instituted through the 1992 Constitution, Ghana has held eight peaceful elections and seen seamless transitions. This will be the ninth and maintaining the same environment is crucial.

Unlike the 2016 and 2020 elections which were decided by the infamous 'Dumsor' (constant power outages) during former President John Dramani Mahama's administration and the free Senior High School championed by the incumbent President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo respectively, the odds and stakes are higher in 2024.

Economic state

Ghana's economy has faced significant challenges in recent years, including high inflation which was at 53% at a point, rising debt levels, and a controversial bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to ex-President Mahama, the energy sector bill incurred by the ruling government is to the tune of nearly $2 billion and almost destroying the nation’s $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme.

"The energy sector debt can crush this economy if not addressed urgently," he told Global South World.

The former leader further emphasised during his final rally on Thursday, December 5, that "This election is not just another election. It's a defining moment for our nation."

Demands and expectations

With a large and growing youth population, the issue of youth unemployment is also a pressing concern.

In this context, voters are seeking leaders who will alleviate their suffering and restore the purchasing power that has been eroded by the high cost of living.

"The economy is too hard so if he [incoming president] can do something about it, and he will release more money and jobs for the youths, we will appreciate it," Obaapa Rita, a vendor told AFP in Accra, Ghana.

The elections will hence see a fierce contest between the two dominant political parties: the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The NPP is led by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the NDC, is represented by former President John Dramani Mahama.

Despite these, the are employees in various parts of the who give out their all at the workplace in terms of work hours.

According to data provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), there are some 5 countries in the world that work the most hours annually.

Here is the list:

Mexico

Topping the list is Mexico, where the average worker clocks in an impressive 2,207 hours per year. This high number reflects the country's labour dynamics, which often involve a six-day workweek.

Costa Rica

Following closely is Costa Rica, with an average of 2,171 hours worked annually. Known for its "Pura Vida" lifestyle, Costa Rica's high working hours might come as a surprise. However, the country frequently ranks high on the World Economic Forum’s Happy Planet Index, indicating a unique blend of hard work and overall well-being.

Chile

In third place is Chile, where the average annual hours worked is 1,953. Chile's economy is one of the most stable in Latin America, and its workforce is known for its dedication and productivity.

Greece

Greece which is the fourth place has an annual work hours of 1897. Like the rest of the countries on the list, Greece has a stable workforce which drives its innovation and development.

Israel

Rounding out the top five is Israel, with an average of 1,880 hours worked per year. Israel's workforce is known for its high productivity and innovation, contributing to the country's strong economic performance.