What are the latest updates on global elections?
Elections shape how people in many countries choose their leaders and make laws. In 2025, voters have cast ballots in places from Asia to South America. Others will vote soon in Europe and Africa. This guide looks at recent and coming votes around the world. Recent election results Recent votes in the Philippines and Venezuela have drawn wide attention. Here is what happened. Philippines midterm elections (May 12, 2025) On May 12, voters in the Philippines chose new lawmakers and local leaders. They filled 12 Senate seats, hundreds of seats in the House of Representatives, and posts for governors and mayors. The vote drew a record turnout of 82.2 percent of registered voters The main party of President Marcos kept most of its House seats. But only half of the new senators back his policies. Opposition groups and allies of Vice-President Duterte won key spots in the Senate. The split shows that many Filipinos want checks on the president’s power. After the vote, President Marcos asked all his cabinet secretaries to step down. He said he needs fresh faces to meet public needs. That move followed the drop in his approval rating after the vote Venezuelan regional vote (May 25, 2025) On May 25, Venezuela held a vote on the disputed Essequibo region. The Venezuelan government says the area in Guyana belongs to its nation. Guyana rejects that claim. Its army chief warned Venezuelans not to take part. He said they face arrest for treason if they vote. Most of the 100,000 Venezuelans living in Guyana stayed away. Guyana’s leaders say any vote there lacks legal weight. The vote did little to change the dispute, which now heads to the International Court of Justice Elections held in May and June 2025 Besides those votes, several national elections took place in late May and early June. Suriname National Assembly (May 25, 2025) On May 25, Suriname chose members for its 51-seat National Assembly. Turnout rose from past years. Voters faced two big issues: the cost of living and jobs. No party won a clear majority. That result means parties must talk and form a coalition to run the country. Polish presidential election (June 1, 2025) On June 1, Poles will pick a new president. The vote is the first round. If no one gets over 50 percent, the top two face off in late June. Polls show a close race between the current president’s ally and an opposition leader. Key issues include ties with the EU and rules for courts South Korean presidential election (June 3, 2025) South Koreans go to the polls on June 3. They will choose a new head of state. The vote follows public worry over jobs and house prices. Some polls show a lead for a candidate from the main opposition party. Voters will also watch for how each candidate handles ties with North Korea and the US Burundi legislative elections (June 5, 2025) On June 5, Burundi held votes for its National Assembly. Observers say turnout was high despite a lack of real choice. The ruling party was the only one allowed to run in many areas. Critics argue that limits on rivals hurt the vote’s fairness. Results will likely keep a firm grip on power by the current leaders. Italian referendum (June 8, 2025) Italians will vote on June 8. They will choose to keep or scrap a plan to change how judges are picked. The vote is part of a push to speed up trials and cut legal costs. Polls show a tight race as both sides make last-minute appeals Past and future votes to watch Some elections already took place early in 2025. Others lie ahead in mid to late 2025. Belarus presidential election (January 26, 2025) Belarus held its vote on January 26. Incumbent President Lukashenko claimed victory amid claims of fraud. Most opposition figures were barred from running. Some countries do not fully accept the result because they saw unfair rules Upcoming votes later in 2025 Later in 2025, voters in these places also head to the polls: Japan elects half its upper house (July 28) Gabon plans a general vote by August (date is set later) Mexico holds judicial elections on June 1 Iran picks local councils on June 26 These votes will shape how each nation runs its courts, councils, and laws. Main trends in 2025 elections Across many votes, we see common themes and new rules. Record turnout and engagement Many countries saw more voters show up in 2025 than in past polls. In the Philippines, turnout hit 82.2 percent. Suriname also saw more voters using their right to choose. High turnout shows that people feel their vote matters. Digital tools and risks Online platforms now share results and let people track their ballot. But they also bring risks. In the Philippines, officials say some posts spread wrong info to sway votes. Nations must guard sites and apps to keep votes fair. Coalitions and split results In many places, no single party won a clear win. That means talks and deals to form a working team. Suriname faces this now. Poland could see it if no president gets a majority. Coalitions test how parties can work together for stable rule.
