The global trend Albanese needs to beat to win

In 2024, voters in more than 60 countries went to the polls in what’s believed to be the biggest year for elections in history. This year it’s Australia’s turn and if we follow the voting trends of other nations, we’ll either kick Anthony Albanese’s Labor party out of office or come close to it. That’s because there’s a big movement, particularly in western democracies against incumbent governments. Today, Mark Kenny from the Australian Studies Institute at the Australian National University explains the major shift in voting patterns. He highlights how the post-pandemic economic struggles and rising distrust in democratic institutions are driving voters to seek change. Mark Kenny warns of the potential long-term implications for democratic stability if current trends continue. He says a lot of voters feel betrayed by their governments and there is a factual basis to the sense of umbrage felt by citizens towards their governments. Featured: Mark Kenny, director of the Australian Studies Institute at the Australian National University and host of ‘Democracy Sausage’ podcast Key Topics: 2024 global elections Australian federal election 2025 Anthony Albanese Labor party Peter Dutton Liberal party National party Voting trends Incumbent governments Populist movements Cost of living crisis Public trust in government