2025 may not match the election whirlwind of 2024, but make no mistake — the upcoming year holds decisive political moments around the globe. From a fragile Trudeau government in Canada to a rightward drift in Germany, and authoritarian strongholds in Belarus, voters across five continents are bracing for big decisions.
Here are five key elections to keep your eye on in 2025 and why they matter.
Canada – A Country at a Political Crossroads
Election Likely Before October 20
Canada is heading into 2025 under growing uncertainty. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is battling plummeting approval ratings, internal party unrest, and a looming confidence vote. The resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has only fueled speculation that an early election may be inevitable.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is surging in the polls, campaigning on economic reform and energy independence. With inflation still top-of-mind for many Canadians, the election could reshape not only national policy but Canada’s political identity.
Why it matters:
This election may mark the end of Trudeau’s progressive legacy — or usher in a populist conservative era under Poilievre.
Belarus – Democracy Deferred
Presidential Election: January 26
Europe’s last dictatorship remains firmly in the grip of Alexander Lukashenko. As he seeks a seventh term, opposition candidates are absent or silenced. Voters abroad won’t even be allowed to cast ballots. This election, much like in 2020, is expected to be tightly controlled.
Why it matters:
Lukashenko’s reelection would further entrench Belarus as a Kremlin ally, deepening its role in Russia’s regional military strategy — and keeping hopes for democracy in cold storage.
Germany – The End of Scholz?
Snap Federal Election: February 23
After the collapse of his coalition, Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces a daunting re-election. With Germany in recession, migration tensions rising, and global economic headwinds looming, his Social Democrats (SPD) are losing ground.
The center-right Christian Democratic Union, led by Friedrich Merz, is poised to make gains, while the far-right AfD continues to stir controversy and attract support.
Why it matters:
Germany’s next government will have to steer Europe’s largest economy through turbulent waters — from war in Ukraine to transatlantic trade tensions and China’s global push.
Philippines – Marcos vs. Duterte: Round Two
Midterm Senate Elections: May 12
While not a presidential vote, the 2025 midterms in the Philippines carry heavy political weight. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aims to dominate the Senate to sideline Vice President Sara Duterte, his former ally turned rival.
Winning control of the upper house would give Marcos the leverage to politically isolate the Duterte faction, potentially clearing the path for a Marcos dynasty revival in 2028.
Why it matters:
These elections will decide if Marcos consolidates power or faces a Duterte-backed comeback. The future of the Philippines’ democracy — and its turbulent political alliances — hangs in the balance.
Chile – Back to the Right?
Presidential Election: November 16
After years of unrest, constitutional deadlock, and pandemic pain, Chile is inching toward a pivotal presidential election. Left-leaning incumbent Gabriel Boric is constitutionally barred from running again, and the opposition is gaining momentum.
Right-wing candidate Evelyn Matthei, a seasoned political figure, is currently the frontrunner. Meanwhile, the ruling coalition struggles to rally behind a strong successor.
Why it matters:
Chile’s election will test whether progressive reforms can survive in a region increasingly leaning conservative — or if political fatigue opens the door for a right-wing resurgence.
Final Thought: From Santiago to Ottawa, 2025 will be a defining year for democracies under pressure. While the specifics vary, common threads run through these elections — economic anxiety, polarization, and leadership fatigue. As voters make their choices, the world watches.
