In 2026, more than 40 countries worldwide are set to hold national-level elections, including presidential elections and parliamentary elections. These elections will involve a total population of 1.6 billion people, approximately one-fifth of the global population.
From the national vote in Bangladesh in February to the midterm elections in the United States in November, the outcomes of these elections will have an impact on domestic policies, economic strategies, and global alliances.
Highlighted below are key elections worth noting, as summarized by Al Jazeera’s website, listed by month and their political implications:
– Myanmar – Parliamentary Elections (January 11 – Second Stage), (January 25 – Third Stage)
– Uganda – Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (January 15)
– Portugal – Presidential Election (January 18)
– Costa Rica – Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (February 1)
– Thailand – Parliamentary Elections (February 8)
– Bangladesh – Parliamentary Elections (February 12)
Bangladesh, after a student-led uprising ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule in 2024, will hold its first national vote. Voters will also decide on the “July Charter,” a reform plan restricting executive powers, strengthening the judiciary, and insulating law enforcement from political interference.
– Laos – Parliamentary Elections (February 22)
– Nepal – Parliamentary Elections (March 5)
Nepal saw protests led by Generation Z in September 2025, which led to the overthrow of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli due to corruption and economic grievances. Many protesters have been pushing for voter registration, and the upcoming elections will undoubtedly be influenced by them, showcasing the youth in Nepal now having a real chance to transform their movements into political influence and help shape the country’s future.
– Vietnam – Parliamentary Elections (March 15)
– Slovenia – Parliamentary Elections (Expected March 22)
– Republic of the Congo – Presidential Elections (March 22)
– Benin – Presidential Election (April 12)
– Hungary – Parliamentary Elections (Expected April 12)
The outcome of Hungary’s 2026 elections will determine the country’s political balance and its position between the European Union and Russia, with broader implications for European stability and the conflict in Ukraine. It will shape its domestic politics and international alliances. Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Russia since his election in 2010, often criticizes the EU’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He will face a tough challenge from his opponent, Peter Magyar of the Tisza Party.
– Peru – Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (April 12)
– Libya – Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (Expected in April)
– Djibouti – Presidential Elections (Must be held by April)
– Cape Verde – Parliamentary Elections (Expected in April)
– Cyprus – Parliamentary Elections (May 24)
– Colombia – Presidential Elections (May 31)
Colombians will elect a new president as the term of current President Gustavo Petro ends, and he cannot seek re-election. This election will determine if Colombia can advance stalled Revolutionary Armed Forces peace agreements, address corruption, manage the rising violence, and deal with regional challenges brought by neighboring Venezuela, crucial for the country’s stability and its relationship with the United States.
– Cameroon – Parliamentary Elections (Must be held by May)
– Lebanon – Parliamentary Elections (Expected in May)
Lebanon’s May elections will be the first major democratic test for Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun’s government. Hezbollah’s role will be a significant factor in Lebanon’s 2026 elections, as the vote will decide its political influence, impact debates on disarmament, and shape the country’s sectarian balance in economic turmoil.
– Ethiopia – Parliamentary Elections (June 1)
– Armenia – Parliamentary Elections (June 7)
– Algeria – Parliamentary Elections (Must be held by June)
– Fiji – Parliamentary Elections (Expected between June 2026 and February 2027)
– Zambia – Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (August 13)
– Haiti – Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (August 30)
– Sweden – Parliamentary Elections (September 13)
– Sao Tome and Principe – Parliamentary Elections (Must be held by September)
– Morocco – Parliamentary Elections (Expected in September)
– Russia – Parliamentary Elections (Expected in September)
– Latvia – Parliamentary Elections (October 3)
– Brazil – Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (October 4)
In October, Brazilians will vote in the midst of economic uncertainty, rising violent crimes, and tense relations with the United States for the presidency, congress, and state governments. Incumbent President Lula seeks re-election and faces several challengers, including Flavio Bolsonaro, son of the imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro. The election results could reshape Brazil’s relationship with the U.S., guide its domestic economic and security trajectory, making it one of Latin America’s most influential elections.
– Israel – Parliamentary Elections (Scheduled for October 27, but likely to be held earlier)
Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a historically political survival battle in 2026. While the legal deadline is October 27, Netanyahu could call early elections as soon as June. Netanyahu’s Likud Group faces increasing pressure domestically for intelligence failures and its response to the October 7, 2023 attack, and internationally due to its Gaza war.
– Denmark – Parliamentary Elections (Must be held by October 31)
– Bosnia and Herzegovina – Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (Expected in October)
– Bahamas – Parliamentary Elections (Must be held by October)
– United States – Midterm Elections (November 3)
In the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, all 435 House seats and 35 out of 100 Senate seats will be up for re-election. These elections are crucial as they will determine control of Congress and significantly impact the workings of the U.S. government and the extent of power President Trump can wield in the remainder of his term.
– Bulgaria – Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (Expected in November)
– The Gambia – Presidential Elections (December 5)
– New Zealand – Parliamentary Elections (Must be held by December 19)
– South Sudan – Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (Expected on December 22)