Clouds gather for election season in India, South Africa and the European Union

Policy Study

This article draws on the analyses by the FEPS Correspondents in India and South Africa on the recent elections in those countries and looks for common themes and insights for the European elections.

Klaus Voll’s “Triumph of Nationalism and good governance? Modi and BJP win an overwhelming majority” charts the rise of the Hindu-nationalist BJP to power in the world’s largest democracy while Arnold Wehmhoerner’s “South Africa’s voters defy President Zuma’s scandals: ANC wins South Africa’s Parliamentary and Provincial Elections” shows how the ANC maintained power despite increased voter alienation, apathy and anger. With predictions of growing populist representation in the next European Parliament, what are the areas of common concern?

The three papers are attached.