Four pivotal elections scheduled for 2026 across different continents are poised to test the resilience of democratic processes amidst rising polarization, disinformation, and economic instability. These elections will either reinforce democratic norms or risk further eroding confidence in free and fair governance.

• The US midterm elections on November 3 will see all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and a third of the 100 Senate seats contested, serving as a referendum on President Donald Trump's second term.
• Brazil's election on October 4 will determine if the nation can move beyond political instability, with incumbent President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva seeking a fourth term and the potential re-emergence of Bolsonarismo.
• Bangladesh’s February general election presents a rare opportunity for a free and fair vote following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic government by Gen Z activists, with the new National Citizens Party (NCP) emerging.
• Quebec’s general election on October 5 will address identity politics and potentially reignite the sovereignty debate, with the Parti Québécois (PQ), currently leading polls, committed to a third independence referendum.