2022 was a blockbuster year for news – and 2023 is shaping up to be just as busy.
In Nigeria, being the giant of Africa, all eyes are on the over 200 million populated country on how or not the general elections would unfold.
Many are agitated about the many challenges in the land as the forefront contenders appears to create an assurance of anything different from the backdrop of what some refers to as the fear of the top fear dogs, and who you did say the cap-fit may not wear the crown.
Nigerian seems not to be smiling as the woes continue with all-yuletide scarcity of PMS or better known as petrol greeted them, coupled with other security challenges staring their faces, and which has also recently forced INEC to warn of possible postponement of the forthcoming elections if the unrest persists. Will there be any magic of all-round stability across board that could sponsor free, fair and peaceful election with the abreast knowledge that the exercise is just few days away?
Well, only time will tell what will be the fate of Nigerians as the countdown continues.
On our next consideration is the event also happening next month which will see the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, with no sign of the conflict letting up any time soon.
There are also a number of key elections on the horizon just as we considered Nigeria, from Turkey to Pakistan and Argentina.
One-year anniversary of Russian invasion
February 24 is the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, the conflict centred on the massacre in Bucha, the final stand as Mariupol fell to Putin’s forces and Russia’s humiliating retreat from Kherson.
The big issue going into 2023 is the battle on the eastern front, particularly in Bakhmut, known as “the meat grinder”. With fighting at a stalemate, Kyiv will be hoping for more Western weapons to break through Russia’s defences, while Moscow will be banking on an influx of fresh troops.
Internationally, the key question is just how much longer countries are willing to back Ukraine’s struggle as the cost of living and energy crises continue to bite. Will Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, and Joe Biden, the US president, keep pouring money into the conflict?
Turkish presidential election
On June 18, Turkish voters will head to the polls. Although Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s grip on power seems unassailable to many observers, it’s the first time in his 20-year rule that he won’t be a clear favourite.
In the run-up to the election, you can expect to see lots more sabre-rattling from Mr. Erdogan, as he threatens to escalate conflicts with old foes including the Kurds in northern Syria and the Greek government in the hope of riling up his supporters.
His ongoing crackdown against opponents – including everyone from doctors to lawyers to journalists – is also likely to be stepped up a gear.
If he did by some extraordinary chance lose the election, he is expected to try to challenge it in any way possible.
Pakistan votes for new leader
By Autumn, Pakistan will have to vote for a new leader, despite the country being on the brink of anarchy after Imran Khan’s ouster and subsequent challenge to the army plunged the country into a political crisis.
Mr Khan’s immense popularity presents a serious challenge to his opponent, Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, a scion of one of the political dynasties that have ruled over the country for decades.
Whoever wins will have to face up to mounting economic challenges – not least continuing to rebuild after this year’s devastating floods – and a heightened terrorist threat as tensions simmer with the Pakistani Taliban.
Pakistan’s next leader will also have to continue a precarious tight-rope walk in cultivating ties with the United States and China, which has invested heavily in the country through its belt and road initiative.
Argentines head to the polls
October 29 will see a major election in Argentina. Despite the World Cup win, Argentinians will have a cloud of doubt over their heads as they head to vote – and with good reason.
Sky-high inflation, poor growth and low wages, coupled with a flailing economy, will be at the front of their minds.
Not all of these problems are the fault of Alberto Fernández, the current president, but many will believe he could have done better and his vice-president is plagued by a corruption scandal.
Mr. Fernández can expect some tough competition, including from someone that has been called the country’s very own Donald Trump.
Javier Milei is a populist libertarian who’s been garnering some buzz and moving up in the polls. The current economic climate works in his favour.
