Global Voter Unrest: Dissatisfaction Fuels Political Shake-ups Worldwide

Discontented, economically squeezed voters have turned against sitting governments on both right and left during many of the dozens of elections held this year, as global power blocs shift and political certainties crumble. From India to South Africa to Britain, voters dealt blows to long-governing parties. Elections to the European Parliament showed growing support for the continent's far right, while France's centrist president scrambled to fend off a similar surge at home.

Unpopular incumbents are facing backlash. In the US, an acrimonious presidential campaign was dealt a shocking blow by an assassination attempt against Republican nominee and former president, Donald Trump. More than 40 countries have held elections already this year, with more on the horizon.

The trend of dissatisfaction is evident everywhere. In India, rising inflation and unemployment have hurt Prime Minister Modi's BJP. In South Africa, unemployment and inequality have eroded support for the ANC. Voters in the UK ousted the Conservatives in favor of the Labour Party, while US-China tensions played out in Taiwan's elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)