Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has linked election outcomes in democratic nations to the performance of past governments, emphasizing that voter decisions are often driven by dissatisfaction with leadership that fails to meet expectations.
Speaking at the ongoing World Government Summit in Dubai, which began on February 11 and is set to conclude on February 13, 2025, Johnson analyzed past elections, particularly in the United States. He pointed to former President Donald Trump’s 2020 bid for reelection, arguing that Trump “fought for four solid years” and ultimately won “fair and square” in 2016 because voters sought change. However, he noted that when expectations were not met, the electorate shifted its support to the opposition.
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Comparing democratic processes globally, Johnson contrasted the U.S. elections with those in countries like China, North Korea, and Russia, where he claimed electoral outcomes are “preordained.” He highlighted that while Trump’s election victory was unpredictable, it remained free and credible—a hallmark of a functioning democracy.
The World Government Summit 2025, themed “Shaping Future Governments,” is currently taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event brings together world leaders, government officials, international organizations, and private-sector executives to foster global cooperation and explore innovative solutions for future challenges.