Ten years after witnessing the surprise outcome of the 2016 U.S. presidential election while stationed in Somalia, the global resilience of democratic processes was underscored this week by recent electoral developments in Brazil and Serbia. Both countries demonstrated that despite significant challenges—from entrenched power structures to media manipulation—mobilized citizen engagement can decisively influence election results.

In Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 81, secured a comeback victory despite prevailing regional trends favoring right-wing candidates. Lula fell behind Flávio Bolsonaro, the far-right contender and son of a former president convicted of attempting a coup, in the initial round of voting. However, he surged ahead in the runoff by over four million votes. This reversal occurred amid reported efforts to undermine Lula’s campaign, including restrictions on his social media presence imposed by Meta, promotion of Bolsonaro’s candidacy, and alleged disruptions to public transportation supporting Lula’s voters. His success was fueled by a digitally coordinated movement involving approximately 10 million supporters organized through WhatsApp, which helped disseminate campaign messaging effectively and counterbalance institutional obstacles.

Lula’s victory carries broader implications, especially concerning climate and technology policy. His commitment to regulating Big Tech firms and protecting the Amazon rainforest has drawn criticism from some business sectors but received praise from environmental advocates who view his win as a crucial step toward addressing climate change.

Concurrently, Serbia witnessed the end of Aleksandar Vučić’s 14-year dominance following sustained opposition efforts sparked by a fatal railway station roof collapse in 2024 that resulted in 16 deaths. The tragedy ignited protests led largely by students who accused the government of pervasive corruption. Despite facing a regime that exercised considerable influence over the media, judiciary, and other state mechanisms to inhibit opposition, these activists transitioned their movement into a political force. After nearly two years of organizing, their coalition unseated the long-standing leader in recent parliamentary elections, demonstrating that even entrenched autocrats can be overcome through persistent democratic engagement.

Both Brazil and Serbia now confront the complex challenges of governance amid economic difficulties and a public wary of unmet expectations. The outcomes reinforce the notion that democracy’s strength lies in the continuous accountability of governments to their electorates.

For decades, U.S. foreign policy has promoted democratic governance worldwide as a means to ensure political accountability and stability. The recent elections in Brazil and Serbia serve as examples of this enduring principle, illustrating how citizen participation remains a powerful agent for political change despite efforts to undermine electoral integrity. These developments also offer lessons for democracies worldwide, including the United States, where concerns over political corruption and electoral disruption persist. The experiences of Brazil and Serbia highlight the importance of voter engagement in safeguarding democratic processes.