Marine Le Pen’s potential successor is polling competitively for the French presidency. Appearing ahead of or tied with potential rivals in run-off polling, 28-year-old Jordan Bardella has been mentioned nearly-exclusively as the next figure in line to lead France’s far-right National Rally into a presidential election in the event that Le Pen steps aside. That prospect seems unlikely for now, as Le Pen herself polls even higher, and could see her best opportunity yet in an election that is now only three years away. Bardella, for his part, will be heading the party’s European Parliament list in next month’s election, which will gauge his effectiveness as the crown prince of the French far-right.

France last appeared on the Hot List at #4, with Macron's movement losing ground to resurgent Socialists.

Venezuela’s opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez is a political unknown even within his country. After two successive opposition nominees were barred from seeking the presidency, Gonzalez will be the main candidate standing against President Nicolas Maduro in the July ballot. A retired diplomat until recently, Gonzalez reportedly had “no political ambitions” according to a friend quoted by The New York Times. The opposition is banking on his status as a “consensus seeker” to solidify his support, because “he doesn’t offend anybody” per that same friend.

Venezuela last appeared on the Hot List at #7, featuring the centrist "Pencil Alliance."

AI-generated content is being used to resurrect deceased politicians in India’s general election, hoping to leverage their popularity for election gains. As reported by Rest of World, actor-politician Vijay Vasanth employed deepfake technology to craft an endorsement from his father, who once held the seat he’s campaigning for. The story has multiple parallels across the country, in a campaign period in which AI-generated material has become a significant factor — and concern, as election clashes get nasty with manipulated content featuring political rivals.

India last appeared on the Hot List at #2, with a broad look at AI-generated material in the election campaign.

Mozambique’s ruling party has officially nominated a successor to President Filipe Nyusi. Daniel Chapo, the governor of Inhambane province, would be the country’s first “non-combatant” president, distinct from the guerilla fighter backgrounds that have characterized Mozambique’s leaders since independence. Described as a “former radio announcer” and “relatively unknown figure” in national politics, Chapo is said to have been “handpicked by Nyusi,” according to Mozambican political analyst Marisa Lourenco, likely ensuring some level of continuity in governance.

Mozambique last appeared on the Hot List at #7, looking at the ruling party's potential struggles heading into the next election.

A tech entrepreneur who created his own Game Boy game for his campaign was elected mayor of Panama’s capital. Mayer Mizrachi, known for his attempt to create a competitor to WhatsApp, came up first place in a crowded field that included the incumbent. Mizrachi founded the electric car retailer GeekyMotors which served as a supplier for Tesla cars, has spent time in prison on fraud charges that were eventually dropped, which he attributed to political targeting, and has a family connection to former President Ricardo Martinelli, who himself has faced numerous legal issues over the years.

Panama last appeared on the Hot List at #5, featuring independent gains in national legislative elections.

Support for Canada’s Conservative Party has soared in British Columbia, potentially displacing the incumbent NDP government in the province. For decades, the Conservatives were not a factor in British Columbia’s provincial politics – until now, it seems. According to the latest poll, Tories there stand just above the NDP, which currently holds British Columbia as one of its only provincial governments in Canada. A recent name change for the BC Liberal Party, once the dedicated center-right opposition to the NDP in the province despite their label, may have provided an opening for the Conservatives to stake a claim on their brand.

Canada last appeared on the Hot List at #9, with foreign intelligence allegations of election meddling.

North Macedonia’s nationalist VMRO party romped in elections this month, potentially setting back the country’s naming dispute with Greece. Presidential winner Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova has attracted international attention for her use of “Macedonia” over “North Macedonia” on the campaign trail, in clear disregard of the naming agreement that helped move the country towards European accession. Likewise, VMRO won nearly a majority, shifting national politics firmly to the right, and potentially throwing off the country’s course into the EU.

North Macedonia last appeared on the Hot List at #5, taking a look at the presidential run-off.

A new far-right party has emerged in Catalonia, springing from a small-town mayoral win. The “Catalan Alliance” won the mayoralty of Ripoli in municipal elections held last year, and is now polling between 3% and 4% across the region. It’s not much, but it could be enough to enter Catalonia’s Parliament, a prospect which has already prompted numerous parties to draw red lines around the group. The Alliance’s most prominent figure, Ripoli Mayor Silvia Orrols, was described by Politico as an emerging “figurehead for an uncompromising brand of anti-immigrant Catalan nationalism.”

Spain last appeared on the Hot List at #5, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez deciding to remain in office.

After a gaffe, the Governor of Shizuoka prefecture in Japan says he is leaving politics to “become a hermit,” and “talk to little birds in the forest.” Heita Kawakatsu, who has been in office since 2009, drew controversy for comments demeaning farmworkers, for which he announced his resignation. At a press conference for his final day in office, Kawakatsu shot down chatter about potential further moves in politics, declaring his intentions towards hermithood and befriending forest animals.

Japan last appeared on the Hot List at #8, with by-election losses for the LDP.