Time magazine has released their shortlist candidates for their ‘Person of the Year’.
The magazine determines the list based upon “the person who most influenced the news, for better or for worse”.
In no particular order, here’s a breakdown of who each candidate is, and why they are in the running for the much anticipated title.
1) Donald Trump
Donald Trump’s controversial presidential campaign dominated the headlines after a series of surprise wins in the Republican primaries. The businessman went on to shock the world in the November election where he secured the presidency. Mr Trump has since continued to garner publicity from his controversial tweets – most recently offending China.
2) Nigel Farage
Partial architect of the phenomenon that is Brexit, the former UKIP leader has become a self-proclaimed voice for populist movements across the globe. Mr Farage was also drafted in to prepare the President-elect for debates, and has since suggested he should be made UK ambassador to the U.S.
3) Beyonce
Time cites Beyonce’s critically acclaimed ‘Lemonade’ album and her powerful superbowl performance as reasons for her consideration for the title. In addition, Beyonce’s increasingly politicsed message within her music, on issues of ‘racial injustice, police violence and feminism’ have resonated with her international fan basis.
4) Hillary Clinton
Despite conceding defeat in the 2016 US election, the former senator and Secretary of State was the first female candidate nominated for a major party candidacy. Moreover, according to figures, Mrs. Clinton has secured 2.7 million votes more than the President-elect.
5) Vladimir Putin
Mr Putin’s assertive foreign policy endeavors in Syria and Ukraine have dominated headlines and increased tensions with the West. The Democratic National Committee also accused the Russian regime of hacking into their servers to influence the 2016 election. Mr Putin was previously named ‘Person of the Year’ in 2007.
6) Narendra Modi
The Indian president has been nominated for his contribution to both developing and jeopardising the country’s economy. Whilst Time noted that he had overseen India’s “emerging-market world’s most positive story”, he also banned 500 and 1000 rupee bills which may have hindered further growth.
7) Simone Biles
The US Olympic medalist secured four gold medals as well as one gold for her country at the Rio Olympics, all at the humble age of 19.
8) Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Following an attempted coup against his regime in the summer, Erdogan has initiated a brutal crackdown of political opponents, arresting many, which has placed strain upon its relationship with Europe.
9) The Flint Whistleblowers
Flint civilians, as well as professor Marc Edwards, pediatrician Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha raised awareness of the dangerous lead contamination of Michigan water that occurred.
10) Mark Zuckerberg
Billionaire Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has been shortlisted, after previously holding the title in 2010. Facebook has continued to dominate social media, surpassing 1 billion mobile users this year. In addition, the site came under controversy for enabling the circulation of “fake news” which many thought may have helped swing the US election.
11) CRISPR Scientists
These scientists have been credited with reaching a breakthrough in DNA technology. The discovery is said to help the process of stopping genetic mutations and developing cures for various diseases.
Time magazine is set to unveil the 2017 winner later this Wednesday.