More than 60 countries are set to go to the polls this year, with four of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council potentially boasting new leaders heading in to 2013. That could spell lower equity market returns in the year ahead, according to Goldman Sachs.

The year ahead is set to be exceptional in terms of the election calendar, with 60 economies accounting for almost 40% of global GDP set to hold either presidential or general elections. Including 2013, this grows to more than 100 countries, accounting for approximately 60% of global GDP.