Democracy Faces Continued Decline for Eighth Consecutive Year, Report Reveals
The International IDEA reports an eighth consecutive year of declining democracy worldwide, with significant drops in election credibility, voter turnout, and increasing disputes over election results due to factors like government intimidation, foreign interference, and misinformation.
A recent report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) reveals a concerning trend in global democratic governance, indicating a decline in democratic practices for the eighth consecutive year. The report highlights significant setbacks in the credibility of elections and parliamentary oversight, primarily attributable to factors such as governmental intimidation, foreign meddling, and the propagation of misinformation, including the misuse of artificial intelligence in electoral campaigns.
The analysis indicates that one-third of elections held during this period faced disputes, with the voter turnout plummeting from 65.2% in 2008 to 55.5% in 2023. Moreover, it points out that nearly 20% of elections between 2020 and 2024 involved losing candidates or parties rejecting results, revealing a growing trend of electoral discontent.
According to Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of International IDEA, “Elections remain the single best opportunity to end democratic backsliding and turn the tide in democracy’s favor. The success of democracy depends on many things, but it becomes utterly impossible if elections fail.”
The report assesses the state of democracy in 158 countries since 1975, identifying a decline in key democratic indicators across 47% of countries within the past five years. This continuous trend illustrates a deteriorating environment for democratic freedoms across various regions, including Europe, Western Asia, and parts of Africa, while signaling some improvements in specific nations.
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, known as International IDEA, focuses on enhancing democracy and electoral processes worldwide. Its yearly reports provide critical insights into the state of democracy globally, assessing various indices of democratic performance such as free elections, civil liberties, and the rule of law. The ongoing global decline in democracy reflects not only a crisis in political governance but also a threat to fundamental human rights, impacting citizens’ ability to participate in and influence their government.
In conclusion, the findings from the International IDEA highlight an alarming trend of democratic backsliding globally, with a notable decrease in electoral integrity and public participation. With fundamental democratic processes under siege, it is imperative for both governments and civil society to prioritize restoring and uplifting democratic values to ensure robust political systems that reflect the will of the people.
Original Source: apnews.com
