Global Democracy Faces Eighth Year of Decline, Urges Call for Action

Democracy has declined for the eighth consecutive year globally, with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance revealing significant drops in credible elections and parliamentary oversight. Voter turnout has decreased to 55.5% in 2023, and nearly one-third of elections are being contested. Factors such as government intimidation, foreign interference, and disinformation have fueled this democratic decline, prompting a call for urgent action to restore democratic integrity.

In an alarming report released by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), it has been revealed that democracy has experienced a decline for the eighth consecutive year globally. The institute observed a significant downturn in the credibility of elections and parliamentary oversight in 2023, marking the worst year for democratic practices in nearly five decades. The decline was attributed to various factors including government intimidation, foreign interference, widespread disinformation, and the manipulation of artificial intelligence in political campaigns.

International IDEA’s analysis indicated that voter participation has suffered markedly, with the average turnout dropping from 65.2% in 2008 to only 55.5% in 2023. The organization reported that approximately one-third of elections are now contested, exacerbating the already fragile democratic framework. “Elections remain the single best opportunity to end democratic backsliding and turn the tide in democracy’s favor,” noted Kevin Casas-Zamora, the Secretary-General of International IDEA.

The Global Report on the State of Democracy examines the democratic performance of 158 countries and found that 47% of these nations have shown declines in critical democratic indicators over the past five years. The report highlighted that nearly 20% of elections held between 2020 and 2024 saw losing candidates or parties contesting the results, with legal appeals becoming increasingly prevalent.

The situation is particularly concerning in various regions, including Africa where countries such as Burkina Faso have plunged into military rule under the pretext of failed governance by elected officials. General stability has persisted in the Americas, although a few countries, such as Guatemala and Peru, have noted regression in civil liberties. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region displayed a mixed bag, with significant progress reported in nations like Fiji, contrasted with stark declines in Afghanistan under Taliban rule and in Myanmar amid civil strife.

The report presented by International IDEA highlights a distressing global trend in the erosion of democratic values and practices. The decline in the integrity of elections and the participatory nature of democratic processes signals a troubling phase for global governance. With increases in authoritarianism and the influence of misinformation, the nuances of electoral credibility and legitimacy are increasingly called into question, leading to broader implications on civil rights and governance stability. It serves as a crucial alarm for policymakers and civil society alike, emphasizing the urgent need to restore faith in democratic institutions.

The findings from International IDEA underscore a pervasive deterioration in democratic practices across the globe. With a noted decrease in electoral participation and increasing contestation of results, the democratic landscape is under significant threat. Such trends necessitate immediate attention and action from governments and civil society to rejuvenate democratic institutions and ensure that the electoral process remains a conduit for the representation of public interests. The continuing trend of democratic backsliding may further harm societies and diminish the prospects for political legitimacy and stability.

Original Source: apnews.com