Global Democratic Decline Continues for Eighth Consecutive Year

A recent report by the International IDEA reveals that democracy has declined for the eighth year in a row, marked by reduced electoral credibility, with only 55.5% voter turnout in 2023. Nearly one-third of elections are being disputed, and key democratic indicators have worsened in 47% of countries over the past five years. The challenges include foreign interference and disinformation, impacting both established and fragile democracies in various regions.

Recent findings indicate that democracy has experienced a significant decline globally for the eighth consecutive year, as reported by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). This downward trend is attributed to factors such as government intimidation, disinformation, foreign interference in elections, and the misuse of artificial intelligence in political campaigns. The report highlights that the credibility of elections has waned, with only 55.5% of the voting-age population casting ballots in 2023, a noticeable drop from 65.2% in 2008. Additionally, nearly one-third of elections are contested in some form, underlining an alarming trend in electoral integrity.

IDEA’s Global Report on the State of the Democracy, which evaluates the democratic performance of 158 nations since 1975, reveals that 47% of these countries have seen a decline in essential democratic indicators over the past five years. The organization notes that 2023 was particularly challenging for free and fair elections, with various risks including foreign interference and the spread of disinformation affecting electoral processes. In regions such as Africa and Western Asia, while some countries have maintained democratic stability, others like Burkina Faso have witnessed a deterioration in governance. Comparatively, the Americas have largely upheld democratic practices, with only a few exceptions.

In summary, the sustained decline in democratic practices is evident across both established and emerging democracies. The report calls upon nations to recognize elections as vital to reversing this backslide. The evidence suggests that unless significant reforms are implemented, the democratic landscape will continue to deteriorate, posing a threat to civil liberties and the rule of law worldwide.

The issue of declining democracy worldwide has garnered attention from various global watchdog organizations over the past several years. Elections, viewed as a fundamental pillar of democratic systems, are increasingly contested, leading to concerns about the integrity of electoral processes. This decline has far-reaching implications for governance, civil liberties, and public trust in institutions. Reports indicate that numerous nations are grappling with challenges that undermine democratic frameworks, including authoritarian governance, disinformation, and social unrest. Understanding this context is essential to grasp the scope and reasons behind the latest findings from IDEA.

In conclusion, the findings presented by the International IDEA underscore a concerning and ongoing trend of democratic decline across the globe. Factors such as electoral disputes, low voter turnout, and external influences severely undermine the integrity of democratic processes. The report serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safeguarding electoral integrity to ensure that democracy flourishes. Stakeholders must recognize the significance of conducting free and fair elections to reverse the current trajectory of democratic backsliding.

Original Source: apnews.com