The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance has reported an eighth consecutive year of global democratic decline, with notable reductions in election credibility and voter turnout. Major factors include government intimidation and disinformation, while nearly 47% of countries show declines in key democratic indicators. Certain nations have recorded improvements, but the overall trend signals a need for urgent action to revive confidence in democratic processes.
In a recent report, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) announced a continued decline in democratic practices around the globe, marking the eighth consecutive year of regression. The report highlights a concerning deterioration in the credibility of elections and parliamentary oversight, driven by factors such as government intimidation, foreign interference, disinformation, and the problematic use of artificial intelligence in electoral campaigns. In particular, voter turnout has dwindled from 65.2% in 2008 to a mere 55.5% in 2023, reflecting growing public disillusionment with the electoral process.
The 2023 Global Report elaborates that almost 47% of the 158 countries evaluated have shown declines in essential democratic metrics over the past five years. Alarmingly, approximately one in three elections are now contested or disputed in some form, leading to increased incidences of judicial appeals for electoral outcomes. “Elections remain the single best opportunity to end democratic backsliding and turn the tide in democracy’s favor,” stated Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of International IDEA.
While democratic performance in the Americas has largely stabilized, certain nations such as Guatemala, Peru, and Uruguay have witnessed declines in rule of law and civil liberties. Conversely, progress has been reported in some areas, such as Montenegro and Latvia in Europe, as well as Fiji, the Maldives, and Thailand in the Asia-Pacific region. However, Afghanistan remains in turmoil under the Taliban, and Myanmar is engulfed in civil conflict due to military rule.
This report from International IDEA serves as a critical assessment of the state of democratic systems worldwide, indicating a troubling trend of continuous decline since 2016. It underscores the significant impact of declining electoral integrity and public trust in democratic institutions. By evaluating electoral performance across various regions and countries, the organization provides essential insights into the factors contributing to this decline, including geopolitical instability and domestic challenges against the backdrop of democratic governance.
In summary, the Global Report from International IDEA underscores the alarming trend of democratic decline experienced globally for the eighth consecutive year. The erosion of election credibility, reflected in decreasing voter turnout and increasing disputes over electoral outcomes, presents significant challenges to the democratic process. While there are pockets of improvement in certain regions, the overall picture remains bleak, necessitating concerted efforts to restore confidence in electoral systems and uphold democratic values.
Original Source: apnews.com
