A recent report released by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has highlighted a concerning decline in the credibility of elections and parliamentary oversight worldwide. The report, titled “Global Report on the State of Democracy,” analyzed democratic performance in 158 countries from 1975 to the present day.
According to the report, last year witnessed the most significant decline in credible elections and parliamentary oversight in nearly half a century. The decline was attributed to various factors, including government intimidation, foreign interference, disinformation campaigns, and the misuse of artificial intelligence during political campaigns.
International IDEA, an organization with 35 member governments, expressed alarm over the increasing number of disputed elections, with one in three elections being contested in some manner. The report also revealed a decline in voter turnout, with the average percentage of the voting age population casting ballots dropping from 65.2% in 2008 to 55.5% in 2023.
Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of International IDEA, emphasized the critical role of elections in preserving democracy and combating democratic backsliding. He stated, “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 Global Report on the State of Democracy further disclosed that 47% of countries experienced a decline in key democratic indicators over the past five years, marking the eighth consecutive year of global democratic backsliding. Notably, nearly 20% of elections held between 2020 and 2024 saw one of the losing candidates or parties rejecting the results, leading to an increase in court appeals to decide the outcomes.
The report highlighted 2023 as the worst year for free and fair elections and parliamentary oversight, with threats of foreign interference, disinformation campaigns, and the utilization of artificial intelligence in political campaigns. These declines were observed in both traditionally strong democracies and fragile governments worldwide.
In terms of regional analysis, Africa generally maintained stable democratic performance, with notable improvements in Burundi and Zambia. However, declines were observed in the Sahel region, particularly in coup-affected Burkina Faso, where the military has taken power, accusing elected governments of failing to fulfill their promises.
Western Asia witnessed poor performance in over a third of countries, while Europe experienced widespread declines in democratic aspects such as the rule of law and civil liberties. Nevertheless, progress was noted in Montenegro and Latvia. The Americas mostly maintained stability, although countries like Guatemala, Peru, and Uruguay experienced declines, particularly in the rule of law and civil liberties. In the Asia-Pacific region, minor declines or stability were observed, with notable improvements in Fiji, the Maldives, and Thailand. However, significant declines were reported in Afghanistan, where the Taliban’s legitimacy has not been recognized since their seizure of power in 2021, and in Myanmar, where opposition to a military takeover has escalated into a civil war.