The bedrocks of democracy are under threat worldwide, as a recent report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) reveals. This comprehensive study highlights alarming trends of declining democracy in many nations. From compromised elections to infringements on fundamental rights like freedom of expression and assembly, democracy is facing serious challenges, said the report–The Global State of Democracy 2023: The New Checks and Balances.
EROSION OF CHECKS AND BALANCES
The erosion of formal ‘checks and balances,’ encompassing elections, parliaments, and courts, has further exacerbated this crisis. These institutions have struggled to maintain the rule of law and hold politicians accountable. These concerning developments coincide with pressing global issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, climate change, and Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, adding more complexities to the responsibilities of elected leaders.
Startlingly, among the 173 countries surveyed, almost half, or 85, experienced a decline in at least one key indicator of democratic performance over the past five years. This decline represents the sixth consecutive year in which countries with net declines have outnumbered those with net advances, marking the longest continuous decline since 1975. These issues are not confined to one region, as they affect nations from South Korea to Benin, Canada to El Salvador, and Hungary to Brazil.
Amid these challenges, there are signs of hope. Some countries are witnessing increased rates of political participation and reduced levels of corruption, particularly in Africa. Organizations and movements, such as electoral management bodies, anti-corruption agencies, and rights institutions, have emerged as new checks and balances, preventing abuses of power.
International IDEA Secretary-General Kevin Casas-Zamora emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Many countries are now grappling with even the most fundamental aspects of democracy. While our formal institutions like legislatures may be weakening, there is hope that informal checks and balances, including journalists, election organizers, and anti-corruption commissioners, can effectively counter authoritarian and populist trends.”
REPRESENTATION: A PRECARIOUS BALANCE
The Representation category assesses the credibility of elections and the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight. Even in well-performing democracies like Costa Rica and Portugal, this pillar of democracy is showing signs of deterioration. A wave of coups d’état in Africa, including recent incidents in Niger and Gabon, underscores the alarming global trend threatening representation.
RULE OF LAW: WEAKENING FOUNDATIONS
The Rule of Law, encompassing aspects like judicial independence and protection from political violence, is facing a global decline. Countries such as Austria, Hungary, and Peru are grappling with the erosion of this vital democratic pillar. This trend transcends regions and is cause for concern.
RIGHTS: AN ERODING RESPECT
Respect for basic rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, has suffered a decline in all regions. Countries like Austria, El Salvador, Italy, Senegal, and Slovenia are experiencing a waning commitment to these fundamental democratic principles.
PARTICIPATION: EMPOWERING CITIZENS
In contrast, Participation, which measures how actively citizens engage in democratic processes during and between elections, has witnessed strengthening in many countries. Nations like Ethiopia, Zambia, and Fiji are encouraging examples of this positive shift.
SETBACKS IN ESTABLISHED DEMOCRACIES
Even well-established democracies are not immune to setbacks. Over the last five years, these nations have faced challenges across key categories. These setbacks range from declines in social group equality in the United States to infringements on freedom of the press in Austria and limitations on access to justice in the United Kingdom.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL
To address the evolving challenges to democracy, the report concludes with a series of policy recommendations. These include supporting independent Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and courts, securing a full commitment from governments to protect civic space, and establishing legal safeguards to ensure the independence of institutions responsible for elections, corruption investigations, and government program supervision.
EUROPE: MIXED PERFORMANCE
In recent years, several countries in Central Europe have made significant progress in democratic performance, particularly in the Rule of Law category. Even so, threats to peace and democracy from authoritarianism and democratic declines in the region remain painfully apparent. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has galvanized support for democracy in Europe, but made clear what is at stake when democratization efforts fail—as they have in Russia.
AMERICAS: CHALLENGES AND DECLINES
Representation is an area of relative strength in the region, as many countries score highly when it comes to Elected Government. However, several countries in Central and South America are increasingly faced with declines in Rule of Law and Rights, as a result of severe problems in protecting judicial independence, ensuring social equality, and maintaining civil liberties and public safety. The longer-term threats to democracy that these situations entail need attention.
AFRICA: REPRESENTATION VS. PARTICIPATION
The quality of Representation has fallen, as the continent has been affected by both acute declines following unconstitutional changes of government (including coups d’état) and chronic declines where authoritarian leaders and parties have sought to prolong their time in power. Yet, while African countries continue to perform below the global averages for many indicators, the continent has emerged as a bastion of strength in the category of Participation—even in countries where other indicators present a dire situation for democracy.
WEST ASIA: A COMPLEX LANDSCAPE
The region is especially notable for the proliferation of new forms of electronic surveillance and repression. Even so, pro-democratic popular movements have challenged entrenched powers in countries across the region, in spite of a range of dangers and threats. Corruption has presented a persistent challenge to democratic growth in the region, as illicit exchanges and patronage networks have eroded public trust in institutions—even in the countries that hold competitive elections.
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC: THREATS AND TESTS
Civic space remains under threat, as Freedom of Expression, Freedom of the Press, and Freedom of Association and Assembly have declined across many countries. A combination of long-term problems with the effectiveness of legislatures and a lack of judicial independence has meant that innovative and informal institutions and practices have taken on the role of limiting government power. Democracies in the Pacific area, which is a renewed focus of geopolitical tension between the United States and China, also saw no significant declines. But they may begin to see their institutions being tested by these outside pressures.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Global State of Democracy 2023 policy recommendations include:
- support for electoral processes, focusing on mechanisms that guarantee fair contests and participation;
- transparency and access to information in legislatures that would multiply the sources of accountability;
- full commitment from governments to protect civic space;
- and legal protections for the independence of institutions that protect elections, investigate corruption and supervise government programmes.
