According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), half of the world’s countries are undergoing a decline in democratic values, which includes flawed elections and curtailed rights such as freedom of expression and assembly. The Stockholm-based intergovernmental watchdog group stated in its annual report that 2022 marked the sixth consecutive year in which countries with net declines outnumbered those with net advances, representing the longest consecutive fall since its records initiated in 1975. Kevin Casas-Zamora, the Secretary-General of IDEA, highlighted that democracy is currently facing challenges and declining in many parts of the world.
IDEA observed that the deterioration of democratic institutions such as elections, parliaments, and independent courts has resulted in issues related to upholding the rule of law and holding politicians accountable. However, the think-tank remains optimistic about informal checks and balances, mentioning the vital roles of journalists, election organizers, and anti-corruption commissioners in successfully combating authoritarian and populist trends.
IDEA emphasized that the decline in democratic values should be considered along with other significant challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis, climate change, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These factors have presented substantial hurdles for many elected leaders.
The Global State of Democracy Indices developed by IDEA are based on over 100 variables and divided into four main categories: Representation, Rights, Rule of Law, and Participation. While Europe remains the highest-performing region in terms of democracy, IDEA highlighted significant declines in specific indicators in several well-established democracies, including Austria, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, IDEA noted that Azerbaijan, Belarus, Russia, and Turkey have moved away from the rest of Europe and are performing considerably below the European average in most democracy-related indicators. Regarding the Americas, IDEA stated that most countries have managed to conduct credible elections and maintain a mid-range performance in terms of democracy. However, countries like El Salvador and Guatemala have recently experienced rapid declines in democratic performance.
Despite the overall decline, IDEA mentioned some positive developments, such as high rates of political participation and decreasing levels of corruption, particularly in Africa.
Reporting by Johan Ahlander; editing by Mark Heinrich
