Global Index for Free and Fair Elections Shows Record Decline in 2023
10 Sources
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Worst Year on Record for Democracy: Report
Democracy globally experienced its worst year in nearly 50 years, with sharp declines in free elections, parliamentary oversight, and voter participation, according to a new report. The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) found that one in three
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Global index for free and fair elections suffers biggest decline on record in 2023, democracy watchdog says
Lower voter turnout and increasingly contested results globally are threatening the credibility of elections, an intergovernmental watchdog warned on Tuesday, as its sub-index for free and fair elections suffered its biggest decline on record in 2023. In its report, the Stockholm-based
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Global index for free and fair elections suffers biggest decline on record in 2023, democracy watchdog says
STOCKHOLM, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Lower voter turnout and increasingly contested results globally are threatening the credibility of elections, an intergovernmental watchdog warned on Tuesday, as its sub-index for free and fair elections suffered its biggest decline on record in 2023. In its report,
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Global Index for Free and Fair Elections Suffers Biggest Decline on Record in 2023, Democracy Watchdog Says
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Lower voter turnout and increasingly contested results globally are threatening the credibility of elections, an intergovernmental watchdog warned on Tuesday, as its sub-index for free and fair elections suffered its biggest decline on record in 2023. In its report, the
[5]
Global index for free and fair elections suffers biggest decline on record in 2023, democracy watchdog says
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) has reported a significant decline in the credibility of elections globally, with 2023 marking the eighth consecutive year of democratic performance decline. The report highlights issues such as government intimidation,
[6]
Global index for free and fair elections suffers biggest decline on record in 2023, democracy watchdog says
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Lower voter turnout and increasingly contested results globally are threatening the credibility of elections, an intergovernmental watchdog warned on Tuesday, as its sub-index for free and fair elections suffered its biggest decline on record in 2023. In its report, the
[7]
Global index for free and fair elections suffers biggest decline on record in 2023, democracy watchdog says
The watchdog bases its Global State of Democracy indexes on more than 100 variables and is using four main categories - representation, rights, rule of law and participation - to categorise performance. The category of democracy related to free and fair elections and parliamentary oversight, a
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Democracy declined for 8th straight year around the globe, institute finds
COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- Last year had the worst decline in credible elections and parliamentary oversight in almost a half-century, driven by government intimidation, foreign interference, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns, an organization promoting democracy said
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Democracy declined for 8th straight year around the globe, institute finds
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- Last year had the worst decline in credible elections and parliamentary oversight in almost a half-century, driven by government intimidation, foreign interference, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns, an organization promoting democracy
[10]
Democracy Declined for 8th Straight Year Around the Globe, Institute Finds
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- Last year had the worst decline in credible elections and parliamentary oversight in almost a half-century, driven by government intimidation, foreign interference, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns, an organization promoting democracy
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A new report reveals a significant setback in global democracy, with the Electoral Integrity Global Index experiencing its largest-ever decline in 2023. The study highlights concerns about election integrity and democratic processes worldwide.
Record Decline in Electoral Integrity
The Electoral Integrity Global Index, a measure of free and fair elections worldwide, has experienced its most significant decline on record in 2023, according to a report by the Electoral Integrity Project at the University of East Anglia
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. This alarming trend highlights growing concerns about the state of democracy globally and the integrity of electoral processes.Key Findings of the Report
The study, which evaluated 480 elections across 170 countries over the past decade, revealed that the global average score for electoral integrity dropped by 2.3 points to 54.2 out of 100 in 2023
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. This decline is particularly noteworthy as it represents the largest single-year decrease since the index's inception in 2012.Factors Contributing to the Decline
Several factors have contributed to this unprecedented decline in electoral integrity:
- Rise of populist and authoritarian leaders
- Increased political polarization
- Spread of disinformation
- Erosion of trust in democratic institutions
These elements have collectively undermined the fairness and freedom of elections in many countries
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.Regional Variations and Concerns
The report highlights significant regional disparities in electoral integrity:
- Western Europe maintained the highest regional average at 75.7
- North America followed closely with an average of 74.5
- Sub-Saharan Africa showed the lowest regional average at 43.5
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Notably, the United States experienced a decline in its score, dropping from 75 in 2020 to 61 in 2022. This decrease is attributed to former President Donald Trump's false claims of election fraud and the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol
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Impact on Global Democracy
The decline in electoral integrity has far-reaching implications for global democracy. It undermines public trust in democratic processes and institutions, potentially leading to decreased civic participation and increased political instability. The report suggests that this trend could embolden authoritarian leaders and further erode democratic norms worldwide.
Future Outlook and Challenges
As the world faces ongoing challenges such as climate change, economic uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions, the integrity of electoral processes becomes increasingly crucial. The report emphasizes the need for concerted efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, combat disinformation, and promote transparency in elections.
The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call for governments, civil society organizations, and citizens alike to work towards safeguarding the principles of free and fair elections, which are fundamental to the health of democracies around the world.
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