Global State of Democracy: Legitimacy of Elections and Public Trust

• Recently, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) released its annual report, “The Global State of Democracy 2024: Strengthening the Legitimacy of Elections in a Time of Radical Uncertainty.”
• The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of global democracy and the serious challenges facing electoral systems.
• It emphasizes that democracy is strengthened not only through voting but also through public trust, independent institutions, and transparent processes.
• Over the past few years, there has been a worrying global decline in the legitimacy of elections and democratic values.

Challenges Facing Electoral Systems

Declining Voter Participation

• Voter participation worldwide has fallen to 55.5%, compared to 65.2% fifteen years ago.
• This decline reflects disputed elections, political instability, and voter disillusionment with democratic processes.
• Many developed and developing countries are witnessing voter apathy and tendencies to boycott elections.

Weakening Electoral Integrity

• Fraud, voter intimidation, political interference, and irregularities weaken the foundations of democracy.
• According to the report, the Credible Elections Index fell in 39 countries.
• In 38 countries, government coercion increased, and in 33 countries, electoral irregularities were observed.
• This highlights that democratic institutions are strengthened not only by laws but also by political will and administrative fairness.

Decline in Democratic Values

• In 2023, about 47% of countries experienced a decline in democratic values.
• This includes restrictions on freedom of expression and press, pressure on judicial institutions, and erosion of civil rights.

Threats to Civil Liberties

• Freedom of expression and press is essential for the quality of elections.
• Sharp declines in freedom of expression were observed in Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, and Nicaragua.
• Even high-performing European countries, like Italy and Slovakia, are experiencing increased media pressure.

Misuse of Digital Media

• Social and digital media are being misused to spread misinformation, deepfake videos, and online propaganda, undermining voter confidence.
• In Europe, spy software targeting politicians, journalists, and activists is on the rise.

Erosion of Public Trust in Democracy

• Opportunistic politicians spreading false narratives, political polarization, and misinformation weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
• Countries like Brazil, the USA, France, and India are witnessing this trend.

Measures to Strengthen Public Trust in Elections

Include Public Opinion

• Public participation in electoral reforms is essential.
• Addressing voters’ doubts, including their opinions, and maintaining transparent communication strengthens democracy.

Protect Against Digital Threats

• Strong security measures are needed to counter digital misuse, including protection of civil rights, rules for AI usage, accountability of social media platforms, and data protection laws.
• Examples:
  • EU Digital Services Act
  • Brazil’s Marco Civil da Internet
  • Canada’s Digital Charter

Awareness Campaigns

• Election Management Bodies (EMBs) should educate voters.
• Awareness can be enhanced through schools, local election workers, and media.
• Example: In the Philippines, clear communication and awareness programs improved voter participation.

Engage Stakeholders

• Strengthening democracy requires broad consultation and political consensus.
• Implementing reforms based on experimental studies increases trust in the electoral system.

Increase Transparency

• EMBs should provide evidence-based and transparent information about the voting process.
• Participation of civil society, media, and judicial institutions is crucial.
• Example: Nigeria broadcasts daily election briefings on television.

Counter Misinformation

• Legal action and media fact-checking should be used to combat false narratives.

International Oversight

• To improve the legitimacy and transparency of elections, consider appointing UN or regional special rapporteurs and independent election ombudsmen.

Conclusion

• Global democracy faces serious challenges today.
• Declining voter participation, erosion of democratic values, misuse of digital media, and threats to civil liberties are warning signs.
• Addressing these challenges requires inclusive electoral reforms, digital security measures, voter education, transparent processes, and international oversight.
• Democracy is not strengthened by laws alone; public trust, institutional impartiality, and political will give it stability.
• If implemented timely and effectively, these measures can restore public trust and strengthen the legitimacy of elections.