TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Democracy is in decline for the eighth consecutive year, as low voter turnout and disputed election results threaten credibility, according to a global index for free and fair elections.
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) categorizes countries’ performances using four main indicators: representation, rights, rule of law, and participation. For representation, the sub-indexes for free and fair elections and parliamentary oversight recorded their lowest score in 2023.
The report found that between 2020 and 2024, 20% of elections were legally challenged, when losing candidates or political parties refused to recognize the results. In the United States, only 47% of people believe the 2020 election was “free and fair,” and “the country remains deeply polarized,” said IDEA.
IDEA added government intimidation and electoral process irregularities, such as fraudulent voter registration and vote-counting, were on the rise. It also pointed out new and growing challenges such as threats of foreign interference, disinformation, and manipulating artificial intelligence in campaigns.
In addition, between 2008 and 2023, voter turnout worldwide dipped 10 percentage points from 65% to 55%. In Asia, most countries scored below average in the four main categories except for participation.
However, the report noted that Taiwan saw improvements in the "rule of law" indicator. Declines were most drastic in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has not been recognized by any nation as the legitimate ruler since 2021, and in Myanmar, where a military coup brought civil war.
Since reaching its peak in 2012, the press freedom rating in Asia has returned to its 2001 score. Taiwan, Australia, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Sri Lanka were listed among those countries where press freedom is in decline.
Taiwan remains one of Asia’s top performers in gender equality. The report showed Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand as the region's top performers in this regard.
