On all continents, democracy continues to erode. Published on November 2, the annual report of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), an intergovernmental organization based in Stockholm, does not surprise, but it challenges: for the sixth year in a row, in 2022, the number of countries experiencing democratic decline exceeds those where democracy has progressed, thus constituting the longest period of decline since 1975.
Beyond this decline, “which is not new”recalls Seema Shah, in charge of the evaluation department at IDEA, the authors of the report warn of its intensification. “This is worrying because this decline is not only occurring in poorly performing countries, but also in those that are used to being at the top of the table, which raises the question of their future as models for the rest of the world »specifies Mme Shah.
Europe remains the continent which displays the best results in terms of representation, participation, functioning of the rule of law and respect for freedoms. However, some of these principles are being called into question, including in established democracies, such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands or Austria. Criticized for electoral reforms that came late and lacked transparency, Portugal, for example, moved from 9e at 22e place in terms of representation.
Populist leaders
IDEA is also concerned about an erosion of certain rights in Europe, such as freedom of expression, freedom of the press and freedom of association and assembly. “ The space where these rights, which are essential for the functioning of democracy, can be exercised is closing”, says Seema Shah. She cites France, which experienced “a significant decline in freedom of association over the last five years”particularly with regard to “the possibility for organizations representing civil society to operate outside of government control” And “attempts to repress the activities of these organizations by the government”.
According to the report, this deterioration of rights in Europe and elsewhere “has been exacerbated by the erosion of formal “checks and balances” [checks and balances, en anglais] – elections, parliaments and courts – which struggle to enforce the law and hold politicians to account”. “It seems we have reached a tipping point”note Mme Shah. The risk, she continues, is to see populist leaders occupy the space: “They may have been fairly elected, but will then do everything to dismantle the counter-powers, by changing the electoral code or the campaign financing rules, for example. »
You have 40% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.