Global Elections 2024 Show Decline in Democracy

Source: The post Global Elections 2024 Show Decline in Democracy has been created, based on the article “Ashok Lavasa writes: 2024 gave us reasons to question and have faith in democracy” published in “Indian Express” on 31st December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Democracy

Context: The article discusses the global elections of 2024, noting widespread voter dissatisfaction with democracy and incumbent politicians losing power. It highlights issues like corruption, misgovernance, and the decline in public discourse quality, emphasizing the challenges democracies face in fulfilling public expectations.

What Happened in the 2024 Elections?

1. In the 2024 elections, over 80% of incumbent parties globally lost more support than in previous elections, marking a significant shift in voter sentiment.
2. The United States saw a shift to the right, completing a hat trick of anti-incumbency.
3. The United Kingdom moved to the left in its electoral outcomes.
4. Botswana’s incumbent party was unseated after six decades.
5. In South Korea, the opposition Democratic Party won a majority, balancing against the ruling People Power Party.
6. Despite not losing power, incumbent parties in India, South Africa, and Japan lost a significant number of seats.

What Are the Challenges for Democracy?

1. Voter Discontent: In 2024, about 54% of adults across 31 nations expressed dissatisfaction with how democracy worked. They felt political leaders and parties did not represent their interests.
2. Decline in Democratic Qualities: The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance observed a decline in key democratic attributes such as credible elections and freedom of expression, raising concerns about the integrity of democratic processes.
3. Misgovernance and Corruption: Democracies face issues like corruption and ineffective governance, preventing them from meeting the expectations of their citizens. For instance, in India, election campaigns often promise short-term benefits rather than focusing on necessary reforms.
4. Decline in Public Discourse: The tone of election campaigns has worsened, with increased use of derogatory language and personal attacks. This trend was evident in countries like India and the United States, negatively affecting the political environment.

What Does the Future Hold for Democracy?

1. Despite the challenges, elections still offer hope by showing that people are willing to change leaders through democratic processes.
2. However, for democracy to be effective, political parties need to focus on genuine long-term solutions rather than short-term gains.
3. If they fail, alternative forms of governance might become more appealing.

Question for practice:

Examine how the 2024 global elections reflected widespread voter dissatisfaction with incumbent politicians and their governance.