Year Ender 2023: Democracy Is Declining Globally
2023 was the year of mayhem in many aspects. With war, climatic disasters and political unrests, the year was eventful with ground breaking happenings tucked away in each crevice. 2023 witnessed the walk back of freedom of speech for a population that aggressively advocated for freedom of everything. Democracy has declined, restoring dictators up the chair. While international laws and rules flexed its muscles above some, bend its knees and bowed deeper in front of some other. “Humanitarian cause” became the perfect example of the phrase “gone with wind”, when it comes to world leaders.
According to annual report from International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), a prominent Stockholm-based think tank, out of the 175 countries that they conducted a survey on, 85 countries “suffered a decline in at least one key indicator of democratic performance in the past five years”. They said democracy is “still in trouble, stagnant at best, and declining in many places”. 2023 bear witness to tremulous transpose in power dynamics across several countries.
When Donald Tusk promised to restore rule of law in Poland after eight years of conservative rule, other parties joined with his centralist party to topple the right-wing populist Law and Justice party, which shows the shift towards a pro-EU government from the grip of conservatism. Whereas in Thailand, the Move Forward Party, which faced a dissolution before and widely contested allegations has led to the banning of its leaders from politics, came to power by securing 151 seats in the 500-seat House of representatives.
Cambodia witnessed yet another power handover from father to son, when Cambodian People’s Party bagged an unparalleled victory as they have no credible opposition due to its relentless crackdown on any opposing voice. Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for 38 years handed over power to his chosen heir Hun Manet, dismissing all the western concerns about the election and its legitimacy.
Argentina swerved towards right-wing presidency with Javier Milei clinching power. The fiery right-wing leader is known for his promises to serve in “eradicating” inflation. The television personality turned politician won with 55.69 percent of vote share.
Once known for its tolerance, Netherland also vouched for a far-right party this year by choosing Green Wilder, who is reportedly an anti-Islam. Adbul Fateh El Sisi in Egypt and Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey were re-elected cementing their authoritarian regime in the region.
An election extravaganza is awaiting 2024, with more than 40 nations going to chose their leaders. Undoubtedly, 2024 will mark a major shift in the history, with countries like US, UK, Russia and India as some of its key players.
