Latest news with #2024DemocracyIndex
Korea Herald
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
S. Korea no longer 'liberal democracy': Swedish study
In 2024, South Korea dropped out of category of "liberal democracy," a recent study suggested Monday. V-Dem Democracy Report 2025, released by the Sweden-based V-Dem Institute under the University of Gothenburg, indicated that South Korea since last year can be categorized as an "electoral democracy," falling outside the list of 29 countries deemed to be "liberal democracies." South Korea was one of 11 countries to experience a downgrade from one category to another, as well as one of 45 nations observed to be in an ongoing episode of autocratization, out of the 179 countries examined, according to V-Dem Institute. Other autocratizing countries included Argentina, Bangladesh, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, Romania and the Philippines. South Korea was one of five East Asian countries to experience a substantial decline in the level of democratization, contrary to countries like Fiji, Solomon Islands, Thailand and East Timor, which were seeing improvements in democratization. South Korea was also one of 13 countries that saw its autocratization worsening both in 2023 and 2024. Conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol has officially led the country since May 2022, though he has been suspended from his role since he was impeached on Dec. 14, 2024, in the aftermath of his brief martial law imposition on Dec. 3. Though the report categorized South Korea as one of the "still democratic countries," it noted that media freedoms are being undermined. The revelation was in line with the 2024 Democracy Index by Economist Intelligence Unit, which found in February that South Korea was downgraded to a "flawed democracy" in 2024 from a "full democracy" in 2023, with its level of democracy achieved ranking 32nd, down by 10 notches from the previous year.
Shafaq News
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq ranked 126th in 2024 democracy index
Shafaq News/ Over a third of the world's population—around 39%—lives under authoritarian rule, 2024 Democracy Index said, classifying Iraq and several Arab nations as authoritarian regimes. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)'s 2024 Democracy Index classified 60 countries as authoritarian—one more than in 2023 and eight more than in 2014. The index divides nations into four categories: full democracies (scoring above 8), flawed democracies (6 to 8), hybrid regimes (4 to 6), and authoritarian regimes (4 or below). Iraq ranked 126th out of 167 countries, scoring 2.8 out of 10, down from 2.9 in 2023 and continuing its decline since 2018 when it scored 4.1. Among Arab nations, only Morocco and Tunisia were classified as hybrid regimes, while the rest, including Iraq, were labeled as authoritarian. The EIU also noted that regional scores have declined almost annually since 2012, as post-Arab Spring gains have reversed. It attributed the region's low rankings to absolute monarchies, authoritarian regimes, and conflicts that have torn apart several nations, warning that representative democracy remains rare in the Middle East and North Africa. Globally, Norway topped the index, followed by New Zealand and Finland, while North Korea, Myanmar, and Afghanistan ranked at the bottom.
Ya Biladi
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco tops Arab World in 2024 Democracy Index as Hybrid Regime
Morocco ranked 91st globally out of 167 countries in the 2024 Democracy Index, published today by The Economist. The country scored 4.97 out of 10 points, moving up two places from its 2023 ranking. According to the report, issued by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Morocco has shown steady progress over the years. In 2006, the kingdom scored 3.9 points, rising to 4.07 in 2012, 4.77 in 2016, 4.9 in 2018, and peaking at 5.10 in 2019 before experiencing slight declines in subsequent years. The index evaluates the state of democracy in 167 countries based on five key indicators, with scores ranging from 0 to 10—the higher the score, the more democratic the country. Morocco's individual scores were: Electoral process and pluralism (5.25), Government performance (4.29), Political participation (5.56), Political culture (5.6) and Civil liberties (4.12). In the Arab world, only Morocco and Tunisia were classified as «hybrid democracies», while all other countries fell into the «authoritarian regimes» category. The report divides countries into four categories : full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian regimes. Morocco ranked first in the Arab world, ahead of Tunisia (93rd globally), Mauritania (108th), Algeria (110th), and Palestine (112th). In the MENA region, Morocco placed second, behind Israel (31st globally). On a global scale, Norway topped the ranking, followed by New Zealand, Sweden, and Iceland. Switzerland, Finland, and Denmark also featured in the top seven. At the bottom of the list were North Korea, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. The report noted that representative democracy remains rare in the Middle East and North Africa, stating: 'Only Israel practices full democracy. Most regimes introduce limited political representation to appease demands for reform while maintaining centralized control.' It further highlighted that «superficial democratic facades» exist in countries such as Iraq and Lebanon, which operate under rigid sectarian systems, as well as in constitutional monarchies like Jordan and Morocco, where political structures heavily favor the monarchy. Other regimes, including Egypt, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, were described as maintaining only token parliaments. The report also pointed out that the MENA region had the lowest scores in the electoral process and pluralism category. Globally, the average democracy index score declined from 5.52 in 2006 to a record low of 5.17 in 2024, with 130 out of the 167 countries experiencing stagnation or regression. It also found that over a third of the world's population (39.2%) now lives under authoritarian rule. The number of countries classified as authoritarian regimes has increased to 60, up by one from 2023 and by eight since 2014.
Express Tribune
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan slips in democracy index
Pakistan has dropped six places to 124th in the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Democracy Index, ranking among the 10 worst-performing countries in democracy. The EIU report classifies Pakistan as an authoritarian regime, assigning it a low score of 2.84. The report also notes that countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India face serious threats to democratic processes, with fraud and violence tarnishing elections in the region. The index, which evaluates democracy trends across 165 countries and two territories, categorizes nations based on electoral processes, government functioning, political participation, political culture and civil liberties. The global study noted an overall decline in democracy worldwide, with authoritarian regimes becoming increasingly entrenched. Nearly 40% of the global population now lives under authoritarian rule, with 60 countries classified as such. The index observed a continuous drop in the average score for countries in Asia and Australasia, where Pakistan, along with Bangladesh and South Korea, showed the most significant declines. The report highlighted electoral manipulation, divisive politics, and political unrest as major challenges in South Asia, including Pakistan. It cited allegations of political repression and interference in Pakistan's general election, which occurred in February 2024. Joan Hoey, Director of the Democracy Index, remarked that while authoritarian regimes are gaining strength, democracies around the world are struggling. The report stressed that the future of democracy in South Asia would depend on the strength of civil societies and the willingness of political institutions to adopt inclusive reforms. Overall, the 2024 Democracy Index paints a concerning picture of global democratic health, with many countries, including Pakistan, facing increasing challenges to their democratic frameworks.
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan's democracy ranking drops, listed among worst performers in 2024
People attend a PTI rally taken out in Swabi to protest against alleged rigging in the last year's elections. Photo: Express Listen to article Pakistan's democracy ranking fell six spots in 2024, placing it among the "top 10 worst performers" in the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Democracy Index. Pakistan ranked 124th globally, scoring 2.84, and was classified as an authoritarian regime. The index, which evaluates democracy trends across 165 countries and two territories, categorizes nations based on electoral processes, government functioning, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties. The global study noted an overall decline in democracy worldwide, with authoritarian regimes becoming increasingly entrenched. Nearly 40% of the global population now lives under authoritarian rule, with 60 countries classified as such. The index observed a continuous drop in the average score for countries in Asia and Australasia, where Pakistan, along with Bangladesh and South Korea, showed the most significant declines. The report highlighted electoral manipulation, divisive politics, and political unrest as major challenges in South Asia, including Pakistan. It cited allegations of political repression and interference in Pakistan's general election, which occurred in February 2024. The report also noted that countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India faced serious threats to democratic processes, with fraud and violence tarnishing elections in the region. Joan Hoey, Director of the Democracy Index, remarked that while authoritarian regimes are gaining strength, democracies around the world are struggling. The report stressed that the future of democracy in South Asia would depend on the strength of civil societies and the willingness of political institutions to adopt inclusive reforms. Overall, the 2024 Democracy Index paints a concerning picture of global democratic health, with many countries, including Pakistan, facing increasing challenges to their democratic frameworks.
