Pakistan has dropped six places to 124. In the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index, which ranks among the 10 worst priest countries in democracy.
The EIU report classifies Pakistan as an authoritarian regime and assigns 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 scams and violence that stain elections in the region.
The index, which evaluates democracy trends in 165 countries and two territories, categorizes nations based on election processes, government function, political participation, political culture and civil freedoms.
The global study noted a unified decline in democracy around the world, where authoritarian regimes became more and more rooted. Nearly 40% of the global population now lives under authoritarian rule, with 60 countries classified as such.
The index observed a continuous fall in the average score for countries in Asia and Australasia, where Pakistan, along with Bangladesh and South Korea, showed the most significant falls.
The report highlighted election manipulation, divisive politics and political turmoil as major challenges in South Asia, including Pakistan. It cited accusations of political oppression and interference in Pakistan’s general elections that took place in February 2024.
Joan Hoey, director of democracy, noted that although authoritarian regimes are gaining strength, democracies are fighting around the world.
The report emphasized that the future of democracy in South Asia would depend on the strength of civil society and the willingness of political institutions to adopt inclusive reforms.
Generally, 2024 -Democracy index is painting a roughly picture of global democratic health, with many countries, including Pakistan, facing rising challenges to their democratic framework.
