Pakistan’s democracy placement fell six seats in 2024 and placed it among the “top 10 worst artists” in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index. Pakistan ranked 124. Globally, scored 2.84 and was classified as an authoritarian regime.
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.
The report also noted that countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and India faced serious threats to democratic processes, with scams and violence that stain elections in the region.
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.
