In the Name of Democracy: Reflections on 2024 (GS Paper 2, Polity)
Context:
- The year 2024 presented a mixture of political and climatic extremities.
- While climate change trends can be predicted based on established anthropogenic factors, the future of democracy is less certain.
- The outcomes of the 2024 elections across the globe have left us questioning both the strength and vulnerabilities of democratic systems.
Introduction:
- The year 2024 has been a pivotal year for both political and environmental landscapes. While the climate crisis provides tangible forecasts based on scientific data, the state of democracy is far more fluid.
- The results of the elections held around the world in 2024 have raised fundamental questions about the functioning of democratic systems and their future trajectory.
- Despite challenges, they have shown the resilience of democratic processes, albeit under stress.
Key Observations from the 2024 Elections Around the World
Global Democratic Participation:
- In 2024, nearly half of the global population participated in elections across prominent democratic nations like India, the US, Indonesia, the UK, South Africa, and Germany.
- These elections were dubbed a “make-or-break year for democracy,” underlining their significance in determining the future of democratic governance worldwide.
No Clear Political Shift:
- The elections did not signal a definitive global shift toward either left-wing or right-wing politics, indicating the complexity and diversity of political ideologies around the world.
Rise of Opposition:
- Anti-incumbency sentiment was a significant factor, with over 80% of incumbent political parties experiencing a decline in support across several countries, including Botswana, the USA, the UK, Panama, Portugal, Ghana, and Uruguay.
- In countries like India, South Africa, and Japan, incumbents managed to retain power, but with a notable loss of seats, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction among voters.
Challenges Facing Democracy
Disenchantment with Democracy:
- According to a 2024 PEW global survey spanning 31 nations, a significant portion of the population expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy.
- 54% of adults reported feeling disconnected from political leaders and institutions, believing that political parties do not represent their interests.
- The widespread sentiment was that ordinary people lacked influence over political processes, leading to growing alienation.
Decline in Democratic Parameters:
- The Global State of Democracy Report 2024 from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) indicated a worrying decline in crucial democratic aspects, such as:
- Credible elections
- Effective parliaments
- Economic equality
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of the press
- The erosion of these fundamental democratic pillars raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of democratic processes and the space available for citizens to make informed electoral choices.
Voter Disenchantment: Key Factors
Governance Failures and Broken Aspirations:
- Democratic governments have struggled to meet the public's aspirations, often due to:
- Misgovernance and corruption
- Misplaced priorities, focusing on short-term appeasement (e.g., providing doles) rather than long-term economic growth.
- Weak rule of law and inequality, undermining the fairness and effectiveness of democratic systems.
Polarization and Decline in Political Decorum:
- Another alarming trend in 2024 was the rise of polarization and the decline of political decorum. Public discourse became more divisive, with leaders often resorting to coarse rhetoric and unsubstantiated attacks.
- In some countries, political speeches were laced with offensive language, such as referring to entire communities as “termites” (in India) or labeling immigrants as “monsters” and “vile animals” in the USA.
- Such rhetoric, especially in countries that pride themselves on being the oldest and most robust democracies, highlights the degradation of civility in politics.
Challenges to Electoral Credibility:
- The Global State of Democracy Report 2024 highlighted that the quality of elections had significantly deteriorated over the past five years.
- In about 33% of countries, elections between 2020 and 2024 were marred by rejection of electoral outcomes by losing candidates or parties.
- Political leaders in several countries questioned the credibility of elections, either expressing legitimate concerns or resorting to cynical tactics that eroded public faith in democratic processes.
The Way Forward:
Despite the challenges faced by democracy globally, elections still retain their promise. The loss of incumbents, while a sign of public discontent, also represents a hopeful sign that democracy is still functioning, with voters willing to engage in the system even when faced with disappointment.
Prioritizing Economic Growth and Trust Rebuilding:
- Political parties must refocus on policies that drive sustained economic growth and development. Transparency and accountability are essential to rebuilding public trust in democratic institutions.
- It is critical to address governance failures, ensure long-term planning, and prioritize inclusive development to regain the faith of the electorate.
Conclusion:
- The elections of 2024 have reaffirmed the enduring appeal of democracy, despite the setbacks.
- However, these elections also underscore the pressing need for reform and introspection within democratic systems.
- If these challenges remain unaddressed, democracies risk losing their legitimacy, which could create space for alternative governance models.
- The future of democracy will depend on how effectively these reforms are implemented to revitalize democratic institutions and restore faith in their ability to represent and serve the people.
