In an increasingly interconnected world, the legitimacy of elections—a cornerstone of democratic governance—is facing unprecedented threats. A new report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) sheds light on the growing global trend undermining electoral credibility. As elections are fundamental to ensuring that public office is held by those who are truly representative of their communities, these emerging challenges pose risks not just to individual countries, but to the democratic framework worldwide.
Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 20% of elections saw losing candidates or parties reject the results, with many elections decided by court appeals. One in three elections was disputed through boycotts or legal challenges. Voter turnout globally dropped from 65.2% in 2008 to 55.5% in 2023.
Democratic performance improved in only one in four countries, while four out of nine showed decline. In 2023, 39 countries, including 21 in Africa, experienced significant declines in the Credible Elections indicator compared to 2018.
Representation and Rights saw the most negative impact, with Credible Elections, Effective Parliament, Economic Equality, and media freedoms most affected.
Sources: Hyde, S. D., Marinov, N., NELDA 6.0, ; data after 2020 from International IDEA. Voter turnout data from International IDEA, Voter Turnout Database, [n.d.], , accessed 8 July 2024.
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The Alarming Rise in Electoral Disruptions
International IDEA’s recent analysis points to a disturbing surge in efforts to undermine electoral processes. Across various nations, a confluence of political actors, disinformation campaigns, and declining trust in institutions is creating a perfect storm, eroding the public’s belief in the integrity of elections.
According to the report, these issues are manifesting in diverse ways, from voter suppression and manipulation of electoral results to more insidious challenges like the spread of false information about candidates and election procedures.
The result? A serious credibility crisis that threatens to shake the very foundations of electoral democracy. Citizens, confused and frustrated by unclear or maliciously altered information, are losing faith in their ability to elect leaders fairly. Trust in democratic systems, already fragile in many regions, is at risk of further decline.
Disinformation and its Impact
One of the primary threats highlighted by the report is the rise of disinformation. The digital age has made it easier than ever to spread false or misleading information at incredible speeds. Misinformation campaigns—whether state-sponsored or the work of independent actors—can distort public perception of electoral integrity. This disinformation is often designed to cast doubt on election results or question the transparency of the electoral process, undermining voters’ confidence in their democratic systems.
What makes this even more dangerous is the adaptability of these tactics. As authorities introduce measures to combat disinformation, those wishing to disrupt elections become more sophisticated, finding new methods to inject uncertainty and mistrust into the electoral process.
A Global Issue
While it’s tempting to view these challenges as isolated to specific nations or regions, International IDEA emphasizes that this is a truly global problem. Both established democracies and emerging democratic nations are affected.
From the streets of Washington D.C. to the bustling cities of South America and the political landscapes of Africa and Asia, the report highlights how no country is immune to the destabilizing influence of these forces.
Regions experiencing political instability or ongoing conflicts are particularly vulnerable, as such conditions create an environment ripe for manipulation. However, even nations with historically robust electoral systems are seeing cracks form in their processes, raising concerns about long-term consequences.
Referendum Disinformation Register
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) launched the successful expansion of the Indigenous Electoral Participation Program (IEPP), aimed at increasing voter engagement and awareness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Referendum Disinformation Register program focuses on building trust and improving access to electoral services in remote areas through targeted outreach and educational initiatives. AEC Commissioner Tom Rogers emphasized that the program not only helps empower Indigenous Australians to participate in elections but also strengthens the overall democratic process.
The Role of Technology
In parallel with the spread of disinformation, the role of technology in elections is another area of concern. Voting systems, increasingly reliant on digital platforms, face heightened risks from cyberattacks.
International IDEA notes that safeguarding these technologies is essential to protecting electoral credibility, particularly as many countries transition to online and electronic voting systems.
But technology is a double-edged sword. While it offers opportunities to streamline voting and increase accessibility, it also opens the door to potential manipulation. Ensuring that robust security measures are in place is crucial to maintaining voter confidence in the digital era.
Solutions to Restore Credibility
In the face of these challenges, International IDEA offers several recommendations aimed at restoring and strengthening electoral credibility. Governments must invest in transparent electoral processes and ensure that electoral bodies are independent and free from political interference.
Increasing voter education and raising awareness about disinformation tactics are also essential steps in countering the spread of false information.
Civil society organizations and the media play a vital role in maintaining a healthy democracy. Their efforts to provide fact-based reporting, monitor elections, and hold governments accountable are essential to countering the forces that seek to undermine elections.
Technological innovations should be paired with strong security measures to prevent cyber threats from damaging the integrity of the vote.
A Call for Global Action
The findings in International IDEA’s report are a wake-up call for democracies worldwide. As the credibility of elections comes under increasing threat, the need for global cooperation and action is clear. Protecting electoral integrity is not just a matter of national concern, but a responsibility shared by the international community. When election processes are undermined anywhere, the ripple effects can destabilize democracy everywhere.
The future of democracy rests on the actions taken today. Whether through combating disinformation, securing voting technologies, or fostering trust between citizens and their governments, safeguarding electoral credibility must become a top priority for all who value democratic principles. As the report highlights, only by addressing these threats head-on can we hope to preserve the integrity of elections for generations to come.
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