Voters in 19 countries, including in three of the world’s largest democracies, are widely skeptical about whether their political elections are free and fair, and many favor a strong, undemocratic leader, according to a study released Thursday.
The report by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, or International IDEA, concluded that “democratic institutions are falling short of people’s expectations.” The 35-member organization promotes democracy worldwide.
”It is past time that people’s perceptions are centered in conversations about the future of democracy; this analysis is a small but important first step towards that effort,” the Stockholm-based organization wrote.
The surveys had a margin of error hovering around 2-4% and the number of respondents in each country was around 1,500. The sole exception was the Solomon Islands, where the small population meant they had a representative sample of 526 people, IDEA said.
Between the housing crisis, economical hardships, ecological collapse and whatever else I’m forgetting about, it’s a bit strange to be surprised at people’s faith being shaken in democracy. Since none of those issues have been seriously addressed pretty much anywhere.
What country has a 90% home ownership rate (in fact, many people are buying second home due to oversupply), 80% without mortgages or liens?
What country net 0.1% CPI recently with 5% GDP growth? (A single RMB can buy 0.1% less goods, but the economy is worth 5% more RMB).
What country is “flooding the world with cheap solar panels” for renewable energy? Leading global reforestation (with, thankfully, no more monoculture plantations).
Different countries have fundamentally different challenges. Let’s not pretend like everyone’s challenges are the same.