Credibility of elections, freedom of opposition parties decline in India: Study

In a recent report released by the Stockholm-based intergovernmental organization International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, India has witnessed a significant decline in the credibility of its elections and the freedom of Opposition parties.

The 2023 Global Report on the State of Democracy sheds light on the weakening democratic landscape across Asia and the Pacific region, with India facing challenges on multiple fronts.

The report ranks countries based on four crucial factors: representation, rights, rule of law, and public participation in democratic life. In terms of representation, encompassing the credibility of elections and freedom of political parties,

India slipped to 66 out of 173 countries in 2022, losing four places from the previous year. Despite overtaking China as the world's most populous country in April 2023, India continues to perform at a mid-range level in representation, reflecting a statistically significant five-year decline.

The report draws attention to allegations that Facebook favored the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raising concerns about the social media giant's impact on electoral outcomes. The Wall Street Journal's article in August 2020 accused Facebook of overlooking hate speech by BJP leaders, including calls for violence against Rohingya Muslim immigrants.

The report emphasizes the need for a fair electoral process and condemns any external influence that may undermine the democratic fabric.

The study highlights a "continuing area of worry" in civil liberties, where India was ranked 104 in 2022, dropping three places from the previous year. Countries like the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, and Maldives fared better in terms of protecting civil liberties.

Amnesty International's closure in India in 2020, citing raids on its offices and freezing of accounts, exemplifies the declining freedom of expression and association. The report underscores the importance of upholding fundamental rights to ensure a robust democratic framework.

While the report acknowledges the Supreme Court of India's landmark decision to legalize abortion regardless of marital status, it also notes the need for continued attention to the rule of law.

In 2022, India was ranked 74 for the rule of law, showing a slight improvement from the previous year. The report underscores the significance of an independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all citizens.

In terms of public participation, India maintained its rank of 83 in 2022. The report recognizes the importance of active citizen engagement in sustaining a healthy democracy and encourages efforts to enhance public involvement in democratic processes.