Uruguay Recognized as a Leader in Global Democracy by The Economist

The latest Democracy Index by The Economist identifies Uruguay as the only full democracy in Latin America, ranking it 15th globally. Norway leads the index, while the global average democratic score has dropped to an all-time low of 5.17, highlighting increasing authoritarianism and challenges within democracies.

The Economist released its global Democracy Index, ranking Uruguay as the sole full democracy in Latin America, positioned 15th worldwide with a score of 8.67 out of 10. The index evaluates 167 nations and regions based on various factors, including electoral processes, government effectiveness, political engagement, and civil liberties, categorizing them into four classifications: full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian states.

Norway maintained its top position for the sixteenth consecutive year with a score of 9.81, followed closely by New Zealand and Sweden. In the Americas, Canada ranks 14th with a score of 8.69, just above Uruguay. In stark contrast, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti are placed in the authoritarian category, ranking the lowest in the region.

The report indicated a decline in global democratic standards, with the average score falling to a historic low of 5.17, indicating that only 6.6% of the global population resides in a full democracy. This represents a significant decrease from 12.5% recorded a decade ago, as two out of five people globally now live under authoritarian rule.

Moreover, the document addressed notable concerns regarding global democracy, including electoral violence and increasing authoritarianism. Russia, for instance, recorded a score of 2 due to the recent elections favoring Vladimir Putin. Similarly, France experienced a downgrade, classified now as a flawed democracy.

The report warns that the United States may encounter significant democratic challenges following President Trump’s recent actions concerning the civil service and other controversial executive orders.

In summary, The Economist’s Democracy Index highlights Uruguay’s status as a leading democracy in a deteriorating global landscape, where the average capability of democracies has sharply declined. With surging authoritarianism worldwide and notable regressions in established democracies, this report serves as a critical reminder of the fragility of democratic governance.

Original Source: en.mercopress.com