INTRODUCTION

• A recent Pew Research Center survey of 24 countries shows declining trust in democratic systems, even though 77% of respondents are somewhat optimistic about democracy's future. More people, however, are open to alternative governance models.

Regional Variations and Trends Observed in the Evolving Perceptions of Democracy

• Trend Toward Expert-Led Governance:

• The noticeable trend favouring governance by experts and authoritarian models is especially evident in countries grappling with economic instability, political unrest, or perceived inefficiencies within democratic systems.

• Reasons for the Shift:

• Citizens in these regions often view democratic processes as slow, cumbersome, and ineffective in addressing urgent challenges.

• The desire for more decisive leadership and concentrated power grows as people become frustrated with the pace of change and the complexity of democratic procedures.

• Socioeconomic Factors Affect Governance Preferences

• Impact of Socioeconomic Status:

• In countries with lower income levels and restricted access to education, there is a stronger inclination toward 'strong' leaders and military rule.

• Perception of Authoritarian Regimes:

• Authoritarian regimes are viewed by some as better equipped to implement quick solutions to complex issues, contributing to their appeal in regions where there is instability or limited economic progress.

• Role of Education:

• Limited access to education in certain regions can reinforce the preference for strong leaders, as democratic processes may seem too slow or ineffective in addressing the needs of the populace.

• Cultural and Historical Context Influencing Perceptions of Democracy

• Influence of Historical Factors:

• Countries with a history of authoritarianism or centralised governance often show a greater openness to authoritarian models of leadership.

• Cultural Norms and Leadership:

• Societies with a preference for authoritative figures may lean toward governance models that emphasise centralised power.

• Resistance to Authoritarianism in Some Regions:

• Countries with a strong tradition of liberal democracy, such as India, Canada, Europe, the Scandinavian nations, and the United States, continue to prioritise democratic values and institutions.

Indian Perception of Democracy

• Shift in Preference for Authoritarian Leadership in India

• Decline in Support for Representative Democracy:

• Between 2017 and 2023, the favorability towards representative democracy among Indians decreased from 44% to 36%.

• Increase in Preference for Authoritarian Leadership:

• Over the same period, there was a noticeable increase in preference for a powerful leader with significant authority. 

• In 2017, 55% of Indians preferred this model, and by 2023, the figure had risen to 67%.

• Rising Support for Rule by Experts

• Similar to global trends, Indian attitudes towards governance have shown an upward trajectory in support for rule by experts and authoritarian models.

• The endorsement of rule by experts soared from 65% to an impressive 82% over the same period.

• Diverse Regional Perspectives on Democracy in India

• Variability Across Regions and Demographic Groups:

• Certain segments of the population may favour authoritarian leadership, while others remain steadfast in their support for democratic values and institutions.

• Influence of Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors:

• Individuals with higher education levels may be more inclined towards democratic ideals, while those with lower socioeconomic status might prefer a more centralised form of leadership.

CHALLENGES TO INDIAN DEMOCRACY

• Erosion of Democratic Pillars:

• Despite holding autonomous, competitive elections, India has seen a reduction in the de facto protection of civil liberties and executive constraints.

• Freedom House's political-rights score remained constant for the nine years before and after 2014, but India's civil liberties rating dropped significantly in the last 10 years.

• Erosion of Civil Liberties:

• Legal rights to dissent have been undermined by widespread harassment of vocal dissenters, with colonial-era sedition laws and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) used to target critics. 

• Between 2015 and 2019, there was a 72% increase in arrests under the UAPA, with 98% of those arrested remaining in jail without bail.

• CIVICUS, an international organisation tracking global civil liberties, classified India as "repressed," indicating that civil society members criticising power holders face significant risks of surveillance, harassment, imprisonment, and even death.

• Impact on Media Freedom:

• India has dropped to 161st out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index, with frequent targeting of independent journalism and a rise in self-censorship due to harassment.

• Major media networks have been consolidated under businessmen with close ties to the government, leading to biased coverage and diminished criticism of the government

• Harassment of Civil Society and NGOs:

• In 2020, the government tightened the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), targeting civil society by controlling foreign-fund transfers and limiting the sharing of funds between NGOs.

• Government authorities use financial audits and tax-related raids to intimidate civil society groups and NGOs, including Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and the Ford Foundation.

• Reducing internet Freedom:

• India leads the world in government-directed internet shutdowns, with blackouts often imposed before and during protests to prevent coordination.

• According to a report from digital rights advocacy group Access Now, India imposed internet shutdowns 106 times in 2021 — more than any other country for the fourth consecutive year. 

• Between 2012 and 2022, the country witnessed 683 internet shutdowns – the highest in the world.

• Erosion of Horizontal Accountability:

• Legislative scrutiny of executive action has waned under this government, with fewer bills sent to parliamentary committees for detailed examination. 

• Committees scrutinised 71 percent of bills in the 16th Lok Sabha and just 25 percent of bills in the 17th Lok Sabha. Since 2019, such scrutiny has declined to 13 percent, with not a single legislative bill sent to a committee during the 2020 pandemic.

• Declining Judicial Independence:

• Politically motive decisions from High Courts:

• The Gujarat High Court upheld the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his two-year jail sentence in a criminal defamation case. This led to the suspension of his Lok Sabha seat. 

• However, the Supreme Court later stayed the conviction, allowing Rahul Gandhi to retain his parliamentary seat.

• Removal of CJI from the appointment panel of Chief Election Commission and other Election Commissioners.

• The Selection Committee will now consist of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of Opposition/leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.

• Silencing the opposition:

• Politically motive use of Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Central agencies:

• Close to 85% of the cases involving politicians under PMLA were registered against those from the opposition.

• Since 2005, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India, has registered 5,906 cases but disposed of only 25, representing just 0.42% of the total.

• Arrest of Arvind Kejriwal: For the first time in the history of India a sitting Chief Minister was arrested.

• Challenges to free and fair election:

• Misuse of Money and Power:

• The ruling party’s candidate from the Surat Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat has been declared elected unopposed.

• This happened due to the rejection of the nomination paper of the candidate set up by the Congress party and the withdrawal of nominations by other candidates.

• Distorting Informed Decision Making of Voters: 

• Unregulated populism that offers and distributes 'irrational freebies' can sway voters, particularly the poor, and affect the informed decision making process for choosing their representatives.

• No Statutory Backing for Enforcing Model Code of Conduct (MCC): 

• There is a lack of definitive legal clarity regarding the Election Commission of India's (ECI) enforcement powers with respect to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and other election-related directives.

• Decline in People Participation in Electoral Process:

• Lower Polling Percentage in Lok Sabha election:

• There is decline in the trend of polling percentage after 1st and 2nd phase of Lok Sabha election 2024 compared to the previous elections.

Ways Ahead to Strengthen the Democratic Foundations

• Participatory Governance

• Centrality of Citizen Participation:

• Active participation by citizens in the decision-making process empowers individuals to have a say in governance and public affairs.

• Effective participatory governance can include various initiatives such as town hall meetings, participatory budgeting, citizen assemblies, and digital platforms for feedback and consultation. 

• Ensure Free and Fair Election:

• Democratizing Elections:

• The Election Commission of India needs to make sure that one party doesn’t have an undue advantage over another just because it is in power.

• Example: The ruling party at the centre received nearly 50% of the electoral bonds.

• No Voter to be Left Behind: 

• Apart from conducting free and fair polls, the Election Commission should take steps to ensure “participative, accessible, inclusive” elections by providing necessary infrastructure and facilities specially to the persons with disabilities, NRIs, migrant labourers, .

• Awareness against Freebies:

• Voters hold the power to block or permit the march of freebies. 

• There must be a consensus on regulating irrational freebies and ensuring voters are not swayed by irrational promises.

• ECI has proposed that parties announcing freebies in their manifesto to also incorporate how they will arrange the finances for it.

• Free and Equal Access to Information in Democratic Governance

• Government's Role in Providing Information:

• Governments should ensure that citizens have free and equal access to accurate and reliable information. 

• This may require implementing strong freedom of information laws and reinforcing transparency and accountability mechanisms within government agencies.

• Promoting Investigative Journalism and Media Literacy:

• Strengthening investigative journalism and promoting media literacy are key components of a transparent governance system. 

• By supporting these initiatives, governments can help ensure that citizens receive unbiased information and can critically evaluate public affairs.

• Accountable and Just Governance

• Governments should establish robust checks and balances, independent judiciary, and effective oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power and ensure accountability.

• Efficient Use of Right to Information Act of 2005:

• Create awareness among people about the right and also simplify the process of getting information.

• Proper functioning of information commissions is crucial for people to realise their right to information.

• Promotion of Civic Engagement and Civil Society

• Role of Civil Society Organizations:

• Civil society organisations (CSOs) are instrumental in promoting democratic values, advocating for citizen rights, and holding governments accountable. 

• They contribute to a healthy and vibrant democratic landscape.

• Creating an Enabling Environment:

• Governments should establish an environment where civil society can operate freely. 

• This includes safeguarding the freedoms of association, expression, and assembly, allowing CSOs to fulfil their roles without interference or repression.

• Ensure Functional Autonomy of Government Agencies: 

• There is a need to provide Functional independence to the Enforcement Directorate and also the protection of ED officers from political interference.

Global best practices with examples to strengthen democracies:

• Strengthening Civic Engagement and Education:

• Example: Participatory Budgeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil: This program allows citizens to directly allocate a portion of the city's budget to local projects, fostering a sense of ownership and trust in government.

• Example: National Dialogue Processes in Tunisia: Following the 2011 revolution, Tunisia initiated a series of national dialogues involving citizens from all walks of life to draft a new constitution, promoting inclusivity and public participation.

• Combating Disinformation and Promoting Media Literacy:

• Example: Fact-Checking Initiatives like Germany's Correctiv: Independent fact-checking organisations help debunk misinformation and promote reliable sources of news, allowing citizens to make informed decisions.

• Example: Media Literacy Education in Finland: Schools in Finland integrate media literacy education into their curriculum, equipping students with the skills to critically evaluate information they encounter online and offline.

•  Countering Corruption and Ensuring Government Transparency:

• Example: Independent Anti-Corruption Agencies: 

• These bodies investigate and prosecute corruption, deterring wrongdoing and promoting public trust in government. 

Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is a well-known example.

SHORT TAKE

• Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967:

• Key Features: 

• Allows the government to declare associations unlawful if they engage in activities deemed dangerous to national security and sovereignty.

• Defines and penalises terrorist activities.

• Empowers law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals and organisations involved in unlawful activities.

CONCLUSION

The shifting perceptions of democracy, seen in the Pew Research Centre survey and India's evolving landscape, call for a deeper examination of democratic systems worldwide. By understanding regional differences and changing attitudes, nations can reinforc

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
DEMOCRATIC RECESSION DEMOCRACY POLITY