Part 7/10:
The report attributes this decline to factors such as government intimidation, foreign interference, misinformation, and the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns. These elements undermine public trust, weaken the integrity of elections, and promote authoritarian tendencies in both fragile and established democracies.
Key statistics paint a stark picture: between 2008 and 2023, voter turnout in democratic countries has fallen from 65% to just 56%. Additionally, approximately one-third of elections worldwide are contested in some fashion, often leading to legal battles and increased reliance on courts to settle disputes. Disinformation campaigns amplified by AI further threaten the legitimacy of electoral processes and democratic institutions.