We used to, back not so long ago, lament the lack of real democracy that the system offered, that for the individual the vote is almost useless when the party system produces blind obedience of elected members, regardless of what the constituents think.
But now, even that shadow of democracy has been placed under threat, according to the annual report of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). It found that 85 out of 173 countries surveyed had "suffered a decline in at least one key indicator of democratic performance in the past five years." The indicators are substantial and include, flawed elections and election fraud, to curtailed rights, including the freedom of expression and right to assembly, representation, participation and threats to the rule of law. This decline is observed in America, Europe and Asia.
