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Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index: Democracy in PPP, PML-N eras better than present

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Democracy is in retreat globally, according to the latest edition of the Democracy Index from The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

The annual Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index provides a snapshot of the state of democracy worldwide in 167 countries. This covers almost the entire population of the world and the vast majority of the world’s states (microstates are excluded). The Index is based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism; the functioning of government; political participation; political culture; and civil liberties.

Based on its scores on a range of indicators within these categories, each country is then itself classified as one of four types of regime: “full democracy”, “flawed democracy”, “hybrid regime” or “authoritarian regime”. Pakistan has been place under the head of Hybrid democracy.

The survey finds that democracy has been eroded around the world in the past year. In the 2019 Democracy Index the average global score for democracy fell from 5.48 in 2018 to 5.44. This is the worst average global score since the index was first produced in 2006.

Pakistan has been ranked on 108th position in 2019 against 112th position in 2017. Out of 10 Pakistan has got 4.25 points this year (2019) on Democratic Index. Its position has got better from the previous year (2018)’s 4.17 points.

In Musharraf era in 2006 Pakistan points were 3.92, but it got better when after 2008 general elections Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) came to power. In 2008, Pakistan points were 4,46, in 2010--4.55, 2011--4.55, 2012--4.57, 2013--4.64, 2014--4.64, 2015--4.40, 2016--4.33, 2017--4.26. It is worth mentioning that frim mid-2013 to mid-2018 Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was in the government.

In 2019, out of 10 Pakistan’s Overall Score is 4.25, It has been ranked at 108th position, while points on Electoral Process and Pluralism measure are 6.08, on Functioning of Government it got 5.71 points, Political participation 2.22, Political culture 2.50, Civil liberties 4.71.

India’s Overall Score is 6.90, Rank 51, Electoral process and pluralism 8.67, Functioning of government 6.79, Political participation 6.67, Political culture 5.63, Civil liberties 6.76.

Bangladesh: Overall Score 5.88, Rank 80, Electoral process and pluralism 7.83, Functioning of government 6.07, Political participation 6.11, Political culture 4.38, Civil liberties 5.00.

Sri Lanka: Overall Score 6.27 Rank 69, Electoral process and pluralism 7.00, Functioning of government 6.07, Political participation 5.56, Political culture 6.25, Civil liberties 6.47.

Afghanistan: Overall Score 2.85 Rank 141=, Electoral process and pluralism 3.42, Functioning of government 0.64, Political participation 3.89, Political culture 2.50, Civil liberties 3.82.

Malaysia is most democratic Muslim country with ranking at 43rd position.

Malaysia’s Overall Score is 7.16 Rank 43=, Electoral process and pluralism 9.17, Functioning of government 7.86, Political participation 6.67, Political culture 6.25, Civil liberties 5.88.

Norway stands first with Overall Score 9.87, Rank 1, Electoral process and pluralism 10.00, Functioning of government 9.64, Political participation 10.00, Political culture 10.00, Civil liberties 9.71.

North Korea has been placed at the end of the list with Overall Score 1.08 Rank 167 Electoral process and pluralism 0.00, Functioning of government 2.50, Political participation 1.67, Political culture 1.25, Civil liberties 0.00.

“The biggest democracy in the world, India, dropped ten places in the global ranking, to 51st place. India’s overall score fell from 7.23 in 2018 to 6.90 in 2019. The primary cause of the democratic regression was an erosion of civil liberties in the country,” the Economist survey said.

The survey said: “The Indian government stripped the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) state of its special status by repealing two key constitutional provisions granting it powers of autonomy. Article 370 gave the state assembly of J&K powers to decide which articles of the Indian constitution would be applicable in the state—except for matters related to defence, communication and foreign affairs. Furthermore, Article 35A prevented Indian residents from other states from purchasing land or property in J&K. Following the removal of these provisions of the constitution and the passage of a new Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, J&K no longer enjoys statehood and is now divided into two union territories: one that retains the name Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Ahead of the move, the government deployed a large number of troops in J&K, imposed various other security measures and placed local leaders under house arrest, including those with pro-India credentials. The government also restricted internet access in the state.”

Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/60...in-ppp-pml-n-eras-better-than-in-present-govt
 
Amazing how no one has commented on here. The thread on India about the same report is filled with people from Pakistan commenting and yet when it comes to the deteriorating situation in Pakistan all of these people sit quietly.

Double standards.
 
Pakistan has been ranked on 108th position in 2019 against 112th position in 2017. Out of 10 Pakistan has got 4.25 points this year (2019) on Democratic Index. Its position has got better from the previous year (2018)’s 4.17 points.


Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/60...in-ppp-pml-n-eras-better-than-in-present-govt

If the score in 2019 is higher than in 2017 is the title not misleading?? Am i missing something here?

But instead of focusing on which number Pakistan is ranked at, the better criteria would be look at the tier. From 2006 to 2019 Pakistan is in the "Hybird Regimes" tier.

Sweden in the same time period is in the "Full Democracy" tier.

The year to year score will fluctuate, but unless is a substantial drop or increase than not much is to be gained from focusing on that.For example if you have a Physics exam and you get a 45 on the first one then a 44 than a 43, you are not getting worse, you are consistently bad. Same way if your scores are 95, 94, 93, you are consistently good, and should not lose sleep on a couple of points.
 
The world does not buy the “government and army are on the same page” drama.

It is pretty clear that government has no say on the policy and strategic affairs.

If anyone had an iota of doubt, it was cleared because of the following events:

(1) Nawaz leaving the country without paying a penny

(2) Imran’s shameless U-turns on Musharraf treason case and COAS extension.

Anyone who is still in denial will always remain in denial.
 
Expect more and more such reports from NGOs while the govt and army work together to reduce their influence over Pakistan’s bureaucracy.

It was open season for them under PPP and PMLN - who were shamelessly selling Pakistan to the highest bidder.
 
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