The 2023 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report highlights a global decline in democracy, pointing to conflicts, authoritarianism, and fading trust in major political parties.
Among 167 nations, Uruguay proudly stands 14th, recognized alongside Australia and Costa Rica at 17th as “full democracies.”
This year sees Chile transitioning to “flawed democracies,” joining nations like Panama and Brazil.
Notably, Uruguay is South America’s exclusive full democracy, a title it shares with Costa Rica in the broader Latin American context.
Uruguay scores 8.7 out of 10, slightly down from 2022 but consistently strong since 2006.
High scores in electoral process, pluralism, government functioning, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties characterize it.
Despite global challenges, Uruguay’s stable score contrasts with the EIU index’s lowest global average since 2006, at 5.23 out of 10, mainly due to worsening conditions in non-democratic states.
The EIU also notes growing anti-immigrant sentiment and decreasing faith in established parties and politicians, contributing to political polarization in the Americas and Europe.
Except for Western Europe, all regions saw a declining democratic quality in 2023.
Latin America and the Caribbean faced an eighth year of regression, remaining the third most democratic region globally..
Central America experienced the most significant democratic backslide, with countries like El Salvador and Nicaragua facing declines.
Nicaragua, along with Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti, falls under “authoritarian regimes,” with several Central American countries classified as “hybrid regimes.”
Democratic erosion tied to high crime rates and government repression; El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele’s regime exemplifies growing authoritarianism.
In short, this situation underscores the significance of Uruguay’s democratic resilience, setting a benchmark for democracy in the region.