Cyprus’ democracy faces challenges in political culture, participation, and government functioning, signaling a need for reform. Public discontent with economic management and the Cyprus problem, along with persistent corruption and a lack of checks and balances, contribute to the nation’s democratic stagnation.
What are the challenges faced by democracy in Cyprus?
Cyprus’ democracy is grappling with lower scores in political culture, political participation, and government functioning, indicating a need for systemic reform. Public dissatisfaction with economic management and the Cyprus problem is evident, while corruption and a lack of checks and balances persist. These issues contribute to Cyprus’ democratic stagnation.
By Charles Ellinas
The latest report from the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index reveals some unsettling truths about the state of democracy in Cyprus. Despite maintaining its global rank at 37th, the country is facing challenges in key areas that define democratic health.
Assessing the Democratic Landscape
The Democracy Index by the Economist assesses countries across five categories including electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties. Cyprus’ position remains unchanged from the previous year; however, since 2016 there has been a noticeable decline. The nation’s scores in political culture, political participation, and particularly government functioning are cause for concern. It shares the low score in government functioning with countries like the Dominican Republic and Kenya, and while it fares slightly better than Turkey, it trails behind Greece.
Greece, on the other hand, has leaped forward to become classified as a full democracy. This improvement is attributed to a boost in political engagement and the election of Kyriakos Mitsotakis in 2019, which led to an economic upswing and increased public trust in the government.
Cyprus’ Democratic Challenges
Despite the static nature of Cyprus’ ranking in the Democracy Index, there is an underlying sentiment of dissatisfaction among its citizens. Recent public opinion polls indicate a society that is increasingly disillusioned with the government’s direction. The handling of the economic situation and the Cyprus problem by the government has been particularly criticized, with a majority expressing dissatisfaction.
The issues plaguing Cyprus are complex and deeply ingrained. Increasing levels of corruption, lack of accountability, and the absence of checks and balances highlight a system in need of reform. These long-standing problems have contributed to the country’s stagnation in terms of democratic progress.
Global Democratic Trends
Cyprus is not alone in its democratic struggles. The report indicates that only 24 out of 167 countries are classified as full democracies, with a significant number being labeled as authoritarian regimes. The global landscape is characterized by increasing polarization and conflict, showing a strong correlation between the lack of democracy and the presence of war and strife.
The future holds numerous challenges for democracy worldwide. With elections scheduled in many of the world’s most populous countries, the quality of these electoral processes is set to have a significant impact. The Democracy Index suggests that out of the 76 countries with upcoming elections, less than half can expect to experience fully free and fair elections.
The Democratic Outlook for Cyprus
Cyprus stands at a crossroads. The findings of the Economist Intelligence Unit highlight the need for systemic change to uphold and strengthen democratic values. The coming decade will be crucial for the nation to address its governmental shortcomings and foster a political environment where democratic principles can flourish. Charles Ellinas, Senior Fellow at the Global Energy Centre of the Atlantic Council, echoes the sentiment that the next ten years could set a new direction for democracy in Cyprus.
What are the challenges faced by democracy in Cyprus?
Cyprus’ democracy is grappling with lower scores in political culture, political participation, and government functioning, indicating a need for systemic reform. Public dissatisfaction with economic management and the Cyprus problem is evident, while corruption and a lack of checks and balances persist. These issues contribute to Cyprus’ democratic stagnation.
How does Cyprus rank in the Democracy Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit?
Cyprus maintains its global rank at 37th in the Democracy Index by the Economist, but has faced a decline in scores since 2016. The nation’s scores in political culture, political participation, and government functioning are particularly concerning, with similarities to countries like the Dominican Republic and Kenya.
What are the global democratic trends highlighted in the report?
The report reveals that only 24 out of 167 countries are classified as full democracies, with many being labeled as authoritarian regimes. The global landscape shows increasing polarization and conflict, emphasizing the correlation between lack of democracy and the presence of war and strife.
What is the democratic outlook for Cyprus in the coming decade?
Cyprus is urged to make systemic changes to strengthen democratic values and address governmental shortcomings. The next decade is seen as crucial for the nation to foster a political environment conducive to democratic principles. Charles Ellinas, Senior Fellow at the Global Energy Centre of the Atlantic Council, emphasizes that the next ten years could determine a new direction for democracy in Cyprus.
