WHAT NEXT FOR DEMOCRACY?

This year elections are taking place in countries that are home to almost half the world’s population. So, on International Day of Democracy – as we head towards the end of this mega-year for elections – what have we learned and what should we be aiming for?

Declining trust in government 

Many people don’t trust their government to “get the job done”, with just 37% of G20 citizens believing that their government can be trusted to make long-term decisions that benefit of the majority of people. We’ve seen this materialise in low voter turnout – even in the few countries where elections have been free and fair. Alongside this diminishing trust, the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2024 warned that deepening political polarisation and the volatile geopolitical landscape could limit cooperation to tackle global risks.

Cause for Hope

Nevertheless, people are less divided on key issues than it might seem. Two in three people across 17 G20 countries surveyed agree that the way the economy works should prioritise the health and wellbeing of people and nature – rather than focusing solely on profit and increasing wealth. Similarly, when thinking about climate change and protecting nature, over two thirds of people across 18 G20 countries surveyed agree that major action is needed immediately – within the next decade – to reduce carbon emissions.

Democracy is the best way forward

Crucially, people continue to believe that democracy is the best way forward, but it’s clear that there is notable demand for reform of both national and global political systems. So, what can we do?

From initiatives such as citizens’ assemblies and juries to deliberative polling, there are examples of democratic innovations from all over the world. These examples show us that solutions do exist – and change is possible. Citizens’ Assemblies are a way of ensuring that everyone – no matter what your background is – has a chance to participate in governance. They bring together evidence-based learning with lived experience, to ultimately promote inclusion and solidarity. By allowing people to take action on issues they care about, they can restore trust in global governance processes, and decentralise power.

This year, the first ever Coalition for A Global Citizens Assembly has been created, bringing together orgnisations and governments in support of the establishment of a permanent global citizens’ assembly to address humanity’s greatest challenges. Want to be part of the change?! Make sure you sign up to the coalition mailing list, to be kept up-to-date with news and activity, and if you work with an organisation that could support the coalition’s development, apply to become a member today. Together we can make democracy work for people and the planet.

Authors: Aishwarya Machani, Researcher at the Global Citizens’ Assembly Network; Celeste Sangster, Campaigns and Communications Manager at Project Everyone; and Jack Davies, Senior Programme Manager at Project Everyone