The emerging bold voice of the youth around the globe in political processes, as rights holders demanding actualisation of their rights, besides inclusion, quality services, and employment, demonstrates the dwindling faith most people have held in the promise of democracy.
The evolution of digital communication and activism only makes the world wonder whether there is a new conception of what democracy is, and how it works, or signifying the quiet death of its promise? It appears as though democracy is declining in most countries, seemingly losing its regard as the last bastions of human rights, inclusive political culture and effective governance.
The system appears tarnished, redundant, and, to many, unable to deliver on its fundamental promises.
Across the world, democracy is faltering. According to the 2024 Freedom House report, global freedom has declined for 19 consecutive years. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index paints an equally grim picture—only 45 per cent of the world’s population currently lives under democratic systems, while authoritarian and hybrid regimes are on the rise.
Even countries once regarded as the stewards of democratic ideals are backsliding. For example, after the events of January 2021, the United States’ democracy was categorised as a “flawed democracy” by The Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual Democracy Index.
After the Cold War, a wave of new democracies swept across the globe. Many nations transitioned from authoritarian regimes, embracing competitive elections as a path to a better future. People voted with hope—hopes for equality, accountability, poverty reduction, respect for human rights, and multi-party inclusion. And for a moment, it seemed to work. The ethos of democracy offered the promise of a new dawn.
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But over time, the stark dissolution separating reality from expectation has never been so immense. The very governments elected through democratic means began not only to drift from the values they once upheld but also to grow autocratic and kleptocratic.
Transparency waned. Accountability eroded. Corruption became systemic, and development stalled. The democratic dividend—if ever there was one—has not reached the people. In many places, poverty persists not because of scarcity but because of theft, mismanagement, and impunity.
This moment feels especially bitter for those who believed in the post-Cold War democratic wave. In the 1990s and early 2000s, dozens of nations transitioned from authoritarianism to multiparty democracy, holding competitive elections that sparked hope for justice, transparency, accountability, and economic renewal.
Worse still, rights are no longer guaranteed, and gross violation often goes unaddressed. Those who dissent face intimidation, arbitrary arrest, and, in some cases, enforced disappearance. Contrarily, oppressive laws continuously get enacted in the name of order, and the media, once a pillar of freedom, is under siege. Checks and balances have collapsed, replaced by the consolidation of power and the manipulation of legal institutions.
In the face of such betrayal, people are asking hard questions, including, but not limited to, Does democracy still work? Is it still a viable path for justice, equality, and dignity?
And for many, the answer is increasingly uncertain.
New political phenomena
This disillusionment has given rise to new political phenomena—populism and authoritarian revival. In some places, the strongman rule is celebrated in the form of the emergence of political “magicians” in the form of individuals or parties who offer miraculous solutions.
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The recent rise and acclamation of Burkina Faso is illustrative: military leader Ibrahim Traoré is hailed by many, not just within his country, but across Africa, as a symbol of decisive leadership and sovereignty—an antidote to weak civilian rule.
In Romania, hard-right populists are gaining traction. In the UK, Reform UK, once a fringe party, is reshaping political conversations. These are not isolated incidents—they are symptoms of a larger trend.
Elsewhere, populist leaders are cheered for championing “the native” against “the outsider,” feeding xenophobia and nationalism among natives and indigenous peoples. Countries are turning inward.
The once-cherished ideal of the “international community” is slowly losing its substance, now appearing to many as a transactional façade. Deals are made over human lives. Powerful states pursue strategic deals, even if it means turning a blind eye to gross abuse. The humanity and dignity we once fought for together now feel like distant memories.
Liberal or illiberal democracy?
The future of democracy may depend on where one stands: liberal democracy or illiberal democracy? This question becomes especially relevant as we approach elections in Tanzania and elsewhere, especially in East Africa. What should voters hope for? Is the voting act seen as routine, or do they believe it can change their lives?
Voter disenchantment is clear, with many turning toward authoritarian alternatives. To restore faith, democracies must prove they can progress without sacrificing accountability.
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This means tackling the role of money in politics, ensuring transparency, and reinforcing judicial independence. Restoring citizens’ faith requires a commitment to civic education and institutional reform to curb corruption and revive the checks and balances that define a healthy democracy.
We must confront the uncomfortable truth: democracy is not immune to decay. It can be corrupted from within. To reclaim it, citizens must go beyond casting ballots—they must hold leaders accountable, demand transparency, and fight for the restoration of democratic values.
As Adam Przeworski argues in Who Decides What Is Democratic?, the dissatisfaction with representative institutions stems from political inequality, amplified by money’s influence. Reforming the electoral system, enhancing public engagement, and ensuring that political institutions serve the people, not elites, will be essential to renewing democracy.
Active participation
Democracy’s survival depends on active participation. In the face of rising populism and authoritarianism, it’s crucial to recognise that democracy is a living system—one that requires constant care, vigilance, and renewal.
One might wonder why many Tanzanians still revere and miss the John Magufuli era. His leadership style resonated with the public’s desire for access to services and development, despite his apparent reluctance to pursue institutional reforms.
His administration was characterised by a suppression of differing political voices, which highlighted his tendency toward a “strongman” approach, often at the expense of equity, human rights, inclusion, and tolerance.
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While the emotional appeal of such leadership can be compelling over time, it ultimately undermines institutional accountability. This indicates a deeper issue: when democratic institutions become too weak, inefficient, or corrupt to effectively serve the public, citizens often place their hopes in individual leaders.
In this sense, the rise of a strongman is not merely a consequence of poor governance—it becomes a response to it. It is worrying that democracy today seems to hang on the cross of crucification!
Fortunata Frederick is a lawyer and human rights expert. She is available at fortukito@gmail.com or on X as @fortunatak. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.
