Nepal, June 26 -- Growing political dissatisfaction around the world has changed the global outlook towards democracy. We have witnessed mass protests, surprise upsets in elections, increased political polarisation and a rise in populist movements, all indications of deep frustration with systems and political leadership that have failed to cater to people's needs and interests.

The decline in the advances made by democracy in the last 35 years is well documented. The 2023 V-Dem Democracy Report showed that the level of democracy enjoyed by the average global citizen in 2022 had relapsed to 1986 levels. Similarly, the 2023 IDEA Report claimed that 2022 marked the sixth consecutive year that saw more net declines in democratic processes t...