Morocco ranks 91st globally in the 2024 Democracy Index, improving from 93rd in 2023, with a score of 4.97 out of 10. It stands out in the Arab world as the only hybrid democracy, alongside Tunisia. Global trends show a decline in democratic processes, with an increase in authoritarian regimes. Norway leads the ranking, while significant parts of the global population live under authoritarian rule.
Morocco has achieved a noteworthy position, ranking 91st out of 167 countries in the 2024 Democracy Index released by The Economist. Scoring 4.97 out of 10, the country advanced two places from its 2023 position, indicating progressive reform within its political landscape over the years. Historically, Morocco’s score increased from 3.9 in 2006 to a high of 5.10 in 2019, although it witnessed slight fluctuations afterward.
The Democracy Index assesses national democratic conditions based on five key indicators: electoral process and pluralism, government performance, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties. Morocco’s individual scores for these categories were 5.25, 4.29, 5.56, 5.6, and 4.12, respectively. In the Arab region, Morocco and Tunisia are the only two nations identified as “hybrid democracies,” distinguishing themselves from neighboring authoritarian regimes.
In the Arab world, Morocco leads the rankings, surpassing Tunisia (93rd), Mauritania (108th), Algeria (110th), and Palestine (112th). Within the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, it ranks second overall, with Israel occupying the 31st position globally. The highest regional scores for democracy have been associated with limited political representation, strategic appeasement of reform demands, and maintained centralized control.
Globally, Norway holds the top rank for democracy, followed by New Zealand, Sweden, and Iceland. Countries like North Korea, Myanmar, and Afghanistan are at the bottom of the list, reflecting the challenges faced by democratic governance. The report indicates a concerning decline in global democracy, with 130 countries experiencing stagnation or regression, and 39.2% of the world’s population currently under authoritarian rule.
In summary, Morocco ranks as the leading hybrid democracy in the Arab world according to the 2024 Democracy Index, reflecting gradual improvements in its democratic processes. The country’s scores highlight its differentiated position amidst a region dominated by authoritarian regimes. However, the global decline in democracy poses a challenge to the notion of representative governance and underscores a need for further reforms in Morocco and beyond.
Original Source: en.yabiladi.com
