International Democracy Day: 2024 elections reveal need to do more to safeguard political diversity

On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, policymakers, activists and local and regional representatives met for the 2024 edition of International Democracy Day (IDD) Brussels to reflect on the current critical electoral year and the state of democracy worldwide. The two-day event, held at the European Committee of the Regions on 19 and 20 September, saw lively discussions on the evolving nature of democracy amid ongoing global challenges. 

The theme for this year’s tenth edition, ‘A Year of Elections’, focused on the significance of the 2024 election cycle, during which countries with more than half the world's population—over four billion people—are sending their citizens to the polls". Throughout the conference, participants addressed the rising concerns of democratic backsliding, disinformation foreign interference and electoral integrity, while also highlighting increased political participation, especially among youth and women in European democratic processes. 

The discussions highlighted both the promise and challenges of elections in 2024. While many elections were held under open conditions, others faced repression, conflict and electoral manipulation. Participants explored how new technologies are reshaping elections – both as tools for voter engagement and vehicles of disinformation. 

Participants reflected on a decade of both democratic setbacks and moments of progress, stressing the EU’s role in promoting democracy globally, and they emphasised the need for stronger support to move forward, particularly with regard to safeguarding electoral integrity and political pluralism in the European Union and worldwide. 

Quotes:  

Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography: “I insist on building a democracy fit for the future for all generations based on reinforcing our political culture, citizen engagement and democratic resilience. Elections are the cornerstone of democracy. It is vital that we also harness the dynamic space between elections. Looking to the future, the focus is on democracy, prosperity and security. Building partnerships based on shared values and common challenges will guide my work in the Mediterranean.“ 

Patrick Molinoz (FR/PES), Vice-President of the Bourgogne Franche Comté region: “Nurturing democracy requires relentless efforts that take place between and beyond electoral cycles, involving all levels of government, effectively fighting corruption and ensuring that citizens' voice and rights are fully respected. Local democracy is a cornerstone of this constant process, in which freedom, political pluralism and the rule of law can never be taken for granted.” 

Background:  

International Democracy Day Brussels is organised each September to mark the UN International Day of Democracy (IDD). Since 2015, this event has been organised by a partnership of democracy organisations and think tanks. The IDD is targeted at stakeholders within the Brussels community, and sessions are well attended by members of the EU institutions, representatives from Member States and the wider democracy community.