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A key principle of democracy is the peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box. While recent elections in France and the United Kingdom saw voters register their desire for change, global trends have been more complicated. In the first half of 2024, incumbent leaders were more likely to lose elections in countries rated Free than those rated Partly Free, while autocrats went undefeated in largely pro forma elections held in their states.
Competent leadership and a united coalition can go a long way toward keeping demagogues at bay. Voters remain the strongest check on authoritarian overreach—so long as the power to shape outcomes remains in their hands.
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Election Watch: Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka's next presidential election is expected to take place this fall. It will mark the first election to be held since former president Rajapaksa resigned and fled the country in 2022 amid the nationwide Aragalaya protests. Current President Wickremesinghe has attempted to curb dissent and suppress criticism by continuing the crackdown on activists, perpetuating the repression of minority groups and targeting online expression.
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Nigeria: Free Mubarak Bala
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Freedom House joined other organizations in welcoming The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s conclusion that Mubarak Bala was wrongfully imprisoned for exercising his right to freedom of religion and belief. Now, we call on the government of Nigeria to abide by the decision and immediately release Bala.
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Strengthening US Democracy
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Freedom House works with elected officials, government agencies, civic organizations, media groups, and others—regardless of party affiliation—to advance our shared interest in a robustly democratic United States. Learn more about the current state of democracy in the United States, and discover how a strong democratic government at home can help improve conditions worldwide.
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Country Spotlight: Albania
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This past year, Albania’s civil society space and the its media environment faced significant deterioration, seriously undermining the country’s commitment to democracy. Read more in this year's Nations in Transit country report.
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Defend Democracy,
Champion Freedom.
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