Iraq continues to struggle with poor governance and in urgent need of reform, according to latest Democracy Index report by Economist Intelligence Unit

BAGHDAD — The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the analytical branch of the British media company The Economist Group, released its 2024 Democracy Index report, revealing a concerning decline in Iraq’s democratic standing.

Iraq ranked 126th out of 167 countries evaluated, with a score of 2.8 out of 10 — a significant drop from its 2018 score of 4 out of 10. The report also placed Iraq 11th among Middle Eastern and North African countries in terms of democratic performance.

Key Findings of Democracy Index

The EIU report evaluates democracy in five critical areas: 1) Electoral processes and pluralism, 2) Functioning of government, 3) Political participation, 4) Political culture, and 5) Civil liberties

These factors provide a comprehensive assessment of governance quality and the extent of freedom within a nation.

Decline Rooted in Corruption and Weak Institutions

While Iraq holds regular elections, the report highlights persistent political challenges, including widespread corruption and fragile institutions, as key contributors to the erosion of its democratic system.

The report stressed that these issues undermine governance, hinder political accountability, and diminish public trust in democratic processes.

Call for Institutional Reform

The EIU emphasized the urgency of institutional reform to stabilize Iraq’s governance. It urged the government to take full responsibility for addressing these challenges, ensuring political stability, and safeguarding democratic values.

According to the report, swift action is needed to rebuild institutions, strengthen democratic systems, and prevent further decline in Iraq’s Democracy Index.

As Iraq continues to face significant governance challenges, the EIU’s findings underscore the critical need for immediate reforms to restore and strengthen democratic principles in the country.