Electoral democracy index

In brief

Electoral democracy index: across 173 countries and territories, values range from 0.02 (Saudi Arabia) to 0.91 (Denmark), with a world median of 0.5. Data: 2025. The top 10% of countries exceed 0.84, while the bottom 10% stay below 0.15. By continent, the median is highest in Europe (0.78) and lowest in Asia (0.28).

Median by continent

Why this indicator matters

This index measures whether leaders are chosen through free elections, with broad voting rights and political freedoms. It allows each country to be placed on the electoral democracy scale.

What makes this indicator vary

The level depends on political history, institutions, democratic transitions or setbacks, and the security context. It can change quickly after a change of regime, a reform or a crisis.

Reading precautions

The index relies on expert assessments, with a margin of uncertainty. It runs from 0 to 1: the higher it is, the freer the elections. It measures conditions, not the quality of public action.